Galway Wins Big at Food & Bar Awards

Galway's restaurants, cafés and pubs took home lots of silverware at The Bar of the Year Awards and The Food Awards Ireland which took place earlier this week. Here are all the winners...

The Bar of the Year Awards made a welcome return last night as the cream of the crop of the hospitality industry gathered for a glitzy affair to recognize the best in the business. Galway was well represented in the award ceremony, with An Púcán and The Quays Bar bringing silverware back West, while Hyde Bar, The Front Door and Blake's Corner Bar also received recognition.

The glamorous event, which was hosted by Alan Shortt, saw pubs across the country recognised in 25 different categories with Dublin's Bar 1661 being crowned the overall winner. Other success on the night included Conor McGregor’s Black Forge pub which saw the MMA Star collect two awards himself in his usual flamboyant style.

The Quays Bar in Galway was voted Best Live Entertainment Bar in the entire country - an absolutely incredible achievement but one which makes sense once you spend a night in this famous pub. An Púcán were victorious in the People's Choice Category as they were voted the top bar in the Connacht Ulster Region for the third time. With over 170k social media followers, it's no surprise that the popular Forster Street venue reclaimed the title. Wayne Neilon, General Manager of The Connacht Group whom operate An Púcán and many of Galway's top hospitality businesses said; "This award is very deserving recognition of the hard working and passionate team in An Púcán. For a customer to take the time to give us a vote shows how well regarded the staff of An Púcán are. This year's award is particularly welcomed after the difficult times the hospitality industry has endured."

Hyde Bar won the Bronze Award for Best Gin Bar in Ireland, The Front Door was awarded Silver for LateBar/Nightclub and Tom Sheridan's was the Bronze winner in the Local Bar of the Year Category. Blake's Corner Bar was presented with a Bronze Award in the Bar Food of the Year Category.

Il Vicolo Galway

Elsewhere, Galway also came up trumps at The Food Awards Ireland, with Il Vicolo being voted as The Best Italian Restaurant in Ireland. The team took to social media to say; "We are over the moon! Winning the award for THE BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN IRELAND is the dream come true. Thank you all for your votes, for believing in us and for all your support. Thank you!".

Restaurant gigi's at the g Hotel fought off incredibly stiff competition to be crowned Hotel Restaurant of the Year. Roots Café & Bistro took home the double, taking home the award for The Best Café/Bistro in Connaught before being named Overall winner also! It may come as no surprise to you to read that John Keogh's was voted The Best Gastropub in Connaught, while Tuco's Taqueria won Best Mexican Establishment.

John Keogh's Gastropub

We always knew Galway's food and drink scene was top-notch but now we have the proof, as the county is home to so many of the BEST establishments in their respective fields. Congratulations to all the winners!