There’s no danger of the Victory Café passing under the radar for foodies looking for tasty meals with the natural goodness of Manx meat!
Based in a building that used to be a ‘rotor’ radar station which formed part of the UK’s early warning air defence system during the Cold War, the café sits near the summit of Snaefell. In addition to spectacular views, it has an added bonus for motorbike racing fans because it’s at the 31st milestone of the iconic TT Mountain Course. On race days the world’s best and bravest motorcyclists flash past at speeds over 150mph. While the Victory Café team and their customers love the excitement of the TT, there’s certainly no fast food on the menu because they’re adrenaline rush comes from creating traditional, home-made, British style canteen food.
The café was the idea of Vicky Quirk and husband Benn who own and run the business. Their success in the Island’s rapidly growing food and drink sector began in 2014 when Betty Pie Co was launched. “The reason we began making pies,” says Vicky, “was because we were looking for something that we could make using Manx produce. As we have done from the start, we use flour from Laxey Glen Mills, butter from Isle of Man Creamery, and of course vegetables and meat from Manx farms.”
They have continued their commitment to local produce which is also an essential element in the concept behind Victory Café. Using meat from Isle of Man Meats retailers means that Vicky and Benn know it’s traceable, and has low food miles – facts that are very important to the couple, and their customers. “It’s also great for the Island’s economy when you consider the multiplier effect of buying from local producers,” adds Vicky.
Their main local retailer is W E Teare butchers in Ramsey which supplies beef for steak pies lamb for shepherd’s pies, and pork (including sausages and bacon). Victory Café has recently added thick cut, cured pork belly to its menu (also from WE Teare) which the café’s chefs slow cook in the oven for 36 hours, and pan fry to order.
Vicky says Manx meat is of a superior quality compared to produce from off-Island, and believes that quality is all down to the care shown by farmers, and because livestock are reared in a natural environment. The Island’s UNESCO Biosphere status – and the fact that the vast majority of sheep and cattle are pasture fed, grazing in lush green fields and fells out in the fresh air – are all factors which Vicky believes contribute greatly to the quality of Manx meat in terms of its taste, texture and consistency.
She makes sure all of her customers know that Victory Café and Betty Pie Co use meat from Manx farms – and adds that it is reassuring to know that she can trace every joint of meat back to a farm right here on the Island.
Whether you’re dining out at excellent eateries like the Victory Café, or cooking at home, Isle of Man Meats’ traceability from pasture to plate gives you the confidence of knowing that the meat on your plate is fresh and locally farmed.
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