L’Expérience,
opened in 1981 by
chef-patron Tony and his
wife, Jill, has long been
one of the island’s most
loved restaurants. A
firm favourite of romantic
couples, business people,
families and film stars
alike, this little taste of
France is tucked away at the
northern end of Douglas
promenade, at the bottom of
Summerhill. There’s
always easy parking at this
end of the promenade.
Intimate, welcoming and
atmospheric, L’Expérience is
candlelit by night and
decorated with unusual
French memorabilia, with an
accordion player adding
extra French atmosphere on
Saturday nights. This
aptly named restaurant
offers the bonus of table
magic on request, performed
by Tony himself.
A taste of France on the
Isle of Man
In true French style, a
great value, 2 course,
fixed-price menu is
available for both lunchtime
and dinner ( Wednesday to
Friday), priced at just
£9.95. At lunchtime there
is a wide choice of
individually priced, light
dishes including omelettes
and croques monsieur, while
everything on the evening’s
à la carte menu is sure to
tempt you. While Tony’s
cooking style is very much
inspired by all regions of
France, high quality local
ingredients are used
wherever possible and meals
are, of course, freshly
cooked to order. Well known
for French onion soup,
freshly caught local fish,
excellent sauces and
home-made desserts, the
restaurant has also been
said to serve the best
steaks on the island.
Vegetarians are
imaginatively catered for
and will be spoilt for
choice.
Wines and drinks
Our wine list offers a wide
range of wines from the
whole of France, all
reasonably priced. We
also have the island’s
largest selection of French
beers. You might
choose a glass of Kir to set
the scene for your meal, or
perhaps a warming Calvados
to accompany your tarte aux
pommes….
Tony & Jill in 2001
Special Occasions
Celebrate your birthday or
anniversary at L’Expérience
and receive a complimentary
photograph as a souvenir of
your special occasion.
With a seating capacity of
65, the restaurant is a
welcoming, cosy venue for
informal wedding receptions,
family occasions, social
clubs etc and exclusive use
may be possible by
arrangement.
