Hayfield Manor has been crowned the Supreme Winner at the sold out Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards.

Hayfield Manor has been crowned the Supreme Winner at the sold out Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards. 

Hayfield Manor collecting their Supreme Winner from Anton Savage in the Galmont Hotel

Now in their 35th year, the Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards are recognised as the leading independent awards programme for the Irish hospitality industry. Judged by industry experts, the awards recognise and reward excellence in hospitality and catering operations across the island of Ireland.

Key Messages:

- Hayfield Manor named Supreme Winner at Virgin Media Business Gold Medal Awards

- Awards program in its 35th year, known for recognizing excellence in Irish hospitality industry

- Judged by industry experts, winners announced at gala awards ceremony in Galway

- Adare Manor in Co. Limerick among winners, taking home Gold Award for "Ireland's Five Star Resort"

Ireland's Outstanding Customer Service Award
Gold for The Kingsley Hotel

2024 Winners Revealed

Supreme Winner Gold - Hayfield Manor Sponsored by Virgin Media Business

Ireland's Lifetime Achievement  Gold - Theresa Allen

Ireland's Favourite Place To Stay Overall Winner - Castle Leslie Connacht - Ashford Castle Leinster - Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge Munster - The Rose Hotel Ulster - Castle Leslie

Ireland’s Family Friendly Hotel Gold - Newpark Hotel Kilkenny Silver - Clonakilty Park Hotel Bronze - Amber Springs Hotel Sponsored by Virgin Media Business

Ireland's Best Family Run Hotel Group Gold - Romantic Castles Of Ireland

Ireland's Sustainability / Leading Green Hotel Gold - Armada Hotel Silver - Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa Bronze - Dromoland Castle Hotel

Ireland’s Five Star Hotel Gold - Hayfield Manor Silver - The Merrion Hotel Dublin Bronze - Cashel Palace Hotel

Ireland's Afternoon Tea Hotel Gold - The Merrion Hotel Dublin Silver - Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel Bronze - Marlfield House Hotel

Ireland's Chef of the Year Gold -  The Lake Hotel, Noel Enright Silver - Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Danni Barry Bronze - The Mustard Seed Country House and Restaurant, Angel Pirev Sponsored by BWG Food Service

Ireland's Five Star Chef of the Year Gold - Park Hotel Kenmare, James O'Sullivan Silver - Ashford Castle, Liam Finnegan Bronze - Sheen Falls Lodge, Mark Treacy Sponsored by BWG Food Service

Ireland's Best Hotel Group Gold - MHL Hotel Group Sponsored by Action Recruitment

Ireland’s Business & Conference Hotel Gold -  The Johnstown Estate Silver - Lyrath Estate Bronze - Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin

Ireland’s Four Star Hotel Gold - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa Silver - Armada Hotel Bronze - Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa Sponsored by O'Driscolls Irish Whiskey

Ireland’s Wine Experience Gold - Ashford Castle Silver - Cashel Palace Hotel Bronze - Ballynahinch Castle Hotel Sponsored by Classic Drinks

Ireland’s Four Star Resort Gold - Renvyle House Hotel and Resort Silver - Harvey's Point Bronze - Galgorm Sponsored by Sound to Light

Ireland’s Guest Experience Gold - Killashee Hotel Silver - Harvey's Point Bronze - The Montenotte Sponsored by Netaffinity

Ireland's Five Star Resort Gold - Adare Manor Silver - Dromoland Castle Hotel Bronze - Sheen Falls Lodge Sponsored by Virgin Media Business

Ireland’s Three Star Hotel Gold -  Hotel Isaacs Cork Silver - Clew Bay Hotel Bronze - Great National South Court Hotel

Ireland's Hotel Casual Dining Experience Gold - Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa Silver - Great Southern Killarney Bronze - Armada Hotel

Ireland's Five Star Hotel Casual Dining Experience Gold - The g Hotel & Spa Silver - Hayfield Manor Bronze - Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland

Ireland's Innovative Supplier Gold - Excel Recruitment

Ireland’s City Hotel Gold - The Mayson Hotel Silver - The Dean Cork Bronze - The Hardiman

Ireland’s Country House & Guest House Experience Gold - Ard na Sidhe Country House Hotel Silver - Dunbrody Country House Bronze - Marlfield House Hotel

Ireland’s Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant Gold - The Blue Haven Hotel Silver - Tankardstown House, Brabazon Restaurant  Bronze - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa

Ireland's Five Star Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant Gold - Lady Helen at Mount Juliet Estate Silver - Ballyfin Demesne Bronze - Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel

Ireland’s Five Star Hotel Spa Experience Gold - Dromoland Castle Hotel Silver - Ashford Castle Bronze - ESPA at The Europe Hotel & Resort

Ireland’s Four Star Hotel Spa Experience Gold - Galgorm Silver - The Johnstown Estate Bronze - Ice House Hotel

Ireland’s Front of House Team/Team Member Gold -  The Europe Hotel & Resort Silver - Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club Bronze - The Mustard Seed Country House and Restaurant

Ireland’s Breakfast Experience Gold - Castlewood House Dingle Silver - Pembroke Kilkenny Hotel Bronze - Celtic Ross Hotel

Ireland’s Menu Provenance Award Gold - Ballyfin Demesne Silver - Ballymaloe House Hotel Bronze - Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

Ireland’s Grand Wedding Hotel Gold - Cork's Vienna Woods Hotel Silver - Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate Bronze - Mulranny Park Hotel

Ireland's Small Wedding Hotel Gold - Luttrellstown Castle Resort Silver - The Station House Hotel, Kilmessan, Co. Meath Bronze - Lough Rynn Castle

Ireland's Castle & Heritage Wedding Excellence Gold - Cashel Palace Hotel Silver - Castle Leslie Estate Bronze - Markree Castle

Ireland's Outstanding Customer Service Award Gold - The Kingsley Hotel

Tourist Experience of the Year Gold - Mulranny Park Hotel Silver - The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney Bronze - Chancery Hotel Dublin

Ireland's Boutique Hotel of the Year Gold - Pembroke Kilkenny Hotel Silver - Stauntons on the Green Bronze - The Blue Haven Hotel Sponsored by SHR Group

Ireland’s Five Star Guest Experience Gold - Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate Silver - The Merrion Hotel Dublin Bronze - The Killarney Park

Taste of the Week. Joe's Amaretto Cheese Cake

Taste of the Week 

Joe's Amaretto Cheese Cake

There are scores of recipes online for cheesecakes and quite a few that are alcohol flavoured. I started thinking of the latter with a bottle of the award-winning Joe's Almaretto in my hands, not from Italy, but from the local Elbow Lane. Margaritas, Pina Coladas, and, of course, Bailey's Cream came to mind. So, based on an online, Bailey's Cream recipe, we decided to try making one with Joe's Amaretto.

No matter which recipe you choose, do remember that Amaretto has a low viscosity and is not as "thick" as Bailey's so you need to use it sparingly (and taste as you proceed). There were some suggestions to use amaretti biscuits for the crust (base) and/or use almond extract or, indeed, to top with sliced almonds. But we reckon that Joe, from Elbow Lane, has produced a well-flavoured drink, and anything added would be over the top!

Ingredients for this non-bake cheesecake:

Digestive biscuit 270 gm 

Butter 100 gm 

Small carton of Philadelphia Full Cream Cheese 280 gm

Cream 300 gm

Icing sugar 80 gm 

Joe's Amaretto - 10 teaspoons

Guide

Crush biscuits. Melt butter and add to biscuits.

Press firmly into a loose bottom tin (8-inch) and put in the fridge until firm.

Whip cream cheese with icing sugar and Amaretto until stiff.

Whip cream and fold into cheese mixture.

Repeat if needed.

Place in fridge for 6 hours or, preferably, overnight.

                               

Good Times Roll at The Wine Tavern St Luke's. Food, Wine and Friends on the Menu

Good Times Roll at The Wine Tavern St Luke's.

Food, Wine and Friends on the Menu

 

The Wine Tavern at St Luke’s has been up and running for quite a few years now. Indeed, it was established by dad Declan in July 2013. It is managed now by son Sean and head chef daughter Tara.

The family's main aim was and is “to give customers a warm welcome and a great wine and tapas experience with a relaxed ambience whether you are by yourself or in a group”.

Exterior seating for the summertime!

I’ve long known about the social aspect of the venue as all the ladies in my life are regular visitors for girls' nights out there and are always full of praise for the Tavern (you'll find it next door to Henchy’s).

On last week’s visit, we were no sooner in the door than we were given a warm welcome, not just because the fire was blazing. And then we were immediately told that they had a ukulele band that evening!

The former church of St Luke's is now the venue for Live at St Luke's,
a series of musical events held throughout the year. More details here 

But first to the food. With free wines to accompany it (on January Tuesdays and Wednesdays), their sharing board came into focus as an option. It was a winner, the standard set by the delicious Cashel Blue cheese. Other cheeses were smoked cheddar and brie, while the meats were spiced beef, serrano ham, and chorizo. 

The generous board (€32 for two persons) was also loaded with roasted almonds, pickles, and a selection of homemade dips. By the way, if you are in the mood for tapas, here’s a tip. Give the chips and Patatas Bravas a skip for once and go for the delicious Crispy potatoes with Garlic butter and Parmesan cubes (below).

The free wines (offer concludes this week) were both South African, Nyala Sauvignon Blanc and Nyala Cabernet Sauvignon. One of us was driving, so we picked the Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) instead of the Nyala and enjoyed it very much. It was certainly endowed with some characteristics of the famous Sauvignon from Marlborough and was refreshing with a crisp finish, one of the better non-alcoholic wines we’ve come across.

Back to their “social calendar”, where Maura and Mary's annual Grab A Guna Gig, the 7th of a series, is scheduled for February 10th. At this friendly and fun event, you can do some shopping and help raise much-needed funds for UNICEF (to support the children of Gaza). It starts at 6.00 pm. More details on their Instagram. 

St Luke’s is a very busy food and drink hub these days, and it is not always easy to find parking. But don't forget that two buses, 208 and 207, stop more or less just outside the door.

On the craft trail with Whiplash, Brehon and Hopfully

On the craft trail with Whiplash, Brehon and Hopfully

Whiplash Body Riddle Pale Ale 4.5% ABV, 330 ml can

“light on malts… plenty of hops”

Absolutely enjoyable, from start to finalé. Not too much more to say about this gem but, with me, that’s often a good sign. I’ve made up my mind early and the verdict is a major thumbs up for the little can. Best of goods in small parcels.

It is a vibrant gold beer, hazy with a foamy white crown. The aroma is a mix of citrus fruits, with lemon, grapefruit, and orange leading the way. The flavour is even more citrus-forward than the aroma, with citrus again prominent. There is also a touch of sweetness, from the malt, which helps balance the bitterness from the hops. The finish is dry and refreshing, with a lingering citrusy flavour

Very Highly Recommended. Good for a session too! 

Brehon Bech Bretha Braggot 9.0% ABV, 500 ml bottle Bradleys

This “hybrid”, somewhere between ale and mead, looks like a red ale in the glass with a slim off-white head and tastes somewhat like a barrel-aged beer. Aromas speak of the malt rather than the sweetness of the honey (by the way, not all mead is sweet, even if the drink is made by fermenting the sugars in honey!). And, yes, honey is included in the list of ingredients.

The palate here is very pleasant, packed with flavour and gentle caramel notes, and the malt sweetness seeps through. This trans-Atlantic collaboration between Brehon and Gulf Stream Brewing (from the US) is Highly Recommended.

What is a Braggot?  You may well ask. Brehon explains: “Well, in simple terms, it's a cross between a mead and an ale. We've brewed it with grains, hops, and heaps of honey. Some historic references suggest braggot is a Celtic drink dating back to at least the 12th century.”

“If you were making honey in 7th Century Ireland, your bees were protected by a set of laws known as the Bechbretha, just like precious cattle. You yourself were required to offer your kin a ‘tairgille’; an item of personal significance as a pledge of your good bee-keeping behaviour. So here’s an offering of our own; a fitting tribute to the wisdom of

Brehon Law.” Those ancient Brehon Laws were loaded with more common sense than much modern legislation.

With its high abv and strong flavours, pairing the Braggot with strong cheeses, sweet chocolates, and caramel desserts makes sense.

Pioneering Cork meadery, Kinsale Mead, talking about their own mead, says fruit with a tart element, can be a good choice. “So is dark chocolate, especially if it's got a touch of sea salt. Salted nuts also do well.” 

Hopfully Legswap Raspberry & Lime Sour, 5.0% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

This “perfect summer drink” fell behind in the queue and that means I’m drinking it in mid-winter. I also drank it away back in 2021, and the brewers have recently revived it (with quite a different line-up) and are “thrilled to have this one back in stock!” It is inspired by the Raspberry-Lime Rickey cocktail and has fizzy and tart characteristics.

It comes with a gorgeous red hue in the glass, and there’s even a pink tinge in the soft white head. Crisp and refreshing on the palate with a burst of fruit and a zesty tang of citrus and a lip-smacking finish. This easy-drinking sour is probably best in the summertime, but I enjoyed this can in winter.

Malts used are IPA, Pale Ale, Wheat, Oats, Vienna and Carapils while the hop is Azaka. So, all change there from 2021, but Raspberries and Lime Juice are still included in the ingredients list, and you’ll definitely note them as players on the palate. Artwork by Stasele Jakunskaite

Highly Recommended.

L'Arjolle Équilibre Zéro Blanc. Pair this non alcoholic wine with shellfish, crustaceans, fish, and fresh cheeses.

 L'Arjolle Équilibre Zéro Blanc (Viognier, Sauvignon), 0.0% ABV

€8.45 on offer (normal 9.45)  at O’Briens Wine

"pair with shellfish, crustaceans, fish, and fresh cheeses"

L'Arjolle Équilibre Zéro Blanc is a good-quality, aromatic, alcohol-free white wine from France. De-alcoholized sustainably, it retains vibrant fruit notes, especially exotic fruit, and is exuberant in the mouth. A blend of Viognier and Sauvignon, it is refreshing. The producers suggest pairing it with shellfish, crustaceans, fish, and fresh cheeses or as an aperitif.

It is a bright straw colour in the glass, with quiet fruity aromas. In the mouth, it is vibrant with exotic fruit (from the Viognier), while the Sauvignon lends it exuberance. It is surprisingly refreshing. More of a food wine than a simple aperitif, I think.

Non-alcoholic wine, beer, and spirit alternatives are gaining popularity. The quality of non-alcoholic wines has significantly improved, offering enjoyable options for red, white, and sparkling varieties.

Our L'Arjolle Équilibre Zéro Blanc is from Domaine de l’Arjolle in Pouzolles, France. It is de-alcoholised using the “sustainable vacuum evaporation method” . 

By placing the wine under vacuum, the boiling point of the alcohol is reduced (35°C instead of 80°C) “which allows the wine to be heated very little and therefore to keep the vast majority of the initial aromas. By this method, it is possible to dealcoholise the wine down to 0.0% vol, to respect their original qualities, and to offer a real alcohol-free drink.”

* Non-alcoholic wines are certainly having a moment, and I got a taste (just!) of a pretty decent one at St Luke's Wine Tavern a few nights ago. The Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (€7.50 a glass) was refreshing and certainly had some of the characteristics of a Marlborough SB.

2025 IRISH BAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS - ENTRIES NOW OPEN

Cork's Paladar celebrate their 2024 win as Bar of the Year!

2025 IRISH BAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS - ENTRIES NOW OPEN

With over 27 categories available, this is the perfect opportunity for bars across Ireland to gain the recognition they truly deserve. The deadline for entries is Thursday, April 4, 2025, so don’t miss out on your chance to shine.

View our 2025 Categories

How to Enter:

Bars looking to participate must complete an online entry form, which will then be reviewed and judged by a panel of esteemed industry experts. The winners will be announced at a spectacular gala awards ceremony held at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin, on Monday, August 18, 2025. This black-tie event is a highlight of the hospitality industry calendar and promises an evening of celebration, networking, and industry recognition.

New for 2025: Cocktail Bartender of the Year

This year, the awards introduce an exciting new category: Cocktail Bartender of the Year, proudly sponsored by Edward Dillon & Co. This competition is open to all bartenders across Ireland. Entrants will showcase their creativity by crafting a cocktail using set ingredients, documenting the process on video, and submitting it via the awards website. The top 10 finalists will advance to a thrilling live competition judged by industry professionals.

Who Can Enter?

The Irish Bar of the Year Awards welcome entries from all types of bars, including traditional pubs, modern bars, and trendy cocktail lounges. Categories also exist for bars that serve food. Judges will be looking for establishments with unique personalities, exceptional service, and unforgettable customer experiences.