Special guests from the local business community, dignitaries and volunteers were treated to afternoon tea, including strawberries and cream, as the new Abbey Restaurant at Rushen Abbey officially opened its doors, on Monday.

Chief Minister Tony Brown performed the honours, handing over a ceremonial key to the proprietors of the establishment, Sarah and Artan Giummri.

The building now occupied by the Abbey Restaurant has had a varied history, with previous uses including a girls' school and, more recently, a pub.

The conversion to a restaurant was planned for many years, and Mr Brown is delighted the project has come to fruition as, at one point, the building could have been demolished (play audio file):

Manx National Heritage hopes the restaurant will work in partnership with the neighbouring Rushen Abbey complex.