In the first of our new series on Isle of Wight chip shops, Island Echo examines the legacy of Fishy Stevens’ Carisbrooke High Street fish ‘n’ chip shop.
The Golden Fish was far more than just a ‘chippy’. It was the beating heart of Carisbrooke, where locals queued on Friday evenings for wrapped suppers, and families sat down inside for a meal that had become a ritual.
Raymond Frederick Stevens, affectionately known as ‘Fishy’, took over the family-run business from his mother in 1950. He invested in modern fryers and new equipment, securing its future and earning a reputation for serving some of the best fish and chips on the Isle of Wight.
The shop quickly became part of everyday life. Children ran in with pocket money to buy six penneth of chips, workers called by after long shifts, and families made it their Friday night tradition. For many, it was as much a social space as it was a restaurant.
A former customer has said:
“Six penneth of chips and some crispy bits please is what we used to ask for when we were kids going into Fishy Stevens back in the 60s.
“Best chips ever, lovely golden brown colour, fried in lard not oil.”
The Golden Fish restaurant served more than just cod and chips. Many regulars remember ordering skate, plaice and other traditional dishes, cooked to perfection. The desserts, especially knickerbocker glories, became legendary in their own right, with children recalling towering glasses filled with ice cream, fruit and cream that seemed almost larger than life.
A regular diner has remembered:
“His was the best fish and chips on the Island and I always had skate in the restaurant most Friday evenings. I was gutted when he closed.”
Ray Stevens himself was closely tied to the shop’s success. Arriving in Carisbrooke in 1938, he dedicated much of his working life to running the business.
Before that, he had served in the Home Guard during the Second World War, later enlisting in the Royal Green Jackets in 1946 and serving in Kenya and Palestine. On his return, he took over the shop, where his warm personality and dedication to quality food earned him the lasting nickname ‘Fishy Stevens’.
One Carisbrooke resident has said:
“Remember especially Ray Stevens as I, being born and growing up in Carisbrooke, will always remember his unbeatable fish and chips, not forgetting his scraps – happy memories of bygone days.”
By the early 1990s, after more than four decades at the fryer, Stevens retired. In 1992, the Golden Fish and its takeaway closed, marking the end of an era on Carisbrooke High Street. For many, its closure left a gap that was never quite filled.
Though the fryers have long since gone cold, the memories remain. The smell of batter and vinegar, the taste of crispy chips, and the welcoming atmosphere of the Golden Fish live on in the recollections of those who visited. For Carisbrooke, ‘Fishy’ Stevens was more than a businessman – he was part of the community, and his shop was a landmark that defined a generation.
Did you go there for scraps, knickerbocker glories or the famous skate suppers? Share your memories of Fishy Stevens with Island Echo…
Happy memories!
More articles like this please!
We used to go there once every year when on family holiday. We used to think it funny when the waitress used to shout out, “Bread ‘n’ batter?” in her local accent. It was one of those little reassuring constancies that we loved about the island. I remember the knickerbocker glories. They made my child-eyes light up! My parents let me have one once, but I couldn’t finish it. Happy memories.
I lived opposite and always enjoyed his fish and chips, easy tea on Saturdays. I once met Buddy Ebsen from the American show ” The Clampetts ” who was over here for Cowes Week.
Happy memories also playing with his son Gary.
The huge gammon steaks with a slice of pineapple were wonderful too.
It looked a great Plaice
Excellent story.
Had my 18th Birthday there took two girls I had Scotch egg and chips cant remember what the girls had I had a pint of larger and 5 cigars girls had lemonade bill was £1.25 those were the days my friend.