MARLBORO RESTAURANT
OUR STORY
Overview
Established in 1974, the Marlboro Restaurant is a family run business located on Weymouth's picturesque and iconic Town Bridge. Here at the Marlboro we pride ourselves in serving freshly cooked fish and chips that is of the highest quality and sustainably sourced.
All our fish has MSC certification and wherever possible we source as many local ingredients that the South Coast has to offer.
Our primary goal and aims are to serve the highest quality food with efficient, friendly service, whilst preserving and protecting the environment. All our takeaway packaging is 100% biodegradable.
Current owners Michael (left) and Vincent (right) Johnson.
How the Marlboro Restaurant started
Original building in 1973.
When the Marlboro first opened, Ray, Len and Clive would work all hours of the day and night to make it a success. They often slept above the shop on a couple of mattresses three or four nights a week before returning home to Bournemouth to see their families.
Ever since, the business has continued to be run full time by the Johnson family.
The Marlboro Restaurant was founded on the 4th June 1974 by Ray and Clive Johnson and their friend Len Kirby in a corner building that used to house Dennett and Co ‘fruiterer and florist’.
Prior to the renovations in 1974 the building housed William Whittle Florist’s with an entrance onto St Edmund’s Street and upstairs Marcelle Ladies Hairdressers with an Entrance on St Thomas Street.
Original owners Len (left) and Ray (right) Johnson, now deceased.
The Marlboro Fire in 2007
Dorset Echo February 2008.
Many regulars will remember that the Marlboro nearly didn’t even make its 35th Anniversary back in 2008 when a small fire caused more damage than was first thought, resulting in a total refurbishment on all floors inside & out, causing the business to be closed for 5 months, missing out on the traditionally busy autumn months and Christmas period.
Following the refurbishment, Owner Mike Johnson spoke glowingly of (previous) manager Shaun Hatton, “Shaun has been the main co-ordinator during the closure, bringing together all the necessary trades and ensuring that everything gets done”
Brother Vincent agreed saying that “Shaun’s enthusiastic determination has been instrumental in getting us open in time”
Preston & Thomas frying equipment was once again installed during the Refurbishment, ensuring the association with the Cardiff-based equipment manufacturer continued since we first opened in 1974 and was installed by the same original installer Joe Dacruz.
The Marlboro Restaurant re-opened its doors to customers on Thursday 7th February 2008.
Dorset Echo February 2008.
Hugh's Fish Fight on Channel 4
Here at the Marlboro Restaurant we are proud to have been the first fish and chip shop nationally to get involved with Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall’s Fish Fight – The Mackerel Bap Mission from 2010. The idea was to get lovely, sustainable, healthy, British Mackerel on the menu of at least one fish and chip shop in every town across the UK and help reduce fish discard worldwide!
Previous Manager Shaun Hatton with Hugh Fernley Whittingstall.
Mackerel is a fast growing species and can reproduce quickly and therefore is was thought to be less vulnerable to stock depletion by over fishing. Mackerel is very healthy and is full with omega 3 oils. So, mackerel is not only tasty but good for you too!
Previous manager Shaun Hatton went to London to lobby MPs with Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall and fellow chef Jamie Oliver in the series which was aired on Channel 4.
There have been reports since that Mackerel had in fact been overfished and had lost its Marine Stewardship Council Certification. We continue to strive to provided sustainably sourced Mackerel to our customers and maintain the option for our customers on the menu.
Accolades and Achievements
The Marlboro Restaurant has won many accolades during its history both in Dorset and nationally.
With a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating and Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, the Marlboro Restaurant has been featured in the Guardian Newspaper article for the "Top 10 Dorset Fish & Seafood Restaurants" (2012) and most recently in their article "Who’s next please? The top 20 fish and chip shops in the UK" (2024).
Weymouth's Oldest Waitress
Lily's 80th birthday celebration in 2018.
The Marlboro Restaurant had the pleasure of previously employing Weymouth's oldest waitress, Lily Roberts, who has now sadly passed away.
Lily was featured in the Dorse Echo newspaper in 2018, with a full article on her time working at The Marlboro Restaurant as she celebrated her 80th birthday. First joining The Marlboro Restaurant in 1976, she was employed with us for over 40 years.
On her celebration Lily said that, "talking with all the staff and youngsters brightens my day. The Johnson family, who are the owners, are such wonderful people. We’re all like one big family."