A chain once synonymous with quality fish and chips across the Isle of Wight, Tony’s became a household name through the hard work and vision of local businessman Tony Oatley.
Anthony George Oatley, known as ‘Tony’, was a well-known entrepreneur who built one of the Isle of Wight’s most successful fish and chip businesses. Born in Wootton, Tony grew up during a time when opportunities were scarce. Yet, his determination and work ethic set him apart from an early age.
He left Priory Boys’ School in Newport at 14 to help support his family, taking his first job at Spencer’s Inn in Ryde. Under the guidance of Colonel Spencer, Tony developed an understanding of catering and business that would later prove invaluable. His natural leadership skills saw him progress quickly through the industry, eventually becoming resident general manager at the Hotel Ryde Castle.
When the Ryde Castle was sold, Tony returned to Spencer’s Inn under new ownership as general manager, where he met his future wife, Ania. Their shared ambition soon led them to open their own business.
In 1974, the couple launched the first Tony’s Fish and Chip Shop at 50 High Street, Ryde. At the time, several fish and chip shops in the area had closed, leaving a gap in the market. The couple saw an opportunity, and the response from customers was immediate.
Over the following 24 years, Tony’s expanded into a thriving chain with three restaurants and a further two takeaways across the Isle of Wight. Among its most well-known branches were those on Ryde High Street, St Thomas’s Square in Newport, and Newport High Street. Each outlet became renowned for generous portions, friendly service, and that unmistakable seaside chip shop atmosphere.
Tony himself was the driving force behind the operation. Known as a workaholic, he was said to work seven days a week from 07:00 until midnight, taking only one holiday throughout his career. His tireless commitment ensured consistent quality across all branches and helped the business earn a loyal customer base.
A former manager reflected on the community spirit surrounding the chain:
“We had a lot of elderly customers who lived alone and coming to Tony’s meant so much to them. Then, there were groups of mums who came to Tony’s when they’d taken the children to school. They had a coffee and a chat and unwound. When people came to Tony’s on their own, they’d usually see someone they knew. It was a bit of a social club.”
Customers’ admiration for Tony’s remains strong. Many remember the food:
“Done the best fish and chips on the island! No question”
For others, the memories go beyond the food to the special occasions celebrated at the restaurant:
“I had my 15th or 16th birthday in the restaurant and all the staff sang happy birthday to me.”
Families also recall the value and generosity of meals during busy days out:
“When I was bringing my kids up on my own in the late 90s, we could get an adult meal, 2 kids meals with drinks for under £10 – brilliant price and food.”
Others fondly remember the traditional table service and the little comforts that made visiting Tony’s feel like a proper outing:
“Tony’s – table service and proper crockery. Got to have the bread and butter and a cup of tea.”
And for those with a sweet tooth, desserts were unforgettable:
“I miss the hot fudge special desserts – hot chocolate, fudge sauce, cold vanilla ice cream and fresh cream yum !!”
By the late 1990s, the local fast-food landscape began to change. In 1999, the Tony’s chain was sold and divided between other operators. The Wootton branch was taken over by Terry Thomas and became Terry’s, while the Oakfield branch was purchased by Pearl Johnson and rebranded as Pearl’s. The remaining three outlets – including those in Ryde High Street and Newport – were absorbed into the Spinnaker fast-food chain.
Although Tony’s no longer exists as a brand, its presence lives on through these shared memories. Former customers continue to celebrate the warmth, generosity, and community spirit that made Tony’s Fish and Chip Shops so special.
Tony Oatley’s legacy extends beyond the counters of his chip shops. His dedication to hard work and his belief in customer service set a standard for local business that continues to inspire. Through his efforts, Tony not only built a successful chain but also created a lasting chapter in the Isle of Wight’s culinary history.
Do you have your own memories of Tony’s Fish and Chip Shops? Share your stories and photos – we’d love to hear them…
There is still a “Tonys” fish & chip shop in St Johns Street in Ryde. Dunno if it is related.
Their fish & chips are awful. But even if they were good I don’t know anyone who would go there since they stuck vote reform posters all over their windows during the election. Will never support a business with those kind of views
What sort of views would they be, precisely, BKCT? Can you name a Reform policy with which the majority of voters would not approve? Thought not.
How about how they want to scrap green policies. Reform have made it clear they don’t give a crap about environmental policies. If you want to watch the planet literally burn away and your grandchild die in floods, then stay in your Reform UK-hole. Not to mention the party’s proposals to cut £90bn in tax cuts without any clear corresponding savings. The issue is people just hear ‘we’ll make everyone rich by stopping the small boats’ and the uneducated genuinely believe this is how it works.
Get lost lefty – you are stuck in 2010 – not welcome anywhere any more
Classic reform voter….
No so the Owner of the chip shop in ryde is called Tony so that is the reason for the Brand name
Tony’s is a great plaice.
The piece begs the question: What has happened to Tony himself? Has he retired?
He died in 2022 aged 81 having enjoyed retirement for about twenty years. RIP. I enjoyed meals at both the Ryde and Newport restaurants in my younger years.
I supplied all Tony’s personalised crockery for years he was a pleasure to do business with a man of his word never once had any problem doing business with him a very hard working gentleman.