Westmeath winners in Irish restaurant awards

The 11th Annual All Ireland Irish Restaurant Awards take place on May 13 in the Clayton, Burlington Road, Dublin, where 1,000 guests will sit down to a five-course dinner, prepared by previous winners of the Irish Restaurant Awards.

The awards are one of the premier events in the hospitality industry.

Some 90,000 nominations were received in January during the first stage of the Irish Restaurant Awards, when members of the public nominated their favourite establishments. 

In March, the Regional Final Irish Restaurant Awards were held in Kildare, Monaghan, Limerick and Sligo and the best restaurants, chefs and restaurant staff in each county were recognised for the hard work and dedication.

In addition to the Regional Awards, restaurants from each county will also be competing in National Awards, which will be presented at the All Ireland Awards on May 13. 

The National Categories are: Best Cocktail Experience, Best Private Dining and Club Restaurant, Best Cookery School, Best Seafood Experience and Best Digital Marketing

Adrian Cummins, chief executive officer of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: “Ireland may be a small country, but it boasts everything from fine dining to high quality gastropubs, from the comfort of traditional Irish food to exploring the world though exotic world cuisine, the Irish restaurant industry has much to offer. 

“We have an appreciation for what we eat and where our food comes from, as well as the dedication of those working in the food industry. We wish all those nominated the best of luck on May 13.”

For more information on the awards, see www.irishrestaurantawards.com.

Local winners

Best Restaurant – Sponsored by Tindal Wine Merchants
• Westmeath – Thyme Restaurant

Best Chef – Sponsored by Nisbets
• Westmeath – Deirdre Adamson of The Fatted Calf

Best Restaurant Manager – AIB Merchant Services
• Westmeath – Fiona O’Donnell of The Fatted Calf

Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant – Sponsored by BWG Food Service
• Westmeath – The Wineport Lodge

Best Customer Service – Sponsored by Lockton
• Westmeath – Oscars

Best Gastro Pub – Sponsored by Elavon
• Westmeath – Grogan’s

Best Cafe – Sponsored by Illy
• Westmeath – Red Earth

Pub of the Year – Sponsored by Jameson Caskmates
• Westmeath – Sean’s Bar

Best Wine Experience – Sponsored by Gilbeys with Bibendum
• Westmeath – The Left Bank Bistro

Best World Cuisine – Sponsored by HiUp
• Westmeath – Kin Khao Thai

Best ‘Free From’ – Sponsored by Peroni Nastro Azzuro Gluten Free
• Westmeath – Beans & Leaves

Best Kids Size Me
• Westmeath – Corner House Bistro

Local Food Hero – Sponsored by Rewarding Times
• Westmeath – Pat Lalor of Kilbeggan Organic Foods

Best Emerging Irish Cuisine – Sponsored by Odaios
• Westmeath – Thyme Restaurant

Best Casual Dining – Sponsored by Just Eat
• Westmeath – Savoury Fare at the Fernhill Garden Centre