The Wall of Fish
Head Brewer Chris Coleman is founder/curator to this Barking
Mad Enterprises exhibit located in the back office of the
brewery. The concept of creating a grotto dedicated to the
enjoyment of Ocean Produce evolved in early 1997 when Chris, and
then-Head-Brewer, Jonathan Stancill discovered they shared a
penchant for tinned fish lunches.
Initially the empty fish tins were kept for storing small
items but the lavishly illustrated ring-pull lids and outer
packaging caught the eye of the two piscophiles and soon an
attractive and economic mural decorated entirely with packaging
from fish consumed on the premises by the proprietors started to
take shape.
Hence the "Wall of Fish" was born and has, in a relatively short
space of time, become a major attraction for visitors to the
adjacent business.
To add to visitors' enjoyment of this unique display, a full tin
of Mackerel Fillets in spicy tomato sauce is concealed inside
one of the exhibits and a 10p donation to charity (1st Wootton
Scouts) enables the visitor to guess where the tin is hidden.
Should the correct box be indicated the lucky contestant wins
the fish for later enjoyment.
The Wall of Fish was totally refurbished in late July 1997 when
it became apparent that manufactures were changing from the
'blank tin contained in printed outer box' to the more
environmentally friendly directly printed tins. This means that
a large part of the display is already irreplaceable and
visitors are respectfully reminded not touch the exhibits and
that full video surveillance is in operation.
Future planned "Wall of Fish" ventures include a memorabilia
shop selling T-shirts, keyrings, ballpoint pens, and other
tastefully produced items. Planning permission may shortly be
sought for "Wall of Fish" theme park.
A brewery shares premises with the "Wall of Fish" and may be of
interest.
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