Isle of Man pub set to reopen after seven months of uncertainty

A village pub that has remained closed for more than six months following an immigration investigation is set to reopen next month under new management.

The Colby Glen, which is the only pub in the village of Colby and has long been popular with residents and visitors, announced it would be reopening its doors in August.

The pub had been closed since January after its previous tenants announced on social media that it would be ‘taking a short break’ following a busy festive period.

However, the premises remained shut in the weeks that followed, with the pub’s future becoming uncertain after it emerged that the site had been searched as part of a joint police and immigration operation on January 20.

The previous tenants, Kurries and Steaks, took over the lease of The Colby Glen in 2023, with the Asian fusion restaurant operating from the premises as part of Okells Inns’ expansion of its tenancy estate.

In February, the Isle of Man Government confirmed that an immigration compliance investigation was ongoing.

At the time, a spokesperson said: ‘Immigration has recently recruited and established a dedicated Immigration Compliance Team.

‘The team is tasked with proactively investigating suspected immigration offences and ensuring compliance with relevant immigration legislation.

‘The Treasury can confirm that the Immigration Compliance Team is conducting an investigation. As this is an ongoing operational matter, it would not be appropriate to provide any specific details at this stage.’

Okells Inns, which owns The Colby Glen, said it was aware of an investigation relating to the pub but could not comment on its future at that stage.

Last month, the Isle of Man Constabulary confirmed investigations into possible immigration offences connected with the pub were continuing.

A police spokesperson has told Isle of Man Today that ‘investigations remain ongoing’ and that no further details could be released.

Now, after months of uncertainty, Okells Inns has confirmed the pub will reopen under a new independent partnership.

The company said The Colby Glen would return in August, offering home-cooked food, Sunday carveries, themed nights and a ‘warm Manx welcome’.

An Okells Inns spokesperson said: ‘The Colby Glen is set to re-open its doors in August, serving delicious home-cooked food, Sunday carvery, themed nights and a warm Manx welcome.

‘Whether you're looking for a family meal, catching up with friends, or enjoying a relaxing drink, The Colby Glen can’t wait to welcome you back.’

The opening date is expected to be announced soon.

Okells added that the reopening would not involve a major refurbishment, but rather a tidy-up of the premises ahead of welcoming customers back.

The Colby Glen joins a number of pubs operated through independent partnerships with Okells Inns, including The Railway in Douglas, The Mines Tavern in Laxey and The Crosby in Marown.