Islanders are sharing positive feedback about the area’s distinct new cafe culture, which sees people sitting outside on the old cobblestones enjoying coffees, drinks and food amid the hustle and bustle of shoppers and passers-by.
David Matheson, who owns the European fusion restaurant, Alba, said this was the energy he had been striving to bring back to Market Square since opening his business over a year ago.
‘It’s been fairly quiet for a long time,’ he said. ‘Then about six months ago, they opened up Lola and it picked up, and now we’ve got Salt and it’s picked up again. We’ve noticed it’s just got busier and busier, especially in this weather.
‘And it’s great – it’s what a market square should be, right? I remember as a kid it was like this. It’s good to see that lovely atmosphere back. Hopefully the whole summer will stay like this – fingers crossed.’
The market buildings recently celebrated their 200th anniversary, with a past and present exhibition held in the George Crossan Gallery in 2023. The original meat market, now New Look, opened in October 1822 with the Arcades following in 1830. The Inner Street and Flower Market came about in the late 1800s. Though its commerce has changed, the original structure has remained and the area has always served as a vibrant, pedestrianised hub.
After experiencing a lull in use, in the latter days of the Markets and even after the area was reinvigorated, it appears to be going through a renaissance. As well as welcoming a number of hospitality businesses with outdoor seating, last year it also became the new home for the Visitor Information Centre – undergoing numerous renovations which both retain and celebrate the integrity of its history.
‘It just feels buzzing at the moment,’ said islander Vicky Law, who had picked up a take-away iced coffee while passing through the central landmark with her friend Alice Atkinson.
‘It’s developing a lot, there’s been so much potential here and it’s really nice that there’s a variety of stuff here now. We haven’t gone to Salt yet, but we want to.’
The independent craft beer bar is the latest addition to the party, opening a fortnight ago. ‘We came back to Guernsey two years ago with this plan to open a beer bar,’ said owner Ian Rogers, who owns the business with Lizzie Seymour.
‘But we needed to find an “eight out of 10” location. Then this came up – and it is a “10 out of 10” location.
'I know Guernsey well, I’ve been here 20 years. When they did the whole market place up many years ago it never worked. What it needed was something going on in the Inner Market – which we’ve now taken over – and this type of piazza-type feel that you get in France and across Europe.
‘Up until just over a year ago there were no seats out here. But since Dave opened Alba, and then Lola extended – now everyone’s saying what a lovely feel it is. We needed it.’
‘The planning process took forever,’ added his partner, Ms Seymour.
‘But we’re so happy to be here. It’s the perfect location.’
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