My Jersey ABI OVERLAND

Local artist Abi Overland who creates luxury homeware and art prints, finds solace at sunrise in the sea down at Belroute and inspiration in the wilds of St Peters Valley. Fuelled by Dandy’s coffee, we sat down to discuss weekend rituals, bacon popcorn and the best places on Jersey to let your hair down…

Home is?

I’m a westy. Always have been. I live in St. Brelade, six minutes drive to the beach, amazing bus routes and the cycle track right there. I love visiting the east, it feels like a holiday.

My weekend ritual involves…

Coffee and cats mainly. I’m usually catching up on drawing over the weekend too as it’s really the only time I get to work on my own pieces. Maybe some fresh air if I’m feeling especially adventurous. I live just by Quennevais and discovered a few years ago that you can access the top of the dunes by the cycle track. It's a pretty magical walk down to the beach - in the winter there’s a tiny mini lake that forms in one of the dune pits. I love it.

The best brunch on the island?

Hank Marvin at Rondels farm shop, the food there is just a delight, also they have bacon popcorn. How could you not love a cafe that has bacon popcorn?!

Where do you go to let your hair down?

I absolutely adore the Porter’s Store. A combination of amazing cocktails, the sneaky secret door that leads you downstairs and the most incredible interior decor. For a fun pint and good atmosphere, you can’t beat the Traf in St. Aubins. For great food it would have to be Awabi or Upstairs at Anley.

Best meal you’ve had on the island?

As far as experiences go, it’s pretty magical to go down to Faulkner Fisheries in the summer when they do their BBQ seafood, and you sit right by the water eating freshly caught and cooked goodies.

Where do you take friends when they visit?

A rib ride to Les Minquiers or the Ecrehous is always a great way to show off what’s on our door! Summer Sunday sessions at the Splash have a great vibe too.

Describe your perfect day spent on the island?

I really love to spend a good few hours walking around the zoo with my husband. Or a swim at my favourite swimming spot, Belcroute, especially if you get there early in the morning in the summertime and you get the sunrise shining right on the bay.

Where do you get your inspiration?

It’s usually when I go for a walk, strolling through St. Peter’s valley in particular, it feels like you’re really submerged in the wilderness.

What are you working on at the moment?

I have a couple of really exciting commissions at the moment which I can’t really say more about but you bet I’ll be posting about them everywhere when I can!

Describe Jersey in 3 words… Beautiful, community-focussed, supportive abioverland.com