Prince of Wales Tavern, St Helier

A charming, slightly old-fashioned town centre pub with plenty of character and thoughtful decor. The entrance opens into a front lounge area with carpeted floors, banquettes along the front wall, low stools, and a large beer board. Light is limited due to surrounding buildings, adding to the cosy, enclosed feel. The bar runs along the right-hand wall and extends into a longer rear space with more hard benches and a drinking ledge. A dark wood counter and elegant arched canopy with etched glass partitioning give the servery real presence. The walls are packed with curios including naval memorabilia, old number plates, cartoons, and beer advertisements. A final space sits to the left behind a partition, although this felt a little cut off and underused. Quiet music played throughout my stay. The pub had seven handpulls, with Fullers London Pride, Gales HSB, Sharps Doom Bar, and Taylors Landlord on, though two pumps were turned and one remained unclipped. My pint of Landlord was in decent nick and the barmaid was extremely friendly and helpful, immediately pointing out the cash-only policy and helping me to locate the nearest cashpoint when she saw me reaching for my card prior to serving me. The atmosphere was laid-back and sociable, with a few small groups and some regulars quietly chatting. St Hellier isn't exactly overrun with great pubs and alehouses, so this place, which wasn't on my radar at all when I last visited the island in 2020, was a welcome addition to my itinerary. I thought the service was great and the ale range, whilst fairly pedestrian by mainland standards, stands up as one of the best you're likely to find in Jersey. Really pleased to have discovered this place and could well imagine having a decent session in such a cosy and welcoming spot. Date of visit: 18th January 2025

Side-street Randall's pub with a very traditional two-part bar off to the right of the entrance corridor. Although partly separated by a screen, each side of the gantried servery is similarly furnished and decorated as a lounge. Pleasant beer garden at the back. Decent selection of real ales from a bank of seven handpumps, ranging from Doom Bar and London Pride through Boondoggle, Hobgoblin Gold and HSB to Wychwood Hoppelganger (£4.30) and Skinner's Lushingtons.