Pubs and Inns 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.

Pubs and Inns in Jersey

The Harvest Barn (Valley des Vaux)

This is not the easiest of inns to find in Jersey, but once you have navigated the roads out from St. Helier and into the idyllic Valley des Vaux you will be glad you took the trouble.

The Harvest Barn was a 17th Century farmhouse which has been given a complete renovation and now boasts two splendid bars. The ground floor Lounge and Cocktail Bar has retained much of the original character of the farmhouse and has a magnificent granite fireplace. There is also a unique natural rock wall which trickles water down into a flower-decked pool. This always fascinates visitors - and also serves the useful purpose of keeping them cool in the heat of the Jersey summer. Upstairs in the second bar, the big windows provide fine views of the valley. Mine host, Charles Taylor, has made many friends among visitors and on display in the downstairs bar is his chain as a member of the International

Doghouse Club.
Old Theatre Tavern (St. Helier)

It is the claim of this tavern that its two bars, are the only theatre bars in the British Isles which are open to visitors each day from 10 a.m. The Tavern Bar on the lower floor has an old world atmosphere with a variety of spirit bottles suspended from the ceiling, while above the Goblet Bar offers its patrons free entertainment every day. The Old Theatre Tavern is situated next door to the Opera House in Gloucester Street, St. Helier.

The Stable Bar (St. Helier)

The oldest bar in Jersey, the Stable Bar has a quaintness all of its own. It is entered through a courtyard and hanging beneath its huge beams are all manner of riding equipment. The bar is part of the Angleterre Hotel in Gloucester Street. During the week a beat group and a trio entertain patrons alternately.

The Caribbean Bar (Havre des Pas)

One more example of how the best of another country has been introduced to Jersey to entertain tourists: This bar is modelled on Caribbean lines with a straw matting roof, bamboo supports and dozens of little birds dotted around in wickerwork cages. There is also a running fountain where visitors are asked to throw pennies to aid a local charity. During the evening you'll get a West Indian entertainer singing and playing the guitar while you drink.

La Folie Inn (St. Helier)

If you're a sailor (actual or armchair version - it doesn't matter which), this is the tavern for you. Here the seamen and sailors from the harbour - which the place overlooks from its position on South Pier - gather to talk of tides and ships. Unpretentious in appearance, La Folie Inn is a fund of information for all those who love the sea. The beer – local brewed - is good, too.

White Horse Inn (Havre Des Pas)

Overlooking the beach, the White Horse Inn stands command- ingly on a bend along the St. Clement's Road. So close to the sea, it is natural that the walls should be covered with nets and lobster pots to create a suitable fishing atmosphere. Running down to the beach at the rear of the premises is a Beer Garden where Mum and Dad can enjoy a mid-day drink while still watching the children playing on the sands.

Priory Inn (St. Clement)

This, we found, is the place to go if you want to hear the local patois (dialect) spoken. Jersey men and women from the surrounding small settlements and farms meet here to talk over their affairs - and there is something very attractive about their language, even if you can't understand it! The inn has a special "Vins Sans Eau" Bar where you can try French wines, and some fine examples of antique furniture.

Welcome Inn (Gorey)

A pleasant new inn where you can sit outside and enjoy the cool of the summer evening while you drink. Inside in the Lounge, a delightful fountain has been built which is bedecked with flowers and has coloured lights playing on its running water.

La Belle Etoile (St. John)

If you fancy yourself as an entertainer, this inn is the place to try out your skill. The proprietor holds regular talent competitions which provide immense fun for both those taking part and watching. If you wish to hide your light under a bushel, however, you can content yourself with dancing. For the homesick visitor there is a touch of England in the fact that this house sells draught Worthington beer. La Belle Etoile is situated not far from St. John's Church.

Forester's Arms (St. Aubin)

A real cosy, old-fashioned pub with lots of character. The building dates from 1717 and is popular with the locals. Look out for the fascinating cartoon story about the inn hanging in the public bar. Often passed-by by visitors, the Forester's Arms is well worth a halt and reminds one of a typical old rural English pub.

The Mermaid (St. Peter)

The Mermaid has our vote as one of the most charming inns of Jersey. Although it is situated in a little side road not far from Jersey Airport it has a tranquillity all of its own. The actual inn is situated alongside an ornamental lake which has a coy young mermaid sitting on a rock in the middle. There are two bars: the Poacher's Bar which is very olde-worlde with poaching equipment (guns, nets, traps, etc.) strung around the walls, and next door the Cabin Bar which is a complete contrast of gleaming brass and polished wood. At night visitors can either sit in'the tavern, illuminated by candles in champagne bottles, or stroll around the lake and see the extensive plantation of bamboo. If you do call in, try the house cocktail, "Mermaid Special".

Hansom Cab Bar (St. Helier)

Memories of the days of horseless carriages are conjured up in this cosy little bar on the stretch of road known as Colomberie. There are pictures of old Hansom Cabs on the walls and the bar itself is constructed of finely polished wood. The exterior, too, is suitably antique.

The Moorish Bar (St. Helier)

Already discovered by many visitors to the island, the Moorish Bar is to be found in the Grand Hotel on the Esplanade, which has been described as the "Dorchester" of the Channel Islands. The bar has been beautifully modelled on Moorish lines with splendid arches and exquisite carvings. It has made a speciality of the more exotic cocktails and short drinks.

The Portcullis Bar (St. Helier)

This bar on first entering gives the impression of having remained unchanged for centuries. The rows of shining tankards, the carved wooden figures supporting the bar and the murals above it - all combine to provide an ideal setting for an evening drink. The continental staff here are particularly adept at mixing a wide variety of cocktails - and give sound advice on new drinks to try. The silver candelabras and selection of old paintings which adorn the walls are also well worth your attention. The Portcullis Bar adjoins the Revere Hotel in Kensington Place.

Les Fontaines Tavern (Ronez Point)

In this pleasant old inn overlooking St. John's Bay there is one of the strangest potatoes to be found on the island: a freak which has grown in the shape of a man complete with arms, legs and head. The tavern was originally built as a farmhouse in the 15th Century, and several of the huge beams to be found in the main bar came from vessels shipwrecked in the bay. Also of interest is the enormous hearth which still contains an iron cooking cauldron. Draught bitter is available for the homesick drinker, apart from a selection of French wines.

Old Smugglers Inn (Ouaisne Bay)

After the tortuous, winding route down to the pocket- handkerchief-sized Ouaisne Bay, the visitor will feel in the right mood for a drink at this ancient inn. The bay was much frequented by smugglers in the past and the regulars at the Smugglers Inn are never slow to come up with a story about the area - for the price of a pint, of course. How true the tales are is anyone's guess. For those without cars, the Inn is at the terminus of the No. 16 bus.

Tartan Bar (Corbiere)

This bar - there are actually three - is part of the Seagrove Hotel and must rank among the most unusual new drinking spots on the island. The wall around the entrance is made of a whole variety of spirit bottles cemented together, while the Tartan Bar itself contains traditional Scottish weapons and the tartan of every clan. Adjoining the bar is the Vintage Lounge which has been covered from floor to ceiling with the labelled sides of 2,000 spirit crates; and beside it is the Wine Cave which has walls and ceiling covered in wine advertisements and a bar made out of hundreds of bottles. If these bars fail to satisfy your mood - which will be surprising - there is also the Starlight Room where there is a resident band for dancing.

The Birdcage (Havre Des Pas)

The proprietors of this spot, which is situated in the Sunshine Hotel, call it their "Gimmick Bar" - and not without good reason. The bar is dominated by a huge glass-enclosed wheel in which perch hundreds of multi-coloured budgerigars. The birds perform a variety of tricks in the wheel and also make it revolve. Most nights there is live entertainment with a difference - a recent popular star has been the girl guitarist, Jackie Renay.

Kum See Bar (L'Etacq)

This is yet another bar which sets out to capture the atmosphere of a foreign country in Jersey. The Kum See is part of L'Etacq Hotel - splendidly situated at the end of the Five Mile Road in St. Ouen's Bay. It has been decked out in traditional Chinese style with bamboo, all manner of Oriental furniture and several strange Eastern paintings. Apart from a whole range of drinks - including the usual'beer and spirits - the Kum See offers visitors dancing, variety and cabaret acts.

Lower Deck Bar (St. Helier)

Here's a chance to sink to the depths during a stay in the islands - by going into a bar which was originally a cellar beneath the street. Sited in Bath Street by the Royal Hotel the Lower Deck is tastefully furnished in a nautical style with beautiful wood panelled walls. You should try one of the rums here.

Old Court House (St. Aubin's Bay)

This superb old world hostelry overlooking the harbour is one place no visitor should miss. Built in the 17th Century (although parts of it date back to 1450), the Old Court House has two quite unique bars: the "Westward" and "Granite" cocktail bars. The bar counter in the "Westward" is actually a small boat which has been converted for the serving of drinks. The boat - a gig - was originally on the "J" Class schooner Westward (that's where the bar gets its name from) before finding this new, permanent home. The beams in the bar are timbers taken from old ships and the nautical flavour is completed by the girls in naval costume who serve the drinks. The "Granite" cocktail bar has walls built of Jersey granite, and its main feature is a 27 ft. deep well! This remains because of a condition laid down in the deeds of the Old Court House that states the well must be "kept open and pure for the free use of visiting mariners". The inn's restaurant next door is noted for its French cuisine.

L'Auberge du Nord (Nord)

This attractive little wayside tavern in the Jersey countryside has a special attraction for parents who feel like a leisurely drink during the day - there is a "Playbox" to keep the children happy for hours. This outbuilding contains rides and games and encourages the children to mix with other youngsters while the Mums and Dads enjoy a cocktail. In the tavern itself there is a quaint "Ship Room" with low beams, and upstairs an equally attractive Puncheon Bar. 

La Moulin de Lecq (Greve de Lecq)

This inn, which was formerly the parish watermill and dates from the 12th Century, is probably one of the most fascinating places to drink on the island. It has been completely renovated, but retains' much of its old character, including the driving gear which soothes the patrons as it slowly revolves in the Mill Bar. Upstairs is the Granary Bar complete with old milling equipment and cushions made of old flour sacks. Customers are served by girls dressed in delightful French Breton costumes and among the famous people who have lingered here awhile are columnist Marjorie Proops, footballer Johnny Haynes and comedian Ted Ray. The inn specializes in strange cocktails such as "Fifi", "Animal Crackers", and "Highland Fling". In the main courtyard there is a novel "Children's Cocktail Bar" where the youngsters can buy soft drinks.

The Windmill Inn (St. Peter's)

This genuine windmill - now minus its sails - is the only one of its kind on the island to have been converted into three unique bars. Situated in a charming little country lane near St. Mary's church, the inn also has an extensive beer garden. Much of the original woodwork inside has been left untouched and provides a tasteful old world background.

Old Portelet Inn (Portelet)

Dating from 1606, this inn - which is one of the most famous on Jersey - boasts no fewer than 7 different bars, each one unique in its own way (e.g. Loft Bar and Stone Bar). The inn is also renowned for its splendid antique furniture and three special cocktails, "Fluffy Poodle", "Monkey up a Stick" and "Miss Jersey in a Bikini". Morning coffee, afternoon cream teas and a filling toasted fillet steak sandwich which costs only 4s. are served in the spacious gardens. Outside the main door there is a quaint wishing well where visitors can toss in a penny and make a wish. (This money, incidentally, is all given to the old people of Jersey.)

The Peirson (St. Helier)

This delightful old pub stands in the very heart of St. Helier facing on to Royal Square. It is named after Major F. Peirson, a young officer who was killed on the site during the ill-fated "Battle of Jersey" in 1781. A stone tablet set into the wall of the pub commemorates this event. Inside the building, proprietor Robert Parris has created a cosy atmosphere where locals and visitors can meet to discuss their various interests. In fact it is an ideal place to find out anything you want to know about Jersey.

Hotel du Soleil Levant (St. Helier)

This public house in Bath Street is one of the few free houses on Jersey and consequently offers a wide choice of spirits and beers - including Scotch Ale. It's a friendly place and any holiday-maker thinking about settling on Jersey could do worse than have a word with "mine host" John Ellis - as he is a member of the Jersey Housing Committee.