Refined restaurants spearheaded by innovative chefs. Trendy food trucks and festivals where island produce is the headline act. Whether you’re after carefree eating or cutting-edge fine dining, Jersey has perfected the recipe for foodie escapes. With events popping up throughout the year, and a coastal landscape that’ll build up your appetite, this is the island to return to for seconds… and thirds.
Rather than travel the length of the UK in search of the finest chefs, have the country’s finest chefs come to you. From 22nd to 23rd March 2019, The Atlantic Hotel hosts the Eat Jersey Food Festival, when the island’s fresh produce takes centre stage. And with 2019 marking The Atlantic’s 25th anniversary as a Small Luxury Hotels of the World member, all eyes are on Jersey.
For starters, Friday 22nd March serves up a five-course banquet created by a quintet of renowned kitchen stars, including Adam Reid from The French in Manchester and London’s Chris Underwood, known for his pastry prowess at Frog. With The Atlantic’s Will Holland steering the culinary ship, this is a chance to taste some truly top-notch talent.
The 23rd then becomes Social Saturday’. Thanks to a pop-up partnership between Social Eating House in London and The Atlantic’s Ocean restaurant, guests can indulge in a four-, six-, or eight-course menu.
For a small island, Jersey has made a big impression on Michelin inspectors, with two restaurants – including Samphire – holding stars. If you can’t get a reservation, drop in for a creative cocktail on the alfresco terrace if the weather’s balmy. Or time your visit with the Eat Jersey Food Festival when Samphire’s head chef, Lee Smith, joins the team cooking up a storm at The Atlantic Hotel. His locally inspired dish is Jersey turbot crowned with a deep-fried Jersey oyster, finished with champagne – after all, it’s a celebratory year.
Before this Friday feast, see a different side to Jersey’s culinary scene. Street food Thursday’ shines a light on the island’s makers, growers and up-and-coming chefs. You can’t miss it – vividly designed food trucks are dotted around St. Helier, with the enticing scents of everything from sizzling tacos to satay flatbreads in the air.
Meat-free Monday. Weekend farmers’ markets. Wild food. More and more of us are conscious about sustainability and seasonality when it comes to cooking – and eating. Now, a group of Jersey restaurants are pioneering the climavore’ concept. Aiming to improve the biodiversity of Britain’s seas, this conservation cooking project is aiming to purify seawater and protect tidal zones. You can even order tasty (and topical) climavore’ dishes at The Atlantic Hotel. Or, join an oyster trail or a foraging expedition to get closer to nature.
When driving around St. Ouen, look out for roadside veg stalls, honesty boxes and paper bags. These are very likely to hold treasured Jersey Royal potatoes, and there’s nothing quite like trying these buttery gems straight from the source.
If you’re in St. Brelade, Me and the Farmer is another gem. Islanders rave about the traditional pork pies, but you’ll also find a tempting range of flavoured sausages, including the Jersey lavender. Or, if you’re planning a beach BBQ or a picnic in St Helier, follow the locals to the Central and Beresford Street Markets and fill your hamper with delicious home-grown produce.
Of course, all these culinary adventures may leave you feeling thirsty. Venture north into the beautiful Jersey countryside to La Mare Wine Estate in St. Mary. Although it seems hidden away, it’s a welcoming working winery offering tours and tastings – or just a scenic walk amongst the vines.
It’s a big year for The Atlantic Hotel. As well as foodie festival host, 2019 sees this Jersey landmark celebrate its 25th anniversary with Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Making this the perfect time for raising a glass of (locally produced) sparkling wine.
