FOCUS: Raise a glass! The story of one of Jersey's largest pub chains

Saturday 20 May 2023

As it celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, Express takes a look back at the history of a pub chain which has become a staple of island life...

It all started in 1823, when Mr Robert Randall arrived in Jersey as a young boy from Dorset.

After first working as a maltster – someone who makes malt for use in brewing or distilling – Mr Randall eventually acquired the Minden Place Brewery.

In 1847, he merged it with the Clare Street Brewery, establishing Randalls as "Jersey's original brewery."

The company flourished under the leadership of Mr Randall's son, Harry, and later under the tenure of Mrs Violet H. Walker – who made history as the first female Managing Director in 1936.

Unfortunately, Mrs Walker had to evacuate due to the war in June 1940, and Mr J.A. Ereant took over as Managing Director.

Pictured: Randalls acquired the Clare Street Brewery in 1847. (Randalls) 

From June 1940 to May 1945, the German Occupation forced pubs on the island to make tough decisions in the absence of raw materials for brewing, as well as the scarcity of beer and cider.

Pub owners were forced to implement cost-cutting measures, including implementing a one-week on, one-week off working schedules for staff.

Moreover, the Germans imposed strict regulations on alcohol sales and distribution, leaving pubs to operate under the risk of severe consequences for any violations. 

Nevertheless, numerous pubs managed to persevere, becoming gathering places that offered locals and occupying German forces a sense of normality. 

Pictured: A Randalls advert during the German Occupation. (Randalls)

In February 1964, the Randalls business was bought by the Hon. E.G. Greenall, and a new bottling plant was installed while the brewery was extended and modernised.

In 1978, Randalls Brewery acquired the local wine and spirit merchants, J.F. Vautier, and the company became known as 'Randalls Vautier Ltd'.

The wine and spirit warehousing was subsequently moved to Clare St. Brewery.

In 1986, a further major redevelopment of the brewery site provided modern warehousing to accommodate the increasing business.

However, in 1992, the company ceased its brewing operations and shifted towards modernising its public houses.

This move was made to cater to the increased demand from customers and provide a wider range of food and beverage options, which had by then become the mainstay for most pubs.

Pictured: Les Fontaines pub in 1978 with Lord Daresbury in the centre. (Randalls) 

Randalls undertook refurbishments of existing premises, adding children's areas, entertainment, and welcoming new pubs to the group.

The Portelet Inn was added to the group in 1991, followed by The Admiral and Chambers in 1994, and The Earl Grey at First Tower in 1998.

Refurbishments at country pubs including The Goose, Les Fontaines, The Pembroke, and The Tenby swiftly followed.

Gavin Reid, current Managing Director of Randalls, said of the 200 years: “There is no one prouder than myself to be privileged and entrusted to lead this wonderful company into another colourful chapter of its glorious antiquity.

"Randalls has witnessed the evolution of our island, from its humble beginnings to the eclectic mix it now offers today. Through it all, it has remained a constant source of comfort, offering a warm welcome and a hot meal to all who enter its doors. 

Pictured: Gavin Reid, the current Managing Director of Randalls. 

"Its walls hold the stories of our community, and its tables have witnessed countless conversations, debates, and celebrations.

"Let us also pause to remember that is not just the folk on one side of the bar that offers character to our wonderful pubs, it is also the wonderful staff behind the scenes who complement and service our outlets every day of the year.  

"So let us raise a glass to Randalls, and to all that it represents. Here's to 200 years of island life, and to the many more that lie ahead.” 

Pictured top: Randalls' Clare Street Brewery. (Randalls)