Casual Dining Group (CDG), the operator of nearly 300 mid-market restaurant brands including Café Rouge, Bella Italia and Las Iguanas, has signed a concessions agreement to open an Ale & Coffee House concept at Jersey Port.
The deal, which is CDG’s second contract with Ports of Jersey, following the agreement to run all food and beverage concessions at Jersey Airport in 2017, will see the 180-cover Ale & Coffee House, called The Shipyard, open at the Elizabeth Terminal in early 2019. Located a short walk from the nearby town of St Helier, the pub will cater for passengers in transit, as well as local residents.
The concept is CDG’s third Ale & Coffee House site, following two openings at Heathrow Airport (T3 and T5) last year.
Mark Nelson, Managing Director of Concessions and Franchising, CDG, said: 'This partnership demonstrates the versatility of our portfolio and flexibility to meet the needs of any location, and we are delighted to be working together again with Ports of Jersey to create an offer for the local community and also passengers passing through.”
The design plans for the new opening will see the creation of a restaurant and bar facility based upon CDG's existing Ale & Coffee House concepts and will focus on delivering an all-day offering, featuring high-quality pub classics using local produce, alongside a premium drinks range including a variety of cask ales, as well as other beers, coffee, wine and spirits.
The pub will also host a number of weekend entertainment nights, including live bands, jazz nights and stand-up comedy.
Nelson added, “As we’re catering for the local community as well as visitors, we’ve done something a little different with this site and included a stage for local bands and comedians – it’s going to be a great attraction and we can’t wait to open the doors early next year. We look forward to building on this momentum and growing this concept in the future at other national transport hubs including airports, ports and major train stations – its already been very well received at Heathrow Airport and we have no doubt it will be the same in Jersey.”
James Morris, Group Commercial Projects Officer, Ports of Jersey, said, “The port has been crying out for a food and drink offer and we’re confident the Ale & Coffee House will be a hit with travelers and locals alike. CDG’s proven success of operations at Jersey airport and the quality of the concept, made it a no brainer for us to partner with them again at the port. Their ability to pull together a winning offer and also their willingness to adapt the model, sets them apart from the crowd and we’re looking forward to developing this offer at Elizabeth Terminal, which will be available early next year.”