If you’ve spent any time down at Ouaisné over the past decade, chances are you’ve tasted a little Kismet magic. Whether it was a beachside brunch roll after a dip, a rum punch slushie at sunset, or the unmistakable beat of live music drifting across the sand, Kismet Cabana became woven into the rhythm of westie Jersey life.
Now, after nine incredible years by the sea, the team behind the island’s most colourful catering crew has turned the page to an entirely new chapter. Meet The Pantry – by Kismet Cabana, the business’s freshly opened home at La Haule Farm, St Aubin. Housed in the former Lucas Brothers shop, The Pantry blends everything Kismet is loved for, flavour, creativity, and community, with a new mission: to make sustainable, chef-made local food accessible for every islander.
A kitchen built on connection
“We wanted to create something that celebrates local food and makes it easy for busy people to eat well” says founder and chef Chris Lister, “the idea was simple – real food, made from scratch with local ingredients (wherever possible), ready for your home oven.”
Inside, The Pantry feels like a natural evolution of the brand: rustic shelves lined with small-batch sauces, chutneys and relishes from their Dollops & Dashes range, freezers stocked with comforting Soul Food & Wanderlust dishes (think Woodlands Farm Cottage Pie, Sri Lankan Chicken Curry, and Pulled Brisket Mac & Cheese), and a bright corner bursting with produce from farms like Manor Farm, Three Oaks Vineries, Blanc Pignon, and Homefield.
Sustainability, but make it soulful
The Pantry’s ethos goes far beyond flavour. Sustainability has always been part of the Kismet DNA, and this new venture brings that to life in every detail. Packaging is fully compostable or recyclable, with the team’s new Jersey Bean Pot scheme rewarding customers for returning glass jars and bottles. “It’s a simple idea – you bring back your jars, we reuse them, and the savings go into our community fund,” explains Summer. “It’s about circular thinking – reducing waste while giving something back.”That “something back” extends to their Pay It Forward scheme, designed to make wholesome, local food accessible to everyone. The goal? To provide subsidised meals and community hampers for those in need.
From Ouaisné to La Haule
The move has opened the door to collaboration. The Pantry now stocks products from other local makers, including Rawe Juices, Brooklands Farm, Jade Fisheries, and Blanc Pignon, creating a one-stop shop for island-made goodness.
So… what’s happening with Kismet Cabana?
The short answer – it’s still very much alive, just evolved. Kismet Cabana now focuses purely on private catering, weddings, and events – giving Chris and the team the space to dish up those signature Kismet flavours for special occasions across the island. From intimate dinner parties to large-scale celebrations, you can still expect the same sunshine-filled menus, music-infused atmosphere and that touch of Kismet flair – just brought directly to you.
What’s next for The Pantry?
With the shop now open, the focus turns to digital growth. Their new website, thepantry. je, will soon allow customers to order online for click-and-collect or island-wide delivery, with subscription meal plans launching in early 2026. “We’ve learned that good food isn’t just about what’s on your plate,” says Chris. “It’s about the people who grow it, the hands that make it, and the stories that bring it to life. That’s what we want The Pantry to represent.” Whether you’re popping in for your weeknight dinner, a jar of Jerk BBQ Sauce, or just to say hi, you’ll find that same Kismet warmth waiting at the door
#ThePantrybyKismet
