The Irish Pub Awards 2019 have been launched in Dublin at The Bankers Bar, Trinity Street, Dublin 2. The Irish Pubs Awards are jointly presented by Licenced Vintners Association (LVA) and Vintners’ Federation Ireland (VFI). Entries open from Wednesday 24th April and judging will take place during the summer. The National Pub of the Year Award, including category awards, will be announced at a gala ceremony in Dublin on Wednesday, 20th November 2019.
This is the third year of the Irish Pub Awards, which acknowledge and recognise excellence and innovation across various categories in the pub sector. The Glyde Inn, Annagassan, Co Louth won the Irish Pub of the Year title in 2018, while a further nine category winners reflected the high standard of pubs around the country.
The Irish Pub Awards 2019 are open to all members of the LVA and VFI. Entry to the awards is free and straightforward – anyone interested in entering can do so on the dedicated website: www.irishpubawards.ie.
The closing date for entries is Wednesday, 29th May 2019.
The nine categories are: Best Food Pub; Best Tourist Pub; Innovative Pub of the Year; Best Local Pub; Best Outstanding Customer Service; Best Music Pub; Best Newcomer; Best Outdoor Space and, new for 2019, Best Late Night Bar.
The 63 regional winners will be showcased as best in class in their region and will receive a prize package to the value of €20,000 comprising management training and media coverage to help them develop their business. The media coverage will include a profile piece in a awards supplement in the Irish Independent on the day of the awards presentation on 20th November.
Speaking at the launch, President of VFI, Padraic McGann said: “We have been amazed at the support for and the recognition of the Irish Pub Awards since it inaugural event and now, in its third year, we are confident that the awards will continue to grow. The awards celebrate everything great about our pubs – including their warm hospitality, the excellent food and drink offer and, of course, the music.
At a time when more publicans are investing in their businesses, the collaboration between VFI and LVA delivers recognition for all our members’ hard work and passion.
“As substantial challenges such as Brexit face the sector, it is important we use the Irish Pub Awards 2019 as a vehicle to secure the prosperity of pubs around Ireland that are known throughout the world as a place to visit,” he added.
Chairman of LVA, Alan Campbell announced: “While we are aware of the importance of the Irish pub around Ireland, they also play a very important part in Irish social culture, at the heart of our communities and a central part of our hospitality and tourism sectors. Also, an Awards programme is fitting to reward the efforts of those contributing to one of the biggest employment sectors in Ireland.”
“Now the definitive national industry standard, the Irish Pubs Awards are quickly gaining recognition throughout the trade as a programme that provides a credible and comprehensive assessment of the best in Irish pubs. It offers pubs in Dublin and around the different regions an opportunity to raise the profile of their business through national and regional media coverage. That, together with the technical and management training afforded to all regional finalists makes it an initiative the LVA are delighted to support,” he added.
