Eels in Tooting Market . 1950’s: A memory of Tooting

Eels In Tooting Market . 1950’s

A Memory of Tooting.

I’ve just read a detailed account of a person who recounted a memory of a fish shop in Tooting market in the 1950’s. As well as fish the lady owner (who was missing front teeth) sold eels. Some customers preferred that she cut them in to pieces, so there would be lots of still moving squiggly eel bits moving around. My friend and I would stand there gawking until she chased us away. I returned in the early 2000’s on a memory trip only to find clothing and cloth strewn all over the place. Again, in 2021 to find boutique cafes and restaurants, which I must admit was better than it had been.
Bring back the eels I say !

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Added 23 July 2024

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My Grandma asked me every week, to go to the Eels Stall in Tooting market and buy a pound of Eels, Size Tray Number 4, if I recall, the Lady did chop them up, into 2" pieces and wrap them in paper and I could feel the pieces of Eel wriggling inside the wrapper all the way home on the bus.
Victor Steeden

By Victor Steeden on Sun Feb 23rd 2025, at 10:54 am

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It’s me again. Thinking about the eels in the market, I also remember catching them below the bridge at ‘Plucks Gutter’ (I don’t think it was the river Eden) in Kent also in the 50’s. My grandfather would be upset because we were there to catch fish ! In those days it was quiet with just the pub. I went back some years ago to find a recreational caravan site and a zillion canoes splashing around. Just like the market times change.

By Derek Wadman on Sun Feb 23rd 2025, at 5:44 pm

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