Top 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

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NorthernIreland Hospitality Businesses2018

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

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Messagefrom Hospitality UlsterChair MarkStewart

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orthern Ireland’s hospitality scene is going from strength-to-strength thanks to our great produce, our attention to detail and of course our famous Northern Ireland welcome!

Across the length and breadth of the province our pubs, hotels and restaurants are increasingly recognised as innovators and pioneers, turning out some of the best quality food and drink on these islands as well as providing unrivalled customer service.

That’s reflected not only in the popularity of our hospitality sector among locals here, but in the number of people coming from overseas to experience our famous welcome and quality.

We are very fortunate in Northern Ireland to have such great quality products and the desire to use them. From awardwinning beef and lamb to world-class dairy products and seafood to top quality craft beers, gins and whiskeys. Great products, and the willingness to source and serve them are hallmarks of excellence and something our sector is known for.

Indeed you’ll find Northern Ireland’s produce not only on our local menus, but on the menus of top restaurants in London and further afield!

However having the best of produce needs to be matched by the best of talent and it is clear that we have some of the best chefs and working kitchens on these

he first ever Top 100 Hospitality Business Awards were held at the fabulous Titanic Belfast in February of this year. Presented by Hospitality Ulster, these prestigious awards celebrate the very best in our hospitality industry across Northern Ireland.

More specifically, the Top 100 recognises those who through their premises, staff and product offer encompass the very essence of our unique hospitality industry – going the extra mile to deliver a great customer experience that serves both their target audience and customer demographic.

The Top 100 Hospitality Business Awards are unique in that they are the only awards presented by the industry to the industry – recognising every sector of our industry, the diversity of our offer and the people who make our industry great.

Hospitality Ulster is the industry body for pubs, restaurants and hotels in Northern Ireland. Established in 1872, it provides a voice to the sector and supports members through the countless challenges of doing business.

We hope that you enjoy exploring the Top 100 list!

4 The real deal at The Dirty Duck

39 Gin with a twist at The Coachman

6-7 Who’s made the Top 100?

40-43 Calorie counting and clean cooking from the Food Safety Agency

Contents 8 Unique luxe at Galgorm Resort & Spa

islands, turning out consistently delicious and innovative food that regularly wins rave reviews from top critics.

Our hospitality sector is always making sure that the customer experience is spot on. That’s why our pubs and hotels serve a huge range of craft beer, locally produced artisan gin and other spirits. Of course Northern Ireland’s Whiskey is already world famous!

Our pubs have shown over recent times that they can keep pace with the latest developments, showcase local brands and still retain the traditional and authentic charm that they are rightly famous for.

The top 100 Awards are Hospitality Ulster’s way of recognising the excellence and diversity of the food and drink that is on offer across the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland, and also the hard work and attention to detail that publicans, restaurateurs and hoteliers play in making your nights out both memorable and enjoyable.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

10-11 Creating waves with #BlackBushStories 12-15 Six of the best from Beannchor 16 What’s new from FoodNI members?

17 Style meets substance at the Crowne Plaza

44 The Plough Inn for fine food and a warm welcome 49 The Northern Whig – read all about it!

50 Hophouse brews up another award 52 Shake it up with a cocktail 54 Relax, you’re in Ruby’s!

18-19 Hooked on fish at Belfast Cookery School 20 Here comes summer at the Errigle Inn 21 Sally’s of Omagh for fun nights out 22-25 To Belfast and beyond!

27 Ginger now extra spicy 28-29 Your Top 100 mapped 30-32, 46-48 County focus 33 Keegan’s of Armagh 34 Food news 35 Manor House Country Hotel 36-38 Food and festivals

Published by Belfast Telegraph Clarendon House, Clarendon Dock, Belfast, BT1 3BH ADVERTISING Jackie Reid Belfast Telegraph j.reid@belfasttelegraph.co.uk EDITOR Fiona Rutherford Realtime Editing & Design NI Ltd f.rutherford@redni.co.uk DESIGN Robert Armstrong INM Design Studio, Belfast PRINTING INM, Newry

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TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

Keepingitrealat theDirtyDuck

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ake the best features of an English pub – the food and the atmosphere, add in the things that make for a great Irish pub – the music and craic, and you’ll come up with the gem that is The Dirty Duck in Holywood.

Owner Mark McCrory, who staged Northern Ireland’s first beer festivals in the Ulster Hall with CAMRA, was looking for somewhere to train people in the complexities of handling cask-conditioned real ale when he took over what was The Waterfront Bar from Peter Barney Bates.

However, as the bar grew, he found himself pouring more of his energies into it and his natural tendency to get things right by keeping them real kicked in. Within a short time, The Dirty Duck, named after the Legend of Donald Drake, had become one of the best pubs in the country.

The location is perfect as Holywood’s Kinnegar area is a coastal oasis, just a short drive from Belfast but a million miles from the city hustle. Holywood train station is minutes away, so people come from far and wide and get the last train home.

The walls are heaving with awards, testifying to his success, aided and abetted by the staff, some of whom have been with him for over 15 years. Where there isn’t an award, you’re likely to see some jokey reference to ducks. There are photos of Thin Lizzy and the Small Faces sporting Dirty Duck t-shirts and badges – realistic enough to invoke a double-take. To find the ladies’ loos, look for the anatine version of the Mona Lisa.

Friends of the Dirty Duck are honoured on the walls too, from Rory McIlroy, son of Mark’s golfing buddy, to Brian Houston,

Foy Vance and Gareth Dunlop, all of whom had regular slots here in their early years.

The bar continues to find and support great musical talent, with ‘real’ live music several nights a week. “You won’t get backing tracks or drum machines here,” says Mark.

However, there’s more to this great venue than booze and bands.

The wood-panelled traditional bar, with its friendly pub vibe, has been joined by a bright modern restaurant on the first floor whose panoramic windows showcase the spectacular views over much of Belfast Lough. Visitors come from far and wide for the food and linger on to enjoy the natural

beauty before them.

Outside, the Quack Shack bar, with its upturned boat for a roof, is the latest addition to the beer garden which is buzzing on a sunny day with families and friends, dog walkers and couples out for a bite of lunch.

The menu is varied, with plenty of options – it won an award for having the best ‘free from’ choices in Ulster at the Irish Restaurant Awards recently. Produce is sourced locally, as fresh as it comes, and with the sea at the doorstep, it’s not surprising that the fish and seafood dishes are so popular. In fact, the Dirty Duck was buying so much fish, fresh from the boats at Portavogie, that Mark opened the Ruddy Duck Fishhouse in Holywood five years ago. It’s both a chippie and a fish shop and has recently been named the Best Fish and

Chip Shop in Ulster. “We do the traditional fish and chips but we also do crab claws and fish curries and with seven or eight fish on the menu, we do little trios so people can try things,” he explains.

Asked why he thinks they were rated among Hospitality Ulster’s Top 100, Mark says: “People would say there’s a lovely relaxed atmosphere and great staff here – that and our attention to detail, quality and value are behind it.”

And what better way to toast that success than with a glass of the house beer – Dirty Duck Ale, made by Hilden Brewery.

For reservations, call (028) 9059 6666.

Call into the Dirty Duck at 3 Kinnegar Road, Holywood, BT18 9JN, visit thedirtyduckalehouse.co.uk or follow @theduckholywood on Twitter and Facebook.

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TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

TheTop100HospitalityBu VENUE The Albany Anchor Complex Auction Rooms Badgers Bar & Restaurant Bank Bar Bert’s Jazz Bar Billy Andy’s Bishop’s Gate Hotel Blackbird Blakes of the Hollow Brewer’s House Browns Bull&Ram Bullitt Bushmills Inn Café Parisien Cellar bar Central Wine Bar The Coachman Coppi Corner House Crosskeys Inn Crowne Plaza Curran’s Bar & Seafood Steakhouse Cyprus Avenue Deanes Deli Deanes Eipic The Dirty Duck The Dirty Onion Dorman’s Duke of York Entrada/1876 Brasserie & Champagne Lounge The Errigle Inn Europa Hotel The Fitzwilliam Hotel Fratelli Ristorante Pizzeria & Bar Friel’s Bar and Restaurant The Front Page Fullerton Arms Galgorm Resort & Spa The Garrick Ginger Bistro Granny Annie’s Kitchen Hagan’s Bar The Harbour Bar Harp Bar Harry’s Shack Hillside Bar & Restaurant Hop House Howard Street

LOCATION Belfast Portstewart Dungannon Derry ~ Londonderry Newry Belfast Raloo Derry ~ Londonderry Derry ~ Londonderry Enniskillen Donaghmore Ballynahinch Ballynahinch Belfast Bushmills Belfast Lurgan Ballycastle Magherafelt Belfast Lurgan Toome Belfast Ardglass Belfast Belfast Belfast Holywood Belfast Magherafelt Belfast Derry ~ Londonderry Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Swatragh Ballymena Ballintoy Ballymena Belfast Belfast Belfast Dungannon Portrush Belfast Portstewart Hillsborough Bangor Belfast

CATEGORY Urban Pubs Urban Pubs Rural Pubs City Pubs Urban Pubs Restaurants Rural Pubs Hotels City Pubs Urban Pubs Urban Pubs Restaurants Restaurants Hotels Hotels Restaurants Urban Pubs Urban Pubs Urban Pubs Restaurants Urban Pubs Rural Pubs Hotels Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Restaurants Urban Pubs City Pubs Urban Pubs City Pubs Restaurants Urban Pubs Hotels Hotels Restaurants Rural Pubs Urban Pubs Rural Pubs Hotels City Pubs Restaurants Restaurants Urban Pubs Urban Pubs City Pubs Restaurants Rural Pubs Urban Pubs Restaurants

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Businesses–fulllisting VENUE Ivanhoe Inn & Hotel James Street South Bar & Grill Jenny Watts The John Hewitt Keegan’s Bar Kelly’s Cellars La Taqueria Lavery’s Limelight Lobster Pot Lough Erne Resort & Spa Manor House Country Hotel Mary McBride’s Mary’s Bar & Lounge Mattie’s Meeting House McAleer’s Bar McConville’s Merchant Hotel Millbrook Lodge Hotel Morning Star Mourne Seafood Bar Muddlers Club Muriel’s Café Bar The National Grande Café Newforge House Noble The Northern Whig Old Thatch Inn Owens Bar Ownies Ox The Parson’s Nose Peadar O’Donnell’s Bar Pier 36 The Plough Inn Quays Bar Ramore Wine Bar Ruby’s Bar Sally’s of Omagh Saltwater Brig Salty Dog Hotel & Bistro Sandinos Shu Slieve Donard Sunflower Sweet Afton Taphouse Gastro Pub Tedfords Kitchen Union Street Wine & Brine

LOCATION Belfast Belfast Bangor Belfast Armagh Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Strangford Enniskillen Enniskillen Cushendun Magherafelt Cairncastle Dungannon Portadown Belfast Ballynahinch Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Armagh Holywood Belfast Castledawson Limavady Carrickfergus Belfast Hillsborough Derry ~ Londonderry Donaghadee Hillsborough Derry ~ Londonderry Portrush Larne Omagh Kircubbin Bangor Derry ~ Londonderry Belfast Newcastle Belfast Belfast Enniskillen Belfast Belfast Moira

CATEGORY Hotels Restaurants Urban Pubs City Pubs Urban Pubs City Pubs Restaurants City Pubs City Pubs Rural Pubs Hotels Hotels Rural Pubs Urban Pubs Rural Pubs Urban Pubs Urban Pubs Hotels Hotels City Pubs Restaurants Restaurants City Pubs City Pubs Hotels Restaurants City Pubs Rural Pubs Rural Pubs Urban Pubs Restaurants Restaurants City Pubs Rural Pubs Rural Pubs City Pubs Restaurants Urban Pubs Rural Pubs Rural Pubs Urban Pubs City Pubs Restaurants Hotels City Pubs City Pubs Rural Pubs Restaurants City Pubs Restaurants

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TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

The Spa at Galgorm

The Gin Library at Galgorm

Uniqueluxe atGalgorm Resort&Spa G algorm Resort & Spa, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury Hotel and Spa, situated only 30 minutes from Belfast, is the perfect location to relax and get away from it all. Set within 163 acres of lush parkland with the spectacular River Maine flowing through the estate, Galgorm offers a truly unique and memorable setting. The Resort is a destination, having been transformed from an 18th Century gentleman’s Manor House into an opulent Resort & Spa complex, unrivalled throughout the island of Ireland in terms of the choice and quality of facilities. Home to 122 guestrooms, luxurious Suites, plus a selection of log cabins and cottages nestled within the grounds, guests are offered an exceptional choice of accommodation.

Over £30 million has been invested at the Resort over the last 10 years to create facilities and experiences to compete on a global stage. The jewel in the crown is most certainly the unique Thermal Spa Village & Serenity Garden, where guests will experience the ultimate in relaxation and luxury wellness. The first of its kind in the UK and Ireland, this breathtaking space, which opened in September 2015, is committed to created a truly authentic Irish Spa experience. Inspired by an idyllic woodland location perched along the River Maine, it is a haven for the certified zen-seeker and first-time spa-goers alike, combining award-winning spa facilities and professional service to create an environment where tranquillity can flourish.

A smorgasbord of heated and cool spa experiences awaits, including saunas, steam rooms, indoor and outdoor pools,

heated loungers, private riverside tubs and the famed snow cabin, to name but a few.

Savour the views and awaken your senses in the surroundings of the River House or the comfort of the Orangery or immerse yourself in one of Galgorm’s bespoke Spa Rituals. The Celtic Sauna, originating in Finland and now practised worldwide, is Galgorm’s unique presentation on the Aufguss sauna ritual, where you will be guided through a meditative experience by your Sauna Master. When you have worked up a hunger, you can further indulge the senses with refreshing drinks and nourishing nibbles in Elements Spa Café, a robe only riverside dining experience housed in the Halo Dome – one of only five in the world.

The Thermal Spa is complemented by a

completely bespoke spa treatment menu available in one of 13 individual treatment rooms or the unique Boudoir designed for groups. Exclusively designed for at The Spa at Galgorm these signature treatments have been created in partnership with luxury product houses, Aromatherapy Associates, VOYA Organic Beauty and BioEffect, to offer an unparalleled Spa experience.

At Galgorm Resort & Spa the guests’ enjoyment is always at the forefront of their mind and dining and entertainment play a very important part of their offering.

The Resort boasts a range of restaurants and bars offering an unparalleled

selection of flavours, themes and dining experiences. Whether you are looking to enjoy the decadence of Afternoon Tea in the stunning setting of the Conservatory, elegant dining in the 3AA Rosette River Room, the casual setting of Gillies Bar & Grill or family-friendly traditional Italian in Fratelli, there is an option for you at the Resort. Live music can be enjoyed seven days a week from traditional Irish sessions to jazz in the Conservatory and no visit to Galgorm would be complete without experiencing their gin collection with over 400 varieties, making it the largest in Ireland and housed in a stunning bespoke Gin Library.

Fratelli

Fratelli in Belfast

Fratelli with friends

The owners behind the award-winning Galgorm Resort and Spa have also invested in Belfast’s growing hospitality sector over the last number of years, bringing their Fratelli brand to one of Belfast’s most hustling and bustling streets, Great Victoria Street. Fratelli oozes rustic Italian charm with a contemporary edge. Meaning ‘brothers’ in Italian the Fratelli brand concept is one of welcoming guests into a family friendly, informal environment where the focus is on simple yet quality cookery and a warm welcome.

Our friendly team serve traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist.

Authentic Italian Cicchetti perfect for sharing, handmade pizzas prepared in our wood fired oven, mouth-watering pasta dishes and tempting mini desserts all feature on our unique menu. Keeping with the family friendly environment, kids can build their own pizza before enjoying a mini bambinocino whilst reading the story of the 3 little boars as the chef puts the finishing touches to their masterpiece.

Cafe Parisien

Cafe Parisien brings French glamour to the city centre

More recently the owners have opened a French-style restaurant at one of the city’s most iconic sites, Cleaver House overlooking Belfast City Hall. The restaurant is set over two floors, the ground floor featuring a classic creperie and an open style kitchen with the first floor restaurant offering a modern twist on the classic brasserie dishes for lunch and dinner as well as afternoon teas. There is also a private dining provision and a terraced area with generous panoramic views over the city.

With luxurious facilities to enjoy and our renowned warm welcome, let us be your perfect escape – whether it be for a luxurious overnight stay or for a culinary experience.

TOP 100 10 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

The Old Bushmills Distillery Photos © Northern Ireland Tourist Board

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most amazing places on Earth; it is a natural phenomenon comprising of thousands of hexagonal stones stepping gently into the sea. These stones were formed either by the geological processes within an ancient volcano or, as locals would prefer to have it, the giants of legend who stomped the coastline, raging battles of gargantuan extremes.

The story goes that the Irish giant, Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool), from the Fenian Cycle of Gaelic mythology, was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant, Benandonner. Fionn accepted the challenge and built the causeway across the North Channel so that the two giants could meet.

There’sno watering downthe delights ofatripto Bushmills

Salmon leap

BY GEORGINA HATCH

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o, thank you, I don’t drink whiskey”.

The waiter, his arm frozen in mid-air, bottle in hand positioned to almost flow and mouth agape, barely manages to mask his incredulity.

“Sir doesn’t drink whiskey?” he asked, obviously thinking he had misheard.

My husband laughed. “Would you mind bringing me some cold water, please?”

The boisterous chatter in the room suddenly fell silent and heads turned in the direction of our table.

We were, after all, in the tasting roomcum-convivial-pub that forms the heart of The Old Bushmills Distillery where water is usually only imbibed as one of the base ingredients of the golden nectar that is premium Irish whiskey.

“May I ask where sir is from?” inquired the waiter. My husband duly explained that we hail from Northern Ireland but had lived in South Africa for more than 30 years. “Ah,” said the waiter. “Would sir perhaps prefer a brandy and coke?”

It turns out that our friendly young waiter had included SA on his round-theworld back-packing-trip a few years earlier and had happily familiarised himself with the local drop. His astonishment at encountering an Irishman who eschewed a glass of free whiskey was now tempered with the humour of nostalgia.

Oldest distillery

The Old Bushmills Distillery has a rich heritage; it’s the oldest working distillery in Ireland and has been around for more than 400 years. Its triple-distilled whiskey is legendary far and wide and even boasts numerous literary mentions, including James Joyce’s Ulysses and, more recently, in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Stieg Larssen).

The opportunity to tour the plant followed by a whiskey tasting was too good an opportunity to miss and we were having a grand time, especially after I managed to persuade our globe-trotting waiter to share

my hubby’s unwanted samples between the rest of us at the table.

The Distillery is located at the heart of the village of Bushmills, set in the lush rural countryside of County Antrim. This is a quintessential Irish village with a pub on

Giant’s Causeway

every corner and a few more in between.

There are fewer than 2,000 inhabitants but its inland location on the Causeway Coast, just two miles away from the famous Giant’s Causeway, attracts thousands of tourists all year round.

The magic and mystery surrounding this legend permeates through the village of Bushmills with its quaint buildings and weathered locals. The River Bush meanders through the town and provides a frequent, joyful sight of leaping salmon.

The village’s two celebrated culinary products are honoured annually in the town’s Salmon and Whiskey Festival.

The oldest tavern in the village is named after the legendary Finn MacCool and it was to here that we retired to sample some rather larger servings of the local brew. There, we caused more of a stir as we shared a bag of dulse. Dulse is a vitaminrich, reddish-purple seaweed, salty and tangy, that is harvested locally and it’s a popular snack in Northern Ireland.

The tavern was chock-a-block with tourists, all of whom took great interest in our curious choice of pub grub. “It’s good for you,” encouraged my uncle, with whiskey-laced bonhomie, generously handing out straggly portions to all and sundry. We laughed as German, American, Dutch and Scottish taste-buds were assaulted by the strong, briny flavour; faces twisted in surprise and a few equally salty comments were uttered. Dulse is definitely an acquired taste.

Bushmills is a great wee town that fairly buzzes with laughter and chatter.

So great, in fact, that a few weeks after our visit, our host-relatives bought a house there – true story!

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

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BushmillsIrishWhiskeyshowcasing breakthroughIrishtalent whoare creatingwaveswith#BlackBushStories Collaborators will hail from all corners of the country, exploring the worlds of photography, leather making and charcuterie

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he Old Bushmills Distillery has been crafting whiskey since King James I granted it the world’s first licence to distil in 1608.

When most people in Ireland were farming or making linen, Bushmills® Irish Whiskey was challenging the status quo and forging its own path.

That spirit of innovation, passion and independence is how the brand still lives and breathes some 400 years later and, this year, Bushmills Irish Whiskey is partnering with talent across the island of Ireland who are driven by those same progressive traits, and who share the courage to follow their passion and go against the grain. #BlackBushStories is a unique collaboration series from Bushmills Black Bush, featuring the stories and crafts of independent, spirited and extraordinary Irish individuals who challenge traditional thinking in their fields and live outside the box. The campaign will take the form of an immersive event series in venues across Ireland over the coming months.

Bushmills Black Bush will explore the worlds of photography, leather making and charcuterie to showcase those who are making their mark and pioneering their craft with great success. Highlighting the unrivalled character of each of the collaborators, #BlackBushStories will inspire others to follow in the footsteps of

Photographer Ronan O’Dornan at work these creative spirits and embrace their own talents.

The campaign kicks off with a collaboration with Belfast photographer, Ronan O’Dornan, and will see the talented documentarian host a mobile photography masterclass at House Belfast on Thursday, June 21, in association with #BlackBushStories ambassador and acclaimed bartender Paul Rocks, who will offer a tasting session on some of Bushmills’ best loved whiskeys.

Former art teacher Ronan threw himself into a career in photography following a serious car accident in 2017 which pushed him to make the most of every day and

pursue his passion for capturing people, moments and experiences in images.

Ronan is now one of the country’s most exciting new talents, attracting commissions from big brands that see him travel all over the country to capture Ireland’s untold stories.

The ‘Black Bush and Photography’ interactive event will see Ronan teaching attendees how to take great photos on their smartphones with tips and tricks that can be applied straight away, and how to tell stories through images. Alongside a tasting session, attendees will also be treated to specially-created Bushmills Black Bush drinks throughout the night

where whiskey enthusiasts can experience the signature rich, fruity notes and velvety smooth character of Black Bush.

COMPETITION

Bushmills Irish Whiskey has also collaborated with Ronan to launch an allIreland social media competition, whereby budding photographers are encouraged to find an Irish story that moves them and upload their photographs to social media using the hashtag #BlackBushStories. The photograph could be a city, a person, a landscape, a moment or anything else that captures their imagination. A winner from each county in Ireland will be picked and will receive a bottle of Black Bush, with the overall winner also receiving a Sony Xperia XZ2 smartphone and trip to the The Old Bushmills Distillery (including an overnight stay at the Bushmills Inn.) To register for ‘Black Bush and Photography’ and for more information on the photography competition visit blackbushstories.com.

More information about the Bushmills Irish Whiskey #BlackBushStories event series and the local talent involved can be found at blackbushstories.com. To join in the conversation and keep up to date with the #BlackBushStories series, follow Bushmills Irish Whiskey on social media on Facebook @BushmillsIRL and Instagram @Bushmills_IRL.

TOP 100 12 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Six of Beannchor Group’s venues made the Top 100. Here’s why...

BullittHotel

Bullitt Hotel is the perfect place to stay and play in the heart of Belfast city centre.

They’ve ditched the expensive mini-bars and bellboys so that they can deliver a topquality service with no hidden costs. That means stylish rooms with outrageously comfortable beds, refreshing rain showers, super-fast Wi-Fi, and seriously-smart TVs. But Bullitt is much more than just a bed for the night. Head to in-house restaurant Taylor & Clay for fresh, local food cooked to perfection over the roaring wood fires

of their bespoke Asador Grill. Grab a drink in the relaxed Bullitt bar or plug in your laptop, order a coffee from the Espresso Bar and make the laid-back lobby your office for the day.

Want to take in the sights? Head upstairs to Babel – Bullitt’s rooftop bar and garden – for cocktails, food and stunning city views.

Bullitt also has an eclectic monthly calendar of events, from craft workshops to live music, that is always expanding and evolving. Check out bullitthotel.com for more details.

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

TOP 100 14 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

TheMerchantHotel

The AA 5 Star Merchant Hotel is situated in the heart of Belfast city centre’s historic Cathedral Quarter. The grandeur of the original Grade A listed building is complemented by an elegant Art Deco inspired wing with a multitude of exciting amenities. The hotel includes a stunning luxury spa, a rooftop gymnasium with panoramic city views, a dedicated meeting and events suite and a fabulous jazz bar.

Adorned with the finest furniture and impeccable finishes, The Merchant delivers

opulence at every turn.

Since opening in the Cathedral Quarter in April 2006, The Merchant Hotel has breathed new life into Belfast city centre, delighting guests with first class service, unrivalled luxury accommodation and an unparalleled food and drink offering, while still being affordable. In the last decade The Merchant Hotel has become synonymous with luxury and has helped put Belfast City on the map as a leading travel destination. It has accumulated

over 100 prestigious accolades, including the AA 5 Red Star Rating, the UK Hotel Awards Best UK Hotel and World’s Best Cocktail Bar at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirit Awards.

BertsJazzBar

Transport yourself back to the Art Deco glamour of 1930s New York and the Jazz Age, in Belfast’s only dedicated Jazz bar and restaurant. Berts Jazz Bar offers a mouth-watering French bistro style menu with favourites such as moules frites and duck confit as well as sharing platters of baked Camembert and charcuterie. Berts offers live jazz, seven nights a week, making it the perfect spot to soak up the sophisticated atmosphere and let the cool jazz melodies wash over you.

Berts boasts an extensive drinks list and an Irish gin menu featuring cocktails and signature serves from some of Ireland’s finest distilleries.

Throughout the year, we host a series of gin dinners where guests are treated to a collaboration between Berts Jazz Bar and hand chosen premium gins. By far, our most popular events of the year, guests enjoy a superlative four course menu paired with handcrafted delicious cocktails and hear the story each brand.

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

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TheDirtyOnion

The Dirty Onion resides in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, reintroduced as a traditional Irish public house with a modern twist. The bustling bar offers live traditional music seven nights and two afternoons a week.

Through open workshops in singing and various traditional instruments, and sessions with the highest quality traditional musicians, local cultural centre An Droichead cultivates a weekly, music–focused programme that welcomes spectators, as well as those that want to take part.

Dating back to 1780, the building was used as a bonded spirit warehouse from 1921. It was known locally as ‘STACK N’ – a reference to its position on the north side of Waring Street and the building still bears a giant red painted ‘N’ on its brick façade. The distinctive external wooden structure is another original feature, which, following careful restoration, frames the venue’s highly popular beer garden to the front of the complex, with a new contemporary courtyard stretching out to Hill Street.

The Dirty Onion has a partnership with Jameson Irish Whiskey which serves to showcase the heritage of the building further – paying homage to the tens of thousands of Jameson barrels and crates that passed through the building, which was operated by Edward Dillon Bonders [now a subsidiary of Irish Distillers/Dillon Bass].

The Dirty Onion encourages its patrons to continue this legacy, through the great tradition of companionable imbibing: ceoil agus craic!

TheNational

TheHillside

The Hillside is a charming, rustic pub situated in the historic Georgian village of Hillsborough, County Down, only 15 minutes’ drive from Belfast city centre. The Hillside first opened its doors to patrons in 1752 and has been enjoying a busy trade ever since thanks to our excellent food and drinks selection and our friendly, welcoming service. We are renowned for our roaring open fires in the winter and our pretty cobble stoned beer garden in the summer.

Gastronomes will be delighted with our mouth-watering seasonal menu, which

is complemented by a comprehensive selection of daily specials. Our Head Chef always endeavours to make the most of the wonderful local produce we have so abundantly available in the County Down locale.

We welcome families, couples and large groups alike – our elegant private room

accommodates up to 50 people and can be tailored to the specific requirements of your event – whether that be menus or entertainment!

Teamed with our excellent drinks selection and weekly entertainment – The Hillside is the perfect destination for any social occasion!

The National Grande Cafe is set in the historic surrounding of one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, the former National Bank Building on High Street. Inside lies an intentionally unfinished industrial modern interior of exposed bricks, steel girders and concrete floors. The girders are now painted in the unmistakable yellow of Samson and Goliath and sit alongside artwork by local artist Gavin Millar.

The bar is home to one of the largest dedicated beer gardens in Belfast and the first in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, which comes complete with its very own apple tree, direct from the Magners Cider orchard in Clonmel.

From morning until early evening, customers can relax in the airy contemporary space, enjoying breakfast, lunch and evening menus. The bar offers hearty and healthy breakfast with old favourites like the Full National or Eggs Benedict and more interestingly brioche French toast with jam and mascarpone or baked egg with avocado, sun blush tomato & feta on toasted sourdough.

Lunch options incorporate Café style food, hot specials and an extensive drink selection served alongside speciality coffee, running into the evening.

The Sunday brunch menu has given a boost to the local culinary scene, with a varied menu which has gained a faithful following since opening.

The National also boasts an extensive drinks selection; the cocktail list is small but perfectly formed and sits well alongside the extensive range of gin, whiskey, rum and tequila. The bar is a proud supporter of local products and has many locally brewed craft beers.

TOP 100 16 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

Takeataste

Northern Ireland’s food and drink producers are an entrepreneurial lot, forever thinking of new ways to tickle our taste buds. Here are a few new ideas from FoodNI members…

IntroducingArmagh AppleButter

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ervyn Steenson, head chef at Food NI member Groucho’s on the Square in Richhill, County Armagh, has created a new apple butter with support from the Armagh Cider Company, Northern Ireland’s leading processor of cider, cider vinegar and apple and other juices.

Mr Steenson, head chef at the bar for 12 years, says: “The idea came from Peter Lyness, the bar’s owner, on his return from a US trip. Peter saw and enjoyed apple butter there and suggested that we should use Armagh’s reputation in growing apples and producing cider to create our own version.

“I did some basic desk research and discovered that there are also apple butters in other parts of the world including Germany and the Netherlands. It made sense to me to develop a distinctive Armagh apple product.

“I then approached Helen Troughton, at Armagh Cider Company, for advice and help in developing a recipe for the butter. I used traditional Armagh Bramley apples in the development of a distinctive recipe that isn’t overly sweet and with just the right amount of acidity. I then tested it on friends and family. Feedback was extremely positive and encouraged me to start making the butter they had enjoyed in small batches,” he adds.

He named the new Armagh Apple Butter after Groucho’s in Richhill and is producing it in small batches in

Makinganoisewithnuts

L 225g jars at £4. In addition to Armagh Bramley apples, which have EU protected accreditation, the butter includes cider vinegar, sourced from Apple Cider Company along with the apples, spices, sugar and water.

“The apple butter is currently being produced by me in the bar’s kitchen and so it’s essentially a small batch product.

A well as customers in the bar, I see the butter as an ideal souvenir and gift product for tourists especially those on the many food tours now visiting producers and bars in the Armagh area.”

ocal punters have a new range of self-seasoning snacks to wash down with their craft beer, thanks to Noisy Nuts.

The snack are made in Ballygowan by Noel Allen, an experienced marketer who helped to ensure the success of energy drink Boost in Northern Ireland.

Noel, a member of FoodNI, has developed a six-strong range of snack pots of peanuts with different seasoning sachets: Pickled Onion, Chilli and Lime, Chilli Beef, Chocolate Orange, Thai Sweet Chilli, and Bacon and Jalapeno.

The former marketing manager of Boost Drinks in Northern Ireland, explained: “The idea is that customers open the pack of peanuts in the pot, then the accompanying sachet of seasoning and sprinkle over the nuts, then close the top and shake the contents. It’s quite a noisy operation, hence Noisy Nuts.”

Consumers can pour the whole seasoning sachet in and shake the pot

RaspberryandWhiteChocolateamong ClandeboyeYoghurt’snewflavours

M

any of Northern Ireland’s leading hotels and restaurants serve Clandeboye Yoghurt, made at Lady Dufferin’s estate outside Bangor.

The estate, Northern Ireland’s only yoghurt producer, has launched three new luxury flavours which feature a refreshed brand – Raspberry and White Chocolate, Mandarin and Lime, and Mango and Nectarine.

The new range has been listed by Tesco and Spar in Northern Ireland and joins an established and successful portfolio of Greek style and other yoghurts.

The small company, a member of Food NI, has won a string of UK Great Taste and Blas na hEireann, Irish National Food Awards for its established range

of premium yoghurts and was recently named Agri-Food Business of the Year in the annual Small Business Awards 2018 organised by Business Eye magazine and the First Trust Bank.

The new luxury-style branding features a D&A logo that reflects the crucial role of the Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava in the formation of the business on her extensive estate as a farm diversification project in 2007.

Bryan Boggs, general manager of Clandeboye Yoghurt, said: “We’ve been looking at some additional favours over the past few months in what continues to be a very dynamic and competitive dairy category. We also decided to take the opportunity to review our overall branding and to see how best to refresh it.”

The yoghurts are hand blended using fresh milk sourced exclusively from the estate’s own pedigree and award-winning dairy herd. An authentic Greek straining technique using cheesecloth is then used to produce the deliciously creamy yoghurts.

giving a strong flavour or season as they wish to fit with their beer drinking taste.

His decision to set up Noisy Nuts was influenced by his love of craft beers, now a thriving category in Northern Ireland.

“I enjoy peanuts with my beer and had noticed that they often impacted the flavour. This led me to see if I could come up with a way to flavour the nuts to complement the beers.

“With hundreds of different craft beer breweries in the UK, including upwards of 40 in Northern Ireland and more than 3,500 different craft beers on sale I reckoned there was an opportunity to produce a complimentary interesting snack for this buoyant and increasingly growing market.

“Craft beer drinkers are all about taste and we’re giving them an original snack that will enhance their drinking experience.”

The individual pots include recommendations on the best flavourings to match with the types of beer.

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

17

Stylemeets substanceat theCrowne PlazaHotel

T

he award–winning Crowne Plaza is Belfast’s premier conference and events venue, nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty and just 10 minutes from the city centre and close to all the main arterial routes.

Crowne Plaza Belfast is the North’s largest conference hotel, with 21 meeting rooms catering for all types of event from a two-person engagement to a conference for 900 delegates or a gala ball for 550 guests.

Delegates can also benefit from free fast Wi-Fi and onsite car parking all events.

The sleek Great Oak Conference Centre is located on the top floor of the property, with 12 superb meeting rooms with the latest AV technology and a dedicated business centre with a manned conference reception. The facilities at The Great Oak Conference Centre include The Boardroom which boasts leather seating, a plasma screen TV, a private terrace and complimentary Nespresso coffee, as well as tea, soft drinks and snacks. The Great

Oak Conference Centre provides catering for every requirement from small meetings to conferences for up to 160 and banquets for 120.

The Grand Ballroom at Crowne Plaza Belfast is one of Northern Ireland’s largest dedicated conference and banqueting spaces with capacity for 900 delegates or 550 dinner guests. This magnificent suite avails of HD digital projectors, audio, 3-phase power supply, ceiling mounts for lighting rigs and a generous pre-function area making this a truly multi-function venue.

The elegant Malone Suite accommodates up to 200 guests, with private bar facilities within the room, this stunning suite provides the perfect setting for a more intimate event. The pre-function area provides the perfect area for your guests or delegates to arrive and includes a feature lighting centrepiece with handblown glass, unique designer fittings and furnishings and a gorgeous shimmering cocktail bar.

The Laganview Suite is a dedicated stand-alone venue featuring two suites and pre-function areas for private and VIP events. Complete with its own private arrival area which has stunning views over the Lagan Valley, this suite avails of private bar facilities and an enclosed patio area.

The Laganview Suite also benefits from its own garden and three meeting rooms and can cater for conferences, banquets and meetings for up to 210 delegates.

Crowne Plaza Belfast is a brand that is built on meeting the needs of business travellers, and offers Club Bedrooms and a

Club Lounge complete with complimentary continental breakfast, snacks and drinks.

The Crowne Plaza ‘Sleep Advantage’ programme includes new pocket-sprung mattresses and luxurious new bedding, quiet zone bedrooms and aromatherapy kits in every room to ensure a restful night after a busy day.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located at 117 Milltown Road, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast BT8 7XP. You can visit www.cpbelfast.com for a full list of facilities or make an enquiry on 028 9092 3500 or by emailing meetings@cpbelfast.com.

TOP 100 18 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

Hookedonseafood!

BY FIONA RUTHERFORD

M

any of us shy away from cooking anything other than shop bought or frozen fish, preferring to wait until it’s being served up, looking its delectable best, in a restaurant setting.

However, we’re missing out on some of the quickest and tastiest dishes we could cook at home.

Having determinedly avoided cooking fish or even tasting most seafood, I was slightly apprehensive about going along to a Fish Masterclass at Belfast Cookery School last month – nursery school would have been more up my street.

Any nerves vanished as soon as I stepped into this purpose-built teaching kitchen behind Mourne Seafood Bar in the city centre.

With the workstations and row of aprons, it looked like the set of Masterchef, but of course the TV programme is imitating the real thing, not vice versa.

Along the windows were two tables, laid for lunch, and the staff welcomed us with a choice of water, hot drink or wine – a white Pleno from Spain which is great with fish.

From the start, the atmosphere was set for a thoroughly entertaining and educational experience.

The classes accommodate a maximum

Ian Hunter is head chef at Belfast Cookery School

of 16 but probably because of the blazing sunshine, there were fewer than that at ours. Before the class had even begun any sense of being among strangers had disappeared as all of us – retired couple Colm and Anne, Italian university lecturer Elena, English visitor Ruth, David, who’d been to the steak masterclass the previous weekend, and young couple Neil and Michelle chatted happily.

Our teacher was Ian Hunter, head chef at Belfast Cookery School, and he proved adept at including everyone from the novice like me to the experts among us,

throwing in a multitude of insider tips as the day went on.

First up was a demonstration of prepping a flatfish, brill, a roundfish, monkfish, and squid. All the fish and seafood used in Mourne Seafood is from local waters and despite the fact that the fish alone had cost over £100, Ian was quite happy to let volunteers Elena and Neil have a go at preparing them once he had demonstrated the techniques.

Who knew that a monkfish bone is full of marrow or that a squid’s bone looks exactly like thin plastic?

Off to market

Our first tasting was of Mourne Seafood’s famous Salt Chilli Squid, one of the most popular dishes on the menu and Ian chatted about the virtues of buying fresh fish and seafood from the experts at St George’s Market, Ewings or a local fishmonger for quality and flavour as he worked.

Colm told us how when he worked at the health board HQ at Glengall Street, some of his colleagues used to go to St George’s in the morning and hang the fish out of the window to keep it fresh until they were going home.

There was plenty of squid to go around and everyone was just finishing it when Ian called us back for a demonstration of cooking his Brill with Buerre Noisette and Capers. Everyone was surprised by the speed with which this sumptuous dish came together and it became a running joke that every piece of fish was cooked at gas mark 9. Ian told us he prefers rapeseed oil to olive oil and especially the range from Limavady firm Broighter Gold. “It’s healthier and completely flavourless so you only get the fish flavour.”

Next was Brill with Samphire and a squeeze of lemon juice – a very simply made but luxurious tasting dish. As the class progressed, the predominant key to cooking fish successfully was clearly buy it fresh and cook it hot and fast – the brill got about 60 seconds on each side and it was full of flavour.

New book

Elena’s version of Ian’s mussel dish

The monkfish was even more robust and meaty than the brill and as he cooked it, Ian told us that he’s writing a Belfast Cookery School book which will include all the recipes from the classes. The monkfish rested on a bed of roasted red peppers,

red onions, garlic and chilli which he had cooked up then chilled. “It’s an amazing base for pasta,” explained Ian, finishing the dish with a drizzle of rapeseed oil infused with chilli. Delicious!

The last monkfish dish was cooked in a pan with butter, chopped parsley and a little fennel. Ian explained that the best herbs to use with fish are chervil, tarragon and flat leaf parsley.

Next up was Squid with Aeoli and Chilli Jam and having demonstrated how to make the coating, Ian deep fried the squid and served it up with the cool mayo and spicy chilli jam dips. By the time he had served up the final Squid dish – deep fried with fresh chilli flakes and tossed with salt – we were excited at the prospect of having a go ourselves but also wondering where we were going to fit any more food.

When Ian called us back, it was to show us how to cook Mourne Seafood’s signature dish – Mussels with Fennel Cream, which is in huge demand.

While some of us knew that you throw away the open ones before cooking and the closed ones after cooking, there were lots more tips for prepping mussels, in this case fresh from Dundrum, as well as how to prep fennel, so that you have both the vegetable and herbs.

Aprons on

Ian indicated the aprons and invited us to have a go at recreating the dish. The room was buzzing as we set to – most of us using an induction hob for the first time.

There were delighted faces all round as we brought our completed dishes back to the table. For a novice like myself, who had had a couple of unhappy encounters with tasteless rubbery mussels in the past, I was overwhelmed that my first attempt

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Ruth gets to work

My crusted hake dish

was tender, juicy and packed with flavour – perfect for serving to guests and incredibly quick and easy to cook, served with chunky slices of rustic bread and eaten using the shells as pincers.

Our final dish was more complex – mainly because it didn’t involve cooking something on a hob for a minute or two.

Ian demonstrated, we tasted and oohed and aahed before heading back to our workstations. It’s a rich, flavoursome dish with the hake fillet topped with a crust of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan and parsley all blended with rapeseed oil. The crusted fish baked in the oven for 15 minutes while we made our ragu of shallots, garlic, tomatoes, white wine, fish stock, cockles

and mussels, parsley and squeeze of lemon juice.

There was relief, quiet satisfaction and much snapping with camera phones about 20 minutes later as each of us sat down to enjoy our very own Herb-crusted Hake with Shellfish Ragu.

As we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways, there wasn’t one of us who hadn’t thoroughly enjoyed the Belfast Cookery School experience. We each downloaded a vast amount of information, about everything from vegetables and herbs to making stocks, prepping and cooking and how to allow good ingredients to sing.

Already, my family have cleared their plates of Herb-crusted Hake with Shellfish Ragu, there are capers and cockles in my cupboard for the first time and I’m just waiting for an opportunity to try the mussels on friends.

The only danger is that someone else will get there before me as I went home that night and bought a gift voucher for a cookery class for a friend’s birthday.

It’s not all about fish at Belfast Cookery School, however. There are classes on a wide range of topics, from French Bistro to Simply Pasta, putting together the perfect dinner party, making your own sushi as well as desserts.

Students go away equipped, not only to put together a delicious meal which they can recreate at home, but also with lots of extra knowledge and a new-found confidence.

You can hire the whole place for an event, or buy a gift voucher and give someone the gift of a great experience that will benefit them long past the event itself.

Find out more at www.belfastcookeryschool.com.

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TOP 100 20 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

HERECOMESTHESUMMER W

e have something for everyone this summer…

Enjoy a local Gin & Tonic outside in the sun or on our Roof Garden, follow the summer sport on our 4K screens in the Pinewood bar, have a quiet pint of Cask ale in the Oak Lounge, or tuck into a fresh summer salad in Tom McGurran’s bar. Based on the bustling Ormeau Road on the outskirts of the city centre the Errigle Inn is one of Ireland’s most famous traditional pubs.

Our Oak Lounge is a Belfast institution and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Not much has changed from 1936 when it first opened, as the same furniture is used to this day along with the Irish Oak wooden floor. There’s no TV and no background music – just a great place to meet friends for a catch-up.

CHEERS

If you enjoy beer, you’ll love our selection of Cask, Craft and old favourites. We were pouring Craft beer before it was cool and we’re still as passionate about the beers we serve to this day. In the Oak Lounge you’ll find rotating Cask beer pumps, while in the Pinewood Bar you’ll have a choice of eight, regularly rotating craft beer taps from breweries such as Beavertown, Boundary, Farmageddon, Verdant, and many more.

These beers are also available to take away and enjoy at home using our state of the art Canister machine, Craft Draught Canned.

ENTERTAINMENT

We have a monthly Comedy Club in the Arbele Lounge, where some of the best local comedians have appeared such as Colin Murphy, Tim McGarry, Owen O’Neill, Colin Geddis, Mickey Bartlett and Shane Todd to name a few. Our famous pub quiz happens every Monday night, Tuesday

is the night for Traditional music in Pinewood bar, while during the rest of the month we have a live Bluegrass session, plus regular Real Music Club gigs, amongst other live music.

GAMES

Like most people we can’t wait for this summer’s World Cup. We’ll have promotions during all matches building up to the Final on July 15. We’re also proud to be the home of Rugby. Our Arbele Lounge is the place to be for the 6 Nations and other big Rugby matches. The Errigle

Inn has become the go-to place for Ulster home matches, whether you’re going to the match or simply planning to watch it on the big screen in the bar. Enjoy the prematch craic between home and away fans.

GREAT FOOD

We serve food seven days a week. Our menus are updated seasonally using fresh local ingredients. We have a daily lunch and evening menu that includes the Errigle Inn classics and seasonal favourites.

Join us on Sunday for our traditional Sunday pub roast.

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

O

ne of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated venues, Sally’s of Omagh has enjoyed building a reputation for excellence in food, drink and live entertainment over the past 34 years.

The venue is split into four distinct sections: a traditional front bar, modern lounge, award–winning bistro and state– of–the–art nightclub.

The award winning Sally’s of Omagh has everything for the ultimate night–life experience. The traditional front bar offers live music on Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights in its charming, traditional surroundings. Alongside the front bar is the modern and stylish lounge known for its premium drinks selection and chilled atmosphere.

The bistro has quickly established a reputation for its stunning food and award–winning customer service. With its sleek and stylish surroundings, Sally’s is perfect for laid–back lunches or a romantic meal for two.

Sally’sofOmaghfor agreatnightout Sally’s nightclub, spread over two floors including an exclusive VIP lounge, offers everything you could need from a modern, premium nightclub experience.

Sally’s attracts customers from all over the province and further afield with the some of the best DJ acts Ireland has to offer.

Visit www.sallysofomagh.com of follow Sally’s of Omagh on Facebook to keep up to date with offers and events. Give them a call on 028 8224 2521 and make a reservation for a unique dining experience.

Whatever the occasion, Sally’s has your needs covered.

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TOP 100 22 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

Botanic Gardens and Palm House Pictures © Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Cave Hill is the perfect spot for a picnic

THEPERFECT PICNIC

Check out our essential guide to your perfect Belfast picnic Avoca

From sumptuous soft throws to beautiful tableware, Avoca’s Pandora’s box of treats will help create the most stylish picnic in the city.

Sawers

Northern Ireland’s oldest deli is full of tasty delights, perfect for al fresco dining, from olives, cheese & cooked meats to sandwiches and salad to go.

Bia Rebel

For a picnic lunch with a difference, why not grab a tasty bowl of traditional noodles with a local twist from the only mobile ramen shop in Belfast.

PARKLIFE

F

rom formal, manicured flowerbeds to sprawling meadows and woods, there’s no better way to spend a warm summer day than in one of Belfast’s beautiful parks or gardens. Take a walk, explore on a bike or choose a shady spot and watch the world go by.

Botanic Gardens and Palm House

Established in 1828 by the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society, the site contained exotic tree species and impressive plant collections from the southern hemisphere, many of which can still be seen in the park today. This public park contains an extensive rose garden, long herbaceous borders and rare oaks. It’s also home to the Palm House and Tropical Ravine containing tropical plants, hanging baskets and seasonal displays and birds of paradise.

Barnett Demesne

Home to Malone House, an elegant mansion dating back to the 1820s, Barnett Demesne also boasts an arboretum, daffodil garden, a number of woodland and wildlife meadows, as well as a children’s play park. Enjoy walks linking to the adjacent Lagan Towpath, cycle along one of the bike trails or look out for one of the many wild animals that live in the Demesne, including rabbits, badgers, grey and red squirrels, jays, rooks and songbirds.

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Situated in South Belfast, this beautiful

park is home to the City of Belfast International Rose Garden, which celebrates the spectacular blooms each year during Rose Week (July). Covering more than 128 acres, the park is made up of rolling meadows, copses and woodland as well as offering international camellia trails, a walled garden, a Japanesestyle garden with water feature for quiet contemplation and a children’s playground.

Clements

Pick up a takeaway tea, coffee or iced drink at one of the 10 branches around the city and while there choose a tempting traybake for dessert.

City of Belfast International Rose Garden at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Dock Café

The unique coffee shop lets you bring your own food and borrow their plates and cutlery while you enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in quirky surroundings.

Ormeau Park

Ormeau Park was officially opened to the public in 1871, making it the oldest municipal park in the city. Positioned between the busy Ormeau and Ravenhill Roads, the park is a popular venue for sport, with a range of facilities including soccer pitches, two bowling greens and pavilions, a BMX track, basketball, tennis and netball courts. The park also has a children’s playground, is popular with walkers and joggers and has a range of eco trails and orienteering routes.

Belfast Castle Estate

Home to the stunning, fairytale Belfast Castle, the estate contains landscaped gardens and mature mixed woodland, offering superb views of Belfast. It’s home to many different species of wildlife, including long-eared owls, sparrow hawks and Belfast’s rarest plant, the town hall clock. Don’t miss visiting the Cat Garden and see if you can spot the nine cats depicted in the paving, sculptures and garden furniture.

Grounds of Belfast City Hall

A summer institution for locals and visitors. Grab a bite, find a spot on the lawn, steps or bench and soak up the rays.

Belfast Hills

Marathon runners at Ormeau Park

Build up an appetite, pack your picnic and take a walk up Cave Hill or Black Mountain to discover breathtaking views of the city.

Belfast Castle Estate Picture courtesy of Belfast Castle

TOP 100 24 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

Racing at Down Royal

You can easily access both countryside and sea shore within a short drive of Belfast to enjoy a variety of exciting attractions, historic paces of interest, informative tours, outdoor activities and amazing scenery, see belfastplus.com

BelfastPlus Summer in Lisburn & Castlereagh

Just a few minutes commute from Belfast, the Lisburn & Castlereagh area is a mixture

Sunflowerfest

of city, village and rural communities.

Offering a great array of experiences and must-see attractions for everyone, it’s ideal for those wishing to enjoy a combination of rolling countryside and urban life within easy reach of Belfast and the surrounding areas. An excursion across the Lisburn Castlereagh area can bring you up close and personal with the Normans, Ulster Scots, World War II, dolmens, historic churches, forts, the Industrial Revolution and into the present day. Visit Hillsborough Castle, the official residence of the British Royal Family when they visit Northern Ireland, explore the rich history of the linen industry in Ireland at Lisburn’s Irish Linen Centre or take a tour of the award-winning Hilden Brewery. For a more active day out, visit Dundonald International Ice Bowl or spend time in our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lagan Valley Regional Park, where you can walk, cycle, canoe or simply enjoy a picnic by the river and refreshments at a local

café. Throughout the area there are also many fantastic events to entertain young and old alike. Here’s a selection of what’s on:

Hillsborough Farmers Market June 30 - July 28 Dark Walk Lane, Hillsborough visitlisburncastlereagh.com Summer Festival of Racing June 22 - 23 Down Royal Racecourse downroyal.com Sunflower Fest July 27 - 29 Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough sunflowerfest.co.uk Ulster Grand Prix August 5 - 11 Dundrod ulstergrandprix.net Moira Speciality Food Fair August 18 Moira Demesne visitlisburncastlereagh.com Hilden Beer & Music Festival August 24 - 26 Hilden Brewery taproomhilden.com

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

25

The Ulster Grand Prix

Hillsborough Farmers’ Market

Hilden Beer and Music Festival

Explore Ards and North Down…

Balmoral Show

Where the seaside and countryside meet!

With miles of coastline and the rolling green hills be sure to visit and enjoy some of the best days out that County Down has to offer.

Within 20 minutes of Belfast city centre, you will be in the picturesque town of historic Holywood or, just a little further, the seaside town of Bangor for family fun at Pickie Funpark. Or spend the afternoon exploring North Down Museum and The Walled Garden, discovering the secret gems of the town.

Be sure to take in the scenic drive of the Ards Peninsula, stopping in the wonderful villages along the way and taking in the harbours, stately homes, castles and windmills. In Portaferry explore the underwater world at Exploris Aquarium or venture on a boat trip on the sparkling waters of Strangford Lough.

For foodie folk, don’t miss the cluster of delis, quirky cafes and award winning restaurants in Comber, Killinchy and surrounding area – try our wonderful local produce and take home some flavours of your visit.

Upcoming Events – Just a taster of what Ards and North Down has to offer this summer season…

Walks and Tours Programme April-November Borough wide Comber Earlies Festival Saturday, June 23 Comber Summer Music in the Park Sundays in July and August Bangor Open House Festival Throughout August Bangor Portavogie Seafood Festival Saturday, August 11 Portavogie

TOP 100 26 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

Barnett Demesne’s bike trails. Pictures © Northern Ireland Tourist Board

AWHEELIEGOODTIME It’s summer in the city and the perfect time to get outdoors and explore. So get on your bike and check out our guide to cycling around Belfast...

Belfast City Bike Tours

Take a fun, eco-friendly tour, where a local guide will show you the sights, some of which are only reachable by bike. The easy–paced tour takes in over 30 points of interest with plenty of photo opportunities.  Belfastcitybiketours.com

and hire a Coca Cola Belfast Bike, available 365 days a year from 40 docking stations dotted around Belfast. Pick up a Belfast Bike anywhere from Titanic Quarter to Belfast City Hall, C S Lewis Square to Botanic Gardens and get pedalling!  Belfastbikes.co.uk

Hire a Bike

Mountain Bike Trails and Jump Park

Why not explore the city independently

Comber Greenway

Adrenalin junkies can get adventurous on

the bike trails and jump park at Barnett Demesne. The trails consist of a shared use 3.4km green trail and a 3.9km blue trail with 3 red loop options (1.5km).

With Ireland’s first official purpose-built jumps park boasting no less than 6 lines of mouth-watering table-tops, doubles and hip jumps.  Mountainbikeni.com

Comber Greenway

Take a scenic route along the Comber Greenway, which offers 7 miles of trafficfree cycling from Comber to Belfast. Along the route you’ll pass the Harland & Wolff shipyards, CS Lewis Square, Parliament Buildings and the Belfast Hills.  Sustrans.org.uk

pass the playing fields where George Best kicked his first ball.

Lagan & Lough Cycle Way

The Lagan and Lough Cycle Way connects Lisburn and Newtownabbey with Belfast along a 21 mile traffic-free cycle ride and walkway. You’ll pass a number of public parks including the National Trust property at Minnowburn and the historic Giant’s Ring.  Sustrans.org.uk

Connswater Community Greenway

Cycle along the 9k linear park through east Belfast and discover CS Lewis Square and the CS Lewis trail, learn more about Van Morrison along Cypress Avenue and

Belfast Bikes

GOWALKING!

Prefer to keep your feet on the ground?

Belfast offers a range of tours on foot, from historical and political to food and music, choose what interests you, slip on a pair of comfortable shoes and make your way around the city.

To discover more about tours and how else you can explore the city, see visitbelfast.com/tours

Barney, the guide on the Belfast Bred Culinary tour Picture © Northern Ireland Tourist Board

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Gingernowbigger andbetterthanever

G

inger Bistro has put an end to having to turn customers away by expanding into a beautiful new building where walk-ins are welcome.

The bistro, which was tucked away in Hope Street, had fallen victim to its own success, being booked out for weeks in advance every weekend. Chef Simon McCance, who co-owns Ginger with greengrocer Ricky Barrett, says when the opportunity to extend came up, he jumped at it. “The new room is absolutely beautiful, we’re delighted with it,” he says. “It could sit comfortably in any city in the world.”

The bright, airy room has lots of

unobtrusive Belfast references, including the park bench style window seating, a large print of the Palm House at Botanic Gardens and the ceramic pots on display are by local potter Rory Shearer.

The expansion allowed for some improvements to the restaurant, while keeping the same, casual style that diners know and love. The front door is now on Great Victoria Street, the kitchen area has doubled in size and there’s more room at the bar and among diners. “We didn’t want to pack out the space but just to make everything comfortable for the staff and customers.

“I believe in setting people at ease as

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Simon McCance in Ginger’s beautiful new extension

soon as they come into the room. Our operation is slick but casual and if the staff want to have a bit of craic with you that’s fine,” says Simon.

With the Grand Opera House, the Europa Hotel and the Crown Bar nearby, there’s a steady stream of visitors taking

27

advantage of the new, 102 seater Ginger.

And while three more staff have joined the team, the menu is unchanged, with fantastic, locally sourced produce cooked to perfection. Simon, who opened Ginger at its original home on the Ormeau Road 18 years ago, has been described as ‘a master with fish’. Customers can choose from a lunch or pre-theatre menu, a la carte or vegetarian. The new space has enabled the restaurant to increase its drinks menu and with Simon’s determination to support local suppliers, it naturally stocks a range of Irish gins and locally crafted beers and spirits, as well as all the ingredients required for the perfect cocktail downtown.

Bookings: 028 9024 4421 Email: info@ gingerbistro.com Ginger Bistro, 68/72 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 7AF.

TOP 100 28 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

TOP100Hospitality Businessesin NorthernIreland

Portstew

Limavady

Derry~Londonderry

Cushendun – Mary McBride’s Ballintoy – Fullerton Arms Ballycastle – Central Wine Bar Bushmills – Bushmills Inn Portrush Harbour Bar Ramore Wine Bar Portstewart Anchor Complex Harry’s Shack Limavady – Owens’ Bar

M

Derry ~ Londonderry Badgers Bar & Restaurant Bishop’s Gate Hotel Blackbird Browns Entrada/1876 Brasserie & Champagne Lounge Peadar O’Donnell’s Bar Quays Bar Sandinos

Omagh Donaghmor

Swatragh – Friels Bar and Restaurant Castledawson – Old Thatch Inn Toome – Crosskeys Inn

Dungann

Magherafelt The Coachman Dorman’s Mary’s Bar & Lounge Omagh – Sally’s of Omagh Donaghmore – Brewer’s House Dungannon Auction Rooms Hagan’s Bar McAleer’s Bar Lurgan Cellar Bar Corner House Bar Portadown – McConville’s Armagh Keegan’s Bar Newforge House Enniskillen Blakes of the Hollow Lough Erne Resort & Spa Manor House Country Hotel Taphouse Gastro Pub

Enniskillen

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

29

Ballymena Front Page Galgorm Resort & Spa

Portrush

Ballintoy Bushmills

Cairncastle – Mattie’s Meeting House Larne – Ruby’s Bar Raloo – Billy Andy’s Carrickfergus – Ownies

Ballycastle

tstewart

Bangor Hop House Jenny Watts Salty Dog Hotel & Bistro

Cushendun

Donaghadee – Pier 36 Holywood Dirty Duck Noble

Swatragh Cairncastle Ballymena

Larne Raloo

Castledawson

Toome

Magherafelt

Carrickfergus Donaghadee

Bangor Holywood Belfast onaghmore Moira

Dungannon

Lurgan Portadown

Kircubbin

Hillsborough Ballynahinch

Armagh

Strangford

Ardglass Newcastle Newry

Belfast Albany Bert’s Jazz Bar Bullitt Café Parisien Coppi Crowne Plaza Cyprus Avenue Deanes Deli Deanes Eipic The Dirty Onion Duke of York Errigle Inn Europa Hotel Fitzwilliam Hotel Fratelli The Garrick Ginger Bistro Granny Annie’s Kitchen Harp Bar Howard Street Ivanhoe Inn & Hotel James Street South Bar & Grill The John Hewitt Kelly’s Cellars La Taqueria Laverys Limelight The Merchant Hotel Morning Star Mourne Seafood Bar Muddlers Club Muriel’s Café Bar National Grande Café Northern Whig Ox Shu Sunflower Sweet Afton Tedfords Kitchen Union Street Moira – Wine & Brine Kircubbin – Saltwater Brig Hillsborough Hillside Bar & Restaurant Parson’s Nose Plough Inn Ballynahinch Bull & Ram Millbrook Lodge Hotel Strangford – Lobster Pot Newcastle – Slieve Donard Ardglass – Currans Bar & Seafood Steakhouse Newry – Bank Bar

TOP 100 30 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

COUNTY FOCUS ARMAGH Picking apples

All images © Northern Ireland Tourist Board

While you’re inthe area...

Our Top 100 Hospitality venues are in some of the most beautiful, interesting, historic or intriguing parts of the country.

Towns and cities, mountains and forest walks, rivers, loughs and beaches are nearby to be enjoyed. While you’re away, enjoying their hospitality, don’t miss out on the local arts and culture, historic homes, museums and heritage tours.

Here’s our guide to places to visit while you’re in the area…

A

rmagh’s history can be traced back 6,500 years and the best way to learn about it is to take a guided walking tour. The area is packed with important archaeological and historical sites such as Navan Fort, where living history characters bring the story of the Celts to life, two St Patrick’s Cathedrals, Ireland’s oldest museum - Armagh County which has a children’s trail – and Armagh Gaol which only closed after 200 years in 1986. The Georgian architecture adds to the city’s ambience and in autumn, the Orchard county comes into its own.

Visitors can tour Armagh Cider Company’s orchard, see how cider is produced and make your own apple juice – perfect for washing down all those crisps form the tour of Tayto Castle at Tandragee. Take a virtual trip to the international space station at the Armagh Planetarium or visit one of the National Trust properties in the area, The Argory and Ardress House.

At The Argory you can take a tour of the elegant house and gardens and relax over

Keeping tradition alive at Navan Fort Centre

The famous Observatory afternoon tea in the award-winning Lady Ada’s tea-room while the children play in the adventure playground. For a great countryside walk, head for the Ring of Gullion forest park in south Armagh or Lough Neagh Discovery Centre at Oxford Island Nature Reserve which also has children’s play areas. Gosford Park, near Markethill, makes for a great day out with its rare breeds, deer park, walled garden, nature trails and play areas. For high energy fun, make for Lurgaboy Adventure Centre for raft building, archery, a high levels rope course and a 375m zip wire.

WHAT’S ON: The Summer Solstice Sunset takes place at the Navan Centre & Fort from 8-11pm on

June 22. It’s a Celtic Celebration on the eve of Mid-Summer with the chance to dine on something quite wild, caught earlier in the day, then sing, dance and listen to stories of the years gone by while watching the sunset.

Prebook at www.navan.com. Other events include the annual John Hewitt International Summer School, on July 23-28 in the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, the 7 Hills Blues Festival, from August 9-12, and the Charles Wood Festival of Music, on August 12–197. The Ring of Gullion Lúnasa Festival in South Armagh, runs throughout the summer with a range of events, see www.ringofgullion.org/events.

For more details, even more things to do, how to book and get there, visit www.armagh.co.uk.

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

31

COUNTY FOCUS ANTRIM The Giant’s Causeway

The stunning Glens

C

o. Antrim is a magnet for visitors, thanks to the Causeway Coast and nine gorgeous Antrim Glens. Kids love the steam train ride from Bushmills to the Giant’s Causeway and no visit to the Causeway Coast is complete without a stroll around Dunluce Castle, a ferry crossing to Rathlin Island to see the puffin colony and a shuffle over Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Top rated guided tours include the Old Bushmills Distillery where you can have a dram and a bite to eat and buy a bottle with a personalised label, and Game of Thrones tours including stops at the Dark Hedges, Cushendun Caves and Ballintoy Harbour. Co. Antrim is home to many award-winning beaches with Portrush’s East Strand, West Strand and Whiterock Beach among the favourites, At Ballycastle the Causeway Coast gives on to the Glens of Antrim which sweep down as far as Larne. The nine glens – Glencloy, Glenarm, Glenariff, Glenballyeamon, Glencorp, Glenaan, Glendun, Glenshesk and Glentaisie – rival each other for natural beauty with woods, waterfalls and scenic walks.

Drive or cycle around Fair Head and Torr Head, on the scenic route from Ballycastle to Cushendun, for spectacular views across to the Mull of Kintyre. Stop at pretty Cushendun with its historic cottages or carry on towards Cushendall with its lively music scene and sheltered beach. Nearby are Waterfoot town with its beautiful beach and a half hour drive inland takes you to Glenariff Forest Park,

Dalriada Festival’s Wife Carrying Competition

a must visit, with its cascading waterfall.

Back on the coast road and you soon come to Carnlough, at the foot of Glencloy. Its landmarks include its harbour and Garron Tower, inherited by Winston Churchill in the 1920s. Inland is Slemish Mountain, where St Patrick tended sheep as a slave, and further along the coast is Glenarm with its magnificent castle where Lord and Lady Dunluce live and where the famous Glenarm shorthorn beef and Glenarm organic smoked salmon are produced.

Ballygally, another favourite with fans of Game of Thrones, is a popular beach resort and within easy reach of Carnfunnock Country Park with its mix of activities and attractions including a maze and treasure trails.

It’s a short hop from Larne and Carrickfergus across to Islandmagee Peninsula with Brown’s Bay beach as well as the notorious Gobbins cliff path, dubbed the most dangerous walk in Europe. You can tour medieval Carrickfergus Castle, with its banqueting hall and cannons and then visit former US president Andrew Jackson’s Cottage and the US Rangers Centre before winding up in Belfast. With so many well known spots, as well as the main towns of Antrim, Ballymena and Ballymoney, there’s no end of things to see and do in Co. Antrim.

WHAT’S ON: Major festivals include the Dalriada Festival at Glenarm in July (details on page 36),

Heart of the Glens Festival in Cushendall on August 4-12, Newtownabbey Shoreline Festival on August 25–26, and the Auld Lammas Fair, Ballycastle, August 28–29. Air Waves Portrush International Airshow will be ready for take-off on September 1–2 with this year’s marking The Royal Air Force’s 100th anniversary. With appearances by the Red Arrows, the Typhoon jet, the Tutor and the Falcons parachute display team, the event promises to provide a memorable showcase of skills, stunts and daredevil action. History and heritage will also be to the fore with showcases from the Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire who come together in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. See www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com for more details.

TOP 100 32 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

COUNTY FOCUS DERRY ~ LONDONDERRY The Maiden City from the air

T

he city and surrounding county has been building a reputation for its fine food and vibrant music scene and it’s perfect for anyone looking for a mix of city culture, coastal beauty and majestic mountains.

The Maiden City’s 400 year old walls are unique to the island of Ireland and mark the boundaries of the old town, built many centuries after St Columba opened a monastery there in the 6th century. Walk along the walls and see Roaring Meg and the other 23 canon which helped defend Derry during the great siege of 1689. The Tower Museum, within the walls, has permanent exhibits covering The Story of Derry and an Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera, which sank off Donegal in 1588.

Nearby is the Guildhall – pop in for a cuppa in the restaurant, to admire the stained glass windows and to see the contents of a time capsule which was buried under its foundations in 1887. The city’s oldest building is the historically important St. Columb’s Cathedral with its Chapter House Museum where you’ll find the keys of the four original gates of the city walls. The old part of the city is where the arts action is, with The Verbal Arts Centre, Nerve Centre, the Millennium Forum, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin and The Playhouse Theatre all there. Go from the old city by foot or bike across the Peace Bridge to Ebrington Square, transformed from a military complex to a venue for public events. Among its many attractions is the Walled City Brewery which has a restaurant attached. Away from the city, County Londonderry is a rural idyll. As soon as you cross the Bann from Co. Antrim you are into Co. Londonderry and its lively towns like Maghera and Magherafelt. Stop off at

The Downhill Kite Festival

Stendhal Festival beach. Keep going north and you’re at Castlerock and Portstewart, voted the UK’s best Blue Flag beach last year.

Portstewart Strand

Ballyronan Marina on the shores of Lough Neagh for a paddle and a picnic or head for nearby Bellaghy and spend a while at Seamus Heaney Homeplace – see www.seamusheaneyhome.com for a packed programme of talks. Further into the county and The Sperrin Mountains, which also fall into Co. Tyrone, are ranked among the world’s top 101 scenic drives

by National Geographic, which praised their “wild beauty, ideal trails and dreamy

villages”. Take a left along the Glenshane Pass to experience the mountain beauty and see the highest peak, Sawel Mountain.

Or head further north for the Roe Valley Country Park, near Limavady, for anything from a gentle stroll to a spot of fishing or rock climbing. Travel on a little for some of the county’s most spectacular Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Binevenagh Mountain with its lake and cliffs looming over Downhill, Castlerock and Benone

WHAT’S ON: Across the county, the local bars, hotels and community centres are a hive of entertainment activity and Derry City has a vibrant arts and entertainments scene with regular major events including the Foyle Maritime Festival, on July 14–22. There will be sky high fun at the Kite Festival at Downhill Demesne, from August 4-5.

There is fun for the whole family as a kaleidoscope of kites adorn the skies over this stunning coastal estate. Topping the bill will be internationally acclaimed flying exhibitions including synchronised acrobatics and altitude sprints. To add to the festive atmosphere there will also be specialty food stalls, local crafts, hot and cold refreshments, inflatables, helicopter rides, a quad train, petting farm and more!

Creativity reigns the Stendhal Festival of Art at Limavady on August 10-11 and on August 25-26 Ebrington Square will host the first Jika Jika! Festival featuring stages curated

by Denis Sulta and Green Velvet across two days, plus a cultured mix of talents including Octave One Live, Steffi, Willow, Patrick Topping, Charlotte De Witte and Louisahhh!.

See www.visitderry.com for many more listings and places of interest.

Continued on page 46 

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Armagh’s‘BestBar’ awardgoestoKeegan’s

K

eegan’s Bar bistro is a locally run family business in Armagh City within easy walking distant of the city centre, GAA athletic grounds, Armagh Rugby Club, City Hotel, Armagh Theatre and the local Trian.

It was opened in 1994 as Damper Murphy’s and rebranded in 2008 after extensive renovations as Keegan’s bar.

In 2013 with ever-increasing pressure on local publicans to run a successful establishment, the decision was taken to incorporate pub grub and offer a dining experience to its customers.

Over the past few years with hard work and dedication from the owners and staff they have endeavoured to year on year increase its menu and food options incorporating local suppliers and produce to become what is now one of the finest eateries in the north of Ireland.

All this has been achieved whilst not losing its personal touch and intimacy with its ever faithful and local customers.

The bar is an ever welcoming haven for not only those who wish to enjoy the fine cuisine but also those who just want to enjoy a quiet pint and some local craic with their friends.

It is a warm, friendly and welcoming establishment serving delicious, locally produced food at very competitive prices.

The varied menu suits all tastes and ages and includes vegan and vegetarian options.

The interior consists of beautifully carved wooden panelling with the

ceiling adorned by antique moulded cornices. It’s complemented by ambient lighting, creating the ideal atmosphere for a relaxing dining encounter, mixing a fine blend of both good food and pub experience for locals and visitors alike.

Keegan’s Bar offers a unique and special experience to all who visit Armagh. The hard work and dedication of the staff have recently been acknowledged when the bar was named among the Top 100 hospitality venues in Northern Ireland, Laura Keegan was presented with her award at the Titanic Quarter in Belfast in February. The bar was again further acknowledged for its achievements when it was invited to attend the National Pub and Bar Awards 2018 in London. There, staff were presented with the award for the best pub and bar for County Armagh. Follow Keegan’s Bar on Facebook and be sure to pay a visit, you won’t regret it.

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TOP 100 34 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Glenarmbeefat topUKfoodfest

G

lenarm Estate premium beef from Co Antrim will be showcased by celebrity chef Mark Hix in the forthcoming Food Rocks Festival in Lyme Regis, Dorset.

Glenarm Estate is a Food NI member.

Hix will feature the award–winning beef from the estate in County Antrim in a new feature for 2018 – the Glenarm Estate Beef Supper Club on September 8-9.

Food Rocks is celebrating its sixth year in Lyme Regis, Dorset. The festival started as a vision of Mark Hix with the aim of promoting the produce of his hometown of Lyme Regis and the surrounding areas, by presenting some of the best food, producers and suppliers that Dorset and the South West has to offer.

Featuring Glenarm Estate beef is a tremendous endorsement of the quality and outstanding taste of the Northern Ireland meat, which is supplied by Northern Irish entrepreneur Peter Hannan of Hannan Meats in Moira, County Armagh, another Food NI member, for ageing in his complex of Himalayan Salt Chambers.

Hannan is a longstanding supplier of quality meat to Hix, who runs a network of upmarket restaurants in London.

Glenarm Estate’s Adrian Morrow says: “We are delighted that Mark Hix, among our most valued and respected customers,

Chef Mark Hix has chosen to showcase our beef as a central feature of the colourful Food Rocks Festival in September.”

The festival brings together top chefs, exhibitors, locals and those who are visiting Lyme Regis. The main stage will showcase a diverse mix of interactive cookery demonstrations, talks and tastings across the weekend.

In addition to this, all money raised is donated to the RNLI and the Fishermen’s Mission.

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

INTERNATIONALTASTEAWARDFOR NORTHERNIRISHMILLBAYOYSTERS

F

ood NI member Rooney Fish, Northern Ireland’s leading fish and seafood processor, has won major awards from the influential International Taste and Quality Institute in Brussels for its oysters.

Rooney, based at Kilkeel in County Down, gained two top awards for its Mill Bay Oysters, which are grown and harvested in the pristine waters of Carlingford Lough.

The oysters were the only food and drink product from Northern Ireland to be recognised for their taste and quality by a panel of expert chefs and were among almost 2,000 entries from 90 countries.

Andrew Rooney, commercial director of Rooney Fish, commenting on the award of gold and blue stars for superior products, says: “This is a tremendously important endorsement of our oysters from an international taste body. It’s a great boost

for us as we continue to market our oysters to high-end customers in international markets.

“The recognition follows our outstanding success in the UK Great Taste Awards in successive years,” he adds.

Rooney Fish is a family owned and managed business which processes fish and shellfish, including langoustines, crabs and crabs claws, for export in particular to international markets in Europe and Asia.

The company operates from a state-ofthe-art processing plant at the harbour in Kilkeel.

The International Taste & Quality Institute – iTQi – based in Brussels is the world’s leading organisation dedicated to certifying the taste of food and drink products. Judges are selected from the 15 most prestigious European culinary and sommeliers associations, including the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and Academy of Culinary Arts, Hellenic Chefs’ Association, Académie Culinaire de France, Craft Guild of Chefs, World Master Chefs Society (WMCS) and the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).

The judges, carefully selected by iTQi and these organisations, have been trained for many years to taste food products.

They have exercised their profession in Europe but also, in countries as diversified as Japan, China, Thailand, Australia, North, Central and South America. They are passionate and enthusiastic about discovering new flavours.

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Luxuryandcharmatthe ManorHouseCountryHotel

35

E

xperience the best of the Fermanagh Lakelands from the comfort and ease of the Manor House Country Hotel.

Winner of Ulster & Ireland’s Wedding Hotel of the Year 2018 in the Irish Hotel Awards and AA Hotel of the Year for Northern Ireland in 2016-17, this lakeside mansion is deserving of its Top 100 listing.

Visitors and locals alike attest to the warm, friendly welcome, fabulous food and sumptuous interior. Dating back to the 17th century, the building’s high ceilings and ornate fixtures enhance the sense of grandeur, however the facilities tick all the boxes for the 21st century guest.

Current owners the McKenna family have developed the hotel into a venue enjoyed by visitors from all over the world.

It enjoys a spectacular setting, right on the shores of Lower Lough Erne in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands with extensive grounds, perfect for a stroll along the lough-shore. To the rear of the hotel a striking fountain takes centre-stage in the landscaped gardens.

While the Manor Country House Hotel is in demand as a romantic wedding venue, with its magnificent Grand Ballroom and banqueting suites, it’s the perfect base for the leisure or business traveller too.

Dining is a pleasure in this country

manor with options ranging from fine dining in the AA Rosettes-winning Belleek Restaurant with its stunning views, to the sleek Watergate Bar with its marble bar and sophisticated decor, to casual dining in the Cellar Door Bistro with its traditional cottage style walls and vaulted ceiling. Its extensive all day menu is also served in the Cellar Door Bar, a hub of activity with live entertainment at weekends and sports

on the TV screens. The lobby area and adjoining lounges are perfect for relaxing over tea or coffee and basking in the fireside ambience.

The hotel’s leisure facilities include its beautiful Romanesque swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, steam rooms, jacuzzi, sauna and fully equipped gym and fitness suite.

In the surrounding area, activities on offer include angling, golf, sailing and a

host of water-sports while islands nearby include the famous Devenish with its round tower and White Island with its historic carvings.

Guests can take a tour on the hotel’s own Lady of the Lake Cruiser or enjoy a special occasion or event on the water. Up to 40 people can be accommodated for lunch, dinner or simply refreshments on board.

www.manorhousecountryhotel.com

TOP 100 36 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Jointhe celebrations…

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018 Jean-Christophe Novelli

S

ummer brings opportunities galore to get out and enjoy the best of Northern Ireland’s food and drink at festivals up and down the country. See some of the top chefs in action and taste some of the flavours that have put Ulster on the food map. Here are some festivals you won’t want to miss…

Comber Earlies, June 23

The annual Comber Earlies Food Festival welcomes the multi Michelin Star Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, who will be hosting this year’s food demonstrations.

Join the celebrations and have a relaxing hay bale picnic while listening to a brass band. With amazing savoury potato-based traditional gourmet dishes to try, children’s activities and street theatre to enjoy this is going to be a great family day out. Taking place in various locations around Comber, Comber Earlies Food Festival is free for all, so come on down and join the fun!

Portaferry Sails And Sounds Festival, June 28 - July 1

This fun-filled four days of maritime family fun focuses on all classes of boats with a parade of sail. The festival also hosts traditional Scottish music, dance workshops, free kid’s entertainment and concerts throughout the town. You can have a trip up Strangford Lough in the tall ships, with lunch provided.

Dalriada Festival, July 14 - 15

Find food plays a key role in Glenarm

Portaferry Sails and Sounds Festival Castle’s award-winning Dalriada Festival, on July 14-15. This year the musical end of the programme features Alabama 3, Hermitage Green, Matt Cardle, General Fiasco, Gareth Dunlop, The Electric Swing Circus, Runabay, Dana Masters, Ben Glover and Ryan McMullan – fresh from touring with Ed Sheeran. There will

be fun activities, including the Fitness Racing Championships and Wife Carrying Championships and the Co Antrim Pipe Band Championships, children’s entertainment and a wide range of foods to enjoy. Children will love Disney Junior’s Catboy and Owlette, Tractor Ted and his Real Life Farm. Glenarm Village

Twilight Market

will continue to host the Festival Week immediately after featuring a Super Endurocross, Triathlon, Duathlon, 5K & 10K Run, Rowing Regatta, Wipeout Challenge and Street Fair and ending with fireworks on July 21.

Twilight Market, July 31 - August 1

Hosting over 100 traders specialising in local and continental foods, the Twilight Market returns to St George’s Market from 4pm-11pm each day. All Twilight Market events are strictly over 18s after 9pm. To find out more, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ twilightbelfast.

Rum and Gin Festival 2018, HMS Caroline, August 11

Rum and gin lovers are welcome on HMS

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Foyle Maritime Festival, July 14 - 22 One of the north-west’s major events, the Maritime Festival plays host to a fantastic collection of live music, markets, entertainment and river based activities against the thrilling backdrop of the Clipper Race as the fleet makes it way back to Derry~Londonderry. The distinctive Clipper Race yachts berth in Foyle Port Marina during the race stopover from New York before finishing the race in Liverpool.

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘voyages’ in acknowledgment of the city and district’s rich maritime heritage and the journeys that the people and place have experienced. It’s also in reference to the incredible voyages the Clipper 2017-18 Round the World Yacht Race crew have experienced, competing in this epic circumnavigation for almost 11 months.

This race is a test of human endurance like no other with over half of each crew having little or no sailing experience. As the first

HMS Caroline

Caroline at Alexandra Dock. Discover brand new blends as you taste crushed juniper berries, sweet sloes or a citrus twist provided by local and international distilleries. Taste artisan liquors and favourites inspired by the Royal Navy in the drill hall. There will be stalls, live music and the opportunity to take an interactive tour of the ship.

Continued on page 38 

37

yachts arrive into the city to rapturous applause from thousands of well wishers, Foyle Port will be transformed into an international marina and the celebrations will begin. All the seafaring action will be set to a spectacular backdrop of live music, street performances, fantastic food and a surprise or two.

Gareth Dunlop will be performing at Dalriada Festival

TOP 100 38 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

Hillsborough Farmer’s Market: Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will host its second Hillsborough Farmers’ Market of the summer on Saturday, June 30, with the best local, seasonal and artisan food on offer to taste and purchase. In addition, expect to find a small offering of locally produced herbaceous perennial plants, natural skincare, art and craft. At May’s Farmer’s Market are local artisan producers (l-r) Louise Dornan, Crumbs Vegan Bakery, Councillor Andrew Ewing and Valerie Brown, Plumpy Balms. the Salty Dog will prepare a special high tea banquet, 21st century style, with guests seated at long tables and served sharing platters of delicious old dishes with a modern twist. Think home-made pork pies, beef dripping toast, and spam sandwiches – but not as you know them!

There’ll be a welcoming glass of American pale ale or a bourbon cocktail on arrival, and duo Ada Storm and Robert Sinclair will take you on a musical tour of the WWII era, with sing-along sheets provided for classics like We’ll Meet Again.

Pick up an Open House Festival programme Portavogie Sea Food Festival on August 11

If you love fresh seafood, then this is the day out for you… The Portavogie Sea Food Festival on August 11 will be filled with delicious grub, children’s entertainment and much more.

Rumour has it General Eisenhower himself frequented the hotel to address the officers, perhaps partaking in a spot of high tea during his visits.

Inspired by the wartime fare served in hotels, tea rooms and officer mess halls,

Open House, Bangor, throughout August

Bangor will be a hub of creative energy this August when Open House returns with its sixth annual month-long festival and a vibrant programme of 142 events over the 31 days. Headline acts include Public Image Ltd (PiL), The Waterboys and John Grant, all of whom will perform open air concerts on Bangor Seafront.

There’s a focus in this year’s festival on reestablishing Bangor as a thriving seaside town: celebrating its rich cultural heritage and embracing the current vibrant creative scene. The festival programme is packed with food and drink based events, such as Vino Italiano on August 21 at the The Old Auction Rooms when local independent wine merchant, Neill Wine, will showcase a range of unique Italian wines produced by small, fiercely dedicated family estates, whose passion for authenticity is unmatched anywhere in the winemaking world.

 Earlier in the month, on August 5, The Officer’s Mess will see The Salty Dog host a wartime inspired high tea with a twist.

During WWII, The Salty Dog, then known as Redcliff Hotel, was used as a billet for American officers from the US Naval fleet anchored in Bangor Bay.

 The Bullitt Banquet at Clandeboye Courtyard on August 31 features a special 5 course wine and dine feast in the banquet hall at Clandeboye estate. Saul O’Reilly, head chef at the Bullit Hotel, and his talented team are returning with a one-off gastronomic feast featuring wild venison and foraged flora from the Estate, dairy from the resident herd of Holstein and Jersey cattle, and flax fed wagyu beef – all cooked outside on a specially constructed

wood-fired oven. Following fizz and canapés in the courtyard, guests will sit at long banqueting tables for the remaining courses, followed by dancing as this year’s Open House draws to a close.

Belfast Mela, Botanic Gardens, August 26

The city’s annual celebration of global cultures sees tens of thousands of visitors come together to celebrate people and diversity.

The Mela transforms Belfast’s beautiful Botanic Gardens into a magical global garden filled with the sights, sounds and aromas of nations right around the world. Explore world music, colourful processions, and delicious food in one of Belfast’s most lively, engaging and inclusive festivals.

Armagh Food & Cider Festival, September 20 - 23

This event, in the heart of the Orchard County, is brimming with fine foods, sharing plates, foraged lunches, artisan markets, art tuition, fiction and even a murder mystery set amongst the apple laden orchards. Highlights include a pop-up restaurant at a local cidery, dining in the company of friends (old and new) under cover of glamorous tepees, a Beef Baron’s Dinner, foraging for your own lunch, a cider vs wine face-off and even a murder mystery set amongst the orchards. Orchard tours are a becoming a big attraction in Armagh, not least during the spring when apple blossom seems to cover the countryside.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for visitors to explore the heritage and techniques of this traditional industry. Tours at the Festival offer a unique sensory journey and guests can enjoy talking with chefs and producers and hear about their passion and commitment to food and of course have the opportunity to taste and sample as they go.

Festival Lough Erne, September 22 - 23

Belfast Mela

Celebrate Fermanagh’s finest food and the waterways at Enniskillen Castle at this celebration of the very best of local food and the Fermanagh Lakelands. The weekend will see a host of activity on and off the water with cookery demonstrations by celebrity chefs, local artisan food and drink producers and live entertainment all taking place at the newly refurbished Enniskillen Castle.

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Ginwithatwistat TheCoachman

M

ark Stewart, owner of The Coachman in Magherafelt, is one of those publicans with an instinct for what people want almost before they know it themselves and the guts to provide it for them. Having created Northern Ireland’s first licensed beer garden he now presides over the country’s largest gin lounge.

Mark began working for his uncle in this mid-Ulster landmark two days after his 18th birthday, and went on to manage the business before buying it in 1989. Back then, many of the customers were coming from the farmers’ mart nearby but when it shut following the BSE outbreak, The Coachman gradually adapted and is now a popular bar at the heart of the community, with its traditional exterior belying the modern design inside. “We have a locals’ bar which is used by the sports clubs such as the hockey club, basketball, cycling and so on,” says Mark, himself an avid cyclist.

“We also have a new gin bar with the largest selection of gins in Northern Ireland at over 120.”

He attributes the explosion in gin culture to the rise in interest in natural food and drinks. “People are wanting to be healthier than they were. Gin is made from natural botanicals and is healthier for you

– and it doesn’t give you a hangover. Irish people generally want to become more healthy these days. We went from hardly being able to sell a gin at all to selling thousands, including a few that we supply exclusively.”

The Coachman is the only place in

Northern Ireland stocking House of Elrick gin as well as Isle of Harris. One man contacted them after trying everywhere to get a bottle of Isle of Harris for his wife for their wedding anniversary as they had tied the knot on the Hebridean isle. He was delighted to track one down – even moreso when he discovered it was available so close to his hometown of Coleraine.

The explosion in demand for gin has generated some quirky varieties and The Coachman stocks, among others, a Violet gin made in Manchester as well as the Northern Ireland made in-demand brands like Jawbox, Echlinville and Copeland.

While The Coachman naturally has a range of cocktails and gintails, for the most part, customers love getting their hands on the big gin goblets and coiffing their gin with a splash of tonic water.

The connoisseur might opt for one of The Coachman’s more exotic mixers, such as a citrusy Sicilian lemonade, which Mark recommends with the Malfy Gin, distilled with lemons in Italy.

Of course, one doesn’t become an expert without tasting a lot of different gins and having staff who have different preferences means customers get insightful guidance about the various flavour combinations. “I prefer the real gin taste although my wife likes the flavoured ones,” says Mark.

Long before The Coachman was famed for its gins, however, it had built a fine reputation for the quality of its draught lager and as it’s a free house, there’s quite a variety to choose from. “We get really good feedback from customers about our draught beers.”

Alongside the household names, Mark stocks locally made ciders such

39

as Tempted? and craft beers from Whitewater, Lacada, Hillstown and the Heaney Brewery in Bellaghy, run by the late Seamus Heaney’s niece. “Their blonde ale is the nicest I’ve tasted,” he adds.

Rather than diversify into offering food, The Coachman took a decision to invest in selling the best tasting beers possible.

A precise procedure – as well as some expensive coldware and a specialist glass washer – ensures that beer comes in at the right temperature, is maintained at that temperature and never gets near anything but a very cold, perfectly clean glass.

More often than not, there’s live acoustic music to tickle the customer’s ears while they’re enjoying a drink, often in the award-winning beer garden.

“We were the first in Northern Ireland to have a late licence for a beer garden,” says Mark. “In the summer, especially, there’s a great atmosphere about the place.”

Find The Coachman on Rainey Street in the centre of Magherafelt, and visit www. coachman-ni.com or follow it on Facebook for the latest arrivals.

TOP 100 40 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Foureasyways tocheckcalorie contentwhen outandabout I n case you missed it, new research from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) shows only 15% of men and 44% of women in Northern Ireland know their recommended daily calorie intake of 2,500kcal for men and 2,000kcal for women [1].

Knowing these numbers can help you make better food choices and live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Eating and drinking more calories than we need leads to weight gain and ultimately obesity.

Obesity can lead to some serious and

potentially life threatening conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and some types of cancer.

So how do you find out how many calories are in the food you’re eating? Here are four tips – plus a handy infographic – to help you check calorie amounts so you can live your best healthy life!

1.

Check the food labels on packaged foods

The calorie content of packaged foods is included on the front-of-pack label. This

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

information will appear under the “Energy” heading and is often given in kcals, so 250 calories will be written as 250kcal.

Many labels will also state the number of calories in “one portion” of the food, but remember that the manufacturer’s idea of “one portion” may not be the same as yours, so there could be more calories in the portion you serve yourself.

2.

Pick restaurants and cafes that display calories

It can be tricky to know your calories when eating out. A great way to tackle this problem is to find cafés and restaurants that display calorie content on their menus. This is happening already across a lot of major food chains and it’s something we’re sure to see more often as this helpful and healthy trend catches on.

3.

Visit restaurant and cafe websites before you go

The Internet is your best friend when it comes to knowing your calories. Many chain restaurants now list the nutritional information for their menu items on their websites. Check these out and arm yourself with this information before going to the

restaurant so you can make choices that are within your recommended daily calorie intake.

4.

Check out your favourite supermarket’s website

If you prefer to do your ‘big food shop’ online, many stores supply calorie information on their websites. From calorie content, recipe recommendations and much more, it’s easy to find the info you need to make healthier choices.

Looking for more information about your recommended daily calorie intake?

The Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland has launched a new campaign to raise public awareness of the daily calorie recommendation of 2,500kcal for men and 2,000kcal for women. To learn more, visit www.food.gov.uk/knowyourcalories/ or visit FSA on Facebook at Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland and on Twitter @FSAinNI.

[1] The survey was conducted by 2CV on behalf of the Food Standards Agency. The survey used a nationally representative sample of 311 adults in Northern Ireland.

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Gettingfiredup aboutbarbecuebugs:

THEFACTS

N

ow that Summer has well and truly arrived, the barbecue season has begun! With barbecuing the potential penalty for foul play is food poisoning.

Cases of food poisoning almost double over the summer. Barbecues may be fun but food poisoning certainly isn’t – especially if your family and friends are struck down with dangerous bugs passed on through undercooked or unhygienically-handled food.

The main types of food poisoning that can be attributed to barbecues include campylobacter, E.coli, salmonella and listeria.

found on nearly 60% of chicken sold in our shops and supermarkets. It’s passed on to humans in undercooked poultry, and can lead to people being very ill indeed. It can even lead to permanent disability. Most people recover, but not all.

Campylobacter is the most common food

This bug is particularly dangerous for pregnant women as it can lead to a

poisoning bug in the UK, and it can be

Salmonella is another common bug found on raw meat and undercooked poultry. It leads to fever, vomiting and stomach pains and it can make you ill for weeks.

E.coli, again often passed on through raw

and undercooked meats, can lead to bloody diarrhoea, stomach pains and vomiting.

Listeria, can turn up in pates and salads.

miscarriage, but the most at risk from all the barbecue bugs are children and older people.

It’s the little things that can keep you and your family safe.

Remember the following simple tips provided by the FSA: • Pre-cook the meat or poultry in the oven first and then finish it off on the barbecue for flavour.

• Charred doesn’t mean cooked! Make sure that burgers, sausages and chicken are properly cooked by cutting into the meat and

41

checking that it is steaming hot all the way through, that none of it is pink and that any juices run clear.

• Disposable Barbecues take longer so, always check that your meat is cooked right through.

• Avoid cross-contamination by storing raw meat separately before cooking, use different utensils, plates and chopping boards for raw and cooked food.

• Don’t wash raw chicken or other meat, it just splashes germs.

Find out more

If you want your barbecue to be a sizzling success, find out more about the FSA’s top tips at: food.gov.uk/lovebbq For advice on barbecue safety and local by-laws for using barbecues in open spaces, contact your local authority.

TOP 100 42 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

CHANGINGTHEFACEOFREGULATION INANEVER-CHANGINGENVIRONMENT Maria Jennings, Director of Northern Ireland, People and Organisational Change

T

he Food Standards Agency is the Government department that works across Northern Ireland, England and Wales to protect public health, and consumers’ wider interests, in relation to food.

We’re responsible for ensuring that an effective regulatory regime is in place to verify that food businesses meet their obligation to ensure food is safe and what it says it is. The FSA’s two overriding corporate priorities are reviewing the regulatory regime in place through the Regulating Our Future programme (ROF) and Preparing for EU Exit.

There are over 22,000 food businesses in Northern Ireland and the world in which our food industry and the FSA operates is changing rapidly. To address the opportunities for better regulation, and to be agile in the face of new risks, we are transforming the regulatory system so that it works better for everyone, including when the UK leaves the EU. We believe that our existing approach to regulating the food industry is outdated.

For the past 30 years, the system has served consumers well but has not kept pace with technological change in the food industry, and is not flexible enough to adapt to the changing environment.

In recent years, we have witnessed

large numbers of new players enter the global food and food safety landscape; for example, online retailers, food delivery services, private auditors, independent food safety certification schemes. These and many other developments have changed the nature of the risks we face.

The current regulatory approach doesn’t allow us easily to focus our effort on changing risks. It needs to be flexible and agile.

As the UK prepares to leave the EU, it will be critical for the FSA, as the Central

CEREAL

Competent Authority for food safety, to demonstrate that a robust and effective regulatory model is in place and we need to be sure that we have confidence in all elements of our system.

We have developed a blueprint to describe our ambition and ideas, at a very high level. We have been testing this blueprint, and the more detailed design of our overall approach, using an open policy making approach. This has involved everyone working in food –consumer groups, private assurance scheme owners,

£203 BILLION

was spent by UK consumers on food and drink in 2017. On average, 11% of household spend is on food

WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT WORKING ACROSS ENGLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND CONSUMERS’ WIDER INTERESTS IN FOOD We make sure that food is safe and what it says it is.

Our job is to use our expertise and influence so that people can trust that the food they buy and eat is safe and honest

NUMBER OF FSA STAFF

1,059

ACROSS THE THREE NATIONS WE EMPLOY:

361 PROSECUTIONS is the value of food and drink exported by the UK in 2016 THE

SIZE OF OUR JOB

1 IN 8

of the UK workforce is employed in food and farming

970 40

49

STAFF IN

STAFF IN

STAFF IN

ENGLAND

WALES

NORTHERN IRELAND

for food hygiene and food standards in 2015/16

£20.1 BILLION

[Local Authority and Food Standards Agency Food Law Prosecution Outcomes 2015-16]

OUR RESULTS

95% OF BUSINESSES

inspected scored a food hygiene rating of three or more [FSA data 2017]

2,265

food, feed and environmental contamination incidents took place in the UK in 2016/17

98% OF MEAT BUSINESSES

rated satisfactory or above for compliance

[https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/fsa180313.pdf]

local authorities, food businesses (of all sizes), food regulators in other countries and non-food regulators in the UK. We have identified both best practice and lessons learned by others to enable us to develop the best possible regulatory model for food. We have undertaken some feasibility studies to test ideas and approaches, and learned from them; we will continue to do this and to trial ideas in real time as we get into more and more detailed development of the new regime.

We have set ourselves an ambitious target to have the whole system designed by 2020. We will be implementing improvements to the system in two phases.

The first phase in preparation for EU Exit where we will develop an approach for enhanced business registration, including a digital solution, as well as a new approach to business segmentation.

The second phase will focus on delivery post EU Exit where we will develop standards for regulated private assurance, introduce a sustainable funding model and implement a new official control model for meat.

We’ve met with food businesses and enforcement partners in Northern Ireland over the last year and we want to continue to listen to the views of those with an interest in food standards and safety and to capture the insights and knowledge that already exists in an open and transparent way.

Maria Jennings Director, Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland

You can sign up to receive updates and communication from the ROF programme, through our website food.gov.uk/rof or you can join the conversation online using #FoodRegulation or emailing our ROF team directly: FutureDelivery@food.gov.uk

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

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T

he Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) helps you choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving you clear information about the businesses hygiene standards.

The FSA run the scheme in partnership with all district councils in Northern Ireland.

So, how does it all work?

Food businesses such as restaurants, hotels, bars, shops and takeaways are subject to hygiene inspections by food safety officers from their relevant district council.

The inspection covers three main areas: • How hygienically is the food handled such as how it’s prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored • The condition of the building – the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities • How the business manages its food safety Once inspected, the food business is awarded a rating from ‘0’ which means urgent improvement is required) to ‘5’ which is very good). The business is given a sticker with their rating, to display prominently, and all ratings are made available on the FSA website.

The rating provides information on the

FoodHygieneScheme makingadifference hygiene standards found at the time of inspection and inspections frequencies will vary depending on the type of business and potential risks posed, the higher the risk the more frequently they are inspected.

In October 2016 it became a legal requirement for food businesses in

Northern Ireland, within scope of the scheme, to display their rating at or near each customer entrance. It is also a legal requirement for food businesses to verbally inform a person of their rating when asked. All ratings are published on the FSA website and can be searched via

business name, location, rating etc.

Since the introduction of the legal requirement to display food hygiene ratings at food businesses the hygiene ratings of establishments in NI have steadily increased, with 99% of NI food businesses now achieving a 3 and above.

TOP 100 44 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

Awarmwelcomeandexcellent foodatThePloughInn

T

he Plough Inn has been providing hospitality in Hillsborough, County Down, for over 30 years and has earned its reputation as one of Ireland’s most welcoming pubs.

Its location, at the top of the square in the beautiful village of Hillsborough, makes The Plough the best pit-stop along the main Dublin to Belfast road. It’s a moment’s drive off the main A1 route –

Derek Patterson (centre) with his brothers Ricky and William perfect for an out of town business lunch, or that casual drop-in.

Having begun life as a coaching in, back in 1758, the Plough is now in the capable hands of the Patterson family, who have transformed this historic building into an award-winning pub and restaurant, famed for its atmosphere and excellent food, which features in leading guides such as the prestigious Georgina Campbell travel guides.

The award-winning and very popular Bistro serves fresh in-season fare, much of it harvested locally. There’s fresh Ardglass scampi, lobster, crab, mussels from Strangford Lough and Dundrum Bay oysters.

“There has always been a strong relationship with sourcing the best ingredients from around the province and with fresh produce it’s easy to deliver good food! That has always been at the heart of our kitchen,” says chef/owner Derek Patterson.

Among the stars of the menu are the Saddleback Hog, House Smoked Maple Pork Belly, Mourne Grazed Lamb and, of course, great winter game from the area.

Derek, whose career began when he moved to Switzerland to learn to cook at the age of 17, loves nothing better than getting alongside top chefs such as ‘king of the firepit’ Andre de Luca.

He spent 10 years travelling the world

and absorbing the sort of culinary expertise that informs his cooking now.

While the Bistro is famed for its contemporary dishes, The Plough’s front bar is wonderfully traditional and a place that visitors, as well as locals, return to again and again.

It hosts weekly events including a Pub Quiz on Thursdays as well as a vibrant acoustic live music showcase on Friday and Saturday nights.

For a casual night out, a special dinner, or simply catching up with friends, drop into The Plough.

See ploughgroup.com/ploughinn for further information.

TOP 100 46 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

COUNTY FOCUS DOWN Newcastle and the Mournes

All images © Northern Ireland Tourist Board

C

ounty Down is the garden of Northern Ireland with its rich soil and beautiful, undulating landscape, towering mountains, unspoilt beaches, craggy coastline and abundant wildlife. It’s also home to a lot of places to shop, eat, play and stay with parts of Belfast as well as Newry and Lisburn falling within its borders.

There’s plenty of variety to be found, from Dundonald and Castlereagh on the outskirts of Belfast to the busy commuter towns of Holywood, Bangor and Ards to fishing villages like Ardglass and Kilkeel.

Northern Ireland’s history is woven into the fabric of the county and is celebrated at superb museums from the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum to Bagenal’s Castle, Newry. Some of Ulster’s greatest legendary heroes are linked to Down, not least Cú Chulainn and Finn McCool. St. Patrick is believed to be buried at Downpatrick while

Bagenal’s Castle houses Newry’s museum

the famous Celtic saints such as Comgall and Columbanus impacted the world from Bangor. The Vikings invaded this coastline and their bones lie under the land to this day. In later centuries, the English came and castles such as magnificent Killyleagh and Hillsborough form an enduring link with today’s royal family.

Stately homes abound in County Down and are now a treasured part of the landscape and must-see places for visitors.

Over in Ballywalter, on the Ards Peninsula, you can even have Afternoon Tea with Lord Dunleath while Mount Stewart House and Gardens is a magnet for music lovers who pack a picnic for jazz in the gardens during the summer months. It’s a great county to visit, with its wealth of attractions and range of things to do. Plumb the depths of maritime treasures at Exploris, flutter among the butterflies at Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House or feed the animals at the open farms at Dundonald, Castlewellan or Newtownards.

Take to the water for the chance to spot a humpback whale or dolphin off the coast or head for Strangford Lough in autumn to see almost the entire world population of light-bellied Brent Geese arrive from northern Canada.

When it comes to attractions and things to do, few places can match Down for variety. You can abseil down mountains, climb towers, play golf on a championship course, go paddle-boarding, mountain bike through a forest and even hunt leprechauns across the border into Carlingford! Water sport options abound - from diving to sea kayaking, from paddle-boarding to sailing. Go faster with kart racing or canter across one of the many beaches on horseback. Alternatively, slow the pace, pause and drink in the views from Slieve Binnian or Strangford, Dundrum or Donaghadee and let the freshest of air blow your stress away.

Jazz at Mount Stewart

WHAT’S ON:

Bring your picnic and settle down on the lawn with your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of jazz in the beautiful gardens at Mount Stewart on June 24, July 29, August 26 and September 30. BuskFest international busking festival will have thousands of music lovers heading for Banbridge on June 23, with the competition culminating in an awards ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean in Solitude Park from 4.30pm 6pm. Donaghadee is holding a festival on July 28 - August 12 and Open House Festival sees hundreds of events across the Bangor area throughout August (see page 38) while Lough Lively brings music to Portico, a restored church turned arts venue, in Portaferry on July 28 (Runabay), Emerald Armada (August 11) and The 4 of Us (August 26). The Festival of Flight will see amazing planes flying over Newcastle on August 11-12. Hilden Beer & Music Festival 2018 runs on August 24 - 26 at Hilden Brewery, Lisburn. In its 36th year and located at Ireland’s oldest independent brewery, the festival showcases the finest

collection of music, complemented by the wide range of local ales, beer and spirits available across the weekend. This year is set to be bigger than ever with more acts, more stages and a host of family friendly activities for children of all ages to enjoy. See www.newrymournedown.org for lots more information about mid and south Down and the Mournes.

See www.visitardsandnorthdown.com for details about the north of the county.

Tranquil Strangford Lough

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

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COUNTY FOCUS FERMANAGH Enniskillen Castle

N

atural beauty is Fermanagh’s greatest calling card, however, the county has its fair share of visitor attractions and activities – including stately homes, museums, ancient sites, Lough Erne cruises, guided pottery tour and subterranean caves.

Discover historic Fermanagh with a visit to Enniskillen Castle with its newly refurbished Visitor Centre and museums.

Enniskillen town has a good selection of shops and restaurants and at the Buttermarket, in the centre of town, you can watch crafters and artists at work and buy their wares in the shop and cafe. The county has some excellent guided tours of key heritage sites such as the Boa Island with its historic Janus Figure or 4,000 year old Drumskinny Stone Circle near Ederney. Take a tour of Belleek Pottery and see for yourself the craft and attention to detail that goes into every piece produced.

The county is home to three National Trust properties – Florence Court, Crom and Castle Coole. You can take a guided tour of Florence Court house and have a cuppa in the tea room while the Crom

Boating on the lakes

estate is perfect for spotting wildlife and you can walk around the castle ruins.

Guided tours of Castle Coole include not only the lavish interiors where the LowryCorry family lived, but also the servants’ quarters. Enniskillen is home to the unique Headhunters Railway Museum, where you can explore the golden age of steam travel and visit the barber at the same time.

There are several outdoor activity centres in Fermanagh, one of the main being Share Discovery Village where patrons can try their hand at orienteering; canoeing, archery and climbing. For many people, though, the best way to see the county is to get lost in it as there are beautiful views to be had wherever you go. While the new trails along Cuilcagh Mountain are now topping many people’s bucket list, there are many other routes to explore, including Lough Navar Forest Park, near Derrygonnelly. It’s part of the Marble Arch Geopark and you can climb alongside the Blackslee Waterfall and revel in the views of Lower Lough Erne from the Magho Cliff walk. The Marble Arch Caves are also a must on a visit to Co. Fermanagh.

Road Races return this summer WHAT’S ON:

Enniskillen Road Races. on June 29-30 will have the roads of Fermanagh echo to the sound of racing bikes for the first time in 66 years. The Fermanagh 100 Road Races return to the county, hosted by Enniskillen and District Motorcycle Club, with a three mile circuit based in the shadow of Cuilcagh Mountain. There’s a variety of entertainment in the lakeland county with major arts events such The Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival on August 2-5 and ‘Operation Elsewhere Enniskillen’, an interactive theatre game experience based on the myths of Tír na n’Og, on August 10.

There’s open air theatre for Jane Austen fans and the Festival Lough Erne celebrates the county’s great food offering, especially its fish, and is based around Enniskillen Castle, on September 22-23. For more information visit www.fermanaghlakelands.com.

Marble Arch Caves

TOP 100 48 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

COUNTY FOCUS TYRONE Gortin Lakes, Tyrone

T

he biggest county in Northern Ireland, Tyrone’s unspoilt natural beauty and plethora of things to do makes it well worth discovering, Explore the Sperrins from Tyrone starting at Gortin Glen forest park, near Omagh. There are marked trails through the forest and around the lakes, as well as a picnic area and wooden play sculpture. Alternatively, take a guided or self-guided Far and Wild Sperrins cycle tour and choose the route that best suits your energy levels. You can also explore some of the county’s beauty spots on horseback, with treks run from stables in Fivemiletown and Castlederg. The main towns in Tyrone are Dungannon, Omagh and Cookstown, each with a lively mix of

shops, restaurants, hotels and bars, many of which host live music.

The Ulster American Folk Park, outside Omagh, brings the story of Irish emigration to life, and includes a full scale emigrant sailing ship and American Frontier cabins. Those historic links between Tyrone and the USA include two American presidents with links to the county. Ulysses S. Grant’s maternal family came from the Ballygawley area and visitors to the family homestead can find out about the 18th President who rose to prominence after being hailed a hero of the American Civil War. The cottage has been restored, admission is free and there is a picnic area and playground on the site. Woodrow Wilson was President

Hill of the O’Neill and Ranfurly House, courtesy of Tyrone and Sperrins destination

from 1913-1921 and his family hailed from Dergalt, near Strabane. Fire damaged the homestead almost 10 years ago, however, it was restored and the Wilson Ancestral Home is open for guided tours during July and August.

History buffs never fail to be impressed by the 400 year old Lissan House, near Cookstown. It was the home of the Staples family from about 1620 until 2006 when it was gifted to the community. Another popular spot is the Baronscourt Estate in Newtownstewart. A magnet for country sports fans, it offers great salmon and pike fishing as well as a choice of rough or woodcock shooting. For active fun, head for Todd’s Leap activity centre, near Ballygawley, while the pace is more leisurely at Blessingbourne Country Estate near Fivemiletown where families enjoy getting close to the animals on the farm and there are great mountain biking trails to explore.

Tyrone is forever associated with the O’Neill dynasty, the kings of Ulster and the Hill of the O’Neill at Dungannon gives a view of the nine counties of Ulster with background information available from the neighbouring Ranfurly House visitor centre. A few miles away is Tullyhogue Fort where the kings were inaugurated which is also worth a visit. Travel back a few thousand years to ancient Ireland through a visit to the Bronze Age site at An Creagán in Omagh.

WHAT’S ON: Country music is king in Tyrone and much of the entertainment revolves around the county’s hotels and bars. However, among

American Independence Day celebrations at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh the biggest events each year is the July 4 American Independence Day celebrations at the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh.

It’s festival for all the family with American Revolutionary Soldiers, Fur Trappers & Traders, live Bluegrass and American Folk music, traditional Punch and Judy Shows, American games Pioneer food tasting, singing and dancing. The museum also hosts the annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival at the start of September.

For more ideas of places to visit in County Tyrone, visit www.flavouroftyrone.com.

TOP 100 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

15 June 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Strangenameforabar?

C ompletely refurbished in 2016, the Northern Whig in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, is one of the most beautiful bars in Belfast. It has developed a great reputation for food, has an amazing gin list, great cocktails, including their very own, uniquely created Cathedral Quarter Cocktails, and they provide entertainment four nights per week. But why the name? The Northern Whig seems like a very strange name for a bar.

General Manager, Gerard Keaney explains. “The Northern Whig was actually a regional newspaper, first published in Belfast in 1832. It was founded by John Arnott, who also founded Arnott’s Department Store in Dublin, and its advertising line was liberal and unionist, with a Presbyterian slant on the news.

In 1919 the Company changed its name to the Northern Whig and Belfast Post, and in 1922 it moved to Bridge Street, the building which houses the current bar, and it remained here until ceasing publication in 1963. The name of the Company is built into the fabric of the building, just above the windows on Bridge Street”, so, said Gerard, “We couldn’t have changed the name, even if we’d wanted to”.

“But we like the name” continued Gerard. “Our location is in the historic heart of Belfast, so it’s great to have an association with the past and the fascinating history of this area. We want

to reflect the very best of Belfast, and the name gives us a sense of belonging which we want to build upon. Our food is locally sourced, our cocktails inspired by the character of the area, and the entertainment is all local. We want

our visitors and the growing number of tourists to enjoy a genuine Belfast experience that they will remember”.

Judging by the buzz when we were there, things seem to be working as Gerard would expect.

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TOP 100 50 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

HopHouse,BangorPuboftheYear2018

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here are lots of reasons why Hop House found its way onto Hospitality Ulster’s Top 100...

The venue is equipped with an all-weather Beer Garden, including Secret House with a wood burner fire, projector screen and TV screens, outside food station complete with pizza oven and beer keg barbecue, outdoor bar, heated seating area, outdoor beer vending machine, snug room, upstairs bistro and downstairs main bar. Not to mention the street art, sticker bombs, blackboard murals, TV screen loops and items stuck to the ceiling... there’s never a dull moment inside or out.

The pub also went dog friendly this year, so you can always bring your four-legged mate out for a bit of socialising. Don’t forget to ask for a water bowl, blanket and/ or poop bag!

What makes a pub great simply isn’t

the surroundings or the features, it’s the people that make a place thrive, and this starts with the staff, who are just that right amount of crazy and professional. There is a strong vinyl entertainment influence with a DJ Collective that can only be found in Hop House, adding to its already unique atmosphere and sound.

Lastly, the customers are the final piece of the puzzle that makes Hop House not only a hit with Hospitality Ulster, but also at the ninth Licensed & Catering News Gala Awards at The Europa Hotel in Belfast on June 1.

Hop House was shortlisted for two out of the 20 categories in the province-wide awards, and was the only North Down business to win a prestigious LCN plaque.

The quirky, customer driven bar located on Bangor’s High Street, claimed Northern Ireland’s Pub of the Year 2018. It was also in the top 5 for The Best Use of Social Media in Hospitality award.

General Manager Rachael Morrow and Assistant Manager Tom Tushingham were there to accept the presentation plaque.

Overwhelmed by the support and response they have received, Rachael said: “We can’t thank our customers enough. Winning this award simply wouldn’t have been possible without them, thank you.”

Owner and entrepreneur, Andrew Gedge, was delighted with the win: “The award was judged by a mystery shopper, so we can only assume they saw the venue for exactly what it is – welcoming, quirky, loose, and completely unique to Bangor!

“Being recognised by the industry for the hard work our team carry out on a daily basis is great to see. We’re lucky to have a team that lives, eats and breathes this place.”

Good news for the hospitality sector in Bangor!

Fellow North Down Businesses who placed in the top 5 of their categories were; The Ava Winebar & Bistro for Bistro of the Year while Jonathan Waterworth from The Goat’s Toe was Mixologist of the Year.

So, next time you’re in this seaside town, don’t forget to call into the best Pub in Northern Ireland, The Goat’s Toe and The Ava Winebar and Bistro for some first-class drinks, food, entertainment and customer

service. Banter is always supplied.

To find out what Hop House is all about visit its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and look out for the Bohemian Rhapsody music video…

TOP 100 52 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018

BUSHMILLS WHISKEY BASE

Cocktailsworth stirringfor…

TheThinLizzy Sherry casks have given Bushmills Black Bush an unmatched uniqueness.

Pairing the Irish whiskey with hazelnut liqueur makes for a devilish and delicious combination. This cocktail has the energy and appeal of a rock star, Hence the name, Thin Lizzy …the best Irish rock ‘n’ roll band of all time.

Cosmopolitan Northern Ireland drinkers are no strangers to cocktails to wind down after work TheRedRoy or for socialising with friends. Many of us have a Bushmills Red Bush speaks for itself in this twist on the legendary Rob Roy cocktail. go at shaking our own at home – and while the The toasted oak and vanilla notes of Bushmills Red Bush shines in this classic best results are undoubtedly delivered when cocktail – a simple, no frills serve. you leave it to the professionals, with the right equipment and plenty of ice, it is possible to mix INGREDIENTS: 3 oz Bushmills Red Bush 4 Dashes The Bitter Truth NUT Drops and up something cool and refreshingly satisfying.

Dashes (can be replaced with Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters) Here are some recipes to try…

INGREDIENTS: 2 oz. Bushmills Black Bush .5 oz Hazelnut liqueur .5 oz Amaretto METHOD:

Combine all the ingredients and stir Pour into tumbler over one big ice cube Garnish flamed orange peel and brandied cherry (or maraschino cherry)

1 Sugar Cube

BACARDI RUM BASE

JungleBird Created in 1978 in the Aviary Bar at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton, the Jungle Bird is as exotic as its name suggests. Look no further for a refreshing way to start the night.

METHOD:

In a mixing glass add 1 cube sugar and 2 dashes of The Bitter Truth NUT Drops and Dashes and touch of soda Press all with muddler Add Red Bush and stir Pour into a martini coup with no ice Garnish with orange peel

Another Belfast Cocktail Week special, this is made with Oloroso Sherry as a base, the distinct flavours of fruit with hints of walnuts and toffee, gives a smooth texture finished with fresh citrus flavours.

INGREDIENTS: 35 ml BACARDÍ SELECT Rum 10 ml Campari® or other ‘Amaro’ style spirit 25 ml Lime Juice 25 ml Pineapple Juice 10 ml Sugar Syrup METHOD:

Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Then place the lid on the shaker and shake it vigorously. Strain into a glass filled with ice and then garnish with a lime wedge.

BacardiMojito Depending on who you believe, the mojito either came from the Spanish word ‘mojar’, which means to wet, or the African word ‘mojo’, which means to cast a spell.

Anybody who’s ever tasted one will agree that it’s thirst quenching and spellbinding in equal measures.

INGREDIENTS: 50 ml BACARDÍ CARTA BLANCA Rum 4 Lime Wedges 12 fresh Mint Leaves 2 heaped tsp Caster sugar 25 ml soda water / club soda Sprig of fresh mint METHOD:

Take the lime wedges and squeeze them in the glass. Gently press together the limes and sugar. Bruise the mint leaves by clapping them between your palms, rub them on the rim of the glass and drop them in. Next, half fill the glass with crushed ice, add the Bacardi Carta Blanca rum & stir.

Top with crushed ice, a splash of soda, and a sprig of mint.

TheSherryCobblerby TheMerchant

TheAnkleBiter Last year saw Belfast’s first Cocktail Week – and the city’s top mixologists came up with some sumptuous new recipes, including this one from Bullitt. An intense, exotic drink, flavoured with citrus and sweet aromas. Citrus Belvedere Vodka stands on its own as a striking and smooth flavour while the extra bitters add a depth of flavour to the drink.

INGREDIENTS: 50ml Oloroso Sherry 10ml Fresh Lemon Juice 10ml Fresh Orange Juice 10ml Cane Syrup METHOD:

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and swizzle over cracked ice.

Pour everything into a pre-chilled punch goblet.

Garnish with fruits in season. Serve with a straw.

INGREDIENTS: 50ml Citrus Belvedere Vodka 50ml Fresh Ruby Grapefruit Juice 15ml Sugar Syrup 2 Dashes Lemon Bitters Pinch Fresh Sage METHOD:

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake.

Strain into a tall glass over ice and top up with soda water.

Garnish with fresh sage.

Alternatively, add all ingredients to a tall glass and stir. Add ice and top up with soda – garnish with fresh sage.

For more cocktail recipes, visit www.bushmills.com/stories/elevate-whiskey-game and www3.bacardi.com/uk/en/cocktail. Remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for further information.

TOP 100 54 Northern Ireland Hospitality Businesses 2018

Ruby’sBaroffersthe perfectplacetorelax ON OFFER:

A refurbished modern bar, restaurant and beer garden with nightclub ‘Cinders’ to the rear, Ruby’s Larne offers the perfect place to relax with friends over lunch or dinner then party into the evening. It serves a range of quality fresh food from 12-9pm daily, opening from 9.30am on Saturday and Sunday.

The bar offers a wide range of draught beer as well as premium spirits and quality cocktails.

HISTORY:

Ruby’s Larne is the original Ruby’s where it all started, with further outlets subsequently opened in Antrim and Dundonald and Bangor opening in June 2018 whilst the group also operates another Larne venue, Ruby’s Bodega in Larne Town Centre.

STYLE:

Modern Irish bar.

USP:

Catch all the sport action live on one of our big TVs or on our giant HD projector. The bar offers an extensive lineup of live music every weekend. Our Beer Garden is perfect to enjoy one of our many handcrafted cocktails or an ice cold beer in the sun.

Cinders, Larne’s only nightclub, has hosted some of the biggest acts around and is available for private hire.

RUBY’S BAR 168 Old Glenarm Rd, Larne Tel: 028 2826 0924 www.rubysbar.co.uk/rubyslarne

Belfast Telegraph | 15 June 2018