PICTURES: Best restaurants and staff in Kilkenny honoured at Irish Restaurant Awards

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Pictures by Paul Sherwood

The local hospitality industry had plenty of reason to celebrate last week, as 18 Kilkenny businesses were crowned the county’s best in a variety of categories at the Leinster Region stage of the Irish Restaurant Awards.

Hugely popular Malzard’s Pub was named Kilkenny Pub of the Year. The Stoneyford pub is a family, fifth generation business.

“Thanks to our amazing staff and loyal customers for making this happen,” a spokesperson for Malzard’s commented.

Langton’s Kilkenny took home the Best Gastro Pub in Kilkenny title, thanking their ‘incredible team’ and ‘wonderful supporters’.

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Elsewhere in the city, Ristorante Rinuccini won Best Wine Experience.

Based on The Parade, the business has been a family owned and run Italian restaurant since 1989 and has proved very popular for its food and drink offering.

Meanwhile, Butcher Kilkenny, a steakhouse and cocktail venue, earned the title of Best Customer Service.

Tabú Tapas in Thomastown was crowned winner of the Best World Cuisine in the Kilkenny category, commenting they were ‘beyond thrilled’.

Meanwhile, Dizzy Goat Farms thanked their ‘amazing customers’ after the local restaurant earned the title of Best Newcomer.

Other categories on the night saw The Greenhouse Mountain View selected as Best Sustainable Practices in the county, stating they were ‘beyond thrilled’ with the news, while, local food business coach, Tracie Daly has described winning Local Food Hero of the Year in Kilkenny as an ‘honour’.

Anita Massey, Manager at The Grill Restaurant (Lyrath Estate) in Kilkenny City has taken home the Employee Excellence Award for Kilkenny.

Cafe La Coco in Kilkenny City won the Best Use of Social Media category for Kilkenny at the prestigious event.

Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate near Thomastown in Kilkenny took home the award for Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant.

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It was a great night for Shane Rice, Manager at Zuni Restaurant (Zuni Boutique Hotel) in Kilkenny City, who was named Best Restaurant Manager in Kilkenny.

Kilkenny’s Michelin-starred Campagne have added another string to their bow after being listed as the Best Restaurant in the county.

Knockdrinna Café, located in Stoneyford, County Kilkenny, was honoured with the Best Café award.

Elsewhere, Nóinín (beside John’s Bridge) in the heart of Kilkenny, bagged the Best Casual Dining award.

Last but definitely not least, Kilkenny’s Arán Artisan Bakery & Bistro had a standout night, winning in two categories.

The much-loved eatery took home the awards for Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine and Innovator of the Year.

Now in its 16th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards received nearly 165,000 public nominations this year.

Following the completion of all regional finals, the regional and all-Ireland winners will be announced at the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner on Monday, May 19, at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.

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