A hospitality group has been selected to run cafes at two of the Isle of Man’s best-known heritage sites, with one expected to reopen before the end of the year and the other in spring 2027.

Woodbourne Group has been appointed by Manx National Heritage (MNH) to operate the Bay Room Café at the Manx Museum in Douglas and Niarbyl Café following a competitive tender process.

The group plans to create two distinct venues, with an emphasis on quality food, local produce and experiences tailored to their surroundings.

The Bay Room Café in Douglas is expected to reopen before the end of 2026, offering breakfasts, light lunches, homemade cakes and coffee in a family-friendly setting.

Woodbourne Group also hopes to establish it as a destination for local residents and workers, as well as visitors to the museum and capital.

At Niarbyl, the group plans to create a coastal café celebrating the site’s landscape and heritage.

The venue is expected to reopen in spring 2027, following extensive refurbishment work by MNH.

It’s been shut since January 2023.

Its proposed offering includes locally sourced ingredients, fresh Manx seafood, seasonal menus, afternoon teas, Sunday lunches and special events.

Connie Lovel, chief executive of Manx National Heritage, said the organisation was delighted to be moving forward with Woodbourne Group after receiving a strong level of interest in both opportunities.

She said: ‘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.’

Ms Lovel said the quality of the hospitality offer was an important part of the visitor experience at both sites.

She added: ‘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.’

Woodbourne Group managing director David Upton-Jones said the company was excited to be partnering with MNH on two projects which meant a great deal to the local community.

He said: ‘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.’

The appointment adds two prominent locations to Woodbourne Group’s existing hospitality portfolio, which includes Woodbourne Deli in Douglas, Café 360 at the Isle of Man Business Park, Greens Café in St John’s and Woodbourne Kitchen in Douglas.

The company also provides catering at Freemasons’ Hall in Woodbourne House, although it announced in July that it would end its hospitality offering there at the end of 2026.