The secret is out â?¦ or at least it’s coming to Castletown in the form of the Secret Pizza Company, which is opening there at Easter 2018.

Pizza company owner Tom Rowe announced the pizza operation is to open in a building in the area now known as barracks square (between market square and the civic centre).

Since its formation a year ago, Tom has been serving up woodfired pizza baked in an oven in the back of a van at events around the island.

He has tested the market and created such a large following the company has outgrown its preparation kitchen in Port St Mary.

Castletown Commissioners asked for expressions of interest in running a business from the old building, which has operated as a morgue and an ammunition store in its long history.

The pizza business was the perfect ’artisan’ business said Castletown Commissioners’ chairman Colin Leather.

’It’s the way we are going, a move away from retail because the internet is having a huge impact,’ he said.

’This is about creating a new Castletown for the 21st century which wll be more food orientated.

’This is an artisan business that should attract people to the town.’

Tom, who lives in town, added: ’There are thousands of people in town.

’ I think 2018 will be a big year, we want to build a community around us.

’People don’t really go to pubs any more and you can go to coffee shops but after 7pm, there is nowhere to go.

’This is going to be a game changer.’

Work has begun fixing the building in preparation for a new kitchen and small indoor seating area with more tables outside.

The menu has a distinctly Manx twist.

They use locally sourced produce and are prepared to stray into unfamiliar cultural territory, having already introduced us to pizza topped with chips, cheese and gravy.

For more information visit the Secret Pizza Company Facebook page.