Businesswoman Laurraine Falle, who owns Feast restaurant on Gorey Pier, gained the approval of the Licensing Assembly after applying for a third-category restaurant licence and sixth-category off-licence for her proposed redevelopment of the boatyard and adjoining Sail Loft shop.
Under the plans the complex – known as ‘The Yard’ – will comprise a restaurant, deli and ‘cultural hub’ where events, pop-up shops, live music or exhibitions can be staged.
The approved provisional off-licence relates to the deli section of the development.
In June, the business, Sail Loft Gorey Limited, had its application for a first-category taverner’s licence and third category restaurant licence refused by the Assembly, who said the request was premature and ‘not sufficient’.
The Assembly, which grants licences to businesses in the Island, takes into consideration recommendations made by parish authorities.
In mid-August at a St Martin’s Parish Assembly attendees voted in favour of supporting Sail Loft Ltd’s application for a restaurant licence, but narrowly voted against its request for an off-licence.
However, both elements were granted approval by the Licensing Assembly yesterday .
‘We will continue to move forward with the work on the site so we are ready for our launch in 2016.’
Despite an anti-development leaflet campaign last summer, Mrs Falle’s new restaurant project received overwhelming approval from the Planning Applications Committee, who gave the plans a green light in September 2014.
‘We are very excited about our plans for Gorey Pier and appreciate all the support we have received from the parish,’ Mrs Falle added.
‘By next year we will have a beautiful restaurant, cultural hub and artisan delicatessen for locals and tourists alike to enjoy.’
Ex pat: Looks a good scheme to me. The tourist industry is on its knees, and someone who is planning a extra attraction is subject to this.
The Future: If planning stop these up and coming projects we will never get the economy back up and thriving we will just stagnate in an unchanging Jersey.
Jimlepim: The noise will be horrendous. There is already several restaurants and cafés on the pier. We don’t need more. It is not in keeping with the historic pier setting.
Jerseywonder: This sounds a wonderful idea.The pier could do with a revamp.It sadly has gone down hill and at times the slip leading to the beach has drunken people drinking alcohol on the wall. This doesn’t give a good vibe and can be intimidating to families on the beach with their children. So definitely its a YES, win win situation. The pier may feel much more welcoming with a new venture. Keep the pier upgraded and the regular foul mouthed drunks off the pier.
(Taken from the Gorey Pier website)
What is your vision for the new restaurant?
I believe Gorey is in need of new ideas and investment and I am confident that everyone, including other businesses on the pier, will benefit from our plans.
I will be preserving the distinctive architecture of the existing building, which has been empty for years.
I hope to create an exciting restaurant to be known as ‘The Yard’, which in style will be like none other in Jersey.
The setting will offer opportunity for culture, entertainment, and community gatherings.
A focal point will be an open kitchen with a spectacular fire pit.
On the terraces diners will enjoy views over the harbour across Grouville Bay and upwards to the Castle battlements.
It will be a place to sample Jersey produce, exhibit local crafts, a meeting point for tourists going and coming from the Castle and a place to mingle.
It will, I hope, also provide stimulus to the tourist industry on which so many aspects of our way of life depends.
What can the deli provide that we don’t already have on the pier?
I am constantly being told that a local deli is long overdue on Gorey Pier and I’m thrilled at the prospect of introducing one.
It will be a place to purchase locally sourced fresh produce and artisan baked goods.
There will also be smoked salmon, hams, pickles, cheeses and spices and we shall create our own homemade range of dressings and chutneys.
I want to support local producers and farmers in the area and provide an outlet for the sale of their goods also.
This will work in conjunction with a planned farmers’ market offering even more scope for tantalizing produce available in the east of the Island.
I hope that people will come to me with suggestions and advice to help it all happen.
Is there demand for another restaurant in Gorey?
Most definitely. I have for many months been sustained by loyal supporters of Feast, my existing restaurant, and people enthused at the prospect of a project which will bring a new experience to life on the Pier.
Gorey is declared in the Island Plan to be a “principal tourist destination”, yet in recent years Gorey has seen the loss to residential development of Jersey Pottery and the Drive In BBQ.
My new enterprise will certainly not be large enough to replace them or indeed to meet the increased demand of the new residential developments; all licensed premises should benefit from the increased numbers of potential customers living within easy walking distance of the Pier.
Will this cause parking issues for the area?
For all the obvious reasons, Gorey is a popular destination and inevitably attracts a disproportionate number of visitors.
But short of creating new areas for parking, the physical limitations govern the number of people able to drive and park.
Those who wish to enjoy the best the Pier has to offer will make the effort.
For my part I am keen to work with all who have an interest in Gorey to come up with solutions designed to help us all. Fortunately, we enjoy the Island’s most frequent bus service with four routes into Gorey Pier; more are being considered by LibertyBus.
My support for this Plan has extended to making a contribution to the Eastern Cycle Route Fund in the hope that the new cycle path will provide a safe route from Town to Gorey on two wheels instead of four.
When the yard opens will you be closing feast restaurant?
Absolutely not! Feast is my first love. I am very proud of it and my talented kitchen crew and front of house staff are truly dedicated and excited to be part of our growth as a company.
We know Feast to be highly regarded and we all rejoice in its popularity.
The new restaurant and delicatessen will complement Feast, not replace it.
