Derelict Island House eyesore to become fish and chip shop

The Island House, on Stafford Road, has been empty since 2007.

Since the popular pub closed, three failed attempts to put a KFC on the site were lodged before new manager Andrew Callega was given planning permission to turn the dormant building into a fish and chip restaurant and gastro bar.

Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Ian Brookfield visited the site to lay down the first brick as work began.

Owner Mr Callega, who used to run the Newbridge Fryer in Wolverhampton and has 20 years experience in the food industry, said: "We are delighted that things are finally moving for us now.

"This is the culmination of more than a years work and we are just eager to get going.

"The city needs something like this, people want quality food and we are going to offer them the nations favourite dish cooked to perfection.

"There is a lot of negativity surrounding Wolverhampton but I believe it is improving all the time now.

"I hope that by turning a derelict building on a main route into the city in to a thriving restaurant, I can play my part in the regeneration of the city."

Work at the new Island House is set to be completed by October, with 30 jobs also likely to be created once work is done.

Mr Callega said there is scope for expansion in the long term business plan he has put together.

He said: "We are here for the long run and we have plans in place for the short, medium and long term future of the restaurant.

"It is an exciting project and one that I am delighted to have finally got the balling rolling with."

For more information on developments at the Island House, find them on For more information visit facebook.com/theislandhousewolverhampton