Shopping in Alderney
For a little island Alderney has some excellent little shops and it is not difficult to find unique gifts to take back for friends and family. But be warned, most shops still close for lunch here on the island and some still close on Wednesday afternoons, though one of the main supermarkets on the island (Le Cocqs Stores) is open on Sundays, so you won't go hungry if you got got caught up in an Alderney party on Saturday and forgot to go food shopping! Alcohol cannot be bought in supermarkets in Alderney and must be bought from one of the island's off-licences which are listed below. Here are some shopping ideas for you…
Alderney Farm Shop, Victoria Street and Jeans Stores, Braye Street – one of the two main grocery shopping businesses on the island, Mike and Clare Cox and their family brought a whole new experience to Alderney when they opened the farm shop in town and then also secured a Waitrose partnership at Jeans Stores. Will deliver food in advance of guests' arrival, contact them on alderneyfarmshop@suremail.gg.
Alderney Flower Shop and Papillon, Victoria Street - a lovely local flower shop with a gift shop next door, perfect for when you need some flowers or a little gift to brighten up someone's day.... or your own!
Alderney Pottery - long after the old Alderney Pottery closed a new Alderney pottery has arrived and is turning out to be very popular. Find it for sale at the Studio boutique.
Alderney Museum Gift Shop, High Street - lots of goodies for sale after (or before) you have learned all about Alderney’s dramatic history.
Ally's Table Preserves - delicious home made produce such as Spicy Beetroot Pickle, Spiced Damson Jam and Elderflower Vinegar, on sale from the Victoria Hotel.
Anchors, Victoria Street – stylish little boutique selling a good variety of women’s wear, trinkets and accessories.
Blanchards, Newtown – As well as being the island’s builder’s merchant, Blanchards also offers, garden equipment and accessories, kitchenware, homeware and gifts.
Boardmans Pharmacy, Victoria Street – the excellent island pharmacy has everything you need and even offers a good range of ‘free from’ foods.
Blue Cat Coffee Company, Stoney Lane – coffee roasted and ground in Alderney which is sold from a stand outside the house in Stoney Lane, pay the honesty box in true Alderney style. Tel Martin on 07911 733199.
Coronation Off Licence - Get all your wines, beers, spirits and mixers here. Whilst you're visiting pop into the Coronation pub for a game of Shut the Box!
Cycle and Surf, Victoria Street – alongside the bike rental, this little shop is jammed full with clothing and accessories from swimwear to fleeces, jewellery to beach accessories.
Fire and Ore Jewellery (on sale via Braye Beach Hotel or contact Andrew on 07781 428585) – Andrew will help you create a piece of jewellery totally unique to you, even masking new creations from melting down old and unwanted items.
Le Cocqs Stores (3 outlets in The Cutting, Le Huret and Arkwrights in Victoria Street and now incorporating the Post Office)- The island’s other main grocery business – Le Cocqs is under new management by the Sandpiper Group and new stock from Morrisons is appearing all the time. Deliveries ahead of guests' arrival can be arranged by contacting them via www.lecocqs.com.
London House, The Cutting, Braye – buy your electrical goods here, or alternatively, find lots of lovely gifts, jewellery, homeware, kitchen and garden accessories.
Mainbrayce Chandlery, Inner Harbour – the island’s chandlery is currently undergoing a total rebuild, watch this space for more news on its re-opening.
Mano and Louise Chocolates – delicious chocolates with charming branding and packaging are not the only thing Mano and Louise produce, they also make cakes to order and lots of other goodies. Contact them via their facebook page.
Old Barn Off Licence and delicatessen - Get all your wines, beers and spirits here. And also make sure you check out the deli items on offer...delicious italian confectionary, speciality cheeses and other mouth watering goodies.
Reynards, Victoria Street – two shops, one a traditional jewellers selling new and second hand items, the other a shoe shop offering scarves and accessories, though both offer all kinds of other goodies too – worth a good old browse in both shops in case you miss something!
Sew Much Fun, Victoria Street – offering a range of quirky hand made goods from Alderney shopping bags to cushions and peg bags. Claudia also offers a made to order and embroidery service.
Shabby Chic, Victoria Street - Another little shop absolutely jam packed with new and second hand items, trinkets, pottery, greetings cards, and much, much more.
The Studio Boutique, Corner of Victoria Street and Ollivier Street - a mix of women’s clothing, jewellery and accessories, local artworks, local pottery and more.
Wildlife Trust Gift Shop, Victoria Street - a fantastic little shop with lots of gifts ranging from a couple of pounds to well.. quite a bit more! Check out the noticeboard giving sightings of seals, dolphins etc., and ask about tours, talks and boat trips around the island.
The Saturday street market happens on Saturday mornings and offers fresh bread, cakes, garden produce and other locally produced goodies.