The new Taste Isle of Man directory has been launched at an event which took place last week in the Colonnade Suite at the Villa Marina. The directory is published by Isle of Man Tourism as a guide for visitors looking for somewhere good to eat and it also provides a unique insight for Island residents. The quality assessment scheme for restaurants, pubs, takeaways and other eateries is now in its fourth year having been first introduced on the Isle of Man in 2008, following the huge success of similar schemes in the UK. Membership has increased since then from 17 to 44 members and there is already a waiting list of interested parties for next year. Assessments for Taste Isle of Man consider every aspect of the customer experience including cleanliness, hospitality, service, efficiency, presentation and food quality. Over 30 establishments were awarded the ‘Quality Assured’ accolade and in addition, seven were awarded the prestigious ‘Highest Quality Assured’ accolade for demonstrating exceptional quality in all these areas. They are: Harbour Lights, Ramsey The Courthouse, Douglas HQ Bar and Restaurant, Douglas Isola, Douglas L’Experience, Douglas Tanroagan Seafood Restaurant, Douglas 14 North, Douglas Trained assessors carried out inspections and those establishments who have received their grading are now displaying the new signage outside their premises showing the rating they have been awarded. Look out for the distinctive orange ‘Harvest’ Isle of Man signs where an additional accolade has been awarded to recognise that local Manx produce is prepared and served on the premises. Minster for Economic Development Allan Bell said: "Taste Isle of Man is a prestigious award for the Island’s eateries to achieve. Not only does it reflect on the excellent food but it also recognises the hard work and effort these businesses put in to making sure their customers receive good and efficient service. Well done to all those who have been successful in the quality assessment scheme.’ Political member for Isle of Man Tourism, Geoff Corkish MBE commented: ‘The Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Division is dedicated to ensuring that guests have a range of quality assured places to eat on the Island. Congratulations to all those who have achieved accreditation and I would like to thank each and every one of the establishments in the Taste Isle of Man scheme for their dedication and the tremendous effort they put into Isle of Man tourism.’ The Taste Isle of Man directory is available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal or alternatively it can be downloaded from the website www.visitisleofman.com . For further information on Taste Isle of Man contact Nikki Salmon, Isle of Man Tourism’s Quality and Services Executive, on 685965. ENDS