Navan tops at bar of the year awards

Navan establishments have come out on top at the ninth annual 'Bar of the Year Awards’ earlier this week. The '2014 Bar of the Year’ was awarded to popular Central Bar, on Navan's main street. The Palace on Ludlow Street was named 'Music Venue of the Year'.

Based on a combined result of a public vote and judging panel, the award was presented to The Central in recognition of its creative menus, excellent customer service and knowledgeable staff. The Central was also presented with the 'Best Modern Irish Cooking in a Bar ' award. 

Celebrating excellence within the industry, the awards were presented at a gala black tie event in the Double Tree Hilton Hotel, hosted by Today FM broadcaster Anton Savage, with the finalists judged by an expert panel of industry professionals, training and service experts and food and tourism representatives.

'Bar Manager of the Year’ was presented to Ivan King, of The Shelbourne Hotel. Kilkenny’s Kyteler’s Inn was presented with the 'Tourist Bar of the Year’ and the 'City Bar of the Year Award’ (sponsored by Coca Cola) was presented to P Mac’s bar in D2. P Mac’s was recognised for providing a unique and varied product to both local and international customers. 'Staff Personality of the Year’ was awarded to Richie Broaders, Food and Beverage Manager of the Langton House Hotel/The Marble City Bar, Co. Kilkenny.

 

'Country Bar of the Year’ was presented to Fitzpatrick’s Bar and Restaurant, Co Louth and 'Style Bar of the Year’ was awarded to The Liquor Rooms, Co Dublin. Flanagan’s Gastro Pub, Mayo was presented with the 'Bar Food of the Year Award’. This award commends excellent bar food recognising service, use of local food and the quality of food presented.

 

Located on Nassau Street, Dublin’s Porterhouse Central was presented with the 'Craft Beer Bar of the Year Award’ (sponsored by Molson Coors). The Porterhouse Central was recognised for hosting the most extensive and innovative range of imported and domestic craft beers to its customers. The 'Outstanding Customer Service Award’ (sponsored by Heineken) went to the Maple Bar Hotel, Westport. The venue was recognised for its focus on customer service, first impressions, customer awareness and overall experience.

The 'Cocktail Bar of the Year’ (sponsored by Bols) was presented to The Cornstore Limerick. The bar was rewarded for its innovative approach to cocktail creation, ability to demonstrate skilled cocktail creation during busy periods, mixology talents and use of fresh ingredients. Dublin’s Old Orchard Inn was selected as the 'Local Bar of the Year’ for its focus on catering for the local community, quality of 'pints’ and for providing an informal atmosphere for all age groups. Sober Lane D4 was commended for its use of social media with the 'Best Use of Social Media Award’ (sponsored by Screach TV).