CONGRATULATIONS: Waterford restaurants win big at leading hospitality awards

Three restaurants in Waterford are on cloud nine after winning big at the Georgina Campbell Food & Hospitality Awards 2024 which were announced at a gala event in Dublin. 

The Awards, which celebrate Ireland's gold standard food and hospitality industries, are the longest-running independent hospitality awards in the country.

The award for Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant of the Year went to House Restaurant at the Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore while the Newcomer of the Year award went to Farmgate Lismore which is located in Lismore town.

The third winner from Waterford was Mary Wall Hanora's Cottage in Nire Valley which was named Long Haul Hero 2024.

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The prestigious awards and their winners are a result of independent all-year assessments by a team of anonymous experts.

The awards were presented by Georgina Campbell herself, a leading food and travel writer, and Richard Corrigan, a highly skilled chef, who also featured in an engaging panel discussion and a lively question and answer session on the night. 

At this years awards, there was an increased focus put on sustainability, highlighting its need and importance within the industry. 

“We’re seeing more chefs getting actively involved in this eco-friendly initiative and not just paying lip-service to the concept. Growing their own seasonal produce is something for establishments to be proud of, as well as having environmental benefits. It’s great to be working with deliciously fresh, nutrient-dense produce grown right outside your door, and it’s a point of special interest for guests,” said Georgina.

However, she noted some of the falling standards in some areas, particularly breakfast, adding: “Cost-cutting is understandable and often necessary in the current business environment, but it needs to be done with care. Slashing the quality of breakfast in an otherwise enjoyable experience is counter-productive, and leaves guests disappointed on departure.”

Speaking on the future of the Irish food and hospitality industry, Georgina stated: “We need to encourage more young people to see the food and hospitality industry as an exciting option. Even quite young children could experience the enjoyment of doing rewarding work with a hospitality team, and that could create positive associations that would remain with them later, when career choices are to be made. It is not enough to tell a child about the hospitality sector, we must help them to develop an early interest and that could shape the sector’s future pioneers from the get-go.”