The largest of the Channel Islands offers visitors myriad eateries, everything from shacks on the beach to top-end restaurants where deep pockets are recommended! Having just returned from yet another visit, here are some suggestions for anyone looking for somewhere to eat or drink…
OCEAN RESTAURANT
The Atlantic Hotel is, by far, my favourite hotel on the island and nothing can beat it – well, I haven’t found anywhere yet. It has everything going for it, including a superb restaurant. If you’re looking for a bit of fine-dining where you’re not only treated to sublime food but great service, too, this is the place for you. With its clean lines, wooden floors and white shutters framing beautiful views, the restaurant exudes a tranquil vibe reminiscent of a Mediterranean or Caribbean eatery.
Le Mont de la Pulente, St Brelade; www.theatlantichotel.com; tel: 01534 744101
RANSOM’S GARDEN CENTRE TEAROOM & RESTAURANT
This family-run garden centre opened its doors in 1966. It was born from the combined passion of Sarah Ransom – a qualified patisserie chef who dreamed of opening a restaurant – and her mother, who’d always wanted to run a tearoom. The tearoom – where I enjoyed delicious vegan cakes, although there is an equally wide selection of non-vegan options plus full-blown meals – has plenty of seating. Ransom’s boasts, arguably, the biggest selection of cakes on the island.
La Grande Route de Faldouet JE3 6UD, St Martin; www.ransoms.je; tel: 01534 853668
NUDE DUNES
The island offers some superbly-located cafés and restaurants. Take Nude Dunes: it’s perched above La Pulente, the most southerly strip of St Ouen’s Bay, and affords diners uninterrupted Atlantic views. This stunning, curved-shaped café-cum-restaurant is, believe it or not, a former toilet block which has been transformed into a contemporary eating place offering a fresh take on healthy food, so expect goodness without compromising on taste.
Slip La Route de la Pulente, La Pulente JE3 8HG; www.nudefood.je; tel: 01534 735699
PIZZAEXPRESS
An equally impressive view, this time overlooking St Brelade Bay, is enjoyed while dining at PizzaExpress. This gorgeous venue has a surfing design theme and has long been a favourite with locals and visitors alike since opening more than 23 years ago. Earlier this year, the restaurant underwent a remodel and is definitely worth visiting; in fact, it’s the perfect destination for a meal before or after a stroll along the beach.
La Route de la Baie, St Brelade JE3 8EF; www.pizzaexpress.com; tel: 01534 499049
BEAN AROUND THE WORLD
This fab coffee shop is situated in the heart of St Helier and offers indoor and outdoor seating at its street corner location. Open 7am-7pm, seven days a week, it first opened its doors in 1996 and has a large, loyal following among locals and visitors. Friendly staf, delicious coffee, fab snacks and cakes – what more could you ask for?
73 Halkett Place, St Helier JE2 4WH; www.beanaroundtheworld.com; tel: 01534 619977
WHERE TO STAY
My favourite hotel on the island is family-owned Atlantic Hotel. Sitting above St. Ouen’s Bay on Jersey’s west coast, staying here is an experience you’ll never forget.
Its unbeatable location had me entranced the moment I saw the view from the step-on balcony (make sure you book an Ocean View room). Nothing beats sitting and staring out towards the Atlantic, listening to the sound of distant waves breaking over rocks. Facilities include an award-winning restaurant, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, free parking and much more.
Le Mont de la Pulente, St Brelade JE3 8HE; www.atlantichotel.co.uk; tel: 01534 744101
GETTING THERE
I always travel to Jersey with Condor Ferries. Leading up to Christmas, the company will operate two conventional ships from Portsmouth, sailing overnight in both directions. The high-speed vessels will be back in operation in 2024, sailing up to five days a week with a crossing time of four hours – that’s half the time it takes on the conventional ferries.
For my most recent visit, I travelled aboard Liberation on both legs of my trip. Outbound, I sampled the spacious Horizon Lounge – which has its own dedicated bar – where I relaxed in my recliner seat and admired panoramic sea views. For the return to Poole, I upgraded (from £17.95) to the exclusive Club Class – the ultimate onboard experience. Here, it’s leather seats, free wifi, free welcome drink and snacks plus steward service.
Overall, I find Condor an extremely friendly and efficient operator and it’s always a pleasure to travel with the company.
For more information, go to www.condorferries.co.uk or call 0845 609 1024
PARKING
When I visit Jersey, the parking arrangements involving scratch cards always seems rather confusing and cumbersome. That’s why, I always use PayByPhone. This smart, cashless app is easy to use and saves so much hassle.
For more information about the island, go to www.jersey.com
[Visited: October 2023]
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