One of the best parts of island life is the abundance of local ingredients available to us. We have a great selection of dedicated growers who supply many of our local restaurants, resulting in wonderful organic offerings across The Islands.
Here are just some of the benefits of organic food and farming:
- It supports biodiversity and wildlife - nature and wildlife really flourish when farmers are able to care for the land on which they are working
- It helps to combat climate change - without the use of chemicals, nature can thrive
- It promotes the highest standards of animal welfare
- It reduces exposure to pesticides
It ensures you have food you can trust - just as it should be, and it tastes much better!
On The Islands of Guernsey, there are many ways to embrace local organic food and farming. Below, we have highlighted a few options for your visit to our islands.
Embrace Local with Hedge Veg
If you spend any time at all wandering the lanes of Guernsey, it won't be long until you happen upon a hedge veg stall, a unique and charming staple of Guernsey life where islanders sell their homegrown goods, from Guernsey tomatoes and potatoes to homemade baked goods, crafts and candles. Many items found here are organic. Read more about Hedge Veg here.
Order Direct from Local Suppliers
If you choose to stay in self-catering accommodation, then ordering from one of our many local suppliers is a great way to eat local without dining out for every meal. Options include Manor Farm Foods, Orgeris Organic Veg boxes and Joe’s Fresh Veg. Please contact the supplier to confirm organic produce.
Visit a Farmer's Market
With a wide range of different stalls offering fresh, locally grown vegetables, locally raised free range beef and lamb, charcuterie, homemade cakes and pies, and vegetarian and vegan delicacies, there is a huge amount on offer at the Saturday morning Farmer's Market in the grounds of Sausmarez Manor. You can also find Guernsey honey, homemade jams, chutneys, marmalades and local sea salt. The market is always changing, and while some of your favourite things may not be there every week, there is always something new to discover. In winter, the market moves inside the St Martins Community Centre.
Alderney Farm Shop
The Alderney Farm Shop in Victoria Street is run by island farmer, Michael Cox, and his family. They are an official stockist of Waitrose and, in addition to everyday essentials, the shop has a comprehensive selection of the freshest local produce, including their own Kiln Farm reared beef and dairy produce, fresh in-season fish and island-grown vegetables. They also have their own in-house cooks who produce freshly made soups, pies, salads and coleslaws every day, alongside fresh bread, hot pasties, muffins and other bakery delights.
Here are a few local restaurant offerings for you:
The Farmhouse
Food is at the heart of The Farmhouse, an award-winning 4* boutique hotel & restaurant set in extensive grounds amongst the scenic Guernsey countryside.
Whatever you choose will be prepared with great skill using local, organic and Fairtrade products wherever possible. Start your day with a delicious breakfast or brunch, sample seasonal à la carte dishes for lunch or dinner, indulge in a homemade afternoon tea, dip ‘n’ dine with friends and family or lay out a blanket for a picnic on the lawn.
The Hook
The Hook is Guernsey’s sushi bar, seafood and organic steak restaurant. It is located on St Peter Port seafront and offers wonderful views out over Victoria Harbour, as well as stylish and contemporary decor. There are a lot of fresh specials on the menu, often changing on a daily basis. Not all items are certified organic, but ask your waiter for more information.
Stocks Hotel Restaurant, Sark
Great quality food lies at the heart of the Stocks team's hospitality philosophy. They pride themselves on producing good food using the freshest local ingredients wherever possible. The hotel has a long-standing relationship with a team of local fishermen, farmers and other local suppliers, their "Sark Food Heroes". This team only grow or harvest small quantities of fresh produce on a non-intensive and sustainable basis.
The hotel has established Sark’s first ever market garden based on the principles of permaculture. Their team worked diligently to design and create an oasis of superbly fresh, organic, local garden produce just 250 metres from the back door of the kitchen. It's a wonderful place to embrace local, homegrown organic produce on The Islands of Guernsey.
