Night Life in Jersey in the 1960s

In 1966, under the "Four Square", publishers "New English Library" put out a small paperback called the "Four Square Holiday Guide to the Channel Islands". It was compiled by the late Peter Haining, and reflects a pre-decimal and bygone Channel Islands, just as tourism was ramping up to its giddy heights in the 1970s. Here's a brief extract.

For those who don't know, before 1971 and decimal currency, Jersey followed the UK with a monetary system which had 12 d (pence) to the 1 s (shilling) and 20s to £1. There was also a weird value called a "guinea" which was £1 1s, The pennies came in half-pennies, pennies, three pence bits, six pence coins, shillings, half crowns (2 s 6d coin), ten shilling note, and pound note.

Night Life in Jersey

For the younger set St. Ouen's Bay is a very popular spot for young visitors to Jersey. The Surf Room - as its name implies - is the centre for swimmers and surfers and dances are held every evening (Sundays excepted) from 8.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. with music by a top beat group. The place has a tremendous atmosphere - but don't turn up dressed too casually or admission will be refused. Admission 5s. 6d. for men and 3s. 6d. for girls. 

Also along the Five Mile Road is the Chateau Plaisir where the "Crazy Nights" with dancing and games attract a lively crowd.

The Tropicana which is a short distance away is rapidly gaining popularity because of the beat and folk music sessions which are held every night. Admission prices vary according to the night from 2s. 6d. to 6s.

If it's modern jazz you're after, the Granite Bar in the Water's Edge Hotel at Bouley Bay is the spot. Here record sleeves from the latest m. j. records cover the walls and the soothing strains of Charlie Mingus, Dave Brubeck, John Coltrane and many others can be heard over the loudspeakers.

For folk and blues fans, The Melting Pot in the Anneport Bay Hotel at Anneport is the island's Mecca. Well known artists and groups appear regularly and there are record intervals for dancing. The "Pot" is open every night of the week (except Sunday) from 8.30 p.m. until 11.30 p.m. - but it is always crowded so it is best to reserve a table by ringing East 58.

Folk Sing-Alongs are also held regularly in the Mecca Ballroom at the Ritz Hotel in St. Helier and admissions costs 3s. 6d.

At the Springfield Beat Forum in Janvrin Road the accent is very much on the latest pop music and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout the summer season leading Jersey beat groups play for dancing. The Forum is open from 8 p.m. until 11.30 p.m. and the admission price is 5s. 

But if it is just a case of wanting to dance to all the latest tunes - and meet other young holidaymakers - Jersey's largest ballroom, the Pavilion on the front at West Park is the answer. The ballroom can accommodate 650 dancers and there is a licensed bar adjoining.

For the older set Tams Hotel at St. Brelade's Bay present cabaret and dancing every night from 8.45 p.m. until midnight, with special extensions on Tuesday and Thursday to 1 a.m. Their summer shows are considered among the liveliest and best presented on Jersey and always include top British and Continental artists (South 550).

For atmosphere, The Rainbow Room in St. Helier takes a lot of beating. Here an Olde Tyme Music Hall is presented with some of the top names in this particular field of entertainment. There is waiter service to all tables and the Rainbow Room goes on from 9 p.m. to 12 p.m. (no Sundays) with extensions on Tuesday and Thursday. Admission is 10s. 6d. – with special tables available (if you're lucky) on the stage at 15s. 6d. (Central 24507).


Another popular spot where the accent is on good entertainment is the Plaza in St. Helier where the cabaret is highlighted by a "big name" artist - last year it was Derek Roy. The place opens at 8.45 p.m. and the show lasts for three hours. Admission 10s. (Central 22487).

A night club with a difference is the brand-new Hawaiian Ballroom which is part of the Marina Grill at Portelet. Here the manager, Mr. Chris Savva, has created a setting straight out of the tropics with exotic plants and bamboo fittings. Thursdays and Fridays are late nights here (open until 12.45 p.m.) or else the time is 8.30 p.m. to 11.45 p.m. There is dancing and a cabaret and admission costs 7s. 6d. (South 728).

Jersey people recommend Le Bal Tabarin at Les Landes, St. Ouen, which presents an elegant, French-style cabaret highlighted by one of the most spectacular Can-Cans you'll see anywhere outside of France. The club is open from 8.30 p.m. to Midnight with extensions to 1 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays. Admission fee is 10s. 6d. (West 203).

The plush atmosphere of a London night spot has been created at the Pavilion Theatre Restaurant at Greve de Lecq. There is nowhere else quite like it on Jersey, and it is possible to have a three course meal, watch the cabaret (which last year, for instance, starred Danny Williams and the Red Price Band) and dance all for 27s. 6d. Admission to the cabaret only is 12s. 6d. (West 100).

The Bay at the St. Brelade's Bay Hotel is without doubt the most sophisticated club on Jersey and much patronized by local businessmen and officials. Because of this it is a "members only" establishment and visitors wishing to go there should contact the management at South 186.