I started visiting Lynchford Aquatics as a kid, when I got an aquarium for my birthday. I think I was around 12 years old. Now, approaching 30 years later, I'm taking my kids there.
The shop has, of course, changed a lot since then but then as well as now can be described as offering some of the broadest range of aquarium products of any small aquatics shop I have seen. The range is very specialised to tropical fishkeeping and the long experience of the owners shows in the choice of brands (i.e. reliability and appropriateness is valued over price) Most of the staff have been there for many years and are very helpful and knowledgeable. Newer / younger staff seem to have been well trained.
The quality of the fish and aquatic plants is high (I can only speak for the freshwater fish, they sell marine as well) and there's a good range of live food available.
The shop can get very busy at the weekend, but it is always well staffed; how many small shops have 3-4 people on hand? read more