Offaly winners announced at Irish Restaurant Awards

Several hospitality businesses in Offaly had cause to celebrate last night when the county winners were announced at the Leinster Regional Final of the Irish Restaurant Awards.

Over 1,000 people attended the celebration of food and hospitality in the province, which was held in the Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny.

This year's Offaly winners were as follows:

Local Food Hero: Asad Mahmud Khondkar, Shishir, Tullamore.

Innovator of the Year: The Supper Club at New Order District, Birr.

Best Sustainable Practices: The Little Coffee Hut, Tullamore.

Best World Cuisine: Sanjay's Kitchen, Birr.

Best Café: Woodfield Cafe and Garden Centre, Birr.

Best Customer Service: Galileo Restaurant, Luigi's Family Diner, Edenderry.

Best Wine Experience: Old Warehouse, Tullamore.

Best Newcomer: Förj Coffee, Edenderry.

Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine: Browne's Bistro, Tullamore.

Best Gastropub: Luker's Bar, Restaurant & Live Music Venue, Shannonbridge.

Best Casual Dining: The Brewery Tap, Tullamore.

Pub of the Year: Craughwell's Pub, Birr.

Employee Excellence Award: Usame Said, Shishir, Tullamore.

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant: County Arms Hotel, Birr.

Best Restaurant Manager: Arif Soysal, Captain House Restaurant, Tullamore.

Best Chef: Kenan Pehlivan, The Blue Apron Restaurant, Tullamore.

Best Restaurant: Captain House Restaurant, Tullamore.

Now that the county honours have been handed out, the regional and All Ireland winners will be announced at the All Ireland Awards Gala Dinner in Dublin in May.

Speaking at last night's 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."