Think Isle of Man and you’ll probably think of its heritage railways, rugged beauty, or the fast and furious motorsport that puts this small island on the international map. But what you may not know is that the island is starting to garner quite the foodie reputation.
Guernsey residents are no strangers to lip-smacking local produce and a vibrant food scene and now, with Aurigny flights on sale, they have the opportunity to explore what the Isle of Man has to offer.
Just like Guernsey, the IoM is now fully open with no social distancing measures in place, making it easy to enjoy its near-200 eateries, ranging from quayside cafés and country pubs to street-food stalls, pop-up shops and more.
Local, sustainable produce is at the heart of the island’s burgeoning food culture, and with fertile farmland and surrounding seas, there are rich pickings to choose from. No trip would be complete without sampling the famous Manx Kipper, or the Queenie, the national dish. And to wash it all down, there are several local breweries producing the purest ales.
Listen up, real ale drinkers: Manx islanders have very strong views about beer. The island has a purity law preventing brewers adding any supplement to malt, hops, sugar, water and brewer’s yeast. This was altered in 1999 to allow, among other things, fruit to be added.
From brewery tours and beer sampling to fine dining on succulent local lamb and seafood, here’s our guide to eating well in the Isle of Man.
Where to eat
(Port Erin seafront, Isle of Man. Image via Visit Isle of Man)
The Isle of Man’s capital, Douglas, offers everything from fashionable fusion restaurants to family friendly dining. Find somewhere along the quayside or Douglas Marina for a gorgeous sea-view backdrop.
If you’re in it for the mountain views, head to Ramsey in the north. The island’s west coast is known for its seafood and stunning sunsets. In fact, Peel and the west are known as Sunset City, so it’s the place to go for a romantic meal for two.
Popular holiday spots in Victorian times, Port Erin and the south offer old world charm and make for a genteel spot for afternoon tea. Hikers enjoy fuelling up at one of the island’s many country pubs.
What to eat
The Isle of Man is well known for its traditional local dish of spuds and herring but there is a lot more to keep you fed and watered during your stay. No Manx food list would be complete without the mention of kippers, which have been fished, cured and served on the island since the 1500s. Smoked salmon is also a specialty, and seafood lovers must try the Manx Queenie, the national dish of queen scallops served with a white or cheese sauce.
Talking of cheese, the IoM is renowned for its cheeses, especially those from the award-winning Isle of Man Creamery.
The Loaghtan was a native breed of sheep brought back from the brink of extinction. Today, it’s a true Manx delicacy, with its tender texture and complex flavour.
What to drink
The Manx Beer Purity Law, enacted in 1874, allows for only four ingredients in any ale: water, malt, sugar and hops. This is an island that takes its beer seriously.
There are four breweries, some of which offer tours. Okell’s is the oldest, while Bushy’s Beer is famous for its Oyster stout, made with real oysters. Old Laxey Brewing Company is the smallest on the island, and Hooded Ram is the newest, offering small American style brews.