Our History

Today, when we hear the term “smugglers,” we might think of the pub in Ouaisné Bay. However, over 170 years ago, the du Val family, former owners of the Old Portelet Inn, were involved in profitable yet illegal activities. The Portelet Inn, originally known as Portelet Farm, was purchased by Philippe du Val in 1834. Philippe’s son, Nicolas, lived in the house with his wife and six children, and was described as a farmer of 13 acres and a landed proprietor in the 1851 census. However, Nicolas had another source of income – smuggling alcohol and tobacco into Jersey. During the 19th century, smuggling was a lucrative business for those who could avoid detection. Nicolas’ attempts to hide his smuggled goods in carts, cellars, and buried in the sand were just some of the methods used by smugglers to evade Customs agents. Unfortunately for Nicolas, it seems that the authorities were aware of his activities. In one instance, Customs agents seized all of the liquor, carts and horses that Nicolas had smuggled. Although he was cautioned by the court and had to pay a penalty of £40 to retrieve his horses and carts, this did not deter him from trying to make extra money through smuggling. A few years later, in May 1860, Nicolas was convicted of smuggling tobacco with John Floyd (or Flood), John Finney, and Philip Baudains. The four men were ordered by the Commissioners of Customs to each pay a £100 fine, and the tobacco seized from the cutter Fly, in Portelet Bay was confiscated.

In 1992 Randalls shifted its focus towards modernising its public houses. This move was made to cater to the increased demand from customers and provide a wider range of food and beverage options, which have now become the mainstay for most public houses. Randalls undertook refurbishments of existing premises, adding children’s areas, entertainment, and welcoming new pubs to the group. The Admiral and Chambers were added in 1994, followed by Earl Grey at First Tower in 1998, and refurbishments at country pubs including The Goose, The Portelet Inn, Les Fontaines, The Pembroke, and La Pulente. In 2002, the estate grew further with the acquisition of a number of pubs from Le Masuriers. The company has accomplished several notable achievements in recent years, including the introduction of the Randalls Loyalty card in 2012, which has proven to be a great success. Additionally, the reopening of The Boat House has been warmly welcomed by customers, while the addition of new restaurants, such as The Anchor Club and, most recently, The Beach Club, has been a testament to the company’s commitment to providing customers with a diverse range of options to cater to all tastes.

From supporting sport in the Channel Islands to becoming a major employer in Jersey, Randalls has made a significant impact on island life. Take a closer look at the impressive facts behind the company.