Bill and Isabelle Kelly, proprietors of Kelly’s Hotel in Rosslare, Co Wexford, were commended for their “special contribution to Irish hospitality” at the Georgina Campbell Awards in Dublin today.
Beech Hill House Hotel in Derry was announced as hotel of the year and Kai Café & Restaurant in Galway took the restaurant of the year title. The awards are adjudicated and presented by the hospitality and travel guide, Georgina Campbell's Ireland.
Derek Creagh of Harry's Restaurant in Bridgend, Co Donegal was the choice for the chef of the year title, and an associated venture, Harry's Shack in Portstewart, was named best newcomer. The Long Dock in Carrigaholt, Co Clare was named best pub.
“We are not seeking perfection but hospitality with real heart, and we’re finding it in clusters of excellence all over the country,” Ms Campbell said. However she said that a lot remained to be done “before we can confidently promote Ireland as a food tourism destination”.
The shortage of chefs available for work was not a new issue, she said, “but it has reached a crisis point that threatens to undo much of the good work done in Irish restaurants in recent years”.
Other award winners included No 5. Fenn's Quay, Cork (Bord Bia Just Ask restaurant of the year); Mitchell's, Clifden (seafood restaurant); Frankie Mallon, An Port Mór (seafood chef); Blairscove House & Restaurant, Durrus (outstanding guest experience); Sile Gorman, Gorman's Clifftop House, Dingle (host of the year); Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin (business hotel); L'Atitude 51, Cork (wine award); L'Officina, Kildare (family-friendly restaurant); Gregan's Castle, Ballyvaughan (pet-friendly hotel); Red Cliff Lodge, Spanish Point (hideaway of the year); Allo's Bar & Bistro, Listowel (casual dining); Brabazon Restaurant, Slane (atmospheric restaurant); Asian Tea House, Galway (Asian); Garden Tea Room, Perryville House, Kinsale (cafe); Firehouse Bakery and Bread School, Heir Island (natural food award); Tankardstown House, Slane (country house); Blindgate House, Kinsale (guesthouse); St John's House, Lecarrow (B&B) and Lough Owel Lodge, Mullingar (farmhouse).
See ireland-guide.com
