In today’s Good News Friday, we celebrate the success of our members who took home awards at the Ulster Regional Final of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2023! The awards took place on Tuesday night at the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan and saw almost 800 restaurant and hospitality owners compete for the top title in their county and category. This year saw a record-breaking number of public nominations, making the competition even more fierce for local restaurants, pubs and cafes to take home the prize.

The City Hotel Derry was recognised for having the Best Sustainable Practices in Derry. The City Hotel Derry is a champion of sustainability in the region, having worked to reduce their CO2 emissions and reduce waste since 2007. The win is unsurprising as The City Hotel Derry has previously received a Gold Zero Waste Award in 2014. The award is a recognition of the hotel’s consistent commitment to reducing their environmental impact.

The Gown at Bishops Gate Hotel was the winner of the Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant in Derry. The hotel’s stunning Edwardian interior and several original features in the restaurant ensured meeting the criteria of creating a unique environment. Key to The Gown’s win was their commitment to seasonal menus that makes sure that return guests continue to have new and exciting culinary experiences.

The Walled City Brewery won Best Gastro Pub in Derry for its innovative menu of food that compliments its drink selection. The award recognises that the Walled City Brewery provides restaurant quality dining without ever compromising the traditional pub atmosphere. This win is completely unsurprising off the back of their incredibly successful Oyster and Stout festival in February!

We wish all the winners a massive good luck as they move onto the Regional and All Ireland Titles which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards All Ireland Final on Monday 15 May in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin!