After our big snow in Guernsey it looks like Summer is finally on the way after a beautiful and very successful Easter- the season is definitely well under way already.
Our Executive Head Chef, Callum Lench; formerly Head Chef of Marco Pierre White’s top Chelsea restaurant in London, has settled into the Bella nicely. He has created three new delicious menus including our Bella Grill and Bar menu, a Tasting menu and current Spring Menu.
Chef and Antonio will be planting our new Herb Garden with a variation of 15 types of herbs.
We also have a fabulous events manager who is always on hand to assist you with your ever need
This week we have the Spring floral Festival including walks, talks and workshops which is a perfect way to experience the beauty of Guernsey.
The world premiere of photographs of Guernsey’s Liberation Day by Internationally famous British photographer Martin Parr commissioned by the Guernsey Photography Festival takes place at the Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery through to May 12th .
You can experience the Castle after-hours with a time table of interactive talks, costumed tours, children’s activities and Living History at Castle Cornet in May.
Guernsey’s annual celebration of freedom and the anniversary of the island’s liberation from German Occupying Forces in 1945 will take place on the 9th May 2013.
From the 12th May you can enjoy a series of musical concerts and dance every Sunday performed in the Candie Gardens with a great view of the Port.

I remember that I mentioned in my first blog that the wonderful Guernsey weather could last well into late October, at this current moment in time it may even run into late November.

Our appearance on Island Hospital was an overwhelming success, we had to draft in some extra staff in order to deal with the hundreds of reservation requests.  Guernsey was portrayed in the beautiful light that it is, so thank you to ITV1.

We are due to go out to an American Television Production as we had the famous Greg Atkins here with his crew filming the Bella Luce for several days last month.  Luke even found time in his busy schedule to do an interview with Greg about the history and the family ties with the Bella over the years.

I am delighted that the world famous ‘The Priests’ are holding a concert at the St James on November 30^th.  The Priests was the eponymous debut album which was a worldwide commercial success, peaking in the top ten in many countries.  It also holds the Guinness World Record for the ‘Fastest Selling UK debut for the Classical Act.’

Tennerfest was an amazing success for the Bella- it really kept Gary, Nuno and the whole team very busy.  It was nice to see all the old faces back at the Hotel where they belong.

Welcome back to the Bella Blog! To finish off what has been an overall great Summer we have the Taste of Guernsey this weekend.  Our Executive Head Chef, Gary Pickles and our sister restaurant Hojo’s Executive Head Chef Marcus Rose will be teaming up and taking part in demonstrations, tastings and free cooking schools. They will be showcasing signature dishes from the best of Asian Fusion.  There will be music and entertainment and special menus all around the island.  (ADD)

The Guernsey air display will be coming to Guernsey on the 13^th September so you can watch it where you can!  Enjoy the history of yesteryear with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight including the Lancaster, the Hurricane and the Spitfire with the flying precision of The Blades, the Breitling Wing Walkers and the sound and sight of the Red Arrows.

2013 will bring an exciting new film based on a writer who forms an unexpected bond with the residents of Guernsey Island in the aftermath of World War II when she decides to write a book about their experiences during the war.  To celebrate the Guernsey Literary Festival returns for a weekend of exploring the world of writing, reading, prose and poetry.

We are getting ready for Winter introducing our new Special Offers including £100 Dining Credit Packages, 3 for 2 offers and Spa Breaks.  We have also released our Christmas programme for you to enjoy the spectacular setting, roaring log fires, luxurious rooms and suites, tranquil gardens, the finest cuisine and acclaimed spa.

Back to the Bella…..

3 years is a short time in the grand scale of things, but 3 years can also seem like a lifetime when looked back, New York, London and the Cotswolds. Okay I may have started at the end lets back track a little…….

Hi I’m Gary the new and very proud head chef of the Bella Luce, three years ago I was leaving the beautiful island of Guernsey of for a new adventure, at that time I had no idea that I would return full circle and be back at the Bella Luce taking my first heads chef position. The three years have been a very exciting and hugely influential time on both my life and career, per se and Daniels in new York, Gordon Ramsays at Claridges in London and the outstanding lower slaughter manor in the Cotswolds, all these places taught me to refine my cooking but also to respect food be it a simple cherry tomato or a fresh from the sea lobster as it takes all off the ingredients to make a true experience.

Its these things I’m looking forward to bringing to the Bella, and pushing it through all the aspects of our residents and locals experience here at the Bella, be it a burger in the bar, tasting of Guernsey lobster in the restaurant or a breakfast in the morning, going back to basics is the only way to start this so we make everything from the tomato  ketchup for the burger or the brioche but for the salmon scrambled eggs to ensure everything is fresh and at its best, we are really looking to put a family emphasise back into the hotel, no request is too much.

I truly believe there are exciting times ahead at the Bella with myself, Luke and Michael all striving to make the Bella a level above the rest making every visit be it a short stay or relaxing drink in the garden an experience that no one will forget.

Each month I’ll be keeping everyone up to date with the goings on in the Bella kitchen and even giving a few recipes and tip along the way.

Looking forward to welcoming you to the Bella

Gary Pickles

Head chef Bella Luce

We really are blessed with an abundance of natural ingredients from sea and land, its not surprising that the island has so many high quality restaurants.  You can choose from hearty pub fayre, Bistro dining, contemporary cuisine and fine dining.

Gary Pickles our Executive Head Chef will share some wonderful recipes with you from our Summer menu such as butter poached Guernsey lobster tail served with a tempura claw, lobster lasagne, butternut squash and pancetta. Also head to toe Gloucester black spot pork with spring greens, apple and sage jus.  You can also check out more of Gary’s dishes on his separate blog ‘Chef Gary.’

We have also added to our Sunday offering with a family feast that allows families and friends to enjoy a Sunday roast without all the hassle accompanied by our new Bloody Mary Cocktail Menu.  Then spend your Sunday afternoon in the beautiful settings of Candie Gardens which hold a series musical and dance performances.

St Peter Port comes alive this month with upcoming events such as Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visit the island marking the celebration of the Jubilee, the biennal festival of music from the world’s leading classical performers.  Also Le Yacht Club de Granville sailing race brings together around 100 boats and 700 yachtsmen across the Gulf of St. Malo.

On a final note we are delighted to have been awarded the Gold award from Visit Britian and the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor.  We have also teamed up with the exclusive New York based Tablet Hotels making us the only hotel in the Channel Islands to have achieved this prestigious partnership. Our kitchen has also picked up the Channel Islands Senior Chef of the Year Award.

Warmest Regards

Luke Wheadon

Michael Mc Bride