The inaugural Irish Pub Awards 2017 were launched in Dublin today. The launch, which took place in Doheny and Nesbitt’s in Dublin’s Baggot Street, is jointly presented by the LVA and VFI. Entries are now open and all members are encourage to nominate their pub. Judging will take place during the summer and the National Pub of the Year Award, including category awards, will be announced at a Gala Ceremony next November .
In executing a strategy of raising the pub profile with the Irish consumer and visiting tourists, the LVA, together with the VFI are launching what will be the definitive national awards programme that will provide a credible and comprehensive assessment of the best in Irish pubs. The main objective of the Awards programme is to recognise and reward excellence and innovation across various categories in the Irish pub industry.
Second row left to right: Keith Fagan, Molson Coors; Victor Finn, IMRO; Shane Barry, Diaego and Carl Blake Skillnets
Back row left to right: Peter Maxwell Heineken, David Whelan Bulmers and Damien Smyth, Musgrave Marketplace
The National Irish Pub Awards 2017 are open to all members of VFI and LVA. Entry is free and those interested in entering should do so on the dedicated website www.irishpubawards.ie. Closing date is 23rd June 2017. The eight categories include: Best Food Pub; Best Tourist Pub; Innovative Pub of the Year, Best Local Pub; Outstanding Customer Service; Best Music Pub; Best Outdoor Space and Pub Personality of the Year. A series of seven regional events will be held to announce 56 regional winners across all categories.
The 56 regional winners will be showcased as the best in class in their area and all will win a prize package of management training to help them progress their business further. All regional winners will also avail of comprehensive media coverage including a profile piece in a special awards supplement which will be published in the Irish Independent on the day of the Gala Awards Ceremony when national category winners and the Overall Pub of the Year will be announced next November.
Speaking at the launch LVA Chairperson, Deirdre Devitt said: “By entering these awards, pubs in Dublin have a great opportunity to raise their business profile through regional and national media coverage. They will also receive a comprehensive management training package which will help them to grow and embed innovation into their business well into the future. The LVA are delighted to support this initiative which is so focused on the progression of our industry”.
The establishment of the Irish Pub Awards will give another focus to the innovative publican. Enter now on www.irishpubawards.ie