A Port St Mary cafe has just won a coveted Harvest Isle of Man Award for the range and quality of Manx produce on its menu after a secret inspection.
Andrew Walker, an inspector from VisitEngland Quality in Tourism, paid a visit to the popular eatery on Friday 12th April.
Area Manager Mr Walker said he ‘didn't hesitate’ in awarding Patchwork a Harvest Award.
Patchwork Cafe in Port St Mary is one of only four establishments on the Isle of Man to attain such an accolade.
Proprietor Rich Ashcroft said: ‘When the mystery shopper revealed himself to staff and asked if he could have a look at our invoices to show provenance for our claims we were very excited.
We have be working extremely hard over the last two years to source the highest possible quality and widest range of Manx produce available and so it meant a very great deal to be identified officially as such to the restaurant going public.
The other Harvest restaurants on the Isle of Man for 2013 / 2014 are Tanrogan, The Swiss House and 14 North.
‘Harvest Isle of Man’ was developed by Tourism so locals and visitors could be assured of quality ingredients produced on the doorstep. This proves unrivalled freshness, traceability and reduced food miles, and supports the local Manx community.
For the first time in 2013 it was decided that in order to win the award establishments must show up to date supplier invoices.
The scheme is supported by the Department of Tourism and Leisure and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Mr Ashcroft added that he was looking forward to the moment when the official plaque arrived so he could proudly mount it on the cafe wall.
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