One of Jersey’s newest restaurants, built on the site of the former Portelet Bay Café , has been the subject of a number of complaints from nearby residents because of smoke coming from its oven.
Husband and wife Piers and Alexandra Ostroumoff took over the site to expand their Jersey Woodfired Pizza Company, which offers a mobile pizza service using specialist ovens for events and functions.
But now, less than a month since the restaurant first opened its doors to the public, Environmental Health officials have confirmed that they have received complaints about smoke coming from the building.
As a result, officials have carried out inspections of the restaurant and have given advice on how to minimise the smoke output.
Mr Ostroumoff described the issues as ‘teething problems’ and said he hoped it would soon ‘blow over’.
‘People have complained about the smoke from the wood oven and we have taken measures to make sure the wood is treated properly before it is burned,’ he said.
‘I think it’s only one or two people who have a problem – they think it is their private beach. My wife does get upset, but it does not get to me. They are just teething problems. I would prefer to focus on the positives.’
Stewart Petrie, head of the Environmental Health Department, said that for any action to be taken it would have to be classified as a ‘nuisance’ under the Statutory Nuisance (Jersey) Law.
‘What people may describe as a nuisance may not necessarily be a nuisance under the law,’ he said.
‘We have had some complaints about smoke, particularly when they first opened, and we are investigating.
‘Part of the problem may have been them breaking in a new pizza oven, but we are aware of the complaints and we are dealing with them’
The restaurant owners say that business has otherwise been going well and that they have now started yoga classes on the beach.
Run by husband and wife team Alexandra (41) and Piers Ostroumoff (42), Jersey Woodfired Pizza Company were the first business to bring mobile wood fired pizza ovens to Jersey.
Their ovens are mounted onto trailers, allowing them to set up wherever they are required.
Pizzas are cooked in the traditional Italian way, directly on the stone floor of the wood fired ovens, producing a hint of smokiness.
This traditional cooking method eliminates the need for excess oils, and ensures that the pizza have an extra crunch.
FOR too long the former café on Portelet Beach has been an ugly reminder of the decline of Jersey’s tourist industry.
It is great news, therefore, that it is to be transformed into a pizza café.
It has being taken on by a family with a vision in tune with how the Island should promote its unique natural assets – by adding a taste of mystery, adventure and water sports.
The new owners, Alexandra and Piers Ostroumoff, want to encourage customers to come by sea, in kayaks, on paddle boards, yachts and ribs.
The thought of another Jersey summer just got even more delicious.
