The Cellar Bistro in Athlone won the award for 'best newcomer' in Westmeath at the Leinster finals of the Irish Restaurant Awards last night. Photos: Paul Sherwood.

Joy for local eateries as Westmeath winners announced at Irish Restaurant Awards

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Athlone and South Westmeath businesses had much cause to celebrate when the Westmeath winners were announced at the Leinster Regional Finals of the Irish Restaurant Awards last night.

Over 1,000 people attended the celebration of food and hospitality in Leinster, which was held in the Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny.

The Westmeath winners this year were as follows:

Local Food Hero: Lynda McFarland, Lowe and Co, Athlone.

Innovator of the Year: Dead Centre Brewing, Athlone.

Best Sustainable Practices: Peadar's Bar, Moate.

Best World Cuisine: Umami Sushi, Athlone.

Best Café: Days Bazaar, Mullingar.

Best Customer Service: Lalla, Mullingar.

Best Wine Experience: The Villager Bar & Restaurant, Glasson.

Best Newcomer: The Cellar Bistro, Athlone.

Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine: The Fatted Calf, Athlone.

Best Gastropub: Browne's on the Green, Tyrrellspass.

Best Casual Dining: Il Colosseo, Athlone.

Pub of the Year: Conor Murtagh's Pub, Multyfarnham.

Employee Excellence Award: Dervla Egan, Kafe U, Athlone.

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant: Glasson Lakehouse.

Best Restaurant Manager: Martina Linehan, Beans and Leaves, Athlone.

Best Chef: John Coffey, Thyme Restaurant, Athlone.

Best Restaurant: Thyme Restaurant, Athlone.

Now that the county honours have been handed out, the regional and All Ireland winners will be announced at the All Ireland Awards Gala Dinner in Dublin in May.

Peadar's Bar, Moate, won the award for 'best sustainable practices' in Westmeath.

Speaking at last night's event, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Paul Lenehan, said: "During these undoubtedly tough times for our industry, celebrating Ireland's food and hospitality offering is as crucial as ever.

"Above all, the awards give us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hard work of Ireland’s talented restaurant, café and food-led hospitality staff.

Thyme in Athlone was named 'best restaurant' in Westmeath.

"These awards highlight the resilience and innovation in our food industry. Behind every great dish is a team of individuals committed to creating memorable dining experiences.

"As ever, this year’s Leinster Regional Final showcased the very best of the region's culinary talent. I would personally like to extend my congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their dedication and passion."

Adrian Cusack
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