Tea Rooms in Jersey

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.

Cobweb Tea Room

Tea Rooms in Jersey

Jersey has numerous attractive little tea rooms, where Mum, Dad and the children can relax in the afternoon over a pot of tea, home-made cakes and possibly strawberries and Jersey cream. Here is a selection of some of the more outstanding places to be found on the Island:

The Cobweb. At St. Brelade's Bay is an old-world cottage where morning coffee and afternoon teas can be obtained. It is approached by a pretty, winding lane, and is immediately recognizable by the aviary full of colourful birds, which is situated outside.

Equally attractive, but in a different style, are the Cottage Tearooms at Havre des Pas. At the front there is a delightful flower covered trellis passage and tea can be taken in the gardens.

The Green Island Tearooms on the St. Clement's Road have the distinction of being the most southerly cafes in the British Isles. The premises overlook the beach and for the really peckish, grills (including steaks) are served.

Drive-Inn BBQ

Not far down the road from here, at Gorey, is the Drive-In - the only place on Jersey where you can be served without leaving your car. (If you come at night flick your lights for service.)

In Gorey itself, there is Mont Orgueil House where a really outstanding Jersey Cream Tea is served, .also home-made scones and sandwiches.

Apple Cottage, at Rozel, is another attractive tearoom where they specialize in sea foods like lobster and crab.

There is a fine view of St. Aubin's Bay to be enjoyed while you have morning coffee or afternoon tea at the Garden Cafe which stands close to the main coastal road.

A bit further along this same road is the Treasure House which serves morning coffee and light lunches. It can easily be recognized by the quaint trellis work on the front and the patio where other holiday- makers will be enjoying the establishment's good fare.

At St. Catherine's Bay there is only one building - the Tea Rooms. Here the visitor can sit in the open soaking up the sun or enjoying the pleasant view of the harbour.

Beach Cafe Bouley Bay

Strawberries and Cream are the speciality of the Beach Cafe at Bouley Bay. The youngsters taken here will particularly enjoy the variety of cage birds and having their photographs taken with their heads through the "Aunt Sally" boards.

Finally, two places worthy of attention in St. Helier. The Cup and Saucer at Charing Cross is good for a snack if you are in a hurry; while the snack bar and restaurant run by the Jersey Dairies can provide fresh full cream milk almost literally straight from local cows.