Irish Pub Awards launched

This year’s Irish Pub Awards were launched in Dublin this morning at The Bankers Bar on Dublin’s Trinity Street.

Jointly presented by the Licensed Vintners Association and the Vintners Federation of Ireland, entries are now open with a closing date set for 29^th May.

The awards acknowledge and recognise excellence and innovation across various categories in the pub sector.

The Glyde Inn, Annagassan in County Louth, was last year’s winner while a further nine category winners reflected the high standard of pubs around the country.

The nine categories are: Best Food Pub, Best Tourist Pub, Innovative Pub of the Year, Best Local Pub, Best Outstanding Customer Service, Best Music Pub, Best Newcomer Pub, Best Outdoor Space and for 2019 a new category has been added to this year’s awards – the Best Late Bar category – for pubs which utilise a Special Exemption Order at least two nights a week.

Here, the judges will look for particular marketing initiatives that reflect the late-night offering and for evidence of a distinguishable offering to attract an audience after normal closing hours.

Judging for the Awards will take place during the Summer and the national Pub of the Year, including category award-winners, will be announced at a Gala Awards ceremony on 20^th November in the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin.

Regional winners will be announced between 5^th September and 3^rd October.

“We’ve been amazed at the support for and recognition of the Irish Pub Awards since its inaugural event and now, in its third year,  we’re confident that the awards will continue to grow,” said VFI President Padraic McGann at the launch, “The awards celebrate everything great about our pubs including their warm hospitality, the excellent food and drink offer and of course, the music.

“At a time when more publicans are investing in their businesses, the collaboration between VFI and LVA delivers recognition for all our members’ hard work and passion.

“Members can see the benefit of the increased profile enjoyed by the 2018 winners, locally and nationally.

“The 2018 winners, The Glyde Inn in Annagassan, are a real example of how a small pub can punch above its weight.

“That’s real encouragement for all pubs going forwards.”

There had been 500 entries last year, he said, adding that “Pubs are a major part of the hospitality and tourism sector and a major contributor to growth of the economy”.

Padraic McGann added, “As substantial challenges such as Brexit face the sector, it’s important we use the Irish Pub Awards 2019 as a vehicle to secure the prosperity of pubs around Ireland that are known throughout the world as a place to visit”.

At the launch, LVA Chairman Alan Campbell pointed out that the Awards programme is fittingly rewarding the efforts of those contributing to one of the biggest employment sectors in Ireland and they helped the LVA showcase the diverse attributes of Dublin pubs while  reinforcing the Awards as a national Industry Standard.

“The Irish Pub Awards are quickly gaining recognition throughout the trade as a programme that provides a credible and comprehensive assessment of the best in Irish pubs,” he concluded.

This year all entries are online and the 63 regional winners will be showcased as best in class in their region. They’ll also receive a prize package to the value of €20,000 comprising management training and media coverage to help them develop their businesses.

The media coverage will include a profile piece in an awards supplement in the Irish Independent on the day of the Gala Awards ceremony.

Regional winners in each category will be announced via social and press media.

This year’s Category sponsors of the Irish Pub Awards are: –

 

Best Food Pub sponsored by Musgrave Marketplace

Best Tourist Pub sponsored by Molson Coors

Innovative Pub of the Year sponsored by Bank of Ireland Payment Acceptance

Best Local Pub sponsored by Diageo

Outstanding Customer Service sponsored by Heineken

Best Outdoor Space sponsored by Bulmers

Best Music Pub sponsored by IMRO

Best Newcomer sponsored by Edward Dillon

Best Late Night Bar sponsored by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard.

 

Media Partner – Irish Independent

Trade Media Partner – Drinks Industry Ireland.

 

Any pubs intending to enter can now do so at www.irishpubawards.ie.