“Sometimes I gaze at an Alderney sunset” – Not The Kinks.
My return to the Channel Islands in July 2022 meant my Alderney debut having previously enjoyed Sark and Herm in 2009 and Jersey a few times including a 2015 return to Saint Helier. I arrived on a flight with 12 other passengers into Alderney International Airport where I was sat at the front with only the pilot and co-pilot in front of me. The views on the way in and out of the country were sensationalistic.
And the first thing I did after receiving my visa confirmation, clearing immigration and bag checks (cue slight tongue in cheek there) was head to the beach with The Food Dude for the famous “Prosecco Sunset“.
The Food Dude is a moving food truck, which is part of the La Ville Hotel network in Alderney. When the weather suits, they roll up at The Bottom of Fort Tourgis (Platte Saline), Alderney. They open up, cook up tasty dishes and serve a range of food and drinks here. Here’s the menu, which is where I had my first food and drink in Alderney.
I got a seat by the beach and ordered up a mixed drink Gin and Tonic ice cold can (£4) and a spicy chicken taco dish (£6). The Prosecco is priced at £20.00. You can pay in cash or card.
The spicy chicken tacos were delicious.
Sadly in May 2022, I cracked my ribs, collar bone (shoulder bone) and had my shoulder out of position and had to wear a sling, but I still smiled.
The venue for Prosecco Sunset is at the beach at the bottom of Fort Tourgis, which is to the left of us. That beach is known as Platte Saline and to the right of us are two other forts – Fort Doyle and Fort Grosnez. All of this is sort of in the north west to north central part of Alderney. The capital city Saint Anne is south.
The view to the left, the west is partly of Fort Tourgis, but also of the English Channel stretch of water termed as The Swinge. Beyond all that, are two further treats…
1.Burhou Island – A Bird Sanctuary
In front of us is Burhou Island which is a bird sanctuary, and therefore of high interest for ornothologists. I didn’t tour it, but tours for budding bird addicts can be arranged.
2.The Sunset Condor Ferry
Then I’m drifted back to July 2009, when on this very night I’d have been on board that very Condor ferry sailing in. This ferry is coming into either Cherbourg or Saint Peter Port, Guernsey. I see it with my own eyes munching my tacos, sipping gin and watching the sinking sun.
You see back in 2008 – 2009, I worked on various ferries usually in the bar or restaurant. In 2009, I was on the Condor Ferries route!
After that it’s time to drink up and head back to the capital city, Saint Anne for a night on the rip and a lovely stay at the La Ville Hotel. Here are a few more photos from my relaxing epic sunset experience here in Alderney.
I recommend doing the Prosecco Sunset, you can book it easily through La Ville Hotel –
La Ville Hotel
Victoria Street
Alderney
GY93TA
United Kingdom (UK)
+44 1481 824784
[email protected]
Here is a video from the Prosecco Sunset at Platte Saline: