Delight

Barry’s Tea also form part of the menu. “I’m a Barry’s red label man, I was reared on it. I don’t drink any other tea and it’s an important element of the afternoon tea menu. It’s not just about what you serve on the stand, it’s about what you serve with it too.” A children’s afternoon tea goes down a storm with younger guests, says John. “I’m careful as to what goes onto the kids menu. It’s important to serve good, healthy food but of course there are a few fun treats in there too. We make our own homemade cheese puree for the cheesy sticks and we also serve homemade jelly and ice cream. We don’t buy anything in, everything is made in-house.”

The award for Ireland’s Afternoon Tea is a nice one to get, says John. “It’s great for the team and also for front of house. A huge amount of work goes into our afternoon tea, Jimmy and Ann Marie do a stellar job. To be recognised by your peers means a lot.”

Mount Juliet Estate Winner of Ireland’s Afternoon Tea Award

Sponsored by Barry’s Tea

For the first time ever, the 2022 Gold Medal Awards were held in the Galmont Hotel & Spa in Galway. MC for the night was Anne Doyle who managed to keep the 500-strong audience entertained throughout the event, which included a delicious three course meal and a lively band that kept guests on their feet until the early hours.

The Supreme winner on the night was the Imperial Hotel in Cork, described by judges as the beating heart of Cork and a hotel that presents guests with a truly unique experience. The Imperial also took home silver for both Ireland’s Guest Experience and Ireland’s Hotel Breakfast. Ireland’s Five Star Resort went to Adare Manor, while Ashford Castle took home gold for Ireland’s Leading Green Hotel along with Ireland’s Five Star Hotel Spa Experience for The Spa At Ashford Castle. Jonathan Keane, Head Chef at The Lodge at Ashford Castle made it lucky number three when he was named Ireland’s Chef of the Year.

The Gold Medal Awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the Irish hotel and catering sector. They also recognise and reward the high standards of excellence that this sector strives to achieve every single day.

Although the effects of Covid are thankfully behind us, the industry is now forced to contend with soaring costs and staff shortages. Judges were impressed by the determination and grit shown by all shortlisted entries for this year’s event. Congratulations to all our winners; we’re already looking forward to seeing you all again next year!

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