Popular eaterie among local finalists in running for national awards

The owners of the popular Corner House Bistro in Athlone have expressed their delight at being the running for a top national award later this month.

Linda and Joe Connolly, who have been running the Dublingate Street eaterie for ten years now, have been shortlisted in Best Family Dining Restaurant category at the Irish Hospitality Awards on June 19.

“After over ten years serving customers from near and far with personal attention to detail, dynamic menus created with both passion and flair and a commitment to make your visit to Corner House Bistro as good as we can make it, it’s fantastic to be rewarded as a finalist in this year’s awards,” said Linda and Joe Connolly this week.

“To be recognised as one of the top ten restaurants in Ireland in this category is testament to the hard work and relentless commitment of our front of house team and our kitchen team. We are honoured to represent Athlone at this years Irish Hospitality Awards,” the couple added in tribute to their hard working staff.

The Irish Hospitality Awards 2023 is organised and hosted by Creative Oceanic but voted for by the Irish public. After a huge number of nominations received, the list with the top contenders has been compiled.

Other local finalists include Tuar Ard Coffee Shop & Restaurant (Moate) in the Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year category, Peadar’s Bar, Moate in the Best Bar category, P. Egan's Moate in the Best Pub/Inn of the Year section and Kafe U Athlone and L'Escale Restaurant in the Hodson Bay Hotel are in the running for the Best Dining Experience gong.

Elsewhere, Athlone Regional Sports Centre (Athlone) is in the running for the Sports Venue of the Year award, while Golden Island Shopping Centre (Athlone) has been nominated the Best Shopping Complex of Year category at the awards taking place on June 19 at The Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown in Dublin.

The Irish Hospitality Awards aim to celebrate the dedication, skill and customer service of the professionals that work within establishments where excellence is standard. They also want to acknowledge those who make a positive difference in this sector as well as the efforts that the experts put in ensuring their customers always receive top services and unforgettable experiences.

“Working for the hospitality industry can be challenging at times and the last few years have shown that. These awards aim to recognise those who have succeeded in this sector, despite the difficulties. There are people who have dedicated their whole career in making the country a special destination for visitors. It is time to give those professionals the recognition they deserve,” A spokesperson for The Irish Hospitality Awards 2023 said after the finalists for this year were revealed.

“The awards will provide a platform to thank and honour those who have contributed to making Ireland a friendly and welcoming place, enhancing the country’s reputation nationally and internationally. We would like to congratulate all the finalists for their nomination and wish them the best of luck.”