Restaurants and cafes are being encouraged to register on a government scheme.

The government’s tourism promotion organisation, Visit Isle of Man, says the deadline to be included in its 2019 directory is September 5.

Any type of eatery, including ’street food’ vendors, can join the scheme, with all members being independently assessed on 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 local produce across their menu and marketing.

As well as inclusion in the annual directory, Taste Members are listed for free on the Isle of Man visitor website www.visitisleofman.com.

The annual fee for registration is £100, which includes the cost of the assessment.

There are currently 55 eateries accredited on the scheme.

Rob Callister MHK, political member with responsibility for Visit Isle of Man, said: ’Taste Isle of Man was launched 10 years ago to celebrate local eateries. During that time we have seen an impressive rise in both the range and quality of local eateries, and Taste members are also given access to some attractive benefits for the £100 registration fee.

’For example, all members are given a log in to create, manage and update their own section on the Visit Isle of Man website, including opportunities to link their own website and social media accounts and to post images and special offers for their business.’

Taste Isle of Man is open for applications from restaurants, cafés, pubs and takeaway or street food vendors. For further information contact Hannah Wylde at [email protected]