Ex-midwife hopes refurbished café will be 'gem' of St. Aubin

Friday 21 April 2023

A former midwife of more than two decades has realised her dream of owning a "little beach café" – and is hoping it will become the "gem" of St. Aubin.

Clare Carney, who worked at the General Hospital for 22 years, is the new owner of the Fort View Café, which has reopened with a new makeover and slogan promising "high tides and good vibes".

Her son used to work there, and encouraged his mum to follow her dream when he saw that it was up for sale.

Pictured: The slogan for Clare's café is "high tides and good vibes".

Clare took the plunge and has now been running the re-named 'Little Gem Beach Café' for around five weeks, which she says has been "fantastic" so far.

Although she admitted that staffing has been "tricky", Clare is currently managing to open the café six days a week thanks to the help of her three children.

The family values of the café do not stop there, with the new name 'Little Gem' inspired by the initials of Clare's children: George, Edward, and Mimi.

"Everyone has been so positive since we opened," said Clare.

"It's a really nice community in St. Aubin and, even though I actually live in St. Lawrence, everyone has welcomed us and the café with open arms!"

Pictured: Little Gem is named after Clare's three children: George, Edward, and Mimi.

As well as giving the café a new name and a decorative renovation, Clare has also adapted and added to the existing menu.

She said: "We have fresh local burgers and schnitzel, with loads of add-ons so people can customise their dishes with halloumi and avocado. 

"We've also introduced new breakfast items, like homemade granola and pancakes, and also serve Jersey ice cream!"

Pictured: New breakfast menu items include homemade granola and pancakes.

There are also treats for four-legged friends, with sausages and pet ice-cream available in the "doggy-friendly" Little Gem.

Clare hopes that the café wide-ranging offering will please families and tourists, as well as the elderly regulars that she has already become friendly with within just a few weeks of opening.