The Corner Plot

"I am a wife, mother, full-time medical researcher, and very keen home cook. I love creating recipes, trying out new ingredients, and hosting supper clubs. I studied marine biology at university, and ended up doing a PhD in fish parasites at the Natural History Museum, hence the title Dr Fish! As a family, we’re changing the way we eat to be more sustainable."

Sophie Rushton-Smith (Dr 🐟), Founder of The Corner Plot.

Ocean Ambassador Q&A

When and how did sustainability first become important to you?
Animal welfare has always been important to me, and recently I’ve become more aware of the importance of sustainability. I learnt to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef when I was a student and now dive with my family. It’s devastating to see how much damage has been done to the coral reefs — and the loss of biodiversity — over the years.

As a family, we are changing the way we eat: we have more meat-free meals, are checking the origins of our foods, and are working on reducing our carbon footprint.

How did you start your journey as an influencer?
My son encouraged me to set up an Instagram page in mid-2016, and he’s enjoyed the benefits. He’s started to challenge himself in the kitchen and is currently working on Chinese food after his semester in China.

I love the challenge of creating something that both looks and tastes great, with really good quality, sustainable ingredients. Instagram is very inspiring, introducing me to professional chefs and like-minded foodies and home cooks, and a whole host of new ingredients and techniques. 

What’s your favourite sustainable fish dish? 
In the summer you can’t beat a salade niçoise with tuna. It’s healthy, colourful, and absolutely delicious, packed with a variety of flavours and textures, and is so much more than 'just a salad'. It reminds me of hot summery days with my parents in the South of France. It’s also one of my daughter’s favourite meals.

When you’re too tired to cook at home, what do you eat? 
My go-to is a king prawn pathia from my local takeaway. Sweet, sour, spicy and hot.

What do you like to drink, alongside a seafood dish?
I love a chilled glass of white Burgundy.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to cooking seafood?
Keep it quick, simple and fresh.

Do you have a favourite kitchen gadget?
I love my Thermomix, expensive, but can’t do without it.

Meet all the UK Ocean Ambassadors

From award-winning chefs to frontline doctors and youth ocean advocates, the UK Ocean Ambassadors are united by a love of the oceans and the seafood they bring us.