Carleon Road in Newport is more than just a busy thoroughfare; it is a vibrant hub of family-run businesses that have woven themselves into the fabric of the local community. Among these, several long-established shops stand out for their enduring legacies and the unique flair they bring to the street, sustaining the spirit of Newport's high street amid changing times.

One of the most notable is Macey Sports, which has been a fixture on Carleon Road for half a century. Owner Nick Macey shares a palpable pride in this milestone, reflecting on the shop's extensive history and community role. Specialising in cricket gear, dancewear, trophies, and engravings, Macey Sports also maintains strong ties with local schools, supplying around twenty institutions in the area. Nick highlights that businesses with such longevity have become increasingly rare in Newport, making their continued operation a point of local pride.

Equally entrenched in the community is Alonzi’s Fish Bar, a family-run fish and chip shop distinguished by its more than 40-year presence. The aroma of freshly fried fish is a familiar delight along the road, where the Alonzi family has established a beloved institution. Staff members note the popularity of classic offerings like cones of chips, particularly among schoolchildren, and the shop remains especially busy on Fridays, a traditional day for fish and chips. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the business has remained resilient. Independent reviews and local polls consistently recognise Alonzi’s for its quality food and friendly service, cementing its place as a city favourite. The shop’s reputation extends beyond casual praise; it was ranked sixth in a reader poll of Newport’s best fish and chip shops, a testament to its enduring community appeal.

Another family legacy on Carleon Road is Leo’s Fish Bar, which has served Newport since 1977 and is presently run by third-generation owner Cara Rizza. Cara recounts how the business inherited through her grandfather and father has adapted alongside the evolving community, retaining a loyal customer base who visit multiple times a week. Leo’s menu sticks to staple fish and chips but also offers a variety of curries, including a homemade madras, diversifying its appeal. Notably, Leo’s has embraced modern retail trends, operating through popular online delivery platforms such as Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats, indicating a blend of traditional service with contemporary convenience.

Amid these longstanding businesses, newer ventures also contribute to the street’s character. For instance, The Eye Centre, an opticians practice, opened its doors in December and has quickly embedded itself within the local community. Offering a range of stylish eyewear brands like Cocoa Mint and Arlo, it serves around a hundred customers, reflecting a modern addition to the historic retail mix of Carleon Road. Similarly, Goodlife Pharmacy replaced the former Well Pharmacy just over a year ago, standing out as an independent pharmacy that provides a walk-in service without the need for appointments. It also boasts extended opening hours, staying open till 6:30 pm on weekdays, offering convenience unmatched by other local pharmacies. The pharmacy notably supports conditions like throat and urine infections, shingles, and provides the morning-after pill, with an independent prescriber on-site to aid those seeking prompt medical advice.

These diverse family enterprises on Carleon Road demonstrate the resilience and adaptability that have allowed them to endure across decades. Despite the broader challenges facing high streets across the UK, including competition from larger chains and shifts in shopping habits, these businesses continue to meet local needs and uphold community connections.

While Alonzi’s Fish Bar thrives in a legacy context, it also evokes broader historical ties in the region’s fish and chip industry. For example, John Alonzi, not directly connected to the Carleon Road shop but significant in the same community, retired in 2017 after 52 years at the helm of Maindee Fish Bar, marking the end of an era for that family-run establishment. His departure highlighted the emotional and cultural weight such businesses carry for their local patrons. Meanwhile, Newport's culinary scene continues to diversify with newcomers like Clarence Fish Bar, which opened in 2021 offering modern twists on classic chip shop fare, such as 'dirty chips' topped with masala mince and jalapeños, illustrating how traditional food outlets evolve to engage fresh audiences.

Together, these stories underline how family-run businesses on Carleon Road are vital threads in Newport’s community fabric. They do more than sell goods; they foster a sense of place and continuity that keeps the spirit of the city’s high street alive, one customer at a time.

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Source: Noah Wire Services