A POLISH FISHING SHOP IN LONDON

You don't expect a Polish fishing shop in London. Nor do you expect the owner to be a beautiful Polish girl. But there you are - two things that are a fact.

And why not? Lots of Poles came to London. It's like a second home, given Polish-British history: Britain guaranteed Poland's borders, and when the Germans invaded in 1939, Britain declared war on Germany. The Polish Government in Exile was based in London. Polish troops fought in the British Army, and Poles distinguished themselves in the RAF during the Battle of Britain.

But never mind, there appears to be a minor war - or maybe it's a major war - going on between the English and the Poles. It is over fishing, something that is really important, and not easily resolved. It is a clash of two cultures, an indigenous one that kisses its carp as it returns them to the depths (be it just a muddy pool). And if seen to be injured by a hook, the concerned English fisherman will administer appropriate first aid to the ailing fish. (I am not making this up - I saw it in a book we reviewed, and how this mission of mercy is to be carried out). Whereas the Poles, practical people if there ever were any, know what to do with a fish they catch - even if it is a carp; it gets put in the pot. In fact, on the holiest moments of the year in the Polish calendar, Christmas Eve, Poles eat carp.

Justina, the young woman who runs things in Acton (don't ask me how Acton got its name) - an area in West London - is uncomfortable with this war and thinks it could be resolved by segregating those who kill their fish, and those who kiss them, fishing waters where there is no conflict. She is obviously right; women don't usually like wars, and were it left up to them, there probably wouldn't be any.

How, we wondered, did Justina happen to be in this place? Initially she had come to London for three months to help a friend. But then she met Peter. Both were from Lublin, both were fisherpersons. So what more did they need to decide that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together? They have been partners since 2007, own the shop jointly, with Justina catering to the needs of their mainly Polish customers. Peter works outside, as a builder. His dream in life had been to own an establishment such as this, but he never dreamed that he would have Justina to come with it.

Justina got her degree in Poland, in marketing, and worked in a jewellery shop which she managed. We asked what she thought of English fishermen.

"They think they are the best in the world."

"Are they?"

"Actually, no."

Justina thinks the best carp fishing is in Spain and Italy, though as something to eat, she does not hold carp in very high regard. It is zander, she says, that make the best eating, and are very good for catching, too.

We were delighted to have the opportunity to meet and talk with Justina. We wish her and Peter great success. We have no doubt that they will thrive in all that they do.

© Sidney Du Broff 2011