Odds and Ends 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.

Odds and Ends in Jersey

"Jerseys"

The wool garment which is called a jersey was in fact created on the island of the same name. It was originally knitted by the womenfolk in home and cottages throughout Jersey - but its popularity soon spread far beyond the bounds of the island and men were called in to take up the needles and boost the rate of production.

By 1608, however, so many men and boys were busy knitting jerseys that the States became alarmed at the effect this might have on the work of the land, and they passed an ordinance forbidding any person over 15 from knitting during seed-time, at harvest and when the Vraic (a type of seaweed found only in the Channel Islands and used for fuel and manure) was due to be collected.

Despite this the industry continued to flourish and at one stage as many as 6,000 jerseys were being despatched to eager customers in France, England and Spain. The introduction of mechanization took away much of the work from the islanders, but jerseys are still being produced today on the island at a modern factory in St. Helier. Visitors buying jerseys can tell if the item is home produced by the "Genuine - Made in Jersey" label which is attached to every one before it leaves the factory.




Spooky Jersey

According to local gossip Witchcraft - White Witchcraft still flourishes in the more remote parts of Jersey. Islanders claim that there are still old men and women who can cast spells to cure minor illnesses which modern medical science has not been able to help. A typical spell that this writer was told concerns warts - the remedy for removing them is to bury a fig leaf in manure and as the leaf rots so will the warts disappear. There are also some unsavoury stories about the local magicians demanding money from farmers or their crops will be blighted but there is little proof of this.

Witchcraft has undoubtedly been practised on the island for many centuries, but it reached its height in the 16th and 17th centuries. St. Clement's Parish became particularly notorious in this respect, and the rock at Le Nez was the centre where the Sabbats were held. Still visible on the rock are two marks which look rather like hoof-marks. The area is lonely at the best of times and this may explain why so few of the witches were caught and punished.

Jean Mourant was one man who did not escape the law, however - he was executed in 1585, condemned by the Satanic merche du diable branded on his finger. A woman, Marie Ensouf, was hanged, strangled and burned in 1648 as punishment for selling her soul to the Devil. The proof which damned her was a black streak on her palate.

But not all the customs on Jersey are of such an unsavoury nature. For instance many of them are a guide to the future. It is said that if the new moon falls on a Saturday, bad weather will follow but if the weather changes at a new or full moon, the change will last for a fortnight.

Farming on the island abounds with superstitions and gossip has it that green crops do better if sown with a waxing moon while root crops should be planted when the moon is on the wane. Transplanting parsley is believed to bring bad luck, while death will result to anyone looking at the cattle at midnight on Christmas Eve. At that moment, says the superstition, the cattle kneel to adore Christ and to witness this brings a fatal result. A tap on the window at night or a picture falling from the wall are also held on the island to foretell a death in the house.

Today these superstitions may seem foolish and out of place in modern society - but in the farms and villages the people know differently!

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.

Sights to see, Places to Visit 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.

Sights to see, Places to Visit

Jersey Zoo

The Zoo, in its beautiful old-world setting at Les Augres Manor at Trinity, is worth taking an afternoon off from the beach to visit. Established by writer and TV personality, Gerald Durrell, it contains animals from all over the world including tropical birds, snakes, bears, monkeys, two very engaging lions, and a friendly Marsh Mongoose, "Makai" who took part in the film "Call Me Bwana" with Bob Hope.

Durrell's purpose in creating the Zoo was to start a breeding colony for animals threatened with extinction and it has now been open to the public since 1959. It is also the headquarters of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust which has members all over the world. Younger visitors will recognize many of the animals from their television appearance with Gerald Durrell and they will also find plenty to fascinate them in the special "Pet's Corner". The Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to dusk seven days a week and there is a bus service direct from St. Helier.

Some Unusual Sights

St. Peter's Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas of the island - particularly during the early summer when the lower parts are carpeted with yellow irises. When Queen Victoria visited Jersey and asked to be taken to the most beautiful area, this is where officials brought her; today, however, many tourists come to see the relics of the German Occupation which include a power station, three large ammunition tunnels going into the hillside (one is now used as a garage) and the Underground Hospital.

At the Beaumont Crossroads where most people enter the Valley is a cannon standing beneath an awning. This is one of the only six surviving cannons made in the 16th century by Owens of Houndsworth. The piece is 7 ft. long and fired shot weighing 21 lb. The inscription on the cannon tells its own story: “Jhon Owen Made This Pese Anno Dni 1551 For The Paryshe Of Saynt Peter In Jersse”.

St. Peter's Church is unusual for the fact that it was twice struck by lightning (1612 and 1843) - and on the second occasion the parish printed 275 special pound notes to pay for the repair of the damage! It can also claim to be the only church in the world which has a red light on the top of its spire to warn low flying aircraft!

Another church which was damaged by lightning - but in this instance THREE times - is Trinity Parish Church. In the building is a fine mural monument to Sir Edouard de Carteret, who was Usher of the Black Rod to Charles II.

Not far from the Church is one of those out of the way spots that may not be easy to find, but on discovery almost takes the viewer's breath away. The place is called, Egypt, but in no way does it resemble the Middle East country of the same name. In fact it is a community of little cottages scattered together in a small valley. The approach road winds down between the buildings and in most places is only just the width of a car. All around are gorse, broom, bracken and brambles growing in glorious confusion, presenting a contrast to the flatness of Trinity on one side and the majestic cliffs of Bouley Bay on the other. 

During the Occupation Egypt was used by the Germans as a site for exercises and in doing this they destroyed what was surely the most unusual farmhouse in the world. For the occupier had built his own private ballroom adjoining the farmhouse! One can only guess what sort of an attraction that would have been today.

Jersey's Churches are all interesting in their own particular ways, but their histories are too long and complicated to be included in a guide of this nature. Let it suffice then to mention briefly a few of the more unusual ones.

At Leoville, for instance, there is an enormous Methodist Chapel which can hold close on 800 people. Behind it is the tiny granite chapel which was erected by the first converts to Methodism in the later part of the 18th century.

The Roman Catholic Church at St. Martin is also worth a call for here is buried Charles Edward Stuart, a descendant of the Young Pretender and said by his friends to have been the rightful King of England.

St. Saviour's Church, interesting as it is, has not the same attraction as the Rectory beside it. For it was here that the girl who grew up to be one of the world's great beauties, Lillie Langtry, was born in 1853. Lillie was the daughter of Dean Le Breton, the Rector, and old residents today will still recall their grandparents telling them about the "beautiful clergyman's daughter". Her career of being worshipped from afar by countless men began after her first ill-fated marriage to a wealthy Irishman. She visited London and was soon the subject of a poem by Oscar Wilde. Words were followed by paintings and in later years she was committed to canvas by no lesser artists than Millais, Leighton and Whistler.

Despite this adulation in England, Lillie was devoted to Jersey and when she married a second time the service took place at St. Saviour's Church. After her death her body was brought back to Jersey - by her own request - and she was buried in St. Saviour's Churchyard. Today an exquisitely executed bust which has captured the full light of her beauty looks down on her grave.

There is also a dramatic piece of history to be found in a somewhat neglected cemetery on St. John's Road. For here are buried several of the exiled Frenchmen who sought refuge on Jersey along with Victor Hugo. Their burial was performed with great ceremony - fellow exiles carrying the coffin through the streets preceded by a red flag. Before the graves were covered over, one of the mourners - often Hugo himself - would read a stirring ovation and denounce the tyranny of Louis Napoleon which had driven the deceased from his homeland.


No guide would be complete without a word about Jersey's abundance of ghosts. There's no guarantee given that the visitor will see one, but it is interesting listening to the locals talking about. spectres which have walked their lanes for centuries.

In St. Saviour's Parish they have actually named a road after a ghost - Rue de la Dame which runs into the Grands Vaux valley. The ghost is a lady dressed in white who is supposed to appear on certain nights of the year. There is another ghostly lady in white - allegedly - to be seen in the vicinity of an 11 ft. high stone at La Motte in St. Clement's. Because of this spectre the stone has been named La Dame Blanche.

Probably the most interesting ghost of all - again a lady in white (could all three be the same?) - has been reported in St. Lawrence. According to the legend whenever a peal of bells is heard in the lane which leads to Waterworks Valley a coach and six grey horses come galloping down the hill. In the coach sits a woman dressed in a bridal gown - but she has no face, only a grinning white skull. The reason for this, says the story, is that the woman drove to a church in St. Lawrence only to find that her groom had deserted her. Her reaction was to return home and commit suicide - so now she forever gallops the lanes looking for her faithless lover.

In the light of day these legends may seem laughable – but you try going to the locations in the depths of night!

Finally, which is the most unusual sight of all on Jersey? The strange little miniature tower carved with the words "La Frenaie" which stands at the crossroads of La Chasse in St. Martin's Parish undoubtedly qualifies for the award. The building could be either the entrance to an old fort or perhaps the parish "lock up" - and this idea is strengthened by the fact that the date 1626 is carved over the entrance. The truth of the matter, however, is that the "tower" is a fake and was actually built in 1900!

The creator was an eccentric islander, Constable Messervy, who was a great traveller and delighted in devising phoney antiques. The old man's house – called "Les Alpes" - is just 100 yards up the main road from the turret, and today examples of his strange hobby are still visible. During the time he lived in the magnificent white house he created a fake mountain (since levelled), an Egyptian sphinx, an Indian Elephant, and a full size Swiss Chalet. The chalet can be seen from the road, as can a weird monumental pillar covered with distorted figures. At one time the whole garden was a mass of fakes - but today there are still enough of them left to demonstrate the old man's strange genius for fraud!

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.

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.