A total of 12 different Laois businesses were honoured at the regional finals of the Irish Restaurant Awards in Meath last night.
A total of 165 awards were given out across the province as the winners of each county were revealed.
There were 15 categories in total – with Ballyfin Demesne taking three of the Laois categories, Batoni’s in Emo claiming two and one each for Treacy’s Bar and Restaurant, Kelly’s Steakhouse, Castle Durrow, Roundwood House, The Pantry, Mayur Indian Restaurant, Kelly Lou’s Cafe and Cakery, Mueller O’Connell Bakery, Morrissey’s Pub and The Bog Road.
Over 550 people attended the Leinster Regional Final on Wednesday evening where the top establishments in each county were named.
Speaking at the awards, Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) said: “Now in their tenth year, the Irish Restaurant Awards continue to showcase the exquisite and admirable calibre of food available in our restaurants and pubs nationwide.
“Online nominations have increased from 9,000 in 2013 to over 80,000 this year and with the increase in interest comes an increase in standards, making the judging process more difficult than ever.
“Our small island boasts everything from fine dining to high quality gastropubs, from the exotic taste explosions of world cuisine to the comfort of traditional dishes.
“We have an appreciation for what we eat, for the journey of our food from farm to fork, and for the dedication of those working in the food industry to serve up Ireland’s finest food.”
Laois Winners Are As Follows:
- Best Casual Dining sponsored by San Pellegrino – Kelly’s Steakhouse
- Best Emerging Irish Cuisine sponsored by Odaios Foods – Ballyfin Demesne
- Best Kids Size Me sponsored by Dubliner Cheese – Treacy’s Bar and Restaurant
- Best ‘Free From’ sponsored by Peroni Nastro Azzurro Gluten Free – The Pantry
- Best World Cuisine sponsored by Aryzta – Mayur Indian Restaurant
- Best Restaurant Manager – James Moloughney of Castle Durrow
- Best Wine Experience sponsored by Classic Drinks – Batoni’s
- Pub of the Year sponsored by Bushmills – Morrissey’s Pub
- Best Café sponsored by Illy – Kelly Lou Café and Cakery
- Best Customer Service – Roundwood House
- Best Gastro Pub sponsored by Coca Cola & Schweppes – The Bog Road
- Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant sponsored by BWG Foodservice – Ballyfin Demesne
- Best Newcomer sponsored by Elavon – Mueller & O’Connell Bakery
- Best Chef sponsored by Nisbets – Sam Moody at Ballyfin Demesne
- Best Restaurant sponsored by Tindal Wine Merchants – Batoni’s
The winners now go forward to the Leinster finals next month.
SEE ALSO – Huge increase in the price of farm land in Laois
