STOTESBURYS is the oldest fish and chip shop on the Isle of Wight and its new owner, Danny Ditton, wants to take it onto new heights as it approaches its 130th anniversary.

Danny, who joined the family-run Newport business as a chef during the second Covid-19 lockdown, more than two years ago, seized the opportunity to buy it when it came up for sale recently.

His plans are not only to improve the Stotesburys menu and cut down waiting times for local customers.

Danny also aims to cater more for those who love Britain's favourite takeaway, but who cannot tolerate gluten in the batter and sauces used.

Isle of Wight County Press: Danny Ditton, owner of Stotesburys fish and chip shop in Newport.Danny Ditton, owner of Stotesburys fish and chip shop in Newport. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Stotesburys is nestled in the heart of Nodehill, Newport, and is a name everyone in the town is familiar with.

It's a name Danny is proud of and which he sees as a platform from which to launch onto a new level, by working smarter and by simply rolling up the sleeves.

The former plasterer and brickie, said: "When the opportunity came up to buy the shop, I took it."

His staple takeaway puts him on a good footing from the off. If there is one iconic dish Britain is known for around the world, it is fish and chips.

"Fish and chips talk for themselves," said Danny.

"We want to keep our existing customers happy — but also attract new custom as well.

"We're doing a lot more through our gluten-free range, with the aim of doubling our menu options, making all fish products a gluten-free option.

Isle of Wight County Press: Danny Ditton sources fresh fish and now uses gluten-free batter for those with allergies to gluten.Danny Ditton sources fresh fish and now uses gluten-free batter for those with allergies to gluten. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Isle of Wight County Press: Ann-Marie Sanders wraps a fresh piece of battered cod at Stotesbury's in Newport.Ann-Marie Sanders wraps a fresh piece of battered cod at Stotesbury's in Newport. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

"We've also started introducing gluten-free desserts. Our waffles have been going down amazingly with youngsters.

"My partner's a coeliac and my daughter has a rare allergy, so before I even started at Stotesburys, I was very familiar with cooking food from scratch — with no dairy and no gluten. Having that knowledge has been helpful.

"My staff are aware of allergy issues. One of my chefs is a coeliac too and aware of allergens, so all I need do is make them aware of what menu items we're moving forward with."

Danny said once Stotesburys had started adding gluten-free items to their menu, fish and chip lovers from across the Island got interested.

"I've had people coming from Ventnor, Sandown and the West Wight wanting our gluten-free food," he said. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Danny Ditton, the owner of Stotesburys fish and chip shop in Newport.Danny Ditton, the owner of Stotesburys fish and chip shop in Newport. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Danny wants to ensure his food is inclusive to all.  

"Nothing goes in our chip pans other than chips, so we guarantee they will be 100 per cent gluten-free, as we do with fish, so if we have, for example, the Muslim community, where they can't eat pork for religious reasons, there is no cross-contamination, with sausages and chicken cooked separately and kept in cabinets separate to our fish," he explained.

The new revolution at Stotesburys has been hard work, but Danny is up for the challenge.

"I won't lie, it's not been effortless. But it's a labour of love. If you don't enjoy what you do, you're in the wrong line of work.

"I love what I do and I've got a great team behind me.

"It's amazing to know the effort you're putting in is paying off."