Last day for fish and chip shop as owner shuts down fryers for final time after 41 years

Zach, 74, who is originally from Cyprus, opened the shop in 1983 and has been providing cod and chips to the community ever since.

He said that after putting in 60-hour weeks he had finally decided to call it a day, saying: "A lot of people have come in to say goodbye and happy retirement. My mind tells me to carry on but my body does not."

Zach reflected happily on 40-years in business, adding that Newport had been a great community to work in.

He said: "I have enjoyed the area here in Newport, it's a nice area. I have got good customers and a lot of friends here – I must have been enjoying it to stay here for 40 years."

As he bows out Zach said that the industry had changed over the years, with more competition and changing tastes meaning fish and chips is no longer the 'go-to' takeaway for families.

He said: "It has gone down slowly because there are so many other places now.

"To be honest the new generation now is not as keen on fish and chips. They go for pizzas, they go for kebabs, they go for McDonald's. It is different food now."

He added: "I hope things change for the better because fish and chips is good for a family. I would rather have fish."

Zach also said the cost of fish was another issue – despite his efforts to keep prices down to £6 for fish.

He said: "The other thing I think is the price, I think it makes a difference. The fish prices go really high, but I don't want to put it up too much. I try to keep the prices down because people nowadays, people can't afford to be buying twice a week."

Zach said he was looking forward to a few well-earned holidays but would be staying in the area which he has made his home since relocating from Birmingham more than 40 years ago.

The shop is set to be taken over by a Domino's pizza takeaway – meaning one less 'plaice' to grab fish and chips in Newport.