This Is Guernsey

IT WAS a washout at the Lower Pollet alfresco dining experience yesterday. Eaters were forced inside as the drizzle and wind took its toll.

The inaugural event ran into trouble from the start when on Sunday police pulled the plug on the live music.

But plans are in place to repeat the experiment at the end of May, with restaurateurs crossing their fingers for better weather.

Riva general manager Ricardo Faria said it was initially thinking about not setting up outside because of the weather.

‘This was the first one and we knew it could work out fine or go the other way,’ he said.

‘It went the other way because of the weather. We’re hoping for better conditions for the next one.’

Jazz pianist Paul Tongs was set to play outside yesterday, but Mr Faria said that the rain meant he did not.

He was still disappointed that police brought a halt to live acoustic music on Sunday because of one noise complaint. The St Peter Port Constables had given permission for it.

‘We will sort it out for the end of the month. We will arrange it and if we have the permission from the constables, they should contact the police - next time, I hope it’s better.’

Petit Bistro head chef Pesrin Mechael said it was a shame about the weather.

People had eaten inside all afternoon instead, he added.

‘It’s been quiet. I think if the weather had been on our side, we would have done more, but it’s not been bad.

‘It was very windy and it’s very difficult to make people eat when it’s like that, but it’s been a good experience. People were happy at the end, that’s the most important thing, if people are happy eating inside or outside.’

He added that there had been good team work between the restaurateurs.

Inspector Terry Coule defended the police’s actions in shutting down the music.

‘The police are fully supportive of these initiatives that take place in Town. The last thing we want to do is spoil everyone’s fun,’ he said.

‘But the proper applications have to be made and we will act on complaints if they are made to us.’

Article posted on 8th May, 2007 - 12.00am