The Jolly Journal: March Edition
We go behind the scenes of one of Jolly Harbour’s most exciting new eateries in this month’s newsletter. We also give you the latest updates from the Athletic Club – and we chat with tennis pro Patience Richards about his intriguing journey from a small Antiguan village to representing the region on the world stage.
Mongoose and Marlin brings British comfort food to Jolly
Ask Mark Liddell what his favourite British dish is and he doesn’t hesitate. Nothing hits the spot quite like traditional shepherd’s pie, a hearty ensemble of minced meat and vegetables topped with mashed potato and baked in the oven.
It was a dearth of “decent comfort food” to be found around Antigua’s west coast that inspired Mark to open his own eatery to cater to fellow Jolly Harbour residents yearning for a taste of home.
His theory was that if he – a Canadian – was craving bangers and mash, ‘proper’ fish and chips, and a full English breakfast, there were likely others who were too. Judging by the throngs of people who turned out for the February Friday 13th opening of the Mongoose and Marlin, it would appear he was correct.
“Good food, consistent quality and affordable prices” are at the heart of the restaurant’s ethos, Mark says.
Brandishing British, Antiguan and Canadian flags – in tribute to its culinary heritage, location and ownership – the Mongoose and Marlin in the new Commercial Village delivers another boost to local dining options.
“There are lots of restaurants that cater to the elite and while we are going to see an increased high-end presence in Jolly Harbour as it is redeveloped, that doesn’t abdicate responsibility for serving the majority of people who live here,” Mark explains. “Most people appreciate good wholesome food. The endorsement we have had from the local community – where more than half of homeowners are British – has been outstanding.”
The simple, compact menu also includes a range of burgers, homemade sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, jerk corn on the cob, pie of the day, and classic Canadian poutine with triple-cooked fries. Sweet-toothed patrons will appreciate the belt-busting desserts like sticky toffee pudding, banoffee ice cream sundae, and chocolate molten lava cake. Vegetarians will find plenty of options including a high-quality plant-protein burger, and a jerk vegetable pasty with curry sauce.
Breakfast is a leisurely affair with full English fry-up, bacon butties, and French toast or pancakes with real Canadian maple syrup served Saturdays and Sundays until noon.
“It’s not just a dining destination, it’s a social destination,” Mark, a first-time restaurateur, says. “I’m not in it to get rich; I’m in it because I believe it’s a hospitality service that this community needs.”
One way of keeping the customers coming back is through the restaurant’s loyalty programme, which will see local residents given a special Mongoose and Marlin ‘passport’.
Each time you dine the passport is stamped; collect 10 and your next meal is free.
This year marks a decade since Mark and wife Karen first visited Antigua. Like many, what began as a vacation spot became a second home when the couple bought a villa in 2020.
“We have travelled extensively in the Caribbean and we looked in several places for a property that was right for us. But nowhere else had the real estate configuration we were looking for, where you could keep your boat adjacent to your property,” Mark, a keen sailor, explains.
“Jolly Harbour was much better value for money than other islands. Plus, Antigua is right in the middle of the island chain with several direct flights from Canada each week, and is the heart of the Western Hemisphere’s sailing community.”
Now retired, the pair spend six months of the year in their refurbished Jolly Harbour villa, which has already quadrupled in value since they bought it at the onset of the Covid pandemic.
With the high level of investment currently being ploughed into the area, Mark is hopeful it will continue to reap dividends for both his villa and new restaurant which he plans to keep open year-round.
The former automation entrepreneur and keen racing car driver, from Toronto, says he’s grateful for the opportunity to escape Canada’s punishing winter climes.
“At 70, winter is not my friend. In Antigua, the difference in my physiology – and what I hope will be my life expectancy – is dramatic,” he smiles, adding: “I’ve seen the impact on too many friends who retired without a plan to replace their professional activity. I intend to keep going hard until I’m 85.”
The Mongoose and Marlin is open:
Mondays-Fridays 12pm-9pm and
Saturdays and Sundays from 9am until noon.
Call +1 268 732-4011