Jersey is fast gaining a reputation as one of the leading foodie destinations of the Western world.

Whether you enjoy fine dining in Michelin starred restaurants or foraging in hedgerows for wild foods, Jersey boasts an eclectic and vibrant food scene.

A number of talented chefs and restaurateurs have been lured there over the years. Jersey is the most southerly of the Channel Islands – summer temperatures average around 20C and in winter it barely drops below freezing.

And if you live in Dorset, it is also deliciously easy to get to as it is only four hours by ferry from Poole.

We travelled on Condor’s Liberation, the high speed car ferry and stayed at The Club Hotel & Spa, a boutique style hotel situated near the capital of St Helier.

It’s just a short walk from the town centre and our suite had all mod cons including a super-king sized bed and large plasma TV.

During our weekend break, we were treated to a couple’s massage in the hotel’s luxurious dual-level club spa and a stunning afternoon tea in the hotel’s chic but less formal bar area where the cakes were as stylish as the decor.

Served with clotted cream, strawberry jam and Jersey butter, which isn’t like butter at all as it tastes like a very sweet, sticky, dark jam.

But without doubt the highlight was our visit to the newly refurbished Bohemia restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel which has become Jersey’s finest dining establishment since opening its doors in April 2004.

The restaurant serves Michelin star cuisine created by head chef Steve Smith, who could be Jersey’s answer to Heston Blumenthal when it comes to wacky, but inspired food combinations.

He took over from the legendary Shaun Rankin as head chef two years ago and has worked with some well known chefs including Jean Christophe Novelli.

Steve, who won a Michelin star at the age of 24 and now has a total of four rosettes to his name, believes in delivering innovative food, good service and value for money.

For him it’s not just about the food, it is the whole experience.

Following a refurbishment last year to create a more intimate and comfortable feel, the menu has changed from a la carte to a choice of tasting menus.

We opted for the pescatarian (fish) menu at £75 per person for seven courses starting with what our waiter referred to as nibbles, which failed to do just justice to the mini feast that was to follow.

Bite-sized slices of toasted sour bread topped with a ham hock terrine and a dash of piccalilli were served on a platter with a little tin of dressed mackerel topped with a blackcurrant jelly, a sprinkling of caviar and sliver of crispy seaweed.

This was jaw dropping stuff and marked the start of a memorable gastronomic journey. One of my favourite dishes was chilled asparagus soup served in a warm bowl with a dollop of mushroom ice cream in the centre and a breaded quail’s egg.

Other highlights included lobster with shellfish bisque and a scallop with grated truffle on top with smoked eels and turbot with oyster foam.

We soon realised we could totally rely on Steve’s culinary skills. No matter how exotic or outlandish some of the combinations sounded, it always looked and tasted exquisite.

Each dish wasn’t just a work of art, it was a masterpiece.

The restaurant itself is uber chic but relaxed with chilled instrumental background music and plenty of crisp, white napery.

As you would expect, service was fivestar.

The staff know the menu inside out and the whole experience was a feast for all the senses, not just the taste buds.

The next morning we felt we should at least try and burn off some of the excess calories we’d consumed over the past 48 hours so we went for a run around the beautiful marina and when we got back to the hotel I even braved a quick dip in the outdoor pool before we packed our bags and headed back to the ferry.

All in all it was the perfect place for a foodie holiday or weekend break. We can’t wait to go back.

Factfile

Address: The Club Hotel & Spa, Green Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 4UH, Channel Islands.

Telephone: 01534 876 500.

Website: theclubjersey.com

Transport: 55 minute flight from London Gatwick Airport and 10 minute drive from Jersey Airport, or four hour ferry ride from Poole/Portsmouth.

Guest Rooms & Suites: 38 deluxe double rooms and eight suites (including one family suite).

There is complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel and free parking for all guests.

Room rates start from £99 (room only), £130 with Continental breakfast. Suites start from £210 to £349 with Continental breakfast.