The Famous Creg-ny-baa Pub is steeped in history as one of the most spectacular landmarks on the world-famous Mountain Course. It enjoys fantastic views of the course and plays host to thousands of spectators every year during TT and Manx Grand Prix Races.
However, away from the races, ‘The Famous Creg’ is well-known for its family-friendly feel, home-cooked food and gluten-free menu.
Open 7 days a week Lunch & Evening - Booking is recommended.
CREG NY BAA
OUR HISTORY SO FAR
Bushy’s brewery started life as a brewpub in 1985 when highly accomplished Devonian brewer and family friend from Blackburn, Peter Cole helped brother and sister Martin and Nicky Brunnschweiler set up a micro plant underneath Zhivago’s Bar in Victoria Street in Douglas (brewing in the cellars of what is now Tower Insurance). They brewed one beer - ‘Old Bushy Tail’ - which was originally sold through one hand pump in one bar! This moreish, reddish-brown malty brew was originally chosen to recreate Newcastle Brown Ale which had a keen following with the biking fraternity and sold in vast quantities during the TT and MGP Races.
Over three years, production increased to such a degree that its popularity demanded a fully fledged brewery and the hunt for new equipment and premises began. Peter Cole again played a vital role in getting us to the next level and it was in September 1990 that the new brewery at Mount Murray in Braddan started production. The opening ceremony was performed by internationally renowned beer writer and TV presenter Michael (Beerhunter) Jackson and persuading him to come to the island was a major coup and huge honour for us. It must also be mentioned that it was during this period that our first ever sale of beer to an outside customer took place, to the Sulby Glen Hotel, something for which we will always be grateful; thank you Rosie.
Head Brewer Curly
Long serving brewer Adey
Professional brewers were by now required so initially Londoner Davy Jones (Firkin Brewery) was recruited, followed by Yorkshireman Ian (Squeaky) Caines (Clarke’s of Wakefield) who excelled in taking the reputation of our brewery forward. We finally settled down with the ideal candidate Neil (Curly) Convery - a time-served enthusiast who learned and honed his craft with us, and who, 35 years later, is ably assisted by Adrian (Adey) Ella and their close knit team who produce the largest range of beer styles and most consistent beers the island has ever seen.
A new exciting chapter beckons with a move that will bring brewing back to Castletown and take the name of Bushy’s to a new level.
Bushy’s - keeping Manx brewing alive since 1985.
WHICHEVER WAY YOU THROW US, WE WILL STAND!
Bushy’s gained a reputation for entertaining the thousands of bikers who flocked to the old Douglas seafront pub in Victoria Street for over 14 years where it had become the centre of the night time TT entertainment. When the lease of the pub expired in 1997, it suited everyone to try and keep the momentum and goodwill of what had been created alive. Thankfully the powers that be (Police, Tourist Board etc) were prepared to allow us to continue with a beer tent and entertainment area on the car park across the road from the old pub which built on the popularity of the old bars and concert room and enabled us to cater for an even bigger crowd. For the next 20 years, Bushy’s was the first place visitors went to when they arrived off the boat and the last place where they had a farewell pint on their way home and many memories were forged in that special place.
In 2017 we were shaken to our roots when certain individuals (with a track record of failure) decided to oust us from the site that we had created and give the car park to an untried entity.
Anyway, in the true Bushy’s spirit we didn’t mope about licking our wounds but concentrated our energies in finding a new home. The result was a resounding success and saw the Bushy’s TT offering go from being a beer tent on a car park to a fully-fledged festival situated in the beautiful Villa Marina Gardens, enabling us to triple our capacity and broaden our appeal to a much wider audience.
Today the Bushy’s TT Village, run by KeyBar Events, continues to be the main attraction outside of the racing, offering delicious pure Manx beers alongside mouth-watering food stalls and top-quality live music.
Bushy’s - The Ultimate Biker’s Beer
Scan to view the digital brochure
MAY THE NORSE BE WITH YOU
BUSHY’S ARE EXTREMELY PROUD TO BREW THE ISLAND’S ONLY LAGER, BUT NOT JUST ANY LAGER - NÖRSEMAN IS AN AUTHENTIC CONTINENTAL-STYLE PILSNER, BREWED WITH 100% PURE MALT WHICH IS SLOW-FERMENTED AND COLD-CONDITIONED (‘LAGERED’) TO PRODUCE A CRISP, CLEAN-TASTING BEER.
ALL BUSHY’S BEERS COMPLY WITH THE ISLE OF MAN’S OWN PURE BEER ACT, BUT NÖRSEMAN ALSO FULLY COMPLIES WITH THE STRICTER GERMAN RHEINHEITSGEBOT - THE BREWING LAWS WHICH GUARANTEE BEER PURITYSOMETHING THAT WE ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF IN OUR CONTINUED AND COMMITTED REFUSAL TO CUT CORNERS.
OUR SKILLED BREWER’S ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN NOT RUSHING THE SMALL BATCH PRODUCTION, AND THE CRAFTSMANSHIP IN COMBINING THE FINEST CZECH LAGER HOPS WITH LOCAL BARLEY AND PURE MANX WATER HAVE CREATED A HIGHLY SOUGHTAFTER ARTISANAL PRODUCT WHICH WE OPENLY ADMIT CAN, AT TIMES, BE A CHALLENGE TO KEEP UP WITH DEMAND.
FOR THE TIME BEING, WE HAVE LIMITED THE AMOUNT OF PUBS AND RESTAURANTS STOCKING NÖRSEMAN TO TRY AND AVOID RUNNING OUT!. IT’S A CHALLENGING SCENARIO THAT CAN REQUIRE SOME JUGGLING AND RATIONING DURING BUSY TIMES, BUT IT’S A NICE PROBLEM TO HAVE AND WE HAVEN’T ACTUALLY RUN OUT YET. BUT WE DO ASK CUSTOMERS TO SAVOUR THE EXPERIENCE AND DRINK NÖRSEMAN SENSIBLY TO HOPEFULLY AVOID YOUR LOCAL RUNNING DRY.
MAY THE NORSE BE WITH YOU - CHEERS!
The team at THE GARRISON are excited for you to visit our recently refurbished pub, restaurant and GAMES ROOM.
With an ever-changing selection of the latest hoppy treats to come from Bushy’s Brewery and the full range of Fynoderee spirits, we’re sure to have something for everyone.
Our menu features modern twists on classic pub dishes, changing with the seasons to bring you something fresh all year round.
Our brand new GAMES ROOM at THE GARRISON offers a nod to traditional pub entertainment. You’ll find old-school games such as table skittles, cribbage and bar billiards providing a sense of nostalgia and fun for players of all ages.
The GAMES ROOM is also available for use by local clubs and societies. Bookable for no cost Monday through Wednesday. Open to the public Thursday through Sunday.
A HAVEN FOR PURE BREWED BEER
To many people, the Isle of Man is a paradise for beer lovers, with brewing traditions going back over centuries. Top-quality barley for brewing is grown in fields with rich soils, complemented by clean, pure water.
The Isle of Man Pure Beer Act (also known as Manx Pure Beer Act or simply the Pure Beer Act) is a law on the Isle of Man regulating the ingredients in beer. It was enacted by the Tynwald, the island’s Government in 1874, stating that only water, malt sugar and hops were allowed to be used in production...
“No brewer shall use in the brewing, making, mixing with, recovering or colouring, any beer or liquid made to resemble beer, or have in his possession any copperas, coculus indicus, nux vomica, grains of paradise, guinea pepper or opium, or any article, ingredient or preparation whatever for, as a substitute for malt, sugar or hops.”
The law has been encouraged by CAMRA who have strongly criticised any proposed changes and say it allows a better class of ale to be produced. Bushy’s head Martin says the act has helped us win numerous SIBA awards and is admired by beer-lovers across the world. It begs the question, what on earth was going on in the brewing industry before 1874?
THE ROVERS RETURN
11 Church St. Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2AG
A small, busy back-street pub, the oldest in Douglas (well it’s a toss up between The Rovers and the Saddle on the Quay) - The Rovers is situated in the lane behind the Town Hall. The Rovers has been a Bushy’s tied pub since 1989 and is ably run by Lucy and her enthusiastic team.
The Rovers continues the Bushy’s philosophy of catering for a mixed crowd. It is very busy at lunchtimes with many “suits” and office workers, alongside builders, pensioners and shoppers working their way through the menu, as well as Bushy’s beers and guest ales (limp-wristed, arty-farty types have likened it to a Bruegel painting). An open fire welcomes in the winter, and outside tables on the cobbled lane look after the summer trade. The small back room is a shrine to Blackburn Rovers F.C. (Martin’s obsession), crammed with photos, paintings and a cabinet full of shirts, footballs and rare mementos (very sad!). The back room was extended a few years ago to offer a large lounge area and pool room.
The pub’s main theme is the fire brigade - it was an obvious port of call for the men who staffed the old station opposite, who wished to continue quenching after putting out a fire or following a struggle with a cat somewhere around Douglas. Brigade memorabilia abounds, and the old brass hose nozzles form the beer pumps. This pub is a must for anyone wanting to see a totally unspoiled Manx ‘boozer’.
For bookings and enquiries phone 01624 676459.
Bushy’s is the only brewery supporting Manx farmers by using locally-grown barley in their beers.
THE BAY PORT ERIN’S SEAFRONT
The Bay in Port Erin reopened on 17th December 2001, following a (painful) refurbishment and having been closed for over 10 years. Being on the island’s most scenic beach, it was going to be a summer pub, but despite that, a group of regulars soon seemed to appreciate the efforts in bringing the full range of Bushy’s real ales, as well as guest ales from other SIBA members across Britain, and (for the first time on the IOM), a selection of real ciders and perry. The Bay was voted CAMRA Pub of the Year within a couple of years of opening and has regularly been shortlisted or won this accolade over the years.
In 2020, the running of The Bay was handed over to experienced couple Terry and Lisa Burns. They have continued the job delivering fine Bushy’s ales and other beers alongside their delicious traditional pub food which caters for all tastes, especially families coming off the beach.
Live music features regularly on the beach stage opposite the pub beginning in TT week and continuing throughout the summer season with a wide range of music styles offered from jazz, folk, rock and pop, to brass bands and ukuleles!
For booking or enquiries call 01624 832084.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bushy the fox was first conceived by legendary Manx artist Charlie Cannell who introduced us to all-round talent (satirist, cartoonist, drummer) John Herdman (Herdy), who developed his character for over twenty years until his untimely death in 2007. Herdy’s legacy has been continued since then by a talented team of artists, namely Kit Nelson, Chris (Smeg) Gregory, Orry Lewin, and Amy (AJ) Cooper, who have all put their stamp on the original concept and images born in 1985.
Bushy’s stockists include:
All Tesco stores - Island wide
The Wine Cellar - Douglas
Howard’s Convenience Store - Douglas
Tynwald Mills Deli - St Johns
EVF Stations - Island wide
Kellas Store - Port St Mary
Station Garage - Castletown
S & S Motors - Castletown
Maughold
Dhoon Glen
Port Cornaa
Maughold Head
Wood-fired street food in a fabulous quayside location.
COME AND ENJOY FRESH LOCAL FOOD (PIZZAS, FLATBREADS, SOUPS AND CAKES) ALL COOKED IN ONE MIGHTY WOOD-FIRED OVEN. OUR FAMILY-RUN, FULLY-LICENSED BAR AND EATERY SHOWCASES LOCAL PRODUCE IN A RELAXED AND INFORMAL SETTING. WE WELCOME YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR DOGS TO OUR THRIFTY ESTABLISHMENT!
Indoor/outdoor seating I Fully-licensed bar
Regular live music I Barista coffee
Dog-friendly I Children welcome before 9pm
Find us on East Quay, Peel
OPEN THU-SUN 12 NOON-11PM (OPEN DAILY THROUGH TT WEEK)
NO BOOKINGS TAKEN
TT WEEK DROP-IN
Sou rdou gh’s ou r s oul. At Noa, we bake the freshest ar tisa n bread a nd pastries, brew small-batch be ers, a nd roast ou r own coffee - all crafte d with care.
TT We ek isn’ t complete with out Noa Bakeh ouse
Find us at Port Side, at ou r HQ opp osite the sea t erminal Harb ourside, on Douglas Harb ou r in the Old Market Hall or Port Er in B each at the Co sy No ok by the lighthouse for that perfe ct mix of fr esh bakes, killer coffe e, and laid-back vib es.
OUR PERMANENT BEER BRANDS
Bushy’s Bitter (ABV 3.8%)
By far our most popular ale. An aroma of pale and crystal malt introduces you to a beautifully hoppy bitter finish, in which, despite the predominant hop character, maltiness is also evident in a fresh clean tasting beer.
Old Bushy Tail (ABV 4.5%)
The first beer produced by our world-famous brewery (introduced by brewing consultant Peter Cole). An appealing reddish brown beer with a pronounced hop and malt aroma, the malt tending towards treacle. Slightly sweet and malty on the palate with distinct orangey tones. The full finish is malty and hoppy with a hint of toffee.
Castletown Bitter (ABV 3.5%)
A light golden beer full of floral and citrus hints. Brewed closely following the old Castletown recipe after the original was discontinued. This is a very refreshing and satisfying session beer. Cheers Herdy!
Nörseman Craft Lager (ABV 4.2%)
The Isle of Man’s first ever lager brewed in authentic continental Pilsner style using 100% pure malt (including Manx grown barley) and a subtle blend of Czech hops and pure Manx water - crisp and clean tasting.
Away With The Faeries (ABV 5.4%)
A beautifully crafted West Coast style IPA blending Californian citrusy hops with traditional English varieties that suit the stronger alcohol content. Being unfiltered, it’s suitable for vegans.
Goth IPA (ABV 5%)
This classic IPA combines USA and English hops with 100% malted barley which are melded together and slowly fermented and coldconditioned to give an intense hoppiness which is enhanced by being unfiltered and served ice cold. Named after our favourite Goth, Razonce sampled, never forgotten!
OUR SEASONAL BEER BRANDS
Oyster
Stout (ABV 4.2%)
Bushy’s revived this classic ale made famous by Castletown Brewery over 30 years ago which contains fresh oysters. Enjoyed and enthusiastically promoted by the late hyphen world-renowned beer writer Michael (Beerhunter) Jackson.
Manx
Faerie
Bridge (ABV 4.1%)
Mystical beer made famous by the ‘little people’ who live under the bridge of the same name. Always say hello!
Pride (ABV 4.2%)
Classic beer brewed in the ‘Burton’ style to commemorate the Manx National period centred on Tynwald Day.
Silverd
Ale (ABV 4.0%)
Although all our beers contain some Manx barley, this beauty is made with 100% and the result is stunning!
Shutterworth Snap (ABV 4.0%)
A refreshing IPA which we’ve brewed for over 25 years to remember the famous bike which George Formby rode in the TT classic film ‘No Limit’.
Star
Piston
Brew (ABV 4.5%)
Another TT-themed beer which has been popular with the bikers for over 35 years and also at the MGP.
of India IPA (ABV 5.0%)
A classic USA-style IPA first brewed in 2013 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the launch of the Star of India sailing ship, now living in San Diego but built in Ramsey in 1863.
Wild
Thing (ABV 4.0%)
A beautifully balanced ale blending Manx malted barley with honey from hives alongside our brewery.
OUR SEASONAL BEER BRANDS
Dark Side (ABV
4.0%)
A beefed-up version of our 1874 Ruby Mild which subtly offers a lightly hopped ale and roasted chocolate malt.
Classic
Ale (ABV 4.3%)
Another full-bodied ale giving homage to the beer style of the one time brewing capital of the world, Burton-on-Trent. The water is ‘Burtonised’!
Milner Tower Ale (ABV
4.3%)
A hoppy beer brewed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the year that Port Erin’s iconic tower was finished in honour of its most famous benefactor, William Milner, in 1871.
Buggane Ale (ABV
4.4%)
Brewed to honour Bugganes, mystical ogre-like creatures native to the island occasionally called upon by the fairies to punish people who offended them.
Wanderer (ABV 4.0%)
Brewed to honour the fishing boat PL11 Wanderer, whose crew saved 160 souls in 1915 when the liner Lusitania was sunk by a German submarine.
Pure Gold (ABV
Triskelion
Ale (ABV 4.0%)
Named after the island’s famous three-legged symbol whose motto translates as ‘Whichever way you know us, we will stand’ which embodies the strength and resilience of the Manx people.
4.0%)
A balanced golden ale blending aromatic hops with 100% organic malted barley and pure Manx water.
Airborne (ABV 4.2%)
Brewed to celebrate the life of Manx motorcycle racer and paratropper Billy Redmayne, and to help raise funds for the foundation in his name.
OUR SEASONAL BEER BRANDS
Dalby Spook (ABV 4.0%)
A balanced ale brewed in honour of Gef the Talking Mongoose, who mesmerised the island and bought global fame to Dalby!
Bramble Beer (ABV 4.4%)
A well-balanced ale brought out at harvest time combining blackberries and hops grown at the brewery.
Helmsman (ABV 4.5%)
Brewed annually in memory of the Manx hero of the Battle of Trafalgar, John Quilliam, who safely steered HMS Victory after Nelson had been fatally wounded.
Hop Tu Naa (ABV 4.4%)
A ruby-coloured ale brewed to celebrate the start of the Manx Celtic Winter which long predates Halloween, and is the oldest unbroken Manx tradition.
Lonesome Pine (ABV 4.4%)
A pale hoppy Christmas brew celebrating those comic geniuses, Laurel & Hardy and that song!
Humbug (ABV 5.0%)
Our rich festive winter warmer which really hits the spot.
Manannan’s Cloak (ABV 4.0%)
Light, straw-coloured ale celebrating the famous mist which surrounds the island whenever raiders attack.
NECESSITY
IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
When the COVID pandemic reared its head in the Spring of 2020, there was huge uncertainty in the hospitality and brewing industry. When pubs were forced to close, the Manx Government announced the cancellation of the TT Races, we were thrown into a whirlwind of turmoil. We had already started to stockpile beer for the forthcoming festival but without anywhere to sell it, our worst fear was that we might have to throw it away which would be totally against our principles and, indeed, our religion! For some time, Martin had dreamed about selling fresh beer in off-licences and supermarkets (it works fine with soups!) You could buy long-life beers in cans and bottles but Martin wanted to sell fresh brews, similar to those available in pubs which would need to be kept refrigerated having shorter shelf-lives.
Thankfully, our friends at the former Manx supermarket chain Shoprite, were prepared to give us a chance to prove that such a market existed and we were able to put our most popular brews in two-pint containers, provided by our friends at IoM Creameries. Most importantly, the Manx public bought the beers in such large quantities that we managed to not only clear the whole TT backlog but to also carry on brewing throughout the COVID pandemic and crucially, keep our uniquely precious strain of brewer’s yeast alive, which is so important to any brewery whose focus is on continuity and tradition.
Those fresh beers are still available today (albeit not in the milk containers!) in smart, superior one-litre bottles in a selection of the island’s most discerning shops that are able to offer the refrigerated shelf-space that these fresh, non-pasteurised beers require.
ON
THE CUSP OF A NEW BUSHY’S CHAPTER
As this publication goes to print, we have been in the process of planning what must be our most exciting project to date! This will see our brewing production move to a new state-of-the-art facility with many new innovations situated on the Old Commissioner’s Yard (behind S&S Motors) on the bypass in Castletown.
The old site at Mount Murray has served us well since we opened there in 1990 but being a bit remote it wasn’t really geared towards attracting visitors which nowadays has become an important part of a brewer’s offering. In addition to the all-important brewery, there will be a restaurant and taproom (housed in the beautiful old stone buildings) for sampling beers and a gift shop and visitors’ centre tracing our history back over forty years, to the days of the dusty old cellars in Douglas.
Being so close to the centre of town, we are hoping to attract visitors who arrive by car, bus, coach, steam-train and even cruise ship passengers wanting to sample how pure Manx beer is made. They can even take home a famous Bushy’s T-shirt to prove they were there!
We are extremely proud to be bringing brewing back to the island’s spiritual home of beer production, and look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike. Cheers!
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Please note:
We gratefully acknowledge the support of all the firms whose advertisements appear in these pages. Without their help we would not be able to produce this guide. As a reciprocal gesture we have pleasure in drawing the attention of our readers to their announcements, but wish to make it clear that Bushy’s Brewery can accept no responsibility for their products or services advertised. All adverts correct at time they were approved.
