A RESTAURANT used by ferry passengers ahead of their journeys to France, Guernsey or the UK is to switch to an “in-house” operation.
The Shipyard at Elizabeth Harbour has been operated by JP Restaurants under the Café Ubé brand since 2021, but will be operated directly by Ports of Jersey from the end of March.
Captain William Sadler, Jersey harbourmaster said: “We see this 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 today, Ports of Jersey said the change was reflective of “our continued commitment to putting customers at the heart of what we do”.
A spokesperson added that the move “gives us the opportunity to focus on quality, consistency and the little touches that matter to ferry users and our wider community”.
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, the Ports of Jersey spokesperson added: “We are sincerely grateful for their partnership and for the care, consistency and high standards they have brought to the space over the past three years.”
Following the closure of the previous restaurant at Elizabeth Harbour, the Shipyard opened in July 2019, run by UK operator Casual Dining Group. After the venue had closed as a result of the Covid pandemic in March 2020, the company ceased trading in July of the same year.
