Dougie Butties, located in the heart of Douglas, is a fresh and exciting addition to the Isle of Man’s café scene, bringing together homemade food, local produce, and a strong sense of community spirit. Run by sibling duo Sam and Katherine Martin, the café opened after an ambitious 18-month transformation of a former office space into a warm, fully functioning venue. The result? A welcoming, casual spot where people can pop in for a quick bite, settle in with friends, or enjoy some of the best sandwiches and brownies in town.
The concept behind Dougie Butties is simple but brilliant — focus on comfort food, done well, using quality Manx ingredients, and serve it in a relaxed space that feels like home. From toast, bagels, and crumpets in the morning to hearty sandwiches and weekly specials in the afternoon, the menu is designed to be satisfying, inclusive, and full of flavour. Breakfast is served until midday, with lunch options rolling out after that. While the full lunch menu is still in development, the specials alone have already made waves with local food lovers.
One early standout is the ‘Stout Lout’, a mouth-watering sandwich made with slow-braised brisket (or mushrooms for the plant-based crowd), served on a Ross Bakery challah bun with crispy onions, melted cheese, and mustard. It’s rich, indulgent, and a perfect example of what Dougie Butties does best — simple food, elevated through thoughtful ingredients and skilled preparation. The brisket proved so popular that the first batch sold out almost immediately.
Katherine’s homemade brownies have also earned a reputation in record time, with customers praising them as rich, gooey, and the perfect afternoon treat. The menu also includes vegan and gluten-free options, something the team takes seriously. “I’m gluten-free myself,” says Katherine, “so we’ve made sure there are options.” This inclusivity is one of the many things that sets Dougie Butties apart from other casual cafés.
More than just a café, Dougie Butties is a community hub in the making. After a successful launch week, Sam and Katherine have already extended their opening hours, responding to customer demand and the steady flow of visitors who’ve embraced the café’s cosy vibe. Plans are underway for open mic nights, pop-up events, and other community gatherings — adding a cultural and social layer to the already buzzing food offering.
Where possible, the café uses local Manx ingredients, including Manx meat, cheese, butter, and even bonnag — a nod to the island’s rich culinary traditions. This commitment to local sourcing not only supports other island businesses but also ensures everything is as fresh and flavoursome as possible.
Whether you're after a relaxed breakfast, a standout sandwich, a gluten-free brownie, or simply a place to gather with good company, Dougie Butties is quickly proving itself to be a go-to spot in Douglas. Full of heart, full of flavour, and proudly Manx — it’s a welcome new gem on the island’s food scene.
