Derry hospitality nets awards haul

Mario Macari and Liam McGuinness from Peadar O’Donnell’s in Derry are joined by Pamela Ballantine and Tim McGarry at the Hospitality Ulster Top 100 Awards in Belfast.

The local firms came out on top in the search to find the Top 100 hospitality businesses across the north.

Bishops Gate Hotel, Blackbird, Brown’s Restaurant, Entrada, the Guildhall Taphouse, Peadar’s and Sandinos were revealed as winners at a prestigious gala event held at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast on Wednesday.

Organised by industry body, Hospitality Ulster the event was hosted by Tim McGarry and Pamela Ballantine alongside rugby stars Ugo Monye and Tommy Bowe.

Each venue received equal recognition for their role in driving forward industry standards.

The prestige and honour of being recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s Top 100 hospitality businesses wasn’t the only thing up for grabs on the evening.

All funds raised on the night were donated to The Benevolent Fund, a charity that provides help and support to current and former employees of the drinks industry and their families.

Danny Coyles, Hospitality Ulster Chair commented after the awards: “We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on the top hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland with the only awards, awarded by the industry to the industry.”

Martin Toye and Amanda Doherty from Bishops Gate Hotel in Derry with Ugo Monye at the Hospitality Ulster Top 100 Awards in the Crowne Plaza Belfast.

“The Top 100 Hospitality Businesses Awards recognise the businesses who through their premises, staff and product offer embody the very essence of the unique hospitality industry, committed to going the extra mile to deliver an authentic customer experience that matches both their target market and customer demographic.”

“The hospitality industry in Northern Ireland has no shortage of fantastic venues and so many businesses are at the very top of their game and we would like to congratulate all of our winners for making it in to the Top 100 this year.”