The search to discover Northern Ireland’s best pubs, hotels and restaurants is getting under way as the new look annual Pub of the Year Awards are launched for 2015. In recognition of the widening scope of the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland, a record fourteen Awards are up for grabs, each designed to highlight the very best that the sector has to offer.
With the introduction of three Pubs of the Year Awards, recognising the best pubs and bars in rural, urban and city locations, this year’s Awards are set to be the most inclusive ever.
Also new for 2015, three Commitment to Local Food Awards (in partnership with FoodNI/Taste of Ulster) will recognise the growing importance of locally sourced food within Northern Ireland’s best pubs, hotels and restaurants.
With community involvement continuing to be an important focus for the local hospitality industry, 2015 also welcomes the introduction of three Commitment to the Community Awards for pubs, hotels and restaurants.
This year’s Best Hotel Bar category features two accolades with Awards for the Best 1, 2 & 3 star Hotel Bar and Best 4 & 5 star Hotel Bar.
One Award category will invite nominations from the general public. People can nominate their favourite barperson by writing to The Sunday Life, which is joining forces with Hospitality Ulster once again to find out who’s the Best Barperson in the pub personality stakes.
The Awards will also recognise the industry’s rising stars and those that have played a vital role in shaping the sector with two new Awards: Hospitality Ulster’s Rising Star (in partnership with Ulster University) and the Industry Legend Award (in partnership with Hospitality Review).
All submitted Award entries, along with public nominations from the Best Barperson and the Industry Legend Awards will be vetted and judged by an independent judging panel comprised of industry experts, before being mystery shopped to ensure they meet industry standards and best practice guidelines.
The closing date for entries for Hospitality Ulster’s Pub of the Year Awards 2015 is Tuesday 15th September 2015. A final shortlist will be announced by the end of October, revealing the premises shortlisted in each Award. The winners of the 14 Awards will be revealed at a prestigious Gala Dinner on Wednesday 11th November 2015 at La Mon Hotel and Country Club.
For more information about the Pub of the Year Awards and to enter online click here
Follow the Pub of the Year Awards on twitter: @NIPubAwards and Facebook using the hashtag, #NIPubAwards