Championing the best of British: meet our Bluefin tuna supplier, Ben Eglinton
At Jimmy Garcia Catering, we don’t just serve food – we tell stories. Stories of extraordinary people, places, and ingredients that embody the very best of British craftsmanship. And few stories are as captivating as the one that begins off the windswept coast of Newquay, with skipper Ben Eglinton and his steadfast fishing boat, the Beryl M (SS8).
A couple of weeks ago, Ben set out to sea on a mission: to catch a magnificent Bluefin tuna, destined for our table. This wasn’t just any fish – it was part of a pioneering small-scale Bluefin Tuna Fishery, one of only 15 commercial licences granted by the UK Government. Ben was among the first four licence holders when the UK launched this groundbreaking initiative in 2023.
Ben in action catching our Bluefin tuna!
Every catch is a testament to patience and care. Using low-impact rod and reel gear, Ben brings each tuna aboard by hand, employing humane and sustainable techniques that protect both the species and the quality of the fish. Each tuna is meticulously weighed, measured, and documented, contributing to crucial research on Bluefin behaviour, traceability, and sustainability.
It’s a story of revival against the odds. Once hunted to near extinction in UK waters during the 1960s, Bluefin tuna have staged a remarkable comeback along the southwest coast since 2014, drawn back by rising sea temperatures and the return of their prey, sardines.
Ben’s fishing boat: the Beryl M SS8
By partnering with devoted, small-scale fishers like Ben, we proudly support a responsible, traceable, and sustainable British fishery. His care and dedication resonate in every dish we craft – from a perfectly seared slice of tuna at an event, to the playful elegance of “Ben’s Tinned Cornish Tuna Tartare,” featured as the amuse at the Banqueting House.
‘Ben’s tinned Cornish tuna tartare’
Every ingredient on our menu has a story. And this one? It’s a story of patience, passion, and the extraordinary journey from the waves of Newquay to the heart of our kitchen.
“I absolutely love what Ben’s doing,” says Jimmy Garcia, founder of Jimmy Garcia Catering. “To see Bluefin back in British waters - and to be able to to commission someone like Ben to land a tuna for us - is such an exciting way to source, working with nature to provide a true taste of sustainable luxury. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while, and to be able to do it this time is a career highlight for me and the team.”
At Jimmy Garcia Catering, we believe food tastes better when it tells a story - and Ben’s story is one we’re thrilled to share.
Explore our Supplier Map below to discover more of the brilliant British producers we’re proud to work with!
