The White House

Review

There have been significant changes at this beautiful, tiny island since Herm's lease was bought in September 2008 by Starboard Settlement. A new Guernsey company, controlled by John and Julia Singer, was set up to run the island. They wish to be 'hands off', and have promoted Jonathan Watson, the manager of Herm's only hotel, to a new position of hospitality director of the island. Sion Dobson Jones, formerly of the Portmeirion Hotel (qv), now manages the hotel, and Kevin Hyde is the chef. Visitors who have known The White House for many years reported 'with relief' in 2009 that 'it was functioning just as before, with friendly young staff from around the world, though the personal touch was missing: we never got to speak to the manager. The building looked newly decorated; our room was spacious and comfortable, but there is no longer a turn-down service. No TV in the hotel or telephone in the bedrooms - guests come to get away from them. The meals were beautifully presented; desserts outstanding, starters and main dishes had more emphasis on presentation than taste.' The menu might include beef fillet with smoked savoy cabbage; baked breast of duck with black cherry sauce. A jacket and tie are expected of male guests at dinner. Neighbouring islands are visible from a series of interconnecting lounges, which have board games, free self-help tea and coffee, and 'sofas and chairs arranged to encourage guests to chat'; an 'ample light lunch' is available here. Children are welcomed (high teas and baby-listening); 'muzak is still mercifully absent from the hotel, and transistor radios are not allowed on the beaches, so the whole island has an air of peace'. Car-free Herm has cliffs, pastel-coloured cottages, a little harbour, three shops, an inn and a 10th-century chapel. Hotel guests are met at the boat; their luggage is transported by tractor. (Nigel and Jennifer Jee)