The 2012-13 Taste Isle of Man Directory was launched at an event yesterday in Sir Norman’s Bar at the Sefton Hotel. The Directory is published by Isle of Man Tourism as a guide for visitors and residents looking for a high quality eating out experience in the Island.
The quality assessment scheme for restaurants, pubs, takeaways and other eateries is now in its fifth 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 seventeen to fifty members.
Assessments for Taste Isle of Man consider every aspect of the customer experience including cleanliness, hospitality, service, efficiency, presentation and food quality. This year fourteen new establishments have been awarded the ‘Quality Assured’ accolade: Bradda Glen Cafe; Colby Glen Hotel; Patchwork Cafe; The Pavilion Restaurant and Bistro; Artisan; Harbour Lights in Douglas; New Manila; Paragon; Sir Normans; The Bridge, Douglas; The Bay Room; Terminus Tavern; The Tickethall; and Tynwald Hill Inn.
In addition, four new venues have been awarded the ‘Highest Quality Assured’ accolade for demonstrating exceptional quality in all these areas. These are: Aaron House; Portofino; The Mailbox; and The Swiss House.
The event also recognised the loyalty of the proprietors of three venues which joined Taste Isle of Man when the pilot scheme was launched back in 2008. Each has demonstrated a commitment to outstanding quality and service through their dedication to the scheme. They are Michael and Belinda Murphy, L’Experience and Joan and Graham Mowat, Tanroagan, both of which have been awarded the ‘Highest Quality Assured’ accolade for five consecutive years; and Shane and Elaine Hesketh, Peel Fisheries, which has been awarded the ‘Quality Assured’ accolade for five consecutive years.
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.
The Department’s Political member for Tourism, Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK commented:
‘The Taste Isle of Man award is not easily achieved and therefore I am very pleased to be able to recognise the dedication of so many eateries who are working hard to achieve recognition for the very best offering to their customers, both visitors and residents . Such effort is a major part of the quality of life and excellent cuisine our Island can provide.
‘Within the sphere of Tourism food and drink plays an important role in boosting the Isle of Man’s economy and it is good to recognise such passion and enthusiasm. Well done to all those who have been successful in the quality assessment scheme.’
The Department’s Head of Tourism, Angela Byrne, said:
‘The Taste Isle of Man scheme reassures and assists people to make an informed choice about where they can go to eat out and the Tourism Division is committed to ensuring that guests have a range of quality assured places to eat on the Island.
‘The rating acts as a good advertisement for businesses and we will continue to seek to build on the scheme’s members. Congratulations to all those who have achieved accreditation and I would like to thank all establishments who have joined the Taste Isle of Man scheme for their dedication and service to visitors and Island residents alike.’
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 Isle of Man Tourism’s Quality and Service Department on 01624 685965.
Photo caption - Taste Isle of Man Highest Quality Assured and Quality Assured award winners pictured with Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK.
