Tucked away on Athol Street in Douglas, Refuge offers an elevated dining experience built around local ingredients, careful technique, and a strong sense of place. Founded by Rob and Tamara, who bring together influences from both Australia and the Isle of Man, Refuge draws subtle inspiration from their time spent in Subiaco, Western Australia, resulting in a restaurant that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in its surroundings.
While the restaurant is open throughout the day, it is in the evenings that Refuge comes into its own. The setting is smart but relaxed — an intimate dining room where polished service, well-executed food, and a strong wine list meet without ever feeling forced. The atmosphere encourages unhurried dining, with thoughtful lighting, natural textures, and design choices that complement the calm, sophisticated mood.
The kitchen is led by Chef Adam, whose 26 years of culinary experience, including time in Michelin and rosette-standard kitchens, informs a menu that places emphasis on seasonal, sustainable produce and restrained, confident cooking. Dishes are considered and ingredient-driven, allowing the quality of local meat, seafood, and vegetables to speak clearly. Mains such as pan-seared king scallops, carefully cooked steaks, and seasonal market fish dishes reflect a balance of classical foundations and contemporary influences. Each plate is composed with precision, but without unnecessary complexity, ensuring flavour and freshness remain the focus.
The wine list has been curated with the same care, offering thoughtful pairings for each course, alongside a focused selection of classic and house cocktails, craft beers, and non-alcoholic options. Service throughout the evening is attentive but unobtrusive, allowing the food, conversation, and setting to take precedence.
Earlier in the day, brunch and lunch provide a more casual but equally well-executed experience. Dishes such as chorizo benedict, buttermilk chicken burgers, and hot smoked salmon with scrambled eggs offer a lighter take on the kitchen’s ingredient-led philosophy, while lunchtime plates continue the focus on clean flavours and seasonal produce. Whether dining midweek or on a relaxed Saturday, the same commitment to quality runs through each service, ensuring guests can enjoy an excellent meal at any time.
Refuge is ultimately a restaurant built around a strong sense of hospitality, detail, and a connection to the Isle of Man’s rich food culture. Whether visiting for an evening meal, a business lunch, or a weekend brunch, guests can expect a consistently high standard of cooking, attentive service, and a setting that feels carefully thought out without losing its warmth. It is a welcome addition to Douglas’s growing dining scene — understated, assured, and genuinely committed to offering a refined yet approachable experience. A place where the craft of dining is celebrated with both care and confidence.
