Once the jokes about Bergerac are over – how many murders can one island handle? – Jersey is a lovely place to visit, a halfway house between us and our French neighbours.
Chef Shaun Rankin’s much anticipated restaurant Ormer Mayfair has sailed from Jersey to the boutique hotel Flemings Mayfair and sticks with chef’s focus on sustainably-sourced, locally foraged and seasonal produce.
It earned his St Helier restaurant Ormer a Michelin star and the Ormer Mayfair menu welcomes
diners for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a range of menu options including set lunches, seasonal à la carte (including a dedicated vegetarian and vegan section) and an eight-course tasting menu. The last though, possibly not the best way to woo the critics, who have largely turned against such things.
But most ordinary mortals will happily eat sweet Jersey lobster ravioli in a crab and tomato bisque with shallot salad – one of Shaun’s best known signature dishes.
Hand-dived scallops are served simply with bittersweet barbecued leeks, sea herbs and lemon parsley vinaigrette, while tartare of Scottish beef is accompanied by horseradish panna cotta, nettle and watercress.
Highlight mains include: Dover sole with smoked salmon, potato and leek risotto, served with crisp quail’s eggs; secreto of Iberico pork with charred calamari, chorizo chutney and pureÃŒÂed Asian pear and roasted grouse with juicy blackberries, barbecued celeriac and baked sweet apples.
Those looking to share a real showstopper can opt for the fruits de mer served with Jersey Royals, fennel and mint or coÌ‚te de boeuf and wild mushrooms with beer-cooked shallots, beÃŒÂarnaise sauce and triple-cooked chips.
Desserts offer coconut mousse with white chocolate, pineapple carpaccio and molten mango middle; dark chocolate brownie with sticky popcorn, salted caramel sauce
The quintessentially British, 1930’s-inspired space has been designed by Tony Filmer, also responsible for refreshing Flemings’ 129 guest rooms and suites.
Ormer Mayfair Flemings Mayfair 7-12 Half Moon Street Mayfair, London W1J 7BH
Opening Hours: Ormer Mayfair will be closed all day on Sundays and closed for lunch on Mondays.