Settling In Series - Guernsey's Culinary Delights
It isn’t unusual for recent relocators to remark at their pleasant surprise, not only at the variety but also the quality of Guernsey’s restaurant offering. For an island of just 25 square miles, islanders can choose from well over 120 restaurants, cafés, and bars, each with its own individuality and stand-out menu items. Whether it’s fresh sushi on the seafront, stone-baked pizzas in the sunshine or mouth-watering steaks by the sea; whatever the cuisine, the quality of both the dish and service is apparent!
In April 2023, Guernsey celebrates the Taste Guernsey Food Festival, a month-long event celebrating the very best produce available in Guernsey. In line with this local event, Locate Guernsey is exploring the superb food and local flavours available in Guernsey, which celebrates island life.
Whilst restaurants naturally come alive during the evening, it isn’t uncommon to see locals enjoy a long lunch enjoying the fantastic local scenery that Guernsey offers. Cafés in particular never see a quiet moment as brunch has become a new pastime staple and business meetings take place over coffee into the late afternoon.
Many of the island’s eateries also offer al fresco dining, truly in line with the outdoorsy lifestyle that islanders are known for. Whilst the beer gardens, patioed verandas or balcony bars are bustling during the summer months, dog walkers and hikers still frequent their favourite outdoor spot during the cooler days, enjoying the refreshing air with a warming drink and sweet treat.
Seafood of course features heavily on many menus. Guernsey’s surrounding local waters are well regarded as providing some of the finest quality seafood available. Local restaurants take full advantage of this, offering a delicious selection of dishes sourced from the surrounding seas including fresh sea bass, scallops and oysters. For a truly local experience, a crab sandwich from one of Guernsey’s several beach kiosks or fish and chips on the beach whilst watching the sunset are experiences that shouldn’t be missed.
Of course, the island’s enviable work/life balance also makes it easy to enjoy what the island has to offer. With an average islander’s commute lasting around 10 minutes, it simply means there’s more time to enjoy life in Guernsey. Cocktails with friends, a beach BBQ with family or even nipping across to Herm for a bite to eat after work, are all regular occurrences and truly highlight the bliss of island life.
The island is also famed for its local produce. Guernsey has a world-famous dairy breed producing high-quality milk, due to its high protein and buttermilk content. Milk is taken to the Guernsey Dairy where it is also used to make butter, cheese, ice cream and cream. Fresh locally grown fruit and vegetables can also be found across the island, sold on Hedge Veg stalls. Hedge Veg is a local tradition that is a staple of island life - not only does it offer a quirky way of sourcing local produce, but it is also a testament to the island’s trusting community.
This article was first published in Aurigny's En Voyage magazine - Issue 28
If you are considering relocating to the island, the team at Locate Guernsey are on hand to provide confidential guidance throughout your relocation journey free of charge. If you would like to understand how Guernsey could work for you, please get in touch on 01481 220011 or email enquiries@locateguernsey.com.
