Niarbyl Café to reopen in spring 2027

Will be operated by Woodbourne Group

Niarbyl Café looks set to reopen in spring next year.

Manx National Heritage (MNH) has confirmed that following a 'competitive tender process', it will also be operated by Woodbourne Group.

The 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'.

Niarbyl Café, which overlooks the Island's picturesque west coast, has been closed for refurbishment since January 2023.

MNH says the new offering will see the creation of 'a coastal café experience celebrating the area's spectacular scenery and heritage, with fresh Manx seafood, locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menus and special events'.

Alongside Niarbyl, Woodbourne Group will also operate the Bay Room Café at the Manx Museum, where visitors can 'look forward to breakfasts, light lunches, homemade cakes and quality coffee in a welcoming, family-friendly setting'.

The Bay Room Café is expected to open before the end of 2026.

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, added: “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.”