Café of the Year award win
REPRESENTATIVES of the very best in Irish hospitality gathered at Bord Bia in Dublin for the announcement of the 2019 Georgina Campbell Awards.
Mayo had a winner - Jack Fenn’s Courtyard Café, Belleek Castle, Ballina, was named Café of the Year 2019.
An annual celebration of excellence associated with the trusted Georgina Campbell’s Ireland independent hospitality guides, these are Ireland’s longest-running independent food and hospitality awards, and highly respected by the industry.
The Café of the Year award gives recognition to the best of those valuable all-day operations – usually small and owner-run – which not only lift the visitor’s spirits in a flash, but also the reputation of any town or village lucky enough to be its chosen location. The Guide seeks out good cooking based on quality ingredients - and especially the home baking that can be the highlight of a day out. This one, however, goes a long way beyond home baking…
The citation in repsect of Jack Fenn’s Courtyard Café read: 'Situated just outside Ballina amidst 1,000 acres of woodland and forestry, on the banks of the River Moy, Paul Doran’s castle was the ancestral home of the Earl of Arran and, with a 16th century armoury, big open fires, quirky Armada Bar and massive chandeliers, it now makes an unusual small hotel. Belleek Castle manages to combine old world charm with modern comforts - and, offering impressive cooking of local and home grown produce, the romantically candlelit restaurant is a special dining destination.
'And then, in 2018, this gorgeous new café opened in the old stone courtyard adjacent to the castle and - not surprisingly, considering the atmospheric surroundings, great food, friendly staff and outdoor seating - it was a runaway success from day one.
'Not just a great amenity for guests at the hotel and local people, it’s also a perfect place for visitors to the area - and, especially, the nearby Connacht Whiskey Distillery - to enjoy a tasty bite to eat in a relaxed setting.'