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| Guernsey
Social Profile |
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Food &
Drink
Guernsey is famous for its
food and the island has a wide variety of restaurants
ranging from the 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 great dishes. Other Guernsey specialities
include Guernsey Gâche - pronounced ‘gosh’
(a fruit loaf usually served with the local butter) and Gâche
Melée (a local apple cake).
Table service is normal in restaurants, with counter service in
the bars. There are currently two self-service restaurants in St
Peter Port. A wide variety of alcoholic beverages are available
and spirits, beers and wines are relatively cheap. Eating out is
also excellent value for money as there is no VAT.
After a recent change in the licensing laws, pubs in Guernsey are
now able to stay open until 0045 hrs 7 nights a week.
Nightlife
Discos are located in St Peter Port,
whilst live music and cabarets are organised by some hotels in the
summer. The Beau Sejour Leisure Centre at St Peter
Port contains a cinema, theatre, bars and a 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 United Kingdom, although
the overall cost of foodstuffs is a little higher. Special purchases
include Guernsey’s local pottery, knitted sweaters,
crafts, gold and silver jewellery and
candles.
Shopping hours
Monday-Saturday 0900-1730 hrs (there may be limited Sunday
opening).
Special Events
For a full list, contact the Visit
Guernsey website. The following is a selection of special events
occurring in Guernsey during 2005: |
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January 24th - March
20th |
Guernsey Eisteddfod
Society 75th Annual Festival. |
| March 25th - 28th |
Alderney Easter Weekend/Easter
Runs |
| April 1st - 3rd |
Guernsey Blues Festival. |
| April 8th - 10th |
14th Open International Guernsey
Masters Swim Meet. |
| May 1st - 16th |
Alderney Seafood Festival. |
| May 21st - 29th |
Spring Walking Week |
| June 9th - 11th |
Floral Guernsey Show. |
| June 24th |
Harbour Carnival, St Peter Port.
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| July 1st - 30th |
Seafood Festival & Fair. |
| July 23rd - 31st |
St Peter Port Carnival. |
| July 30th - August
7th |
Alderney Week. |
| August 24th - 25th |
North Show and Battle of Flowers
(finale of summer shows), Saumarez Park, Castel. |
| September 3rd - 18th |
St Peter Ale & Food Festival. |
| September 9th -11th
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34th Guernsey International Air
Rally. |
| September 10th -18th |
Autumn Walking Week. |
September 30th -
October 2nd |
Guernsey Jazz Festival. |
October 1st -
November 11th |
Tennerfest. |
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Social Conventions
Handshaking
is the customary form of greeting and the normal social courtesies
should be observed when visiting someone’s home. It is not
usual to start eating until everyone has been served. If invited
to someone’s home, a small present such as flowers or chocolates
is much appreciated.
Casual wear is acceptable
in most places. Smoking is not allowed on buses.
Tipping
10 to 12 per cent is quite normal, except when a service charge
is included. |
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