Best places for food and drink in Louth revealed at restaurant awards

The best Louth has to offer when it comes to food and drink was recognised yesterday at the Irish Restaurant Awards Leinster Regional Final 2024, the first regional final of this year’s awards season, which took place at the Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny.

Over 1,000 attended the celebration of food and hospitality in Leinster on the night.

In total, this year’s Irish Restaurant Awards – the 15th year of the Awards – received over 160,000 public nominations for restaurants, cafés and other food services establishments across the country – the highest number yet. Nominations were made by the public through The Irish Times website, the Irish Restaurant Awards’ media partner.

Once all regional events have been completed and county winners announced, Regional and All Ireland Winners – including in categories such as Best Restaurant and Best Chef – will be revealed at the All Ireland Awards Gala Dinner at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road, Dublin 4 in May.

Ticket and event information will be released in April following Regional Events.

Speaking at the event, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Paul Lenehan, said:

“During these undoubtedly tough times for our industry, celebrating Ireland’s food and hospitality offering is as crucial as ever.

"Above all, the Awards give us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hard work of Ireland’s talented restaurant, café and food-led hospitality staff.

“These Awards highlight the resilience and innovation in our food industry. Behind every great dish is a team of individuals committed to creating memorable dining experiences.

“As ever, this year’s Leinster Regional Final showcased the very best of the region’s culinary talent. I would personally like to extend my congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their dedication and passion.”

The Louth winners were:

Local Food Hero – Sponsored by Flo Gas: Peter Thomas, Bellingham Blue Cheese

Innovator of the Year – Sponsored by Diageo: Coast & Co

Best Sustainable Practices – Sponsored by Familia Torres: The Bare Food Company

Best World Cuisine – Sponsored by San Pellegrino: Atami Japanese Cuisine

Best Café – Sponsored by Illy: Ruby Ellen’s Tea Rooms

Best Customer Service – Sponsored by Restaurant-Insurance.ie Provided by Dolmen: Windsor Bar and Restaurant

Best Wine Experience – Sponsored by Bibendum- Louth: D’Vine Bistro & Tapas Bar

Best Newcomer – Sponsored by Square: Number One Jocelyn Bistro

Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine – Sponsored by FBD Insurance: Strandfield

Best Gastropub – Sponsored by Molson Coors: The Glyde Inn

Best Casual Dining – Sponsored by Musgrave Marketplace: Myrtle Bistro

Pub of the Year: The Neptune

Employee Excellence Award – Sponsored by Peninsula: David Tallon, Sally Cinnamons Bar

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant – Sponsored by Frylite: Ghan House

Best Restaurant Manager – Sponsored by Elavon: Eugene Molloy, Scholars Townhouse Hotel

Best Chef – Sponsored by BWG Food Service: Conor Woods, The Bay Tree Restaurant

Best Restaurant – Sponsored by San Miguel: The Trinity Quarter