Major investment in Town Pubs

The future of three popular town pubs and eateries is being reaffirmed by the Liberation Group’s ongoing investment in its properties.

The latest of the group’s 44 pubs and bars in Jersey to undergo a total refurbishment is Dix Neuf in Halkett Street where £50,000 has been spent and which reopened on Tuesday. This town centre bar brasserie has served around half a million customers over the past seven years, reinforcing its wide appeal across all age groups.

The Chief Executive, Mark Crowther, attributed the success of Dix Neuf to its quality, variety and ambience.

"It is neither a restaurant, nor a wine bar, a café or pub but a combination of all these things and more. At the same time as refurbishing the well-worn floor, we are redecorating inside and out and replacing the canopies, furniture and furnishings - all in a smart new livery. We are also introducing some classical French touches to provide a more appealing brasserie atmosphere for our customers," he said.

Mr Crowther added that Dix Neuf has an exciting new menu, starting with breakfast, through a daylong range of teas and coffees to rival any coffee shop in Jersey, moving onto hot and cold sandwiches and light meals, a fabulous range of appetisers and main dishes - including Dix Neuf classics - and scrummy puddings.

The refurbishment of Dix Neuf is part of a bigger package of improvements and acquistions since the Liberation Group was established in July 2008 as the largest pubs and drinks business in the Channel Islands.

The Post Horn recently reopened after a £64,000 refurbishment of the ground floor bar and first floor function room of this popular community meeting place and parish pub. In January the Group acquired the Rozel Bay Inn and last month saved The Bar on the waterfront from closure. Similar investments are also being made in Guernsey where £70,000 is being spent on Dix Neuf’s namesake in St Peter Port’s Commercial Arcade.

The company’s largest single investment to date is about to start in St Helier. Friday’s in Halkett Place is getting a £350,000 makeover that will transform the interior and façade. Mr Crowther said, apart from revealing that it would reopen as The Halkett Bar and Eating House in June, the new look and offering were under wraps for the time being.