The search to find Northern Ireland’s top hospitality hotspots concluded recently, as the cream of the local hospitality industry gathered at the Plaza Hotel, Belfast for Hospitality Ulster’s Pub of the Year Awards 2016.

Following a record number of entries from pubs, hotels and restaurants, 46 shortlisted premises and individuals from across Northern Ireland went head to head to be named the toast of the trade. A total of 13 awards were presented at the glamorous ceremony on November 16, hosted by U105 presenter Frank Mitchell.

County Fermanagh hotspot The Taphouse in Enniskillen won the Commitment to Local Food Pub title. With fierce competition in the category judges praised The Taphouse for its “inventive menus that featured a creative and inspired use of locally sourced produce and demonstrated a true and unwavering commitment to showcasing the best local ingredients.”

The Taphouse was also a finalist in the highly competitive Pub of the Year Urban category.  

The Taphouse wasn’t the only local venue recognised at the prestigious Awards; Feargal Shannon from the Crowe’s Nest in Enniskillen was highly commended in the Barperson of the Year category and The Riverside Bar in Garrison was shortlisted in the Pub of the Year Rural category. 

Olga Walls, chairman of Hospitality of Ulster, said: “Our Awards recognise and reward excellence and the important contribution local venues make, not only within their own communities, but to the hospitality industry as a whole. This year we further developed our award categories to ensure we recognise all the people and businesses, from the rising stars to seasoned pros that make Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry world-famous. Standards were higher than ever this year, which is a real indication of the high quality and diversity of the sector.”

She said she would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners, and commend all of their shortlisted venues and finalists.