The Isle of Man has been visited as part of a 100-day road trip showcasing some of the best artisans Britain and Ireland has to offer.
Sophie van Poele and Daniel Craanen, the pair behind the project known as the Contemporary Classics Tour, are now in the final few weeks of the epic road adventure after teaming up with 25 British and Irish leaders of artisanal products.
Making their journey in a Morgan 4/4 supplied by the Morgan Motor Company, the pair have been discovering the premier artisans of the British Isles since June and documenting their adventure online.
Motivated by a desire to understand how local traditions are being continued into the modern 21st century, they have experienced everything from the creation of hand-stitched kilts in Edinburgh to deliciously fresh oysters on Herm Island.
Thanks to travel assistance from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Sophie and Daniel were able to make the island a part of the road trip adventure.
Isle of Man Creamery was their first port of call followed by a stop at local drinks producer Apple Orphanage Co. They also had some time to explore the south of the island and dropped into artisan street pizza company, The Secret Pizza Co.
Sophie commented: ‘Our time on the Isle of Man was awesome – before the tour we had never visited it, met a Manx person or even spotted it when flying to and from Ireland, so it was amazing to spend a couple of days discovering its charm and, of course, unique artisanal produce.
‘Isle of Man Creamery was a particular highlight. Aside from its quality dairy products, it clearly takes pride in looking after its dairy farmers and being a sustainable local business and has gone to great lengths to reduce its impact on the environment, including the introduction of new plant-based carbon negative cartons (no plastic!).
‘Apple Orphanage Co. was just as impressive – Founders Will and Charlotte have done an incredible job of turning a part-time hobby into a thriving island artisan in just a few short years. They use locally grown, Manx ingredients to produce delicious soft and alcoholic drinks and we thoroughly enjoyed joining them for the first apple pressing of the season – thank you for your hospitality guys!
‘I would also like to say a huge thank you to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for supporting our road trip and helping make the island a part of our adventure.’
Chief Executive of Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Mark Woodward said: ‘It was a pleasure to support Sophie and Daniel on the Manx leg of the Contemporary Classics Tour. They are doing a great job promoting artisans across the British Isles and showcasing our island as a desirable destination with quality local produce. I wish the pair well on the final stretch of their journey to Ireland and beyond.’
