The word ‘bucketlist’ is often overused – but this place has to be visited at least once in a lifetime!
There are cafes, and then there’s Victory Cafe…
Sitting high on the Snaefell Mountain Road, on the legendary Isle of Man TT course, this place is anything but ordinary. Housed in a decommissioned Cold War radar station, it’s got a backdrop that’s as dramatic as the racing itself.
In just five short years, Victory Cafe has gone from a derelict shell to what many now call an “iconic” Isle of Man destination. It’s part biker hangout, part community hub, and an ‘all the time’ foodie favourite.
We sat down with owner Benn Quirk, who runs The Victory with his wife Vicky and their 3 kids.
Why Victory Cafe is a Must-Visit on the TT Course
So Benn, great to meet you – Tell us more about Victory Cafe
Victory Cafe isn’t your average pit stop. Perched at the 31st milestone of the world-famous Isle of Man TT course, our cafe is housed in one of the world’s most unique food and drink locations. With sweeping views across the Snaefell Mountain Road, we’ve tried to make it a must-visit destination for bikers, TT fans, fell runners, and curious travellers looking for something a little different on the Isle of Man.
The cafe has a strong biker focus, and serves up hearty, homemade, British canteen-style food that appeals to both locals and the thousands of tourists who descend on the island each year. From riders stopping off mid-lap to families exploring the mountains, at Victory Cafe, we’ve built a reputation as a welcoming space where good food, community, and the TT course all come together.
What surprises us most is how quickly the cafe has been described as “iconic.” Despite being open for just five years, Victory Cafe has already cemented itself as a landmark on the Isle of Man, often mentioned in the same breath as the TT’s most famous viewing points. When we first took over the building, it was little more than a derelict shell. During the COVID lockdowns, we rolled up our sleeves and carried out much of the renovation work ourselves, transforming the abandoned radar station into the vibrant venue it is today.
Building The Victory Cafe – Isle of Man TT Biker Cafe
What was your motivation to start The Victory Cafe, and the business you were looking to create?
At Victory Cafe, it all started with a dream and a vision, which was to create a space that feels true to the Isle of Man and celebrates the best the island has to offer.
From day one, one of our core values has been a huge focus on using Manx produce. Supporting local farmers and food producers isn’t just a business choice for us; it’s a key reason for us existing. We’re proud to showcase the incredible quality of what’s grown and reared right here on the Isle of Man, from fresh vegetables and dairy to locally reared meat.
This commitment to local sourcing is what sets Victory Cafe apart. Our menus are designed to highlight the richness of the island’s farming community, and we believe that when people taste our food, they’re also tasting the Isle of Man itself. Even during the busiest times of year, like TT week, when the cafe transforms to handle the huge surge of bikers, fans, and visitors, we never compromise on our “local first” approach. While the format of service might change to keep up with demand, our philosophy stays the same: quality over cost, always.
By sticking to this, we’ve built a reputation not just as a cafe on the TT course, but as a true supporter of the Isle of Man’s local produce.
What’s Been A Big Wow Moment For You
“Legendary DJ Carl Cox makes a point of visiting Victory Cafe whenever he’s on the island, and there’s something brilliantly down-to-earth about seeing such a global superstar tucking into a pie in our gaff with his pals”
What have been your most memorable moments that make you think it’s all been worthwhile?
One of the things that keeps us going at Victory Cafe is the stream of positive feedback. Hearing people walk through the door, take in the building, and actually gasp at the space never gets old. Whether it’s first-time visitors discovering us on the Isle of Man TT course or regulars popping back in for their favourite meal, the kind words about our food, atmosphere, and staff mean the world to us.
It’s proof that all the hard work we put into transforming this old radar station into something special was worth it!
And it’s not just locals and tourists who love the cafe, as we’ve even had some pretty famous faces through the door. Legendary DJ Carl Cox makes a point of visiting Victory Cafe whenever he’s on the island, and there’s something brilliantly down-to-earth about seeing such a global superstar tucking into a pie in our gaff with his pals.
Serving Manx Produce and Hearty British Food
What advice would you give to anyone else wanting to set up their own enterprise?
Running a hospitality business is feckin’ tough, but at Victory Cafe, it’s also one of the most rewarding things we’ve ever done. One of the real joys has been watching our young team grow in confidence. A good chunk of our staff are under 18, and seeing them learn the value of hard work, teamwork, and genuine social interaction is something no classroom could ever teach. It’s a shame that hospitality in the UK and the Isle of Man is often seen as just a temporary stepping stone.
Know what you stand for and your values. When it comes to food, our philosophy is simple: keep it classic, keep it British, and make it better than your mum’s. From pies to hearty canteen-style favourites, it’s the kind of menu that makes sense after a ride over the mountain or a day exploring the TT course.
We might be a little out of the way, tucked up at the 31st milestone on the Snaefell Mountain Road, but people still make the journey because the food is consistently good and the welcome is always warm.
That combination of great food, friendly staff, and a unique setting has given Victory Cafe a formula that just works. It’s not flashy, it’s not overcomplicated, it’s honest, hearty, and rooted in the spirit of the Isle of Man. So build your reputation on what you’re good at, and the customers will come and support you if they also believe in what you’re doing!
What have you got coming up at Victory Cafe that you’re most excited about?
It’s not just about food and coffee at Victory Cafe, as we’ve also got an ace little shop inside the cafe that’s become a big hit with visitors. Alongside our own Victory Cafe merch, you’ll find a carefully chosen range of Carhartt clothing, which has proved incredibly popular with both bikers and locals.
As the cafe has grown in reputation, the demand for branded gear has really taken off. We’re already making plans to expand the range, giving visitors even more ways to take a piece of Victory Cafe home with them, whether that’s a t-shirt, a mug, or some quality TT merch. It’s been brilliant to see how many people want to rep the cafe globally and carry a little bit of the TT spirit with them wherever they go.
And speaking of the Isle of Man TT, nothing compares to those two weeks of the year. Every June, the island transforms into the motorbike capital of the world. Perched on the TT course at the 31st milestone, we get front-row seats to the action, and the atmosphere is absolutely electric. There’s really nowhere else on earth that comes close to the buzz, energy, and excitement of the TT, and being part of it is something we’ll never take for granted.
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The AI Question – Will AI Take My Job if I Set Up A Cafe Bar?
Good news – the AI Threat Score is 15%.
While AI can help with back-office tasks (marketing, accounting, stock ordering), the core of opening and running a cafe bar is rooted in human experience, physical presence, hospitality, and local culture. All things people value specifically because they aren’t automated and can’t be replaced (yet) by robots (Unless you maybe go to Japan and are into that sort of stuff…)
Benn, it’s been a pleasure to feature you and The Victory Cafe today. Anything else you’d like to share with the world?
We’d be nothing without the support of our local Manxies and our outstanding staff (including my awesome Dad), so big love to them all!
How To Set up Your Own Cafe or Bar
- Setting up a bar or cafe is a great alternative to office work, especially if you love being around interesting people. We recommend taking some shifts in a local coffee shop or bar to get used to it before taking the plunge!
- If you’re thinking of setting up a cafe bar or hospitality venue, then we highly recommend ➡️ this book 📚
- Make sure you work on your own angle, and do your market research – it’s competitive on the high street right now!
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Victory Cafe Isle of Man – FAQs
Where is Victory Cafe located on the Isle of Man TT course?
Victory Cafe is at the 31st milestone on the Snaefell Mountain Road, right on the world-famous Isle of Man TT course.
What food does Victory Cafe serve?
The cafe offers hearty, homemade British canteen-style meals made with locally sourced Manx produce, plus coffee, cakes, and comfort food favourites.
Is Victory Cafe biker-friendly?
Yes. Victory Cafe is a popular biker hangout thanks to its TT course location, spacious setting, and welcoming atmosphere.
Is Victory Cafe open during the Isle of Man TT races?
Definitely. TT week is one of the busiest times of year, and the cafe adapts its service to welcome thousands of bikers and fans without compromising on quality.
Does Victory Cafe use local Manx produce?
Yes. Supporting local farmers and food producers is central to Victory Cafe’s philosophy, with menus designed to showcase the best of Manx ingredients.
Does Victory Cafe sell merchandise?
Yes. Visitors can buy Victory Cafe mugs, t-shirts, and other branded items, along with a selection of Carhartt clothing that’s popular with both bikers and locals.
