Galway’s hospitality leaders are honoured at Irish Restaurant Awards
Galway’s top eateries and visionary chefs were celebrated as the very best in food and hospitality across the West was lauded last week at the Irish Restaurant Awards Connacht Regional Final.
This final regional event in this year’s awards programme took place on Tuesday of last week at the Knockranny House Hotel, where county winners from across the province were revealed.
Once again, the Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey was the big winner – with the newly-minted Michelin-starred chef Angelo Vagiotis winning Best Chef and the venue itself named Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant.
The Michelin-starred Lignum restaurant in Bullaun was named Best Restaurant, while the Pub of the Year was Tigh Neachtain on Quay Street in Galway city and the Best Gastro Pub Award went to Coyne’s Gastropub & Pantry in Cill Chiarain.
There was a host of other familiar names on the list of winners, including Kai Restaurant for its Best Sustainable Practices; Builín Blasta Café & Bakery in An Spidéal for Innovator of the Year, and Mitchell’s Restaurant in Clifden for Best Casual Dining.
Over 600 gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of restaurants, cafés and hospitality businesses operating throughout Connacht. The event showcased the quality, resilience and innovation that continues to define the region’s hospitality sector.
Now in its 17th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards attracted over 150,000 public nominations, submitted via The Irish Times, the official media partner.
Once all regional finals conclude, both Regional and All Ireland winners will be revealed at the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner on Monday, May 18, at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road.
President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Seán Collender said that Connacht continued to play a vital role in Ireland’s food story, ‘with restaurants and hospitality businesses at the heart of communities across the region’.
“Despite ongoing cost pressures, the standard of food, service and innovation on display remains exceptionally high,” he said
"These awards are a testament to the resilience and dedication of those working across the sector.
“Hospitality is not just about dining, it is about experience, employment and community,” he added.
Galway winners
Best Restaurant: Lignum
Best Chef: Angelo Vagiotis, the Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey
Best Restaurant Manager: Mathieu Teulier, Blackrock Cottage
Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant: The Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey
Employee Excellence: Rafael Jesus, Chef Laura Rosso Restaurant
Best Use of Social Media: The Dough Bros
Best Casual Dining: Mitchell’s Restaurant
Best World Cuisine: Kombu – Ramen & Bao Bar
Best Gastro Pub: Coyne’s Gastropub & Pantry
Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine: Blackthorn at The Twelve Hotel
Best Newcomer: Fawn Food & Wine
Pub of the Year: Tigh Neachtain
Best Wine Experience: Daróg Wine Bar
Best Customer Service: Foyle’s Hotel
Best Cafe: The Kylemore Kitchen
Best Sustainable Practices: Kai
Innovator of the Year: Builín Blasta Café & Bakery
Local Food Hero: Brian Dilleen, Mad Yolk Farm.