A BUSINESS owner who has opened a fish shop selling exotic seafood from around the world is calling on the community to step outside their comfort zones.

Naz Hassan, 37, opened Five Star Fishmongers in Leytonstone High Road earlier this month.

Mr Hassan, of Redbridge, is a joint owner of the business with his four brothers and their father Amir.

The shop offers a selection of fresh seafood from as far away as Australia, South America and the Caribbean.

The father-of-four said: “There is a new energy in Leytonstone and it has become very diverse and cosmopolitan. That is why we chose this area.

“If you have a certain palate and are not used to stepping outside your comfort zone I would encourage you to try something new.

“We can find something to suit everyone and what I would say to people is to step away from processed frozen fish because you don’t know what’s in it.”

Octopus, barramundi, seaweed, lobsters and cockles are some of the creatures on sale at the store.

Mr Hassan’s father Amir has worked as a wholesale fishmonger for 40 years. The family decided to venture into retail in 2012 after the recession. They also own Five Star Fish in Barkingside High Street.