Isle of Man

Right lets start with a bit of back ground on the Island, The Isle of Man otherwise known simply as Mann s a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, within the British Isles. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who holds the title of Lord of Mann. The Lord of Mann is represented by a Lieutenant Governor. The island is not part of the United Kingdom, but its foreign relations and defence are the responsibility of the UK Government. Although it does not usually interfere in the island's domestic matters, its "good government" is the ultimate responsibility of the Crown 

The island has been inhabited since before 6500 BC. It began to be influenced by Gaelic culture in the AD 5th century and the Manx language, a branch of the Gaelic languages, gradually emerged. In the 9th century, the Norse began to settle there. A Norse-Gaelic culture emerged and the island came under Norse control. In 1266, the island became part of Scotland. After a period of alternating rule by the kings of Scotland and England, the island came under the feudal overlordship of the English Crown in 1399. The lordship revested into the British Crown in 1764 but the island never became part of the United Kingdom and retained its status as an internally self-governing jurisdiction.

The island is not a member of the European Union, but has a limited relationship concerning the free movement of goods.

Tynwald, the island's parliament, was nominally founded in AD 979. It is arguably the oldest continuous parliament in the world. The annual ceremonial meeting in July on Tynwald Day, the island's national day, continues to be held at Tynwald Hill, where titles are announced and a brief description of the new laws enacted by Tynwald during the previous year is given.

The culture of the Isle of Man is influenced by its Celtic and to a lesser extent its Norse origins, though its close proximity to the UK, popularity as a UK tourist destination, and recent mass immigration by British migrant workers has meant that British influence has been dominant since the Revestment period. Recent revival campaigns have attempted to preserve the surviving vestiges of Manx culture after a long period of Anglicisation, and significant interest in the Manx language, history and musical tradition has been the result.

The official language of the Isle of Man is English. Manx Gaelic has traditionally been spoken but is now considered "critically endangered" In common use are the greetings moghrey mie and fastyr mie which mean good morning and good afternoon respectively. The Manx language knows no evening as it is afternoon. Another frequently heard Manx expression is traa dy liooar meaning time enough, and represents a stereotypical view of the Manx attitude to life.

For centuries, the island's symbol has been its ancient triskelion, a device similar to Sicily'sTrinacria: three bent legs, each with a spur, joined at the thigh. The three legs are reflected in the island's motto (adopted late in the symbol's history): Quocunque Jeceris Stabit, traditionally translated from Latin as Whithersoever you throw it, it will stand, or Whichever way you throw it, it will stand.

Here we go with a bit of myth and wizardry; In Manx mythology, the island was ruled by Manannán mac Lir, a Celtic sea god, who would draw his misty cloak around the island to protect it from invaders. One of the principal theories about the origin of the name Mann is that it is named after Manannan.

In the Manx tradition of folklore, there are many stories of mythical creatures and characters. These include the Buggane, a malevolent spirit who according to legend blew the roof off St Trinian's Church in a fit of rage; the Fenodyree; the Glashtyn; and the Moddey Dhoo, a ghostly black dog who wandered the walls and corridors of Peel Castle.

Mann is also said to be home to fairies, known locally as the little folk or themselves. There is a famous Fairy Bridge and it is said to be bad luck if one fails to wish the fairies good morning or afternoon when passing over it. It used to be a tradition to leave a coin on the bridge to ensure good luck. Other types of fairies are the Mi'raj and the Arkan Sonney.

An old Irish story tells how Lough Neagh was formed when Ireland's legendary giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (commonly anglicised to Finn McCool) ripped up a portion of the land and tossed it at a Scottish rival. He missed, and the chunk of earth landed in the Irish Sea, thus creating the island. Peel Castle has been proposed as a possible location of the Arthurian Avalon

So here it is at last had to mention it? The main international event associated with the island is the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race, colloquially known as "The TT" which began in 1907. It takes place in late May and early June. The TT is now an international road racing event for motorcycles, which used to be part of the World Championship, and is long considered to be one of the "greatest motorcycle sporting event of the world”. Taking place over a two week period, it has become a festival for motorcycling culture, makes a huge contribution to the island’s economy and has become part of Manx identity. For many, the Isle carries the title "road racing capital of the world". The Manx Grand Prix is a separate motorcycle event for amateurs and private entrants that uses the same 60.70 km (37.72 mi) Snaefell Mountain Course in late August and early September.

One more bit of info that will put in good stead before we get to the pubs of the Isle of Man; WALKING remember walking? When you could walk for ages in the country without meeting a soul, and certainly without breathing in traffic fumes. Well, it is still possible in the Isle of Man to 'put your best foot forward' and discover 'real' countryside - the ultimate outdoor adventure, to see vast tracts of countryside unchanged for hundreds of years, unspoilt  beaches and rare flora and fauna, re-discover the pleasures of walking in the tranquillity of an island where you'll witness a landscape known to the Celts and Vikings many hundreds of years ago. You may also come across a welcoming hostelry or two will a welcoming fire and a pint waiting for you inside, what more can a man ask for.

Travel on the island is quite easy especially if you are staying in Douglas, as everything starts here and ends back here – the simplest way is to buy a weekly travel ticket that covers all the buses, Steam & electric trains and is well worth the value. You can purchase a ticket from the Tourest Information Shop in the Ferry terminus at Douglas also with some good short walk books.

The Isle of Man has six breweries (2023) the large modern Okell's Brewery.

Okell & Son Ltd. Dr. William Okell, a Cheshire surgeon, started Okell's Brewery in Castle Hill, Douglas in 1850. By 1874 Dr. Okell owned many of the pubs on the island, had convinced Tynwald, the island's parliament, to create an act ensuring the purity of beer brewed on the Isle of Man, and built The Falcon Steam Brewery just outside Douglas. In 1972 Okells was bought by Heron & Brearley, a local drinks company. Then, in 1986, it was merged with Castletown Brewery and renamed The Isle of Man Breweries.In August 1994 the company moved to a new purpose built brewery outside Beers brewed are Okells Bitter., Mild, Dr.Okells IPA, Maclir (wheat beer), Red and Altbier.

Bushy’s Brewery:Bushy's Brewery is a local brewery in Douglas in Man, which was founded by the brothers Martin and Nicky Brunnschwieler in 1986.

In October 1984, they took over Zhivago's Bar in Victoria St, Douglas and, two years later, started a microbrewery in the cellar and made their own brand Old Bushy Tail, a red-brown beer with a strong malt flavour with an after-taste of hops and caramel. The location was named Bushy's Brewpub. A professional brewer, Davey Jones from London, was placed in charge of quality, and in 1990 a new brewery opened, with famous British writer Michael Jackson, known for the book The World Guide To Beer (1977) and as a "beer guru", attending the official opening. Currently, the brewer Neil "Curly" Convery is the owner, and the brewery is connected to the annual motorcycle race on Man, TT Races, with the "Ale of Man". Regular beers are Bitter, Castletown Bitter Manx Bitter, Piston Brew, Ruby Mild and a traditional Weiss Bier.

Odin's Manx Beer, Glen Mona, Ramsey

A no bullshit, honest to the grain, One Mann Isle of Man focused brewery. The newest brewery to open in the Isle of Man, first seen at the 2019 Isle of Man Beer and Cider Festival.

Kaneen's Brewery, Main Rd Union Mills, Braddan

Small Brewery. Big Ideas. Brewery owner and head brewer Peter Kaneen has the primary aim of creating a high quality beer for all drinkers to enjoy. His first beer Lhune Airh is light, easy to drink, and vegan/vegitarian friendly.

NOA Brewhouse, Peveril Buildings, Peveril Square, Douglas

First brewed in February 2023. Leftover sourdough brewed from the bakehouse under the same ownership is used as yeast. They also perate a Tap Room?

Radical Brewing Co, Lough Ned, Braddan

A commercial home based brewery who launched in February 2021 after the owner/brewer resigned from Okells in 2018. Home of the Smallest Brewery on the Isle of Man. Thie Imbyl y Vooinjer Veggey. The Brewery of the Little People. The Old Fairy Bridge is just a few hundred yards from The Brewery

Old Laxey Brewry:  The beers brewed are mainly sold in the pub next door, the Shore in Laxey. The main beer brewed is Bosun's Bitter brewed in a traditional outbuilding at the rear of the hotel. Established in 1996, it is the Island's smallest independent brewery. The full-bodied Bosun's complies with the 1874 Isle of Man Pure Act. Special's are also occasionally made.

Note: Brewing ceased in late Summer 2020 with the production of two beers produced specifically for the pub but not under the Old Laxey name being contracted out to Bushy's Brewery.

Albert Hotel, 3 Chapel Row, Douglas (near the bus station).

This is a small two roomed pub of the spit and polish style, no food just beer there are house beers form Okells and Bushy Breweries and regular guest beers, on our visit was relatively quiet. Not really any atmosphere, and seems like an old style drinking den? But friendly service and good beer, also deserves to be a regular in the Good Beer Guide (GBG).

Prospect Hotel, Prospect Hill, Douglas

A large open plan building with defined areas, and a large central bar, they serve beers from Okells and have guest beers, food is only served lunch time. We did not eat here, but it is highly recommended? Nice cosy feel to the place.

Queens Hotel, Queens Promenade, Douglas

On the sea front. This had just been refurnished when we were there they had a couple of Okells beer on and a guest nothing special and of middling quality was quite busy and seemed to be quite a “click” nice building with defined drinking areas and a large beer garden at the front, but not welcoming?

Further along the Promenade towards the station for the electric railway is the

The Terminus Tavern, Stranthallan Crescent, Douglas

A large front bar severs Okells bitter and up to 4 guest beers, that were all on form. There are nice alcoves and window seats and there is a lot of memorabilia the walls and very good food, also a nice beer garden at the front, well recommended.

We back into town and our favourite pub in Douglas the

Rovers Return, Church Street, Douglas

This is a Bushys pub with the full range of there beers and 2-3 guest beers, there is a main bar area with a small snug off it, then a large room to the bottom were bands regally play. As you go along the corridor to the toilets, there is another small snug that is a shrine to Blackburn Rover and also has a hatch onto the main bar. Just passed that is the pool room. There is a large covered area for drinking smoking at the front, and the hand pulls are mage out of old fire hose nozzles, as the building is opposite the old fire station. This is a nice welcoming bar even though it is in the city. This became our local of an evening.

Just opposite the Steam Train station on North Quay is the;

Railway Hotel, North Quay, Douglas

This is a large open planed building with a modern feel inside, nice views of the Quayside, guest beers and continental beers, Food served at lunch time.

Cat with No Tails, Hailwood Court, Governors Hill,

This is a modern pub serving Okells and guest beers.

Manor Hotel, School Road, Willaston.

A true community pub at the heart of the village and close to the TT Grandstand, Dark wood panelling traditional pub games and Okell bitter and guest beers are served no food. Occasionally they have live bands.

Off we go the Castletown and the best way to get there is on the Steam train. This is the old capital of the island, with a very long history as the home of Vikings, kings, and government. There is much to see and do in this historical coastal town.

Sidings, Victoria Road, Castletown

Just out side the station, this is a long white building with 2 rooms a main bar area with approx eight hand pumps on serving Bushys beers and guest beers from far and wide. The other room is a large dining room, food is basic wholesome and good, the building lacks carrictor inside and so is thus a little soulless but good beer and food never the less.

A short walk into town bring us to the “Glue Pot”

The Castle Arms, The Quayside, Castletown

This is an historic old pub situated next to Rushen Castel and the harbour this is a quaint old pub with lots of nooks and crannies to sit in and sup some of the fine cask ales on sale from Okells and up to four guest beers, you can sit outside on a fine day and watched the fishing boats in the harbour. Food is served at lunch time.

Back onto the train and off to  a busy harbour for yachts, though other boats also make their home here. Thatched cottages and local shops fill narrow streets near the sea coast. This unspoilt village is home to the;

Shore Hotel, Shore Road, Gansey, Rushen, Port St Mary 

Serving Bushys and Okells beers. There are great view of Carrick Rock and Bay. The main bar of the Shore has been transformed in the past year. If glitzy chrome and plastic are your thing then stay away, because The Shore has embraced its seaside location by introducing an eclectic, vintage chic/New England feel. Rich cream shades with the tasteful and abundant application of natural wood finishes make it a cosy, welcoming space. Table tops formed from heavy planks hewn from original Georgian beams, a driftwood effect feature wall and a quirky new bar, created from sections of panelled doors – some still bearing their original street numbers – all help create a wonderfully warm and relaxed ambience. One corner of the room is given over to comfy leather settees, here you can see a number of fascinating old sepia images of the building – taken at the height of a storm early in the last century. Running the full length of the bar area are chunky wooden ship’s rails. Their earlier life  was, it seems, spent attached to a boat that made regular trips between Peel and Northern Ireland. Food is served lunch time and is quite good. Bed and Breakfast is also available in four rooms

Albert Hotel, 1 Athol St, Port St Mary

This is a traditional pub with views over the harbour there are three rooms including a dining room there are real fires in the room and is a must after a walk on the cliffs in the colder months or a stop off after a fishing trip.

Falcons Nest Hotel, Station Rd, Port Erin

This is a family run hotel with a lounge and public bar open to all there is a conservatory along the front that on a cold day you can sit and enjoy the views over the bay and Bradda Head, the Beers are from Okell, Bushys and guest beers, Food is served daily and there is popular Sunday carvery. Beer is OK but a bit soulless again?

Bay Hotel, Shore Rd, Port Erin

Aa large building that Bushys Brewery bought as a dry rot ridden wreck in 2002 and carefully restored, and it is well worth the trip alone. A two roomed pub with a bar/lounge serving the full Bushys range and there is even the Shuttleworth Flyer in the bar. The dining room has large pine scrubber table and serves some of the best food on the island well recommended. In August the pub is host to a Rhythm and Blues festival and has won many CAMRA awards.

Our favourite place on the Island and were we will be staying next time we visit as we were accepted in every bar we went into and were part of the “crack” and it is Peel. Peel sits on the west coast of the island, is the only city on the Isle of Man, and has the island's cathedral. Also a large ruined castle from 1392. The most Manx town on the Isle of Man. Here fishing thrives with a busy harbour. Loads of places to walk and scenery to enjoy. Lovely beach side town with many local shops of interest, and some very good pubs and bars, the best of which is the;

White House Hotel, 2 Tynwald Road, Peel

A family run pub with many rooms being served by one central bar with a good range of beers from Bushys, Okells and guest beers form far and wide. The snug called “the Captains Cabin” has its own small bar and is a real must in winter in front of the real fire and this is the best place to have a pint on the island and enjoy the “crack” with the locals. Live local music on Friday and Saturday nights. Also a forma IOM, CAMRA pub of the year (2009)

The Creek Inn, 14 Lake Ln, Peel

A modern pub with two large rooms one mainly for dining and the food is very good we ate here twice, up to four guest ales local and from further afield, and regular festivals thought the year. The back bar is a popular live music venue. The pub over looks the quayside and the Manannan Museum. Food is served all day.

Marine Hotel, Shore Road, Peel

Nestled on the promenade, which in fact stands on reclaimed land, the pub is dominated by a large seating area where food is served in huge portions of food. Don’t miss the braised steak...Melts in your mouth and lashings of it too! With the public bar to the front.serving Okells and Bushys beer that were not found wanting and also a good friendly crowd of locals we were invited to the sausage tasting that the local butcher was doing at the time! Mmmmm.

The Trafalgar Hotel, West Quay, Ramsey

This is the best pub in the town serving Okells Bitter, Moorhouses Black Cat Mild and guest beers. This was a busy friendly pub with a good harbour side setting. Also has won many CAMRA awards, well worth a visit.

The Swan, 3 Parliament St, Ramsey

A modern food based pub serving Okells Red and Bitter, not really worth the effort? Better IMO to go the “Chippy” across the road and have Fish Chips and mushy peas for under £5 and a pint in one the other bars in the area.

The Queens Hotel, New Rd, Laxey

A busy local serving Bushys ales. Every wall is covered in pictures, photos and memorabilia of the local area and the TT races. The seating is in the bar with comfortable button backed benches and a snug porch to sit and watch the world go by or even your bus if you get to comfortable?

Shore Hotel, Old Laxey Hill, Laxey

Village pubs are rarely found in more idyllic settings than the Shore Hotel. In the historic east coast village of Laxey, just before the lush slopes of the valley give way to dramatic headland, the Shore Hotel nestles on the banks of the Laxey River. The name Laxey is derived from the Norse 'laksaa', or 'salmon river', as the fish were once abundant in these waters. Not only do they serve their own Bosun's Bitter they also have beer from the Island's largest brewery, Okells and stock over 100 single malt whiskies. A busy community local that also hold various music festival thought the year.

The Mitre, Main Rd, Kirk Michael

A cosy traditional village pub with real fires, real ale and real people who make you welcome. Lots of old TT memorabilia and good value wholesome food make it a must visit.

The Raven Ballaugh bridge, Ballaugh

Provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the TT Races, a welcoming local with up to three real ales and a special on called Ravens Claw brewed by Okells just for them?

Sulby Glen Hotel,  Main Rd, Sulby

This pub is situated on the Sluby Straight a notoriously fast part of the TT track. Just ask the bus driver to drop you off outside the pub! This is a large open plan bar with well laid out separate areas, the main bar serves Okells beers and they serve well prepared locally sourced food.. Live music is popular with locals and visitors alike. Also they offer room and board in well appointed en-suit rooms.

Well that’s the low down on the Isle of Man pub scene hope it will be of some use to you as fellow beer tourist's. We hope you have a good time and remember these are just a sample of the best pubs we found. We were never disappointed while on the island and every beer was of very good standard. Slainte Otto and the Little’un.

R.I.P.

Hooded Ram Brewing Company, Hills Meadow, Douglas. Staffed only by its owner, brewer and drayman Robert, he decided to start brewing after becoming involved in the local CAMRA branch in 2010. The brewery shop, located in Hills Meadow, is open Thursday's and Friday's (3:00 to 7:00) and Saturdays (12:00 to 6:00). Tours can be arranged by calling the brewery on (01624) 612464.

So with your taste buds bursting it’s off to the pub to sample a few of the above delights; we will start in Douglas and work our way around the island; Douglas is the Isle of Man capital with by far the highest population at over 25,000. It is the island hub for shipping, transport, shopping, and entertainment. It is also the home of the government and main finance sector. First up then is the

Doghouse Brewery Limited, Unit 7 The Paddocks, IM7 3BD Jurby Industrial Estate.
Launched on 22 September 2012.A 10hl Micro Brewery brewing some intresting beer, that have already made their mark by winning SIBA awards.