The memory of one of the island’s most famous residents Sir Norman Wisdom continues to live on at the bar named after him.
The Sefton Hotel’s Sir Norman’s bar recently came under the directionof Harbour Lights.
This was 18 months after its popular Harbour Lights at the Sefton restaurant was launched at the Douglas seafront hotel.
Now a new ‘food proposition’ is being celebrated at the venue.
As well as having benefited from refurbishment including new furniture, Sir Norman’s customers can now enjoy dining from a new menu based on a ‘gastropub’ concept.
To borrow the name of one his many popular films, it is clear the late Sir Norman is still the ‘Man of the Moment’ at this place.
Sir Norman, the legendary entertainer, actor and national treasure made the island his home for many years.
People of all ages loved Norman, known to millions for his comic film character Pitkin, who died in October 2010 aged 95. He was especially loved in the island.
And fans and visitors flock to the bench outside the bar to have their picture taken with ‘Sir Norman’ in the shape of a lifelike statue.
The furniture in Sir Norman’s Bar includes new comfortable lounge seating, as well as a number of tall tables with bar stools, ideal for watching football - Sir Norman loved watching sport!
The bar now opens between 4pm and midnight during the week, and between midday and midnight at weekends, with food served daily until 10pm.
The bar and drinks proposition within Sir Norman’s remains under the direction of the Sefton Hotel.
Harbour Lights director, Ben Heath, said: ‘Sir Norman’s bar is renowned for being a little quirky, and is as popular with local residents as it is with visitors from off-island who are fascinated by the late Sir Norman Wisdom.
‘In creating our new menu we wanted to have some fun and be really creative to meet our customers’ expectations.
‘As well as many dishes being served in a ‘one bowl’ style, a number are also served on boards and platters. With Sir Norman’s being based inside a hotel, it’s essential we showcase the exceptional quality of Manx produce to our off-island guests as well as create a relaxing atmosphere for them to enjoy.
‘We are also catering for our local residents and pre-theatre customers who know they can enjoy being able to eat a three-course meal within an hour before the show if they choose to.’
Meanwhile the other restaurant, ‘Harbour Lights at the Sefton’ is said to offer a different dining experience including breakfast and brunch, cakes, afternoon teas, ‘gin tasting’ afternoon tea experiences, a daytime menu including gourmet sandwiches and a dinner menu. It is open from 10am to 10pm daily, and can cater for large groups in addition to more intimate parties.
Allen Jackson, general Manager of the Sefton Hotel, said: ‘Sir Norman’s is one of the most popular and talked-about venues in the island, so enhancing our customer experience in partnership with Harbour Lights is very exciting.
‘Already we have received a lot of excellent feedback on our refurbishment and new menu from both local residents and off-island guests, including a large number of bookings across Christmas and New Year, which demonstrates how well this change is being received.’