There’s no doubt that for such a small island, tucked away in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man has an impressive collection of pubs and inns to choose from. Whether it’s a sea-weathered pub with beautiful ocean views, a postcard-pretty village inn with good food or a quirky town watering hole, you’ll not struggle to find somewhere to wet your whistle while out and about exploring this wild and wonderful isle.
From north to south and east to west, here are our top spots for a thirst-quenchingly good tipple at the best pubs on the Isle of Man…
Fynoderee Distillery, Ramsey
Whether you’re looking for a toothsome cocktail or a bottle to take home, Fynoderee Distillery invites you to well and truly get into the island spirit (or spirits, should we say). Oh yes, home to a variety of delicious spirits inspired by the Isle of Man, this Manx distillery is the perfect place to sample some local delights. From winter-infused gins and summer-kissed vodkas to a spiced rum that’s sure to warm the cockles, each bottle has been carefully crafted to shine a light on local ingredients and Manx tradition. Not only can you tour the fascinating distillery, but you can stop by the bar for a tempting cocktail or two. Changing with the seasons, the cocktail menu promises a hearty array of tipples, or you can opt for a flight of gins to discover your favourite. Of course, a range of local and world beers and wines are also available to ensure every palate is catered for.
The Crosby, Marown
If you’re after a pub with soul and one that’s at the heart of the community, look no further than The Crosby, set just west of Douglas. Rustically charming with an open fire, a large play area for little ones, and lots of nooks to sit and get cosy in with a pint of local ale or the tipple of your choice, it’s no surprise it’s a local’s favourite. On arrival, the 1939 Works Replica Manx Norton sitting by the entrance will give you a clue that it’s super-close to the TT circuit, making it a popular spot during the festive fortnight, while the rest of the year finds it frequented by families, visitors, hikers and cyclists alike. Their hearty pub grub menu is delicious (think beer-battered fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and homemade lasagne), with an additional menu for little ones.
The Shore, Laxey
Part of the stylish, peaceful, 19th-century Shore Hotel, this is the spot to come if you want to combine the comfort of a good pub with refined eating and the option of an elegant cocktail or two. Located in the charming village of Old Laxey, The Shore is a charming and characterful spot, where you’ll discover local real ales, excellent wines, and a great selection of spirits and soft drinks. The menu is simple yet delicious, with their Sunday Lunches a popular choice – think roast beef sirloin and herb roast chicken served with all the trimmings, followed by sticky date and toffee pudding or locally made gelato. Afterwards, head to Laxey Beach to bask in the fresh air and blow away the cobwebs.
The Cat With No Tail, Douglas
Set just above Douglas, The Cat With No Tail has gorgeous views over the town, surrounding hills, and out over the sea. With a fabulously spacious beer garden, settle in with a drink in hand, gazing over the pretty vista (and the most incredible sunsets), while little ones play in the children’s play area. And in the cooler months, head into the bright, airy conservatory where you can still enjoy the views in cosy comfort. Dog-friendly, serving hearty home fare and an excellent Sunday roast, there’s a pub quiz on a Thursday night with local brew Okell’s Bitter on tap – what’s not to love? As a modern building, it’s also super-accessible, with disabled access throughout.
The Black Dog Oven, Peel
While not technically a pub, we’ve included this little gem as it’s a must for a cold pint and a pizza on a hot summer’s day. The Black Dog Oven lies on the East Quay in the seaside town of Peel and opened its doors to the public in 2022. Serving mostly Manx beers, ciders, wines and spirits, you’re spoilt for choice for a thirst quencher, and when you get hungry (which you’re bound to do, with the delicious cooking smells wafting by), you can order a thin and crispy delight – choose from ‘Salty Dog’ with Peel queenies (scallops native to the Isle of Man) and Manx chorizo, ‘The Black Dog’ with pork sausage and green pepper, and a host of other toppings. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be entertained by fantastic live music, making it a perfect night out.
The Raven, Ballaugh
If you’re looking for a fantastic country pub, look no further than The Raven, nestled next to the iconic Ballaugh Bridge in the north of the island. Home to its own named signature pint (Okell’s ‘Raven’s Claw’), the pub is famed for its beautifully home-cooked food (their curry nights are a firm favourite with the locals, while roasts on a Sunday are not to be missed), and is open for dinner Tuesdays and Wednesdays and lunch and dinner from Thursday to Sunday. The Raven is also a fab spot for watching the TT races, being close to one of the most famous parts of the course. Dog-friendly, it’s cosy on the inside, while outside there’s plenty of seating for when the weather’s good.
Terminus Tavern, Douglas
You’ll find this little Victorian beauty at the north end of Douglas’s prom next to (as you would expect) the Manx Electric Railway Station and also next to where the horse trams used to be housed. Warm, comfy, and with large bay windows overlooking the sea, the Terminus Tavern is a lovely spot to take a breath. It also has a lovely patio overlooking Douglas Bay and is great for watching the trams and electric railway pootle by. Great for a spot of rib-sticklingly good lunch during the day, by night it shifts into a laid back local affair, with a games bar, roaring open fire, and the ever-present Okell’s bitter alongside other excellent guest beers. Frequented by locals, visitors, and definitely a railway enthusiast or two, it’s well worth stopping off here when out and about exploring Douglas.
The Rover’s Return, Douglas
Definitely not to be mistaken for Coronation Street’s famed public house, The Rover’s Return in Douglas is a warm, welcoming spot that’s ITV-drama-free, offering a cheery spot to tuck yourself away and enjoy a refreshing pint of beer. This is a pub at its best; no pretence of being anything other than what it is – a place with tasty beer (with four changing and two beers, showcasing the best local brews) and excellent company. Make sure to check out the handpumps (made from the end of firehoses), while the open fire offers cosiness during colder months. Expect hearty pub grub, while the owner’s clear love of Blackburn Rovers FC can’t be missed, with memorabilia displayed throughout the pub.
Kerroo Taproom, Port Erin
Launched in March 2024, Kerroo Brewing Company lies on the south coast in the pretty seaside town of Port Erin. ‘Kerroo’, meaning ‘quarter’ in Manx Gaelic, is the brainchild of founders Nick and Elizabeth, who converted an old local authority garage into the bustling brewery that it is today. While it’s always open for takeaways, the taproom itself is only open on certain weekends, so make sure to check out their website for opening dates. When open, you’ll find keg and cask beers to try, both brewed on site and carefully selected guest beers. There are also wines and ciders, and soft drinks available for those driving or not partial to a pint. Dogs and supervised children are welcome too.
The Creg Ny Baa, Onchan
A renowned landmark on the Isle of Man, the Creg Ny Baa is strongly connected to the TT motorcycle races. The pub is situated alongside the famous A18 Mountain Road next to a famed bend, making it the perfect spot to watch riders tackle the oh-so-dramatic course. Whenever you visit, you can expect tasty home-cooked food (such as homemade pie of the day, ‘Moby Dick’ fried cod and chips and The Creg’s Chicken Stroganoff), a friendly welcome, and simply spectacular panoramic countryside views. We recommend finding a table on the terrace, best experienced with a glass of something special in hand! It’s worth noting that the pub closes early during quieter times, so it’s best to call ahead if you’re visiting outside of the usual holiday season.
The Swan, Ramsey
A local’s favourite, The Swan is a family-run affair that’s well known for its excellent home-cooked food, warm welcome, and cheery atmosphere – not to mention their lovely dog! Nestled in Ramsey alongside the TT track, it’s oh-so-popular when the races are on, but it’s also at the heart of the community with live music and community events throughout the year. Food is tasty and filling, from your classic cheese, bacon, and fried onion burger to crispy squid and chips, or choose from one of their ‘chippy dinners’ such as your traditional cod or try Manx-style loaded chips with mature Manx cheddar topped with chip-shop gravy. All The Swan’s food can be ordered as takeaway too, perfect if you want to take it home to your Isle of Man cottage.
A quick word on breweries…
The Isle of Man is also home to a fantastic range of breweries, such as Okells, the oldest brewery on the island, dating back to 1850 and which only uses natural ingredients, and Bushy’s Brewery, which began life in 1986, crafting session ales and stouts and is well known for its annual beer festival during the TT races. Also based on the Isle of Man is Kaneen’s Brewery, the baby of the trio, which was founded in 2022 and makes vegan-friendly beers. Interestingly, due to the ‘Pure Beer Act’ brought into effect in 1874, beer made from anything other than water, yeast, hops and malt is prohibited, so the island is renowned for having some of the purest (and tastiest) beers in the world.
Feeling thirsty? Take a peek at our beautiful holiday cottages on the Isle of Man and start planning your getaway today.
