Banjo

Imagine a place where Victorian grandeur meets modern urban chic. Banjo is not just a restaurant, but an elegant European brasserie, a stylish bar, and a cozy boutique hotel located in the heart of St Helier on the island of Jersey. The establishment occupies the magnificent building of the former Victoria Club, a gentlemen's club built back in the late 19th century.

Banjo. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The building, spanning nearly 1,000 square meters, has been masterfully restored, preserving its majestic Corinthian columns and impressive glass-roofed atrium. Banjo's interior is inspired by the world's finest brasseries, offering guests a unique atmosphere where historical details blend harmoniously with urban design.

Today, it is a key destination for locals and tourists alike. Under one roof, it houses spacious dining rooms accommodating up to 120 guests, a lively bar, and four exclusive rooms for those seeking a comfortable and stylish stay in the city center.

To book a table or a room at Banjo, you can use the official contact details. The establishment is located in the heart of the city and is always open to guest inquiries via their website or by phone.

A visit to Banjo is first and foremost a gastronomic pleasure. The brasserie's menu features European cuisine based on the freshest local ingredients. Be sure to try the famous seafood for which Jersey is renowned, or choose one of the exquisite desserts in the cozy dining room.

If you're just stopping by to relax, head to the Banjo Bar. Under the atrium's stunning light dome, it's the perfect spot for a midday coffee or an artisanal cocktail in the evening. The bar's lively atmosphere is ideal for meeting friends or casual socializing after a stroll through the city.

For those wishing to extend their experience, Banjo offers the unique opportunity to stay in one of its luxury rooms on the second floor. It's a great chance to spend a night in a historic building, enjoying first-class service and proximity to all the key sites in St Helier.

Finding Banjo is easy: the venue is located in the very center of St Helier at 8 Beresford Street. Thanks to its proximity to the central market, the restaurant is a popular spot on the city's tourist map and is easily accessible on foot from any part of the central historic district.

If you are arriving from Jersey Airport, the journey to the center takes about 15–20 minutes. You can use a taxi or rent a car. The bus service is also excellent: public transport runs regularly between the airport, the port, and the city's main bus station, which is just a few minutes' leisurely walk from Banjo.

The history of the building at 8 Beresford Street, which today houses Banjo, dates back to the early 19th century. As far back as 1815, this land belonged to the surgeon Charles Ficott, and decades later, in 1855, the famous Victoria Club—an elite private club for gentlemen residing on or visiting the island—began its operations here.

The current majestic building was erected in 1893–1894, commissioned by Colonel Philip Robin. The project was entrusted to the renowned architect Adolphus Curry, who created a true Victorian architectural masterpiece. The older buildings were demolished to make way for the luxurious club, which became the center of social life at the time.

The restoration of the building during its conversion into a modern brasserie was carried out with immense respect for the past. Craftsmen managed to preserve and restore the unique Corinthian and Roman columns, as well as the impressive atrium, which is now the main visual focal point of the interior.

Over the years, the building has seen many interesting figures and events. From the strict rules of a gentlemen's club to today's welcoming yet elegant atmosphere, Banjo continues to be one of the most iconic spots on the map of St Helier, blending history with a modern lifestyle.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and cuisine at Banjo, we recommend planning for 1.5 to 3 hours. This is plenty of time for a leisurely lunch or dinner, as well as to admire the magnificent architectural details of the historic building and relax with a cocktail in the stylish bar.

If you decide to stay in one of the four luxury boutique rooms, your visit will turn into a complete urban getaway, allowing you to feel the rhythm of St Helier from the inside.

Banjo operates on the following schedule:

• Monday – Thursday: 12:00 to 14:00 and 18:00 to 21:00.
• Friday – Saturday: 12:00 to 14:00 and 18:00 to 21:30.
• Sunday: Closed.

Please note that opening hours may change on public holidays, so it is recommended to check for up-to-date information on the venue's official website before visiting.

A stroll around the area surrounding Banjo will allow you to dive deeper into the island's atmosphere. Since the venue is located in the central part of the city, many interesting historical and cultural sites are just a few steps away, making it an ideal starting point for a walking tour.

Nearby you will find quiet memorial squares as well as modern leisure centers, while a bit further along the coast, rugged forts and ancient castles await, guarding the serenity of St Aubin’s Bay.