Munster bars scoop top awards

CHEERS! Two Munster pubs have scooped best bar awards at the industry’s Oscars.

Casey’s of Baltimore in west Cork has won the best bar food award and the Old Mill at O’Brien’s Bridge in Co Clare is Ireland’s best country pub.

Both were selected from hundreds of bars to claim the top prizes in their categories at the Licensing World Bar Awards 2008.

“These are great victories for the province,” said Nigel Tynan, editor of Licensing World and chairman of the judging panel. “The rural trade has come through some tough times so it is fantastic to see the trade’s commitment to excellence and service being recognised.”

He said country pubs play an integral role in rural society.

“The Old Mill is an exceptional country bar that goes above and beyond to ensure a quality and responsible drinking environment for its patrons.” And he said Casey’s of Baltimore was rightly recognised for its use of fresh produce and dedication to value.

Thirteen awards were presented at this year’s awards. The best overall Bar of the Year award went to The Eden House in Rathfarnham, Dublin.

Other Cork finalists included The Bulman in Summercove, Kinsale, which was in the tourist bar category, the Long Island Bar on Washington Street which was in the cocktail bar category, the nearby Reardens pub was in the music bar category and O’Donovan’s Off Licence in Clonakilty was in the running for bar/off-licence category.

Judging took place in April and May and the panel of experts marked venues on welcome, customer service, ambience, staff training, hygiene, decor and product range.