Bitesize, a takeaway premises in the heart of Newport, will say goodbye to legendary owner Ken Knowles or ‘Kenny’ as he’s known this weekend.
Located in the heart of the county town in St James’ Square the eatery specialises in burgers, baps, rolls, chips, hot dogs and drinks.
Kenny moved to England – specifically the Isle of Wight – in August 1997 and started Bitesize on 1st April 2008 with just a donut machine. He worked previously as a car salesman.
Known as one of the places to go after a boozy night on the town, owner Kenny – who is originally from South Africa – would open well into the early hours of the morning to serve numerous late-night customers in need of some sustenance to soak up the alcohol.
Kenny – who is nearly 66 – had announced a while ago that he was looking to sell but it wasn’t until earlier this week that a deal – in principle – was done. It has today (Thursday) been announced that this weekend will be Kenny’s last at Bitesize.
Kenny loved to get to know his customers and was extremely well respected by those not only in Newport but across the Isle of Wight.
A post on the Bitesize Facebook page has said:
“Thank you for your custom over the years, if possible, please pop by this weekend and say goodbye”.
Article continues below this advertisement
Speaking to Island Echo, Kenny said:
“It’s a great little business, that started with just a donut machine then it evolved to takeaways – which have never been better.
“I feel like I’ve worked hard enough and long enough to enjoy my retirement.”
Now that he’s retired, Kenny hopes to get on the golf course more and reduce his handicap.
The new owners, Marcus Davey and Jay Smith-Dowse will take over from next week. It is understood that the business will undergo a full rebrand and renovation.
There’s only ever been one ‘legendary’ take away in Newport & that is Rumblin Tum!
That’s what I thought the article would be about. I got food poisoning from the RT in the 80s from a tray of cooked onions kept on the shelf over the griddle .. nicely incubated.