Lake Fish Bar is back in business after a period of uncertainty followed the sudden and tragic death of its owner.

In November, the Isle of Wight fish and chip shop closed indefinitely when Covid-19 claimed the life of long-time owner, Nigel Brittain, who was just 57 years old.

His shocked family paid tribute to a "funny, sociable and hard-working" man who was loved by many.

There was traffic jam in Lake, when so many of his friends came to pay their respects ahead of his funeral, and a full house at the Isle of Wight Crematorium at Whippingham.

Isle of Wight County Press: Inside Lake Fish Bar.Inside Lake Fish Bar.

Four months on, Nigel's daughter, Chelsie Thompson has taken on the business with her husband, Andy.

The pair reopened the eaterie on Tuesday.

They promise the same quality of food and service customers have become accustomed to.

Isle of Wight County Press: Chelsie and Andy are now running Lake Fish Bar.Chelsie and Andy are now running Lake Fish Bar.
 

How has it been going for Lake Fish Bar's Chelsie and Andy?

"The first day was tough. We had two customers come in, crying over my dad, and that set me off," Chelsie, who has been working at the fish bar since she was aged just 12 years old, told the Isle of Wight County Press.

"It's been quite quiet, as we only announced we'd opened on Facebook. A lot of cleaning was needed to get it up and running again.

"Our last shift was on November 6, so we literally gutted everything ­— we had to replace all the oil and have a proper clean up.

"We opened on Tuesday because that's when mum was on holiday. She still finds it very upsetting being here."


Isle of Wight County Press: Chelsie, preparing for Lake Fish Bar's customers.Chelsie, preparing for Lake Fish Bar's customers.

When will Lake Fish Bar be open?

Lake Fish Bar is open from 5pm to 8.30pm, Monday to Saturday.