In the second in our series of Isle of Wight chip shops, we explore Stotesburys in Nodehill, Newport – a beloved institution serving perfectly fried fish and chips for over a century.
Stotesburys Fish & Chip Shop has stood in Nodehill since 1896, making it the oldest surviving fish and chip shop on the Isle of Wight.
As family member John A. Stotesbury recalls, the business was not initially founded by his grandfather but passed into his hands around 1905. From that point, it was very much a family affair. All 10 of his grandparents’ children were born in the flat above the shop, their lives entwined with the daily rhythms of frying fish and cutting chips.
John himself (who emigrated to Finland 55 years ago) later became part of the story, recalling:
“As a youngster, I worked there on Saturdays and several school summer holidays from about 1958 or so and have, of course, many memories. I called in there most recently in September 2024 and happily consumed a portion of chips donated by the present owner.”
For more than half a century, the Stotesburys ran the shop themselves, establishing a reputation for friendliness, consistency, and care, even after its founder, John’s grandfather, died in 1944, his widow, Emily, and various aunts took over. The aroma of sizzling fish and the golden crunch of freshly fried chips became synonymous with Newport life, and the shop grew into a cornerstone of the community.
For locals, Stotesbury’s has always been more than a place to eat. Children grew up visiting the shop, learning the joy of a simple portion of chips and savoring every scrap with vinegar, while being greeted with the warm smiles of the Stotesbury family.
A local recalled:
“I remember the Miss Stotesburys well. Always had a smile and made you feel welcome. I loved a bag of scraps with salt and vinegar.”
Another Newport resident remembers the small rituals of childhood visits:
“Growing up with six brothers and three sisters, when I had the pennies for a small portion I would not go indoors till I finished them or I would not have had any left. Even chewed the bag till all the vinegar was gone—no, I did not eat the bag. They were the nicest people you could ever meet, all of them. Loved the scraps with vinegar. One of my good memories of growing up.”
After the Stotesbury family stepped back in the early 60s, the shop was taken over by the Thompson family, thus keeping the business in family hands. Norman Thompson, formerly the Policeman of Calbourne, ran the business with his wife Betty, the youngest of the 10 Stotesbury offspring, and later Norman’s younger brother Alan and his wife Margaret took over. The shop had long included a small restaurant in the back room, serving fish and chip meals and continuing the Stotesbury tradition of community and hospitality.
Following the Thompsons, Meli from Montenegro became the owner, running the shop for 22 years. She preserved the ethos of the Stotesburys while adding her own touches, maintaining the welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality.
In 2023, the shop entered a new chapter when former chef Danny Ditton took over. Originally a bricklayer and plasterer, Danny joined Stotesbury’s when COVID disrupted his trade and became the owner after two-and-a-half years.
Danny told Island Echo:
“Taking over the business wasn’t an easy choice to make. We’ve had to sell our property at the top of Hunnyhill and move in upstairs. Selling our former home wasn’t easy – it took us six months to raise the capital.”
Through more than 125 years, Stotesbury’s has remained a steadfast part of Newport life. Families queue outside on weekends, children bouncing with anticipation, while the scent of frying fish drifts down Nodehill. Generations of families have returned year after year, sharing stories, laughing together, and passing down the tradition to younger members.
On Friday evenings, queues still stretch onto the street, with friends and neighbours swapping local gossip while waiting for their meals. A visit to Stotesbury’s is as much about community as it is about the food and has been for well over a century.
Which is your favourite chip shop in Newport? Have you visited Stotesbury’s and tasted a piece of history for yourself? Let us know in the comments…
I’m Philip, Norman and Betty’s youngest son. In the mid 70s they asked if I wanted to take it over and they’d wait for me to finish school and college, but I wanted to be a teacher, so my uncle and aunt came into the picture. My sister kept working there frying fish for many years.
John’s father, Bill, kept his bike ‘out the back’ Monday to Friday and he would come back from his brother’s building firm in Ventnor – D.A. Stotesbury-where he was a carpenter, on the bus and then cycle home to Whitesmith Road.
It’s a very nice Plaice
Hi I can remember going to Stotesbury’s for a sit down meal with my mum when I was at Nodehill middle school, and when we were waiting for the bus to go home we would run round and get a portion of chips and ask for scraps they were yum. Good times. Pete Cave.