The All-Ireland Restaurant Awards 2018 will be taking place on May 14 at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road where 12 Laois businesses will by going for glory.
This will be the 10th anniversary since the beginning of the prestigious annual awards ceremony which is the largest and most coveted in the Irish hospitality industry.
Since its beginning in 2009, the event has grown significantly in both attendee numbers and award categories with its reach now spanning to each region on the isle of Ireland.
County winners from each of the 16 categories have already been announced at our four regional awards which took place recently in Leinster, Munster, Connaught and Ulster.
These establishments are now in line to compete for Regional and All-Ireland titles in their respective categories.
In addition to the 16 categories already present in the Regional Awards, there will be the addition of four national awards presented during the event on May 14.
Ballyfin Demense lead the way in Laois with three nominations, followed by Batoni’s in Emo with two.
These national awards are for Best Seafood Experience, Best Digital Marketing, Best Private Dining and Club and Best Cocktail Experience.
Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association commented: “The Irish Restaurant Awards are an opportunity for local businesses to receive much-needed recognition of their hard work and commitment to excellence.
“These establishments drive tourism both locally and on a national scale, making Ireland a desirable destination for global travellers.
“The Irish Restaurant Awards prides itself on celebrating the very best in local produce, flawless customer care and unrivalled dining experiences to anywhere in the world.
“We wish all our county winners and those nominated in our national categories the best of luck on May 14th.”
Laois businesses progressing to the All-Ireland Finals 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 winner will be determined as follows:
Mystery Guest Visit (40%) This component of the awards is conducted by Customer Perceptions Ltd, specialists in mystery shopping, consumer insights and customer satisfaction surveys. All county winners and Dublin shortlists will receive a mystery guest visit throughout the month of March, April or May.
National Judging Academy (60%) Our National Judging Academy is made up representatives from each of the regional judging panels and will meet in early May to judge the county winners. The Academy members include food writers, journalists, bloggers, culinary academics and hospitality magazine editors.
