New partnership will see two much-loved hospitality venues brought back to life, with a focus on local produce, quality food and enhanced visitor experiences.
Manx National Heritage (MNH) is delighted to announce that Woodbourne Group, an established name in the Isle of Man’s hospitality sector, has been selected as the new operator for both the Bay Room Café at the Manx Museum and Niarbyl Café, following a competitive tender process.
The appointment marks an exciting new chapter for two important hospitality venues within the national heritage estate. Woodbourne Group plans to create two distinct café experiences, each tailored to its unique setting while sharing a commitment to exceptional customer service, quality food and the celebration of Manx produce.
The Bay Room Café, located within the Manx Museum in Douglas, will offer a welcoming, family-friendly environment serving breakfasts, light lunches, homemade cakes and quality coffee. The café aims to enhance the museum experience while also establishing itself as a destination for local residents, workers and visitors to the capital.
At Niarbyl, following extensive refurbishment works undertaken by Manx National Heritage, Woodbourne Group plans to create a coastal café destination celebrating the site’s spectacular setting and heritage. The venue will showcase locally sourced ingredients, fresh Manx seafood, quality coffee and seasonal menus, alongside opportunities for afternoon teas, Sunday lunches and special events.
Woodbourne Group brings extensive experience in hospitality, catering and events management to the partnership, with an established portfolio across the island that includes Café 360, Greens Café, and Woodbourne Deli and Kitchen.
Connie Lovel, Chief Executive of Manx National Heritage, said:
“We were encouraged by the quality of interest received in both opportunities and are delighted to be moving forward with Woodbourne Group. Their proposals demonstrated a strong understanding of what makes both venues special and a clear commitment to delivering high-quality Manx food, excellent customer service and an experience that complements our heritage sites.
The Manx Museum and Niarbyl offer two very different but equally special visitor experiences and the quality of our hospitality offer is an important part of that. We are delighted to be partnering with Woodbourne Group to enhance the experience at the Manx Museum and to showcase the extraordinary landscape and heritage of Niarbyl.
Both café venues have a real opportunity to become destinations in their own right, while complementing the special character of the heritage sites they serve”.
David Upton-Jones, Managing Director of Woodbourne Group, said:
“We’re so excited to be partnering with Manx National Heritage on two milestone projects that mean so much to the local community.
As Woodbourne Group continues to evolve, opportunities like this provide us with the perfect platform to demonstrate our strengths. From the Bay Room Café in Douglas to the stunning backdrop of Niarbyl, both venues will allow us to draw on our extensive hospitality, catering and events experience while celebrating the Isle of Man’s heritage and beauty.
We’re incredibly proud to be adding two such unique sites to our island portfolio, and we’re looking forward to bringing our ideas for both venues to life.”
Woodbourne Group intends to open the Bay Room Café before the end of 2026, with Niarbyl Café expected to reopen in spring 2027.
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