Jersey Joe hits the grill with native produce

Jersey-born chef Joe Baker is to open a wood-fired grill restaurant celebrating the island’s seafood and produce in St Helier, the capital, later this month. Pêtchi – which means ‘try to catch a fish’ in Jèrriais, or Jersey French – will occupy the first and second storeys of the historic Liberty Wharf building overlooking Liberation Square.

Joe and his wife Charlotte closed their seven-year-old restaurant, Number 10 in nearby Bond Street, in March to make the transition to their new premises and identity.

Pêtchi will specialise in native Channel Islands produce, including local oysters, Écréhous scallops, Chancre crabs and Jersey beef, with a significant nod to Basque and Spanish cuisine in dishes such as ex-dairy beef chop, Iberico lamb sweetbreads and Galician octopus.

The open kitchen features a grill custom-designed by Rhys Allen, who has also made grills for London restaurants Kiln and Brat.

Self-taught chef Joe did stages earlier in his career in London, Australia and San Sebastian, and has represented the west of England on the BBC’s Great British Menu. Before settling on a career as a chef he earned a degree in English literature from Durham University and a masters in finance from London University.

Pêtchi opens on Friday 23 June and is taking bookings now.

Share this article: