Double joy for Athlone's Thyme as it keeps Michelin status and is named 'best in Westmeath'

The renowned Thyme restaurant in Athlone has more than one reason to celebrate this week, after it retained its Michelin 'Bid Gourmand' status for another year and was also named the top restaurant in Westmeath in an 'Ireland's 100 Best Restaurants List' compiled by The Sunday Times.

John Coffey, proprietor of the Custume Place eatery, last night extended his gratitude to his staff for helping it retain the 'Bib Gourmand' distinction. This is an accolade which the Michelin Guide awards to restaurants which offer high-quality food at reasonable prices.

The award is just one step away from a Michelin star, and Thyme is the only restaurant in the Midlands to have received it. It was first named as a 'Bib Gourmand' restaurant in October 2019 and has retained it each year since.

The Michelin Guide 'Inspector's Review' of Thyme stated: "The chef-owner here is one who is constantly reinvesting in his beloved restaurant and is always on the search for great new local suppliers - whether that's fresh vegetables or free-range pork - and the pride he has in his establishment is palpable.

"The two menus showcase the locality well, with dishes that are satisfying and flavoursome. Do try the cheeses, which are accompanied by homemade crackers made using grains from the brewery next door."

Thyme was also hailed in The Sunday Times' '100 Best Restaurants' list last weekend, which was assembled by well-known food critics John and Sally McKenna.

The list's entry for Thyme described it as "one of the best dining rooms in Ireland" and said the resturant's team "deserves an ovation".