Munster hotels, restaurants and chefs among winners of Georgina Campbell Awards
Richard At The Georgina Corrigan & Campbell Award Ceremony
Several Munster hotels, restaurants and chefs received plaudits during the Georgina Campbell’s 2024 Irish Food and Hospitality Awards in Dublin on Tuesday.
Irish Examiner columnist and chef Aishling Moore was named the Seafood Chef of the Year. The talented chef is coowner of the small but very exciting fish restaurant Goldie, in Cork city centre, which has made waves since it opened in 2019.
The prestigious ceremony featured an engaging panel discussion and a lively Q&A with special guest and award-winning Irish chef, Richard Corrigan.
This year, hospitality expert and guidebook publisher Georgina Campbell particularly acknowledged the achievements of those who have been striving for high standards over many years and continue to do so in the face of many challenges.
“We need to encourage more young people to see the food and hospitality industry as an exciting option,” Georgina said. “Even quite young children could experience the enjoyment of doing rewarding work with a hospitality team, and that could create positive associations that would remain with them later, when career choices are to be made.”
Seaview House Hotel and Spa in Ballylickey, Co Cork received the Pet Friendly Destination of the Year title, which may interest people with a fluffy companion that also deserves a weekend away.
Some other Cork winners include Sally Barnes of the Woodcock Smokery in Skibbereen, who picked up the Movers and Shakers award. The Glass Curtain Restaurant on MacCurtain Street in the city picked up the Smart-Casual Dining award and Ballyvolane House in Fermoy won the Country House honour.
Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, Co Kerry was named the 5 Star Hotel of the Year.
The 300-acre estate has been open since 1991 and has a special allure to it as the gently contemporary hotel has welcoming fires burning in the handsome foyer in the lounge bar.
The hotel itself also continues to delight, with its spacious rooms, stylish comfort, consistently delicious food and faultless service – and it offers good value too, for a hotel of this calibre.
The House Restaurant in the Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, Co Waterford picked up the Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant of the Year award.
Seen as a bold modern boutique hotel which overlooks Ardmore Bay, the 5-star hotel has many strings to its bow.
Chef Patron Tony Parkin took over the kitchen in 2022, with the aim of 'infusing House Restaurant's menu with a distinct global flair', which it certainly has but seasonality remains king here, and the skilfully executed menus, with choice of 5- or 7-course tasting depending on the availability of fresh local ingredients.
The full list of winners can be found here.