Norwich chip shop owner needs your vote to be named England’s Tourism Superstar

Duane Dibartolomeo, owner of the Grosvenor Fish Bar. Picture: ANTONY KELLY Archant Norfolk 2017

The owner of a popular city centre fish and chip shop is in the running for the accolade of England’s Tourism Superstar 2017.

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Duane Dibartolomeo, owner of the Grosvenor Fish Bar. Picture: ANTONY KELLY Duane Dibartolomeo, owner of the Grosvenor Fish Bar. Picture: ANTONY KELLY

Duane Dibartolomeo, who runs the Grosvenor Fish Bar in Norwich’s Lower Goat Lane with Christian Motta, is one of 10 people across the country shortlisted in the Tourism Superstar category of the 2017 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Now Mr Dibartolomeo needs your vote to be crowned the ultimate winner.

Originally from Miami, Mr Dibartolomeo lived in New York before moving to Norwich, and has co-owned Grosvenor Fish Bar since 2012.

He is well known for his banter and larger than life personality, how he meets and greets every customer, and how he goes out of his way to welcome people and even offers tips on great places to visit in the city.

Mr Dibartolomeo, 57, said he was honoured to reach the top 10 of the competition and he hoped to win the award for Norwich.

“It means a lot because I think I have the best job in the world. It’s so much fun talking to everybody and meeting people,” he said.

“It would mean a lot for me to win for Norwich. People opened their arms and welcomed me here, and that is the reason that I ended up staying.”

When asked about his favourite five things about Norwich, he said: “There’s an overall kindness here, people are warm and friendly and welcoming.

“We have a diverse community - we have so many students, people who have lived here all their lives, immigrants, it’s a rich community.

“We have a great arts scene. We have so much going on here, and we have a lot of different restaurants and different food types.

“The fifth thing is the community spirit. There is a really good sense of community.”

He said outside of the city, his favourite thing about Norfolk is the beautiful coastline.

Melanie Cook, from VisitNorwich, said: “VisitNorwich is absolutely thrilled Duane has reached finalist status in this popular award and we trust that the people of Norwich will votes in their thousands for Duane to be crowned Tourism Superstar 2017.”

Voting for VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar, supported by The Daily Mirror, opens at 8am tomorrow (Tuesday, February 7) here.