“Drinking is doomed” warns McKenna

“People are eating – not drinking – their way through the recession. Pubs are doomed”. With these cheery words John McKenna launched his 21st Edition of Ireland’s longest-running review guides the 'Bridgestone 100 Best Restaurants in Ireland 2012' and 'Bridgestone 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland 2012'.

“There is no recession in good food in Ireland with many people in food having had their best-ever year in business in 2011,” he continued, “Matching restaurant food with Irish craft ales and beers is the big trend for 2012 and as Diageo stumbles, craft brewers thrive. Pubs that don’t recognise this and adapt are doomed, in my opinion.” 

“Irish craft ales are the wines of Ireland. In five years time, matching these with the contemporary food of our country will have left our thirst for imported wines in the ditch,” he boldly predicted, “We will devote as much time, attention and pleasure to the correct pairings of food and beer as we now do with food and wine. Irish craft brewing is enjoying a terrific renaissance but the focus has changed from the pub to the dining room.”
 
And to celebrate the 21st editions, the first ever ‘Bridgestone Guides’ apps have been launched, one for each Guide.

‘The Bridgestone 100 Best’ Guides, published by Estragon Press, have won the international Andre Simon and Glenfiddich awards and the first Slow Food Ireland Media Prize.  The Guides cost €12 each.  For further information, log onto www.bridgestoneguides.com.