With six stunning acres of beautiful private land, unbelievable views of the ocean and an award-winning restaurant (formerly held a 10-year Michelin star until 2017, but they are making great strides in reclaiming that), it was hard not to feel excited about a weekend at the Atlantic Hotel in Jersey.
Just a 40 minute flight from Gatwick airport, the 4-star hotel already has a reputation thanks to being a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Since 2017 though, when head chef Mark Jordan left, the hotel’s Ocean restaurant has lost its Michelin Star and they’ve since been going through a transitional phase. They’ve got a new executive chef now in Will Holland, who previously won a Michelin star at La Bécasse in Ludlow. The Good Food Guide once wrote Will was, “Predicted to be one of the 10 most influential chefs of the next decade.” Such are the lengths the Atlantic’s going to in order to regain that Michelin Star. Indeed, during 2013/14 Jersey had no less than four Michelin Star restaurants but others too have since lost that heralded title. This is why the Atlantic Hotel and Ocean Restaurant are working hard to put Jersey back on the foodie map.
Given its location, this Channel Isle hotel is naturally a must for its seafood. The pan-fried brill fillet is not to be missed. Cooked with a delicious lobster tagliatelle, tarragon puree, baby spinach and lobster cream sauce, it offers excellent combination in flavour and texture. The seared hand-dived scallop is also wonderfully cooked and offers an unusual, yet brilliant pairing of cauliflower cheese, raisin, curry oil and smoked bacon crumb.
Definitely go for a post-dinner drink in the bar/lounge area. The staff are very hospitable and friendly, and the cockatils are great (especially the White Russian). And definitely go for a pre-meal stroll. Since the hotel is in the parish of St. Brelade on the west coast of Jersey, it offers breathtaking views of St Ouen’s Bay and the crystal blue Atlantic Ocean. Plus, the hotel borders La Moye Championship Golf Course and overlooks Jersey National Park, an unspoilt conservation area making for fantastic photo opportunities.
As well as being in for a really relaxing sleep (if there’s a better sound than waves to fall asleep to, please let me know), Jersey as an island is a fascinating place. I’d highly recommend sea foraging. Derek and Trudie – the couple that host it – are an eccentric, highly knowledgable and fascinating duo. They’ll take you back to the 19th century and educate you about everything from seaweed to cockles. And after strolling down the British Isles’ largest oyster bed, you’ll get to go back to the pub and eat some! Speak to the Jersey Tourist Board, they’re very useful and can get you booked in. Visit www.jersey.com/sea-foraging-oyster-trail to find out more.
On the back of this activity, foodies will be excited to know that Eat Jersey Food Festival will return on 22nd March.
The gourmet weekend offers diners the chance to join two events at the Atlantic’s Ocean Restaurant. On Friday 22nd March, Will will be joined by a brigade of renowned chefs from across Britain. They will create a spectacular six course menu of dishes inspired by local ingredients, served with a paired wine flight. At this event, guests will enjoy dishes from:
- Lee Smith, Head Chef at Samphire, Jersey
- Paul Leonard, Head Chef at Burlington Restaurant at The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, North Yorkshire
- Chris Underwood, Head Pastry Chef at Frog by Adam Handling, Frog Hoxton and Belmond Cadogan, London
- Richard Davies, Executive Chef at Calcot Manor, Tetbury
- Adam Reid, Chef at The French, Manchester
On Saturday 23rd March, Ocean embraces ‘Social Saturday’, an exclusive pop-up restaurant for one day only in partnership with the renowned Social Eating House, London. Will will be joined by Chef Patron Paul Hood for a collaborative ‘four-hands’ menu of dishes for lunch and dinner service. Guests may choose between four, six and eight course menus. Wine flights will be available, expertly paired by The Atlantic’s sommelier team.
Ingredients featured throughout Eat Jersey will be sourced from the land and waters surrounding the island. Minimising food miles, the menu will highlight the freshest seafood and vegetables, most tender meats and creamiest of dairy products available on the island.
International charity Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust will again be the Festival’s philanthropic partner. Headquartered at Jersey Zoo, Durrell has a mission of saving species from extinction and focuses on the most threatened species in the most threatened places. Through their work at the zoo and in the wild their aim is for more diverse, beautiful and resilient natural landscapes in which species can thrive and people can enjoy a deeper connection with nature.
For more information, visit www.theatlantichotel.com
