ONE of the most popular restaurants in Port St Mary has closed its doors for the final time.
Horizons Restaurant, located in the Ports of Call building, closed on Monday, February 28, after seven years of business.
Mark Hickey, chef and proprietor, said it was a hard decision to make. He explained: "I had the restaurant up for sale for about a year because times are hard and no one is spending money any more – it was deflating.
"I got an offer for Horizons and decided to sell because 2011 is going to be a tough year financially. It was a hard decision and I'm going to miss all my customers."
Horizons had built up a strong customer base since it opened in 2003 and was awarded the Best Restaurant award in 2007 by the then Department of Tourism and Leisure. It was also recommended for its quality service in the Best Business Guide between 2005 and 2008.
The restaurant prided itself on using fresh, local produce and its excellent customer service. Mark continued: "Being born and bred in the Isle of Man it was so important to cook using local produce. I’ve also had some hard working, dedicated staff over the years that I will miss.
"I have mixed emotions about selling up. I’m upset and think if they had spent more money on regenerating Port St Mary it might have helped. But I’m pleased that the restaurant is moving on."
Mark said he has many highlights from his time in business including seeing regular customers come back time and time again and catering for wedding parties and seeing the couples return to celebrate their anniversaries.
Mark, who trained at the Isle of Man College, said he won’t rule out a return to cooking but will have some well deserved time off first.
He said: "I'd like to say thank you to all my customers over the last seven years. I appreciate the custom. I will miss all my friends I've made over the years, my staff and my loyal customers.
"I'm going to take some time out and reflect on the last seven years until the perfect opportunity or new venture comes up – whatever that may be."
Any customers who had bookings with the restaurant have been notified of the closure. A sign outside the restaurant is advertising a new restaurant and cookery school which is due to open later this month.
What do you think? Will you miss Horizons? Let us know by leaving a comment below:
