Mitch Tonks is one of the most respected and credible voices on matters of UK fishing and sustainability. An acclaimed restaurateur, chef and author of seven successful cookbooks. His passion for British seafood stems from his childhood in Weston-Super-Mare on the south-western coast of England. First and foremost a fishmonger, Mitch taught himself not only how to prepare but also how to cook fish in the best possible way, achieving his first success with a combined fishmongers, cookery school and café opened in 1995 in Bath.
Over the course of his over 25-year career, he has been a leading and respected voice for sustainable seafood, a champion of British fishing and fishermen, and a strong supporter of the Brixham Fish Market. His mission is to encourage more people to enjoy British seafood in the UK by reducing exports and imports, minimising waste, and showcasing the quality of our island’s seafood. He is also passionate about the role that restaurants play in shaping communities. His restaurants have earned numerous awards recognising their quality, with The Seahorse named as the only Devon restaurant in the National Restaurant Awards’ Top 100 list, and Rockfish receiving multiple accolades for its commitment to sustainability and excellence in seafood dining.
Over time, his passion for British seafood grew even stronger, and in 2008 Mitch opened The Seahorse alongside his friend Matt Prowse, creating a space where guests could come together to enjoy local seafood. In 2010, Mitch opened his first Rockfish restaurant in Dartmouth. The Rockfish group (inclusive of The Seahorse) now has 12 sites across the Southwest coast, with a 13th location due to open in late 2025.
