Just two weeks after unveiling its ‘Door of Thrones’, staff at Blake’s of the Hollow are celebrating once again after being crowned Northern Ireland’s pub of the year.

Last month Tourism Ireland unveiled its fourth ‘Door of Thrones’ at the historic Enniskillen pub following episode four of the sixth season of hit TV drama Game of Thrones.

Still on high from this, a week later Blake’s was one of just 12 pubs to be announced as best in their region in the UK at the National Pub & Bar awards.

Blake’s received their award at an event at BAFTA in Piccadilly, London which celebrated all that is great about UK pubs and bars. Hosted by journalist and broadcaster Jan Rayner, the event, in the Princess Ann Theatre, was attended by a selection of the top on-trade outlets in the UK.

A total of 94 pubs from across the UK were judged by the judges of Pub & Bar magazine on aesthetic design, service, selection of drinks and entertainment schedule. 

Blake’s of The Hollow was represented at the awards by director Pat Blake and his daughter, Louise.

“This award is somewhat more prestigious that the usual bar awards in that it is national based and includes the whole of the UK,” Pat told the Herald. “Jay Rayner was a brilliant host and very funny – quite different than seeing him on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen. The location of the awards at BAFTA in Piccadilly, the home of the British Academy film and television awards, certainly added to the occasion.”

This accolade is just one of many that the famous Victorian pub, dating back to 1887, has been fortunate enough to scoop down through the years.

“It is an ongoing tribute to our staff who are widely recognised for the hospitality and welcome they provide for both locals and visitors alike,” Pat added.

“It is great to be recognised in this award as best pub in Northern Ireland but also to be included with some the very best pubs across the whole of the UK.

“The presence of Café Merlot and Restaurant No 6 in Blake’s of ‘The Hollow’ provides a unique contribution to the overall success of the outlet,” said Pat.

Blakes wasn’t the only award winner with a Fermanagh connection on the night. Cotswold-based public house The Five Alls, was named the best pub in the South West of England and is managed by Kinawley man Gerald Gallagher.