Hopes multimillion-pound restoration project will boost Port St Mary footfall

Historic building to house cafe, cocktail bar and farm shop

The founder of a multimillion-pound restoration project which is nearing completion says she hopes it will provide a footfall boost to a village in the south.

Kellas will play host to a new café, cocktail bar, restaurant and farm shop.

It’s located in Manxonia House in Port St Mary; the building was originally built as a boys' school in the 1800s.

Work began on the project in late 2020 with original plans for the site expanding when the adjacent property, along with its garden, came on the market.

Becki Gelling, who is behind the project with her auntie Amanda Dixon, said: "We’re so excited to be just weeks away from opening Kellas in Port St Mary and revealing the results all the hard work that’s gone into bringing the building back to life – it’s been a real labour of love over the last four years.

"Our amazing team of expert developers have really captured the essence of the building, turning it into a warm, welcoming space that celebrates its heritage and its legacy, preserving the amazing original features of the property while creating a destination eatery, event venue and farm shop for people across the Island to visit."

Becki told Manx Radio she's hoping they'll be open ahead of TT:

Image: Artist's impression.