Athlone's Thyme receives Sunday Times '100 Best Restaurants' 2025 recognition

Fresh from retaining its Michelin 'Bib Gourmand' award for the sixth successive year, Athlone's Thyme restaurant has been included in the prestigious Sunday Times '100 Best Restaurants' 2025.

The award laden restaurant, located at Custume Place, continues to gain recognition nationally, owner and head chef John Coffey being described by esteemed food critics, Sally and John McKenna, as the 'Midland's maestro', in the review.

The review notes Thyme to be a 'shining star' and the 'most congenial of places', Coffey being a chef whose 'culinary theatrics have the ability to plant a smile on your face as you finish dinner'.

Reacting to the restaurant's inclusion in the esteemed list, the proprietor acknowledged that it was rewarding to receive such recognition as Thyme approaches almost two decades in business.

"At a time when our industry is facing immense challenges from all directions it is great to know that your work continues to gain national recognition and customers continue to be pleased with the food and service they receive in Thyme.

"It is great for all the fantastic employees and the fine producers who work with the restaurant to know that the time and effort which they contribute to Thyme does not go unnoticed," Mr Coffey said.

Just two weeks ago the restaurant, which first opened its doors in 2007, claimed two of the main awards each at the regional Irish Restaurant Awards at Killashee Hotel in Kildare, Thyme being successful in the 'Best Restaurant in Westmeath' category, with Coffey also being named 'Best Chef' in the county.