From freshly caught seafood and flavoursome meat to creamy Manx cheese and locally brewed ales and ciders, the Isle of Man’s forward-thinking food scene, which stands alongside the best in the UK, is built on wonderful local produce. Here are five ways to get an authentic taste of the island’s wonderful flavours that’ll keep you going through breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Start your day the right way
Noa Bakehouse in capital Douglas is the perfect brekkie spot
With so many exciting activities to cram into a day-long itinerary, you’re going to want to kick things off with an energising breakfast, so head to Noa Bakehouse in the island’s capital, Douglas. Open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch, coffee, cake and lunch, the bakehouse on North Quay works with a network of more than 20 local suppliers to showcase some of the Isle of Man’s best ingredients. If you can’t make it for brekkie, swing by on Saturday evening when the bakery dishes out its famous freshly baked pizza.
Find your food
Discover how local chef Pippa Lovell puts the island's excellent local produce to work
Foraging has become a favourite practice of top chefs everywhere, and it’s no different on the Isle of Man. At Versa in Port Erin, the kitchen works exclusively with local ingredients, and you can join head chef and owner Pippa Lovell on an hour-long tour to learn the basics, as well as the same preservation methods used by Michelin-starred restaurants. She’ll introduce you to the island’s seasonal wild foods while sharing her knowledge on how to use them in a variety of dishes.
Refuel at this lunchtime hotspot
Seafood fanatics, prepare to be truly spoiled
On the historic quayside of Peel on the west coast, The Boatyard is the perfect spot to relax over a belt-busting lunch. Take in the lively marina and the 11th-century castle while savouring fresh seafood that’s come straight off the boat, as well as local meat from the island’s finest butchers. The kitchen uses as much locally sourced produce as possible, taking special pride in its freshly baked breads, homemade puddings and ice creams. Because what’s a trip to the seaside without an ice cream?
Dine out in Douglas
This quaint shoreside eatery is a real treat for foodies
When it’s time for a rewarding evening meal, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Little Fish Café in Douglas. Offering views over the marina, the restaurant sources seasonal and local ingredients for a host of pukka dishes, including Malaysian seafood curry, crab claw tempura and ham hock croquettes with apple ketchup.
Serve up festive fare this autumn
This renowned yearly food festival is definitely worth loosening your belt for
What better way to celebrate the quality and variety of the island’s locally produced food and drink than at the annual Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival, which returns this year on 18-19 September. This fabulous culinary weekender offers visitors the chance to sample the very best local fare, experience live cookery demonstrations, and enjoy children’s activities and entertainment. Make sure you bring your appetite.
In partnership with Visit Isle of Man
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