A fish and chip shop run by the same family for 62 years has gone on the market.

V.C. Jones in Harbour Street, Whitstable, closed with its owner Matt Jones’s retirement in January.

Now, the building - which also includes a flat and two holiday lets - is up for sale for £1.275 million.

Customers were devastated when the takeaway shut, calling it the “best fish and chips in Whitstable”.

V.C. Jones was known for its traditional method of frying in beef dripping rather than oil.

Estate agent Christopher Hodgson said: “This is an exciting opportunity to acquire a substantial freehold building comprising four separate properties in the heart of Whitstable, where it enjoys a prominent trading position with high footfall amongst a wide variety of independent shops, national retailers, highly regarded cafés and restaurants.

“Being sold with vacant possession and with no onward chain, this double-fronted three-storey building comprises a large ground floor commercial premises with a traditional shop front leading to a seated restaurant, with two garages to the rear accessed from Sea Street and an off-street parking space.

“The first and second floors are occupied by a spacious two-bedroom maisonette flat that benefits from its own entrance to the side of the building.”

The buyer will also receive two “modern, spacious” two-bed holiday lets for the seven-figure price tag.

Mr Hodgson adds: “Harbour Street is a coveted beach location moments from the fashionable and charming town centre which boasts an array of delicatessens, restaurants and boutique shops.”

The Jones family parted ways with the business after taking some time out over the holidays.

In a statement, they said: “We have spent this Christmas and New Year enjoying some rare and precious time together as a family.

“This time has enabled us to appreciate each other and to focus on what’s really important in life.

“As we enter our 62nd year of trading as a family, we have all decided that this is the perfect time to retire.

“This decision has surprised us probably as much as it has surprised you!

“Our doors will not be reopening.

“It has been a pleasure to serve generations of customers over these decades, and soon it will be our family’s turn to be on the other side of a counter!

“Wishing you all the very best, the Jones family.”

With the closure, Whitstable - a hugely popular seaside destination - was left with just two chippies.

A local pub landlord said he believes the town has “outclassed itself” and that visitors prefer going to fancy restaurants rather than chip shops.