A CO DONEGAL Pub is celebrating – after being named Ireland Pub of the Year.
The prestigious Georgina Campbell Hospital Awards 2013 named Nancy’s Pub in Ardara as the best in the country.
And the county picked up a second award, as the Beach House in Buncrana was named Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year.
Speaking about the Nancy’s award, food writer Georgina said: “Banning the term ’gastropub’ generated acres of publicity for a UK food guide last year – and they were quite right; it’s unpleasant and over-used – and, like the ubiquitous ‘eatery’, is not in the Guide’s vocabulary.
“But we’re all in favour of pubs that do great food, of course – and many of our best had been doing just this for many years before the unfortunate term ‘gastropub’ saw the light of day.
“It’s not all about the food of course – character, friendliness, comfort, a sense of community, all those things are part of what makes a great pub – but good food is an important focus for all of our Star Pubs, including Nancy’s Bar, which has been a key part of this little heritage town renowned for its tweeds and handknits for far longer than anyone can remember.
“The original Nancy, who ran the pub in Victorian times, was the great great great grandmother of the present owner, Charlie McHugh and, together with his wife Ann (who’s responsible for developing the food side of the business), he has ensured that everything is done just as it should be.
“It’s a charmingly higgledy-piggledy place which simply oozes with character and warmth, there’s great live music and the food is traditional Irish cooking at its best: only gorgeous!
“No wonder everybody loves Nancy’s, it’s just a perfect Irish pub.”
And she heaped praise on the Beach House too.
She said of the Buncrana eatier: “The leading restaurants in major cities, and their chefs, tend to hog the spotlight at awards and, while the size of the population means more top rank establishments to choose from, excellence is no respecter of location – or style. The Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year aims to highlight the quality of smaller establishments, especially those serving outstanding daytime food.
“Lovely views across Lough Swilly may be the trump card at Claire McGowan’s smart-casual restaurant, but it has plenty else going for it too. Finding this well-named spot is a joy for a lot of happy visitors – who then have the added pleasure of walking off their meals on the lovely sandy beach afterwards.
“Welcoming signs at the door ensure that nobody passes unknowingly and, once inside, the stylish yet laid-back two-storey restaurant and a bit of banter from friendly staff will have you hooked.
“And they are blessed with their talented head chef, Peter Cheesman, who has an enviable reputation in Donegal for showcasing local produce – and it is well earned, as he cooks with stylish simplicity; everything is freshly made on site, and top quality ingredients translate into very good food indeed. What’s not to like about this charming place.”
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