The Par aquatics shop fishkeepers voted the UK’s best for ponds

Pond keeping is a patient hobby. Water quality, filtration, the right fish for the right space. And when something goes wrong, plenty of keepers head straight for a shop counter.

Now one Cornish shop has been voted the best in the country for exactly that.

A national title for Par

Fishkeeper Southwest, based in Par near St Austell, has been named Pond Retailer of the Year in Practical Fishkeeping’s 2026 Readers’ Poll.

The Readers’ Poll asks fishkeepers to vote for aquatic retailers across national specialist categories and regional awards. Pond Retailer of the Year is one of the national specialist titles.

It wasn’t the shop’s only result. Fishkeeper Southwest also finished runner-up in the West regional category and was included in the annual Top 40 aquatic stores.

More votes than last year

More people took part in this year’s Readers’ Poll than in the previous year, with the national specialist and regional awards decided alongside the Top 40.

The Top 40 is presented alphabetically, so it isn’t ranked from first to 40th. The full 2026 Readers’ Poll results, including the category winners, regional winners and Top 40 stores, are online.

What makes a good shop

Alex Bell, editor of Practical Fishkeeping, said aquatic shops do far more than sell stock and kit.

“Aquatic shops do much more than sell fish and equipment. For many fishkeepers, they’re where you go for advice, practical help and inspiration for your next projects.

“The retailers recognised this year have clearly made a lasting impression on the people who shop there. That relationship between a good shop and its customers is a big part of what keeps the hobby going.”

Fishkeeper Southwest’s 2026 results

• Pond Retailer of the Year: winner
• West regional award: runner-up
• Included in the 2026 Top 40 aquatic stores

This year’s poll also brought in a brand new category, Nano Freshwater Retailer of the Year.

📷Fishkeeper Southwest pond area