Local eateries invited to join the Taste Scheme

Applications are now open for local eateries to join the Taste Isle of Man Scheme, which is supported by Visit Isle of Man (an Executive Agency within the Department for Enterprise).

Any type of eatery, including restaurants, cafés, pubs and takeaway or street food vendors can join the scheme, with all members being independently assessed on food quality, the warmth of welcome, service and hospitality, and cleanliness.

Successful applicants are awarded ‘Quality Assured’ or ‘Highest Quality Assured’ and may also qualify for the ‘Harvest’ award if they can evidence a commitment to promote Manx produce and place it at the heart of their menus.

Rob Callister MHK, Political Member with responsibility for Visit Isle of Man and motorsport commented:

‘The Taste Scheme is one of the ways in which Visit Isle of Man are working with the industry to promote collaboration and drive forward a sense of pride in the Manx food and drink scene which is an important part of our heritage.

‘Taste Isle of Man was launched 10 years ago to celebrate local eateries and to help promote a consistently high quality dining experience for our visitors and residents. During that time we have seen an impressive rise in both the range and quality of local eateries which is vital for creating a thriving food and drink industry for our visitors.’

As well as inclusion in the annual directory, Taste Members enjoy a range of benefits. These include a free listing on the official Isle of Man visitor website www.visitisleofman.com, networking and event opportunities, inclusion in itineraries for press visits and valuable feedback from the independent assessor, which can help with business improvement and benchmarking against other eateries. The annual fee for registration is £100, which includes the cost of the assessment.

There are currently 63 local eateries accredited on the scheme, reflecting the vibrant food and drink sector in the Island. 

Eateries are also able to opt into the visitor ‘Welcome Schemes’ which have been designed in line with the Island’s key visitor markets and helps eateries to stand out and emphasise their strengths to assist visitors make informed choices and enhance their experience. The Welcome Schemes include  ‘Walkers’, ‘Dogs’, ‘Cyclists’, ‘Bikers’, ‘Families’, and ‘Groups’

2019 sees the introduction of a new ‘Healthy Eating Welcome Scheme’ which has been developed in line with the Island’s focus on health and wellbeing and provides visitors with the confidence that they can book an eating establishment to meet their particular needs.

Phil Taylor, owner of Rock Food Concepts and a Taste Scheme Member said:

‘Being a member of the Taste Scheme delivers huge benefits to us as a business and we know we have acquired a number of new customers as a result of being part of the scheme. We also know that visitors make use of the printed annual directory as they actively use it to search for 14North and Little Fish Café and often sit enjoying a meal with the booklet in front of them.

‘The Harvest Award in particular helps eateries to refocus on food initiatives and how they can be more supportive of the local community. We do very little paid for marketing and the £100 membership fee delivers the best value for money we spend right across the business.’

For further information on how to apply for Taste Isle of Man please contact Hannah Wylde at hannah.wylde@gov.im

Further details about the scheme can be found by visiting the Visit Isle of Man Trade site at  www.visitisleofman.com/trade/registration-schemes/eatery-registrations