Newport chippy secrets revealed – but there’s a catch!

An East Yorkshire fish and chip shop boss is set to reveal the closely-held family secrets of what makes the perfect batter and mushy peas.
Tasty purchaseTasty purchase
Tasty purchase

But there’s a catch. For the hidden ingredients that go into making Johnny Haddock’s crispy batter and Moorish mushy peas will only be revealed to the person who buys the shop.

Family-run Johnny Haddock’s in Main Road, Newport, Brough, has been keeping the village going in delicious fish suppers for over three decades, and has earned a 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor.

During that time, the McConville family perfected their recipes for mouth-watering crunchy batter and homemade savoury mushy peas – favourites with locals and passers-by on their way to and from Hornsea and Bridlington on the coast.

Family home includedFamily home included
Family home included

Now, however, current owners Michael and Gill McConville are preparing to retire. And whoever buys the shop and the family home next door, will be able to unlock the secrets of the chip shop recipe book.

“We have an extensive menu, but everything revolves around the fish and chips,” says Michael, 59. “And we have always made everything fresh and by ourselves.

“There’s a definite knack to getting it right – buying locally grown potatoes for the chips and the freshest of fish is key.

“The batter has a secret ingredient which we’ll share when the new owners take over.”

The couple’s retirement plans will be the end of an era for Johnny Haddock’s: it was opened by his parents in 1981 after they relocated to the area from Doncaster.

The shop was originally called, simply, Newport Fisheries. It received its distinctive and memorable name by chance.

“My dad was keen on bowls, so was playing at the local club,” recalls Michael. “But one of the players couldn’t pronounce McConville. So he called him ‘Johnny Haddock’ instead.

“It seemed like a perfect name for the fish and chip shop – memorable and fun - so it stuck.”

Michael and Gill took over around 25 years ago. Since then, they have become well-known faces in the bustling community, and built up a loyal clientele.

The shop’s location, on the busy B1230 and just south of the M62, has been ideal for tourists heading to the coast or the nearby market town of Howden.

It’s set to get even busier – the Tour de Yorkshire will pass right by its front door.

With a gleaming, well-equipped kitchen, ample storage area and outdoor dining area – plus those all-important recipes – the scene is set for a new owner to expand the opening hours, develop the existing outside catering element of the business and introduce extra features to boost income.

The business is being sold along with a delightful family detached home next door, which includes three - possibly four bedrooms depending on how its laid out – pleasant gardens and spacious kitchen.

Michael added: “We have limited how often we open for various reasons, but there’s great scope for whoever takes over to open up for longer and really make the business grow.

“We’re sad to be moving on, but it’s only right that the recipes stay here so customers can continue to tuck in to their favourite fish and chips.”

Johnny Haddock’s at Main Street, Newport, Brough, is being sold for £399,950 through business property specialists Ernest Wilson.

Browse businesses for sale and discover how easy it is to take on a business of your own at www.ernest-wilson.co.uk