Holly's delight as Georgian House reopens

ONE of Alderney's landmark pubs has reopened - and its new landlady has a good feeling about the future.

Holly Fisher officially took over the Georgian House last week and has already installed a new team intent on turning the pub's fortunes around.

Holly said she was excited at the prospect of living in the island full-time after visiting every summer for the past 30 years.

'I love Alderney and I've managed to get a great team of people around me. Everyone is excited about what we're doing.

'I've seen what's been lacking for the past few years and I'm really optimistic about the future.

'All the Georgian owners have asked me to take it on in the past but it never felt right until now.'

Holly, who will continue to run her successful skiing holiday business alongside the Georgian, outlined her ideas.

'I think we need to get some new faces in here - that's my aim.

'The food will remain excellent but relevant and we're going to use local produce wherever possible. We've also started an allotment so we can grow our own vegetables.

'We're going to try and do a few different things, including barbecues and live music events. Paella and sangria nights will also be in the offing.

'We don't want to change things too much but we do want to come up with a few good ideas.'

Holly will run the pub seven days a week alongside Australian chef Kevin Honeywood, who has arrived from an award-winning pub in Suffolk called The Anchor.

'We're going to open at 10am for coffee and serve bar meals from noon until 6pm. The plan, though, is to be flexible with food - if the chefs are here they can cook.'

A Georgian courtesy car will also soon be on the road to pick up people from the harbour.

'The green Georgian car will soon be running and it will operate whenever people need it,' said Holly.

'Hopefully we'll get some yachties up here as a result.'

Holly is delighted to be reopening at a time when numerous island businesses are experiencing changes. Another Victoria Street eatery, Jack's Brasserie, has reopened, while the Braye Beach Hotel has a new manager and head chef.

Holly said: 'The more places that are open the better it is for Alderney. This island has a lot to offer and everyone has got to be positive about it.'

Her first big Georgian event will see popular performer Richard Digance return to the island. The folk singer and storyteller will play in The Orangery, which has been given a fresh lick of paint and new look.

* For tickets and further information tel. 822471.