Former Isle of Man TT rider's heartbreak as beloved pub closes

For Barry Wood, the closure of The Manor in Willaston feels ‘almost like a bereavement’ after 47 years of drinking at the pub he describes as the centre of the community.

The former TT rider and two-time Manx Grand Prix winner is among the regulars mourning the loss of the venue, which closed its doors on Saturday (October 24) after 71 years as a pub.

But despite the sadness, he remains hopeful that The Manor will reopen under new management and continue serving the Willaston community.

‘My local pub all of my adult life and the centre of the community in Willaston,’ he said.

‘I know many other community pubs have closed on the Island and in the adjacent countries but, naively, I never thought it would happen to us.’

The closure follows the end of Heron & Brearley's tenure at the premises. Douglas City Council, which owns the building, is now running a competitive tender process to find a new operator, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks.

The council has said the current operator decided not to continue after its lease expired, while an Okell's spokesperson wished the council success with its future plans.

For Mr Wood, the pub's importance is rooted in decades of memories, from family connections dating back to its opening to the sporting and social occasions that brought people together.

His maternal grandfather, Alfie ‘Paddy’ Bell, worked for Castletown Brewery and helped set up the premises when it first opened as a pub in October 1955. He volunteered to test the first pint poured through its new system, declaring it a success.

Mr Wood's family connection was recognised when The Manor marked its 60th anniversary. His mother was invited to cut the cake as the daughter of the man who poured that first pint, but asked her son to take her place.

He recalled Saturday evenings when local football and hockey teams packed into the pub to hear their results on the wireless, with free food handed around.

Other traditions included Mhelliahs, Christmas tombolas and free pints for locals on Boxing Day, accompanied by the Town Band playing carols.

The Manor was also a familiar haunt for TT and Manx Grand Prix competitors. Mr Wood remembered racing personalities Bob McIntyre and Alastair King, alongside sponsor Joe Potts, calling in for a beer after practice.

He also recalled Ian Lougher being carried into the pub after winning the 250cc race and setting a lap record of 117.80mph.

The building itself dates back to 1844, when it was constructed as a private residence before being converted into a pub. It became the first licensed premises on a Corporation housing estate since the Second World War.

Mr Wood praised outgoing landlords Billy and Jane for their efforts over the past couple of years, saying they had been popular and worked hard to keep the pub going.

He now hopes a new operator can be found to give The Manor a future.