Alderney - going downhill?

T

tadpole

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Just got back from first visit to Alderney in five years. Amazed at charge of £12 per night for a buoy, £3 return in yacht taxi, boarded up businesses and almost total lack of decent beer. But a couple of poncy new bistros full of yah-yahs. Is the place going downhill?
 
Just wait until Dom sees this, somebody else was complaining recently, I think he decapitated them!!
 
Went there a couple of weeks ago and thought the same thing. However, on enquiring about borded up buildings etc some of the locals said they were just being refurbished.

The Diver pub was closed "due to illness" and I agree with the water taxi price - 4 of us, one trip ashore = another 12 quid on top of 12 quid for a buoy so you're talking marina prices.

Water taxi driver going ashore was the most miserable SOB I've ever met. The guy that took us back, however, was one of the friendliest, helpful chaps I've ever come across.

I do hope it's not going down hill - it's such a lovely place.

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk
 
Agree
Taxi 'forgot' us for an hour inbound with surly sob but affable and apologetic chap on way back.
Chippie closed but Rita welcoming if overpriced...
Chose to avoid Braye on way back and went elsewhere
 
It's a great shame if this is happening. We went in for the first time a couple of weeks ago and liked what everyone likes about the place. (Specially the great beach for the kids, a dinghy ride away). But agree about the beer - why? Spotted a pump in the Mariners and asked "is that real beer", "yes it is", "Pint please", "it's run out". Aargh!! Plus, the moorings dragging.

Going back though. I'll use the dinghy more and I'm sure we'll find a pint. Have they got all the Mini Mokes that BL made?
 
Try the Isles of Scilly. Turks Hd P.H at St Agnes had 3 real ales. Devils Bay Hotel on Bryher had one real ale. All moorings £10 and no water taxis and most anchoring free. Locals friendly and helpful.

I want to go back ........
 
Am I right in thinking that it is £12 to pick up a buoy but only £1.50 to anchor? And if you do anchor you will not have anyone alongside. If one does not wish to pay for the water taxi just pump up your dinghy. I know I will next time. It is much more pleasant having your own transport. We left at 0300 the other day and the very large motor-boat on the next buoy was very very close!
 
No I am not that nasty!!!!

Just got back from Alderney yesterday in a F6. Had a great time no mooring fees but then I have use of a private mooring altho I did have to put up with another boat alongside but no problems arose. Had to pay for water taxi once but then I know Roland quite well and if he does seem miserable he has a good right to be but as they are personal reasons I will not tell all he is a great chap and doesnt mean to offend if he does seem brash.

I did queery the charge for the water taxi however it has been a £1 since 1988 I am told so a 50p hike each way is not too bad seeing as you could always use your own dinghy like me most of the time if you dont want to pay. If it is inconvenient then dont grumble about the cost Roland has to charge for providing a service 8am till 11pm 7 days a week. What would you charge seeing as alderney is dead from visitors in the winter.

Go to Moorings for real ale dont drink it so cant comment. The trouble with Alderney is the people who go there expecting the Island to do something for them, I did this 13 years ago and at the end of the holiday realised that if you accept it for what it is and has to offer you will enjoy yourself much more and get to know some very nice people.

Alderney is a place to chill it is the Jamaica of the CI and nothing happens in a hurry so dont expect immediate service and people kissing your feet cos it wont happen there, expect nothing and if you get something enjoy it and most of all enjoy the peace and quiet.

Went 12bore Clay pigeon shooting whilst I was there great fun, als met Duncan goodhew who is a regular at Alderney week.

Dom

My boats in he water, yipeee ;-)
 
I've just got back from there and it's not all that bad.

If you have never been and don't know what to expect then yes it can be a pain..but i often go and i know what to expect.

OK so it's not cheap to moor..but it's an open harbour and if any weather comes in i do not want to be at anchor. Also i can always turn the boat into the waves so i get a good nights sleep ...better than those at anchor who rock and roll all night long.

I have never used the ferry...i take my own tender.

Yes you are right many things are closed..and during Alderney week..last week...most things open when they like..i wanted to hire a bike but the shop was never open.

I like it for the walks and german bunkers....great fun..but make sure you take a torch..!!!
 
Alderney is not the place to go if you want Oxford St. type service. It's an island and a very small one. Your worried about the beer. We were having breakfast there last week and we were asked if we wanted a plate!! Best bit of the hols.

No one can force me to come here-----------
----- I'm a Volunteer!!!

Haydn
 
You're missing the point. We've loved Alderney for years. We're sad to see ordinary places closing and swanky bistros opening - and prices for a mooring buoy going up big time. We're concerned that it'll soon just be the gin palaces which thunder over for designer dinners, etc. And it seems rather unjust that our 23-foot sailing boat pays the same as a 40-footer.
 
Oi!! You little frog. Dont be calling Mucky Farter a gin palace.

Just cant see Alderney with designer dinners though.
Anyway why should you not pay the same, your using the same buoy. Charge just the same for bed and breakfast no matter how big or small you are!!

No one can force me to come here-----------
----- I'm a Volunteer!!!

Haydn
 
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