The harbour’s flagship dining space is switching hands once again – but this time services will be brought “in-house” in a move Ports of Jersey hopes will “deliver real improvements to the passenger experience”.
The catering site at Elizabeth Terminal has been subject to multiple ill-fated attempts to revive it over the years, including a failed transformation into a craft beer and live-music venue.
The Casual Dining Group – the UK chain then behind Bella Italia, Café Rouge and Las Iguanas – took on the venue in 2019 but went into administration which led to its closure.
In 2022, JP Restaurants expanded their Café Ubé brand into the space, which will now be operated directly by Ports of Jersey from the end of March.
Captain William Sadler, Jersey’s harbourmaster, described the switchover as “a chance to deliver real improvements to the passenger experience and to the thousands of people who use the port every year”.
Confirming the change, which has also seen the new operator apply for an alcohol licence expected to be considered by the Licensing Assembly tomorrow, Ports of Jersey said the change was reflective of “our continued commitment to putting customers at the heart of what we do”.
Changes that are planned include a new range of hot rolls, pastries and “grab-and-go” favourites such as sandwiches and wraps.
Car passengers, as well as other customers who are not travelling, will be able to purchase takeaway items from 6.30am to 9pm daily, while foot passengers will be able to use the seating area, play zone and toilets once they have passed security, with the venue opening two-and-a-half hours prior to ferry departure times.
With JP Restaurants shortly handing over the running of the site, Ports of Jersey said the team were “sincerely grateful for their partnership and for the care, consistency and high standards they have brought to the space over the past three years”.