Dogs welcome

A café out east entices repeat customers - of the canine variety - with a free sausage or two. Kieranne Grimshaw continues her series about dog-friendly establishments, this time visiting the Breakwater Café at St Catherine’s where she met owner Mike Hunwin

The owner of the Breakwater Café at St Catherine’s, Mike Hunwin, previously worked at the Airport, so he is used to busy peak periods and dealing with people.

‘Even in the winter, it can be really busy as we stay open, when some other places are closed,’ Mike said.

Before he took on the business three years ago, Mike used to walk his Cairn Terrier regularly down to the café, which has always welcomed dogs. Perfectly situated by the coast, the café has 120 covers and is near a variety of unique walks and plenty of parking. Dog bowls adorn the terrace, with parasols to provide shade - alfresco dining at its best!

‘Dogs bring people in - everyone seems to like dogs, including our staff,’ Mike said. ‘We have a gentleman who comes down each morning from the stables with his two dogs. Regulars are a bit like family - we get used to them coming in.’

Local regulars are Cocker Spaniels, Monty and Molly, with owners Anton and Beverley. ‘We’ve been going to the Breakwater Café for more years than I care to remember,’ Anton said. ‘Monty would very often sit with his head on the lap of the previous owner, Barry.

‘What we like about St Catherine’s, apart from the many people we know who still go to the café, is the walk along the breakwater. Even on a bleak winter's day, the scenery is dramatic, it's always nice to pop into the café for a cuppa afterwards.’ With its picturesque landscape across the bay, the area attracts a diverse range of people who frequent the café. ‘We have the ribs, kayakers, swimmers, sailors, cyclists and motorcyclists, as well as dog walkers of course,’ Mike said.

The café also brings in many tourists. Wheaten Terriers Fergal and Lexi with their owners, Caroline and Graham, are repeat visitors from Manchester. ‘We visit Jersey every year, it’s home from home and better weather! We enjoy walking along the pier and when it’s hot the dogs can have a paddle. The terrace is ideal for some shade after our walk.’

Canine customers come in all sizes. ‘One of our biggest dogs is a Newfoundland, he’s enormous, but very docile, he just lies down,’ Mike said. ‘Having dogs provides a bit of destress after a hectic morning at work. Often if a puppy appears, everything stops, the whole place grinds to a halt whilst it’s made a fuss of. There’s a nice atmosphere and it seems to break the ice with our customers.’

Tel: 01534 851141 Facebook: breakwatercafejersey