Christmas came early to Mrs B’s Coffee House, Killybegs, with the news that they have won the first ever Food Awards Ireland title of “Café/Bistro of the Year 2016” for the Borders Area.
The award was presented at a black tie event in the Crowne Plaza hotel, Dublin Airport.
Based on a public vote, the awards honour the talented individuals and businesses dedicated to delivering constant professionalism, amazing service and fantastic food to their customers.
Said owner, Ann Conaghan: “We are delighted to be recognised in this way. Our sincere thanks to all our customers and suppliers who have supported us over the past six years.” And she added: “Our staff are one of our key assets, a fantastic team.”
The Food Awards Ireland recognition is not Mrs B’s only title. The coffee shop has earned a listing in Georgina Campbell’s Ireland Review for 2017 and is also listed as Trip Advisor’s “No. 1 Coffee Shop in Killybegs”.
Jessica Breslin (left) and Ann Conaghan of Mrs B’s Coffee Shop, Killybegs, proudly display their title as Café/Bistro of the Year 2016 for the Borders Area presented by Food Awards Ireland.
Mrs B’s Coffee House was opened in 2011 by friends, Mary Breslin and Ann Conaghan, both chefs who trained in the local Killybegs Tourism College.
It is located at the top of the Main Street in Killybegs, Ireland’s premier fishing port and the gateway to Slieve League, a key attraction on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Said Mary Breslin: “In the middle of the recession, people thought we were mad to start a venture like this. But we were sure that a comfortable and welcoming coffee shop which would offer a high standard of food and service – a place where locals and tourists alike would feel relaxed while enjoying our food – would prove to be a success.
“From the start, we decided that all food served would be produced on the premises with a big focus on cakes, bakes and all things sweet!!”
Ann Conaghan explained: “Our Sandwiches and savoury food are all cooked in-house by ourselves together with a committed team of two other chefs and four waitresses.
“All are committed to providing our customers with a consistently high standard of service with a smile. Our local customers are particularly important to us and knowing what our regulars want is key to our continual repeat trade.”
Mrs. B’s popularity is clear from their profile on social media with a staggering 1,325 “likes” and 40 reviews with a rating of 4.8 out of 5.
At the awards presentation in Dublin, Irfan Younis of event organisers, Creative Oceanic, said: “This is the first time that this ceremony has taken place in Ireland and it was amazing to see so many people come out to support the nominees. The food industry is showing great signs of growth in Ireland, with some amazing new food places being opened across the country. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists and we thank everyone who participated to make this night a memorable event.”
In addition, the event helped to raise funds for the organisers’ official charity partner in Ireland, LauraLynn, which is a hospice for children with life-limiting conditions and residential care for young adults with disabilities.
