Cavan's Irish Restaurant Awards finalists announced

The Ulster Regional Final of the Irish Restaurant Awards took place last night (Tuesday), celebrating the best of the food and hospitality industry across the province.

Hosted at the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan, the event recognised exceptional talent across Ulster’s hospitality sector, with county winners announced across eighteen categories.

With over 700 attendees, the night was a true showcase of the passion, creativity and hard work that define the industry.

Among the successful businesses from across Ulster in the 'Best Restaurant' category sponsored by San Miguel was MacNean House and Restaurant in Blacklion and Wild Thyme Restaurant in Couty Monaghan.

In the 'Best Chef' category, Keith Hutton from The Oak Room Restaurant in Cavan town and Conor Mee from The Courthouse in County Monaghan have come out on top in the two counties.

The Oak Room Restaurant's Laura Connolly featured in the 'Best Restaurant Manager' category, meanwhile in The Farney County the award went to Aprilanna Barker from Tase of Tuscany.

Next the awards moved to the 'Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant' which went to The Courtroom Restaurant at Cabra Castle in Cavan and Snaffles Restaurant at Castle Leslie Estate in Monaghan.

In the digital category 'Best Use of Social Media' Cavan town's Luso restaurant received the honour, while the 'Employee Excellence Award' went to Padraig Reilly from Shades Bar and Grill.

Following this, the awards looked at casual diners in the county, where Chapter Cavan came out on top receiving the 'Best Casual Dining' award. Murph's Gastro Pub won the 'Best Gastro Pub' with 'Best Café' going to Wild Oak Brew and Bake, who also received the 'Best Newcomer' award.

When it comes to Irish cuisine, The Olde Post Inn is best in the county winning the 'Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine' award on the night, while 'Pub of the Year' went to The Whistle Stop in Virginia.

For the sommeliers among us or those who simply love a glass of wine, Wine Goose Cellar Bar at Farnham Estate won the 'Best Wine Experience' award.

For 'Best Customer Service' in the county, it was Deerpark Inn who received the recognition. Those looking for international flavours in the county can head to authentic Indian restaurant the Chilli Lounge, who came out on top in the 'Best World Cuisine' category.

The Cottage Market won the 'Best Sustainable Practices' award, with Datsé's Café & Cakes achieving 'Innovator of the Year'.

Last but certainly not least, Carl Rennicks from The Backyard Bakery won the 'Local Food Hero' achievement on the night.

As the regional celebrations continue, excitement is building for the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner, where both provincial and national winners will be crowned.

The highly anticipated event takes place on Monday May 19.

For more information on the awards search here.