On Isle Of Man (where I grew up!) this stew is called 'Manx broth'. It's beef and barley simmered with turnip and leek.
My husband has ancestors from the Isle of Man, so he wanted to make this for a gathering. I couldn't find beef shank, so we opted to use beef stew meat and simmered it with the rest of the vegetables and added some beef broth. It turned out very tasty! - 25 Jan 2011 (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)
Very good! My family is originally from the Isle of Mann so I had to try it, and I wasn't disappointed! - 12 Jan 2011 (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)
The thyme & leeks added a different flavor than a regular beef barley soup. Everyone ate it, but no one raved. Overall, I prefer beef barley with garlic & onion. - 14 Feb 2012 (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)