You enter a world of magic, space, thrills and spills and intrigue when you step through the doors of the Ellan Vannin Hotel.

Hotelier Paul Cain has established what is believed to be the island’s first esports venue in Loch Promenade, Douglas.

Mr Cain and his wife Pauline boldly went where no other hoteliers have gone before when they decided to diversify during what has been a challenging year for the hospitality sector.

The couple have converted a ground-floor suite into a state-of-the-art esports base called Games Central.

No expense has been spared equipping the room with 18 PS4 Pro and Xbox 1x consoles and comfortable chairs ideal for enthusiasts.

Mr Cain said the idea was first mooted in October of last year when, during a cruise, he listened to an audio book by the author Peter James in which there is a reference to someone’s son being at a gaming party.

It sowed an idea and Mr Cain and his wife came up with a business plan and Games Central was born out of it.’

Mr Cain said: ’If there is a competition going on then everything can be streamed through the internet into the bar and lounge area.’

And since fully opening in August gamers of all ages have been flocking to flex their fingers on games ranging from Fortnite to World Warcraft, Call of Duty, Minecraft, Fifa 20, Fall Guys and other games.

Motorycle fans are not excluded from the action as they can also enjoy emulating their idols on a realistic TT game.

There’s also an added bonus with a virtual reality room where you can be transported to other lands and into orbit aboard a space station.

Mr Cain, at the helm of the 29-room hotel since 2012, said: ’If you had asked me a few years ago I would never have dreamed of doing anything like this.’

He sees gaming as a force for the future.

’Games Central is proving to be a real winner and we are pleased with the way it is catching on with people of all ages. I’m even getting involved and I’m in my early 60s.

’The Isle of Man Government recently set up an esports department which I think is quite forward thinking, and Chris Kissack, the new head of esports, has been helpful. I believe I have the only esports venue in the island with Games Central.’

Manxman Mr Cain said esports is gaining in popularity all the time and the venue is gaining quite a following on social media, and he welcomes group bookings. He said a team of people from a local e-gaming firm recently popped along for several hours of fun. He has a special offer of four hours gaming with a burger or hot dog and a drink for £20.

But other rates are available. Booking ahead is advised.

Mr Cain said: ’I had to turn a few people away last weekend because it was proving so popular.’