THE SOUND VISITOR CENTRE CAFE, Isle of Man

Some recent comments from visitors and locals

Fantastic views across to the Calf of Man through the huge panoramic view windows. What lets it down is the noise. Noise bounces off the interior walls and there is a constant noise although people are not being loud, just talking normally. The permanent outdoor seating is nice for those who want to enjoy the outdoors (for as long as they can, it’s freezing in the winter next to the sea! ). Limited options for the non - meat eaters.

Took family from Australia to the sound visitors centre to observe the seals. Whilst there we participated in lunch WOW what an experience the food was fantastic a vast improvement on the previous manager I recommend this cafe /restaurant to one and all.

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Sit in comfort, eating good food, enjoying a well-made cuppa, and watch the seals on Kitterland. Easy parking, nice loos, wonderful scenery. Summer sundowns absolutely amazing. Good value, you can even have a nice walk to work off the calories along the Raad ny Voillan (Herring Gull way, coastal footpath).

Superb location and you get a beautiful view from the bay window if the weather outside is not too good, or the wind blows you off your feet. Prices are higher than us usual on the Island, but I suppose one has to accept this. The seals are regular visitors on the rocks you can see from the restaurant. This place can get very busy if you get there at the same time as a coach party, beware!

What a disappointment! A nice day, spectacular view, too bad about the meal. I ordered chilli (thought a fairly safe choice) - dry and all I could taste were the bitter tinned tomatoes very overpriced at £10.95, couldn't eat it. My companion had ham, egg and chips which he said was ok.

Won't be going back anytime soon. The Sound is such a wonderful location it's too bad more effort wasn't made on the food.

On a recent visit to the Isle of Man I visited this cafe twice and it really is a brilliant location. Views are spectacular and the sea food chowder a must. My perception was that lunch was slightly better than dinner but both matched expectations.

Great location and after you have enjoyed watching the seals and taking in the scenery sample a meal or just the afternoon scones with jam and cream to round off the visit. A nice modern facility.

This place is sited in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes on offer on the island, and it has a sweeping glass curtain wall to take advantage of this. The building is sympathetic to the landscape, clad in stone, with a living green roof. You are very likely to be able to see seals in the rocks as you dine or sup at your table. Unfortunately, the superlatives end there. The place claims to be a visitor centre and cafe, but in reality the only nod to being a visitor centre is that a few wildlife information boards have been placed around the walls, and a video display projected on the floor. It is primarily a cafe.

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The food is of patchy quality, and the service is nothing special. You must queue to place your order, and the food is brought to your table. The licensing for alcohol sales is odd, or at least oddly interpreted. On one occasion, I fancied some crab sandwiches and a can of Guinness, but was refused the beer on the grounds that I had to have a 'substantial meal' under the terms of their licence. I asked what would qualify as a 'substantial meal' and the server seemed unsure, but said my sandwich didn't. She said that if I bought some chips with it, that would be OK! I understand that a restaurant licence shouldn't be abused by selling alcohol with a bag of peanuts, but let people have a light meal and a drink if they fancy it! We have also been served horrible, dried up sausages and chips as a kid's meal - poor kids! The crab salad (which last time I was there qualified me to enjoy a glass of sauvignon blanc!) isn't bad, and is what I usually opt for.

The interior tends to be very noisy, and could do with sound deadening interior decor given the cavernous nature of the building. I like going here because of the wonderful location and the view, which just about outweighs the poor quality of some of the food, the lack of proper service, the silly restrictions on serving alcoholic drinks, and the echoing interior.

So - do you agree or disagree?
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