More than 400 guests celebrated the return of Brian Cunningham's Midlands 103 Hospitality Awards at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on Monday night.
The ceremony recognises those working in the hospitality sector in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, with over 10,000 votes counted to created the shortlist.
The Killseshin, Portlaoise was named Hotel of the Year, while Wineport Lodge in Athlone took the title of Restaurant of the Year, and Gilleran’s Bar in Mullingar again scooped Pub of the Year.
The Annebrook House Hotel in Mullingar won Best Boutique Hotel, and the Hodgson Bay Hotel in Athlone was recognised as the Best Family Hotel. Danny Byrne's in Mullingar took home the award for Best Bar for Sport.
Bernard Rochford of the Midlands Park Hotel won Chef of the Year, while the Pantry reclaimed its title of Best Café, and Hogan's Bar, Coolrain won Country Bar of the Year.
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The staff at the County Arms Hotel in Birr were recognised for providing the Best Customer Service in the region, and the Hushabye Alpaca Farm in Killeigh won Best Guest House of B&B. Browne's -- the Venue in Tullamore got the nod for Best New Establishment.
The Albert Award for Overall Marketing/Salesperson of the Year, named after late Midlands 103 former managing director Albert FitzGerald, was presented by FitzGerald's son Stephen to Donal O'Gorman, managing director of the Bog Road, Kilkenny.
All shortlisted businesses were than visited by an independent judging panel, which included Michelin star restaurateur Sallyanne Clarke, Leopardstown Racecourse CEO Tim Husbands, Avalon House Hotel's Peter Wilson, House Restaurant general manager Andrew Fisher, Nhance Investments' Ray Hingston, and Clayton Hotel Burlington Road's Paul Fitzsimons.
"It is my pleasure to be involved as a judge as always for Brian Cunningham’s Midlands 103 Hospitality Awards. There are so many hotels, restaurants & pubs doing a wonderful job despite the staff shortage in our industry," Clarke said.
"These awards not only show resilience in the current economic climate, but their innovation and constant strive to be the very best they can be. I take my hat off to all nominees. Everyone is a winner in my opinion.”
Cunningham spoke of the challenges facing the hospital sector and paid tribute to those in the industry in the midlands who promote it. The awards are run in conjunction with Laois and Offaly county councils as well as commercial partners.
"These awards reflect the view of listeners and customers first and foremost because nobody gets on the shortlist without their support," said Will Faulkner, managing director of Midlands 103.
"All nominees are therefore among the best of the best and we’re delighted to put on a showcase celebration that gives them a richly deserved pat on the back in challenging times.”
