It may have been called Ugly Fish Friday but that didn’t stop hungry diners from enjoying the seafood delights of a new pop up restaurant.

Among those who turned out for the event on July 6 at Whitecross Street Market in Finsbury were TV’s The Fisherman’s Apprentice Monty Halls and Nigel Legge, who assisted chefs from niche city caterer Lusso.

Ugly Fish Friday was launched by Lusso as a stand against fishing quotas that see dead fish thrown back into the sea.

Although less well-known and less fashionable than their over-fished cousins, all of the seafood on offer was on the Marine Stewardship Council’s list of sustainable fish – including spider crab, wrasse and hake gumbo.

Everything sold out within three hours and the �450 made in profits were donated to Monty’s chosen charity; the Fisherman’s Mission, which provides emergency welfare support to fisherman and their families.

Lusso MD Paul Hurren said: “People voted with their feet and their taste buds to make our Ugly Fish Pop Up a huge success. Everybody had a great time and the atmosphere was fantastic. Our chefs really enjoyed the challenge of creating delicious dishes al fresco.”