Manx Menu 2025 is now open – try your favourites and vote!

Public voting has now opened for the Manx Menu contest, inviting residents and visitors to taste and vote for their favourite dishes and products. With 106 entries from 59 local businesses, the six-week competition starts today and runs until 31 March 2025.

Now in its second year, the Manx Menu initiative, developed by Business Isle of Man and Visit Isle of Man in collaboration with the Hospitality Isle of Man Board, celebrates the finest local ingredients and rich culinary heritage of the Island.

Businesses within the Isle of Man’s hospitality and food & drink sectors have been invited to craft innovative dishes and products that highlight the Island’s exceptional produce. From sustainably caught seafood and Manx Loaghtan lamb to artisan drinks and products, the competition encourages the creative use of local ingredients to make an authentic Isle of Man dining experience.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the participating businesses where they can try the specially created Manx Menu entries and vote for their favourites. Winning businesses will receive marketing and promotional support, with a total prize fund of nearly £10,000 shared across the competition categories.

Robin Mowat, Director at The Boatyard Restaurant and Manx Menu 2024 winner, commented:

‘Winning the overall competition last year was a huge achievement for our team. It was a fantastic opportunity to get creative, collaborate, and showcase our skills while promoting local ingredients. Taking part gave us valuable exposure through the campaign’s marketing, and also grew our appreciation for the incredible variety of Manx produce available.

‘Manx Menu not only encourages residents and visitors to try new dishes and products, but it also helps stimulate demand and footfall during February and March, providing valuable support to local businesses.

‘I highly encourage all residents to get involved, try the dishes and products, and vote for their favourites.’

Manx Menu entries include takeaway dishes, small plates, large plates, desserts and cocktails that showcase locally sourced ingredients. In addition, the Manx Menu Customer Service Award recognises the contribution of front of house staff, with voters encouraged to nominate their favourite server, bartender or barista.

To celebrate the contribution of our food and drink producers, there are also awards for specific products or ingredients that are locally produced, grown, or have significant value added in the Isle of Man.

Robert Hunter, Chef Lecturer at the University College Isle of Man and Manx Menu 2024 and 2025 judge, commented:

‘The Manx Menu initiative is a brilliant way to showcase the talent and passion of our local chefs and hospitality businesses, whilst demonstrating the quality and variety of Manx ingredients.

‘Last year’s contest showcased outstanding creativity and quality across the Island’s food and drink sector, and it is fantastic to see so many new businesses get involved this year. I am excited to see the variety of entries that have been created from Manx ingredients and I am sure there is something to appeal to everyone’s taste.’

More information, including the list of entries and link to vote, can be found on manxmenu.im.

To keep up to date with the initiative, residents and visitors are encouraged to follow the Love Manx social media channels.