North Quay, Douglas, Isle of Man
I have viewed the development of the North Quay with a considerable amount of scepticism, based mainly on the fact that if the usual calibre of restaurant on the Island opened there then it would become no better than a fast food or American diner area.
The Velvet Lobster however has defined the future. On our visit we spoke to Allan Fair, the owner about his aspiration for the place and he summed it up by saying he wanted to open “the next generation coffee lounge.” With the emphasis on the next generation (the coffee is fab anyway) we felt that he has succeeded.
On our frequent visits to London when we just want to “nip out” locally we would find somewhere with the same atmosphere of the Velvet Lobster in places like Notting Hill. Excellent, within its niche, offering high quality within its stated limits, and very fairly priced.
Located on the corner of Ridgeway St and North Quay, the big windows help to create an atmosphere of al fresco dining even when you are inside, as the place blends in superbly to the atmosphere of the North Quay development. We arrived at 6pm without reservation and whilst the tables were booked for later we were tactfully handled and told that we were most welcome if we could vacate the table by 7.30. Not a skill that comes easily to some proprietors on the Island!
It did take a minute or two to get the feel for what constituted an evening meal here, as the first impression is of a coffee shop with coffee and cakes being most evident. However the website www.thevelvetlobster.com supports the menu in showing 5 main course specials and a starter and pudding or two beyond the all day coffee shop menu
Starting with Baba Ganouch, a well balanced aubergine dip brought to life with chilli and lemon seasoning was a great idea, although him indoors had a pasta starter which had some very subtle tastes.
For main course I ordered Hungarian Goulash whilst the other half had Druid Stew. Neither of these dishes sound appropriate for a sunny June evening but they were superb. Served in a bowl and with portions to satisfy but not overwhelm we were both more than satisfied.
Both dishes were full of meat, the goulash containing liberal quantities of Manx beef and well but not overcooked vegetables. The Druid Stew was actually a traditional Manx broth which it just so happens is hubbie’s speciality. Praise indeed then when he declared it better than his own, as the added ingredient of caraway seed was a perfect addition to what can be a bland dish. – Now to be added to hubbies own recipe in future. Both of these dishes cost £6.50 – excellent value
The wine and champagne list is good and the beers were most interesting.
The website talks about “ethically sourced, home - made and specialities.” All of these descriptions are well chosen and lived up to.
The Velvet Lobster knows what it is doing and believe me it is doing it very well. Open Tues, Wed, 9am until 6pm and Thurs, Fri, Sat 9am – 10pm we will no doubt become frequent visitors as we know that from morning coffee to evening supper we will come away feeling uplifted.
discerning - June 2010