POPULAR Shanklin chippy The Happy Haddock is opening a new shop — at the former Fat Harry's in Sandown High Street.

The owners are excited to breathe new life into the Sandown premises, which hit the headlines after being fined for hygiene offences as Fat Harry's earlier this year.

Now, the new owners are completely refurbishing it.

Owen Philp will be running the shop.

He spoke on behalf of Happy Haddock: "We were first made aware that the premises in Sandown became available back in January, and we wanted to invest in Sandown to rejuvenate the town back to its glory days.

"We were aware that other big companies such as Premier Inn have also been investing in the town and wanted to be part of that journey.

"We've been looking at taking on a second shop for a year or so now, to add to our already popular Shanklin shop.

"I think by having an already well-established Fish and Chip shop, our reputation is going to help Sandown be a popular destination once again.

"Since the recent coronavirus pandemic, investing in Sandown has become even more important to us.

"We want to be able to help other businesses on the High Street by its regeneration and we want to help local people by providing secure jobs all year round.

"At the moment, we are in the middle of refurbishing the property. We are having a brand new, bigger and better, high efficiency frying range installed and redecorating as well as having new equipment installed throughout.

"Once this is completed we will hold a two-hour open day for anyone to come and sample our food and have a look round.

"We will only ask for donations on that day as any money will be donated to a local charity. The date is to be confirmed."

Both shops will have defibrillators in them and at least one member of staff trained in first aid on site.

For all the latest information on the opening date, and to see the menus, including gluten free and vegetable oil options, the website is www.thehappyhaddock.com or follow them on Facebook.