ENNISKILLEN restaurant ‘28 At The Hollow’ was the big winner at the prestigious Irish Restaurant Awards which celebrated the best in business and the hospitality industry in the province.
A large crowd turned out to the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan recently for the popular awards night, with 18 Fermanagh winners confirmed for accolades in some hugely competitive categories.
‘28 At The Hollow’, located in ‘Blakes of the Hollow’ in Enniskillen’, claimed the big prize on the night when it was named as ‘Fermanagh’s Best Restaurant’, in a major success for the business.
Owned by husband and wife Glen and Zara Wheeler, ‘28 At The Hollow’ picked up a further three awards when it won ‘Best Use of Social Media’ and ‘Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine’.
Sylwia Nitecka also claimed the ‘Employee Excellence Award’ for the Enniskillen restaurant.
‘Charlie’s Bar’ in Enniskillen also enjoyed success, picking up two awards at the Monaghan event.
The bar, which has earned international recognition following its many recent social media videos, was named as the ‘Pub of the Year’ in a major success for the long-standing Enniskillen business.
‘Charlie’s Bar’ also won the ‘Innovator of the Year’ award, beating off stiff competition.
A number of other Fermanagh businesses were recognised for their contribution to the industry.
Mario Breban-McDonald from Tully Mill Restaurant was named ‘Best Restaurant Manager. The restaurant was also awarded the ‘Best Sustainable Prices’ accolade at the Monaghan event.
There was double delight for The Catalina Restaurant at Lough Erne Hotel. They won the ‘Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant’ award and the ‘Best Wine Experience’ prize on the night.
‘The Dog and Duck Inn’ in Lisbellaw claimed the ‘Best Gastro Pub’ prize at the Irish Restaurant Awards and Ederney’s ‘Cobbler’s Gastropub & Pizzeria’ won the ‘Best Newcomer’ accolade.
‘The Jolly Sandwich Bar’ picked up the ‘Best Café’ accolade, ‘The Toastery’ claimed the ‘Best Customer Service’ prize and ‘The Street Kitchen’ picked up the ‘Best World Cuisine’ award.
Meanwhile, Enniskillen establishment ‘Dollakis’ claimed the ‘Best Casual Dining’ accolade, while Joe McGirr from The Boatyard Distillery was named as Fermanagh’s ‘Local Food Hero’.
President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Seán Collender, congratulated the winners.
“We celebrate the passion and resilience of those who drive Ulster’s hospitality sector forward,” Mr Collender reflected on the success of the ‘Irish Restaurant Awards’ .
“The past year has presented challenges, but the commitment, innovation and hard work of these individuals continue to elevate our industry.
“The Ulster Regional Awards are a testament to the talent and dedication that make this province a key player in Ireland’s food culture.
“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, you are the heart of this vibrant industry.”
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