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Country Guide > Europe > Guernsey | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Guernsey is famous for its food and the island has a wide variety of restaurants ranging from traditional French and English cuisine to Italian, Indian and Chinese. The local speciality is shellfish, with freshly caught lobsters, crabs and scallops forming the basis of many dishes. Other Guernsey specialities include Guernsey Gâche - pronounced ‘gosh’ (a fruit loaf usually served with local butter) and Gâche Melée (a local apple cake). Table service is normal in restaurants, with counter service in bars. There are two self-service restaurants in St Peter Port. A wide variety of alcoholic beverages are available and spirits, beers and wines are relatively cheap compared to the mainland. Eating out is also excellent value for money as there is no VAT. After a recent change in the licensing laws, pubs in Guernsey are now able to stay open until 0045 seven nights a week. Nightlife Discos are located in St Peter Port, whilst live music and cabarets are organised by some hotels during the summer season. The Beau Sejour Leisure Centre at St Peter Port contains a cinema, theatre, bars and cafe. Shopping There is no VAT but a Guernsey Bailiwick tax is imposed on certain goods such as spirits, wines, beers and tobacco. Prices of luxury goods are cheaper than in the UK, although the overall cost of foodstuffs is higher. Special purchases include Guernsey’s local pottery, knitted sweaters, crafts, gold and silver jewellery and candles. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1730 (there may be limited Sunday opening). Special Events For full details and exact dates, contact the Guernsey Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Guernsey in 2005: Jan 24-Mar 20 Guernsey Eisteddfod Society 75th Annual Festival. Mar 25-28 Alderney Easter Weekend/Easter Runs. Apr 1-3 Guernsey Blues Festival. Apr 8-10 14th Open International Guernsey Masters Swim Meet. May 1-16 Alderney Seafood Festival. May 21-29 Spring Walking Week. Jun 9-11 Floral Guernsey Show. Jun 24 Harbour Carnival, St Peter Port. Jul 1-30 Seafood Festival & Fair. Jul 23-31 St Peter Port Carnival. Jul 30-Aug 7 Alderney Week. Aug 24-25 North Show and Battle of Flowers (finale of summer shows), Saumarez Park, Castel. Sep 3-18 St Peter Ale & Food Festival. Sep 9-11 34th Guernsey International Air Rally. Sep 10-18 Autumn Walking Week. Sep 30-Oct 2 Guernsey Jazz Festival. Oct 1-Nov 11 Tennerfest. Social Conventions Handshaking is the customary form of greeting and normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone’s home. It is not usual to start eating until everyone is served. If invited to someone’s home, a small present such as flowers or chocolates is appreciated. Casual wear is acceptable in most places. Smoking is not allowed on buses. Tipping: 10 to 12 per cent is normal, except where a service charge is included. |