How I unwind: Jayne Gruchy, Hooray Henri's

Friday 25 August 2023

How I unwind: Jayne Gruchy, Hooray Henri's

Friday 25 August 2023

A local beach café owner has shared her top ways to relax after a long, hot day at the griddle... from having a dip with the Boulay Belles to kicking back with Miley Cyrus.

Jayne Gruchy has been running Hooray Henri's, located at the top of Green Street slip since last year.

While she was a "total novice” in the hospitality industry when she first took on the café, Jayne quickly found her feet – and a loyal set of customers.

"I am blessed to have met so many wonderful people through my work and many of these customers have become good friends," she said.

"I am incredibly lucky to now have a large amount of friends who are tradesmen only too pleased to help me out in return for one of Henri’s Burgers or Bacon Rolls. I am renowned for my loud, machine gun laugh which can be heard daily in the area of Green Street!"

But what does Jayne get up to when she is not dishing up burgers, or serving hot drinks and ice creams? She shared her favourite ways to relax with Express...

To unwind, I...

...like to sea swim all year round. My friend Alison started the Bouley Bay Belles Swimming Club during the first lockdown, and the swimming group just kept going.

Unfortunately, due to the demands of my beach kiosk I don’t get to join the group much, but I adore going for a sunrise or moonlight swim towing my little shih-tzu Henri in an inflatable boat. This really relaxes me after a hot, long day in front of the griddle.

jayne gruchy painting

I also do watercolour painting to unwind and my small pieces are inspired by my love of swimming.

I eat...

Since I have taken over the kiosk, food for me has taken a back seat. My friends know that my home fridge is now always empty and they need to bring their own milk and food with them!

However, my current favourite food is griddled asparagus.