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Social Profile
Food & Drink: Guernsey is famous for its food and the island has a wide variety of restaurants ranging from traditional French and English cuisine to Italian, Indian and Chinese. The local speciality is shellfish, with freshly caught lobsters, crabs and scallops forming the basis of many dishes. Other Guernsey specialities include Guernsey Gâche - pronounced ‘gosh’ (a fruit loaf usually served with local butter) and Gâche Melée (a local apple cake). Table service is normal in restaurants, with counter service in bars. There are two self-service restaurants in St Peter Port.
A wide variety of alcoholic beverages are available and spirits, beers and wines are relatively cheap compared to the mainland. Eating out is also excellent value for money as there is no VAT. Bars may open Mon-Sat between 1030 and 2345, Sun 1200-1530 and 1800-2300 (currently visitors have to eat to buy a drink on Sunday evenings; however, these regulations are being reviewed).
Nightlife: Discotheques are located in St Peter Port, whilst live music and cabarets are organised by some hotels during the summer season. The Beau Sejour Leisure Centre at St Peter Port contains a cinema, theatre, bars and cafe.
Shopping: There is no VAT but a Guernsey Bailiwick tax is imposed on certain goods such as spirits, wines, beers and tobacco. Prices of luxury goods are cheaper than in the UK, although the overall cost of foodstuffs is higher. Special purchases include Guernsey’s local pottery, knitted sweaters crafts, gold and silver jewellery and candles. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1730 (there may be limited Sunday opening).
Special Events: Below are a selection of special events due to be celebrated in Guernsey during 2003. For full details and exact dates, contact the Guernsey Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section):
Jan 19-26 Guernsey Open Bowls Tournament. May 9 Liberation Day. Jun 8 Guernsey Classic Vehicle Show, St Saumarez Park. Jun 22-28 Guernsey Square Dance Festival, Beau Sejour. Jun 28-Jul 4 NatWest Island Games. Jul 12 North Regatta, St Sampsons Harbour. Jul 25 Harbour Carnival (annual event, including ladies dinghy race, men’s tug of war, manpowered flight and tombola), St Peter Port. Jul 26-Aug 2 St Peter Port Carnival. Aug 2 Rocquaine Regatta, Rocquaine Bay. Aug 6-7 South Show. Aug 13-14 West Show, St Pierre du Bois. Aug 20-21 North Show and Battle of Flowers (finale of summer shows), Saumarez Park, Castel. Aug 27-31 Horse of the Year Show. Nov 2-4 Volleyball Open.
Social Conventions: Handshaking is the customary form of greeting and normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone’s home. It is not usual to start eating until everyone is served. If invited to someone’s home, a small present such as flowers or chocolates is appreciated. Casual wear is acceptable in most places. Smoking is not allowed on buses. Tipping: Ten to 12 per cent is normal, except where a service charge is included.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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