The much-anticipated new farm shop and cafe opened last week at Close Leece Farm on the Patrick Road.

For owners Steven and Tracey Ridgway it is the fulfilment of a long-held dream.

They left London to come to the Isle of Man 10 years ago and have since built up their herd of rare breed Tamworth pigs and established a quality artisanal brand making chorizo and salami in purpose-built premises on the farm.

In last year’s UK Great Taste Awards, their chorizo won the highest award, three star gold.

The idea of the new farm shop and cafe is to showcase their own products along with other locally grown and produced food and there is already a wide range of local products on display there already.

Tracey said: ’It’s just trying to bring everything together and we’re still looking for more producers to stock.’

Current Manx Chef of the Year, Darren Woods is heading up the cafe kitchen.

Must-try

He makes everything from scratch, from the baked beans to the ’square sausage’ which is speciality of the house and a must-try.

Darren said: ’The eggs we use are gathered less than 50 yards away and any veg scraps we can’t use in the cooking got to feed the pigs.

’The only thing that’s travelled far is the avocado!’

Another familiar face, Rich Ashcroft, who recently sold the much-loved Patchwork Cafe in Port St Mary, is on front of house duties.

He said: ’I’m helping to set up the cafe and run the dining room.

’I’m really excited to have so much Manx produce so close.

’This is a destination cafe - it’s the real deal.’