L'Ecrivain wins 'Restaurant of Year award

A number of restaurants are bucking the trend and thriving during the economic slowdown.

The Georgina Campbell awards were announced today with some new faces among the old favourites.

The Restaurant of the year is the Dublin institution L'Ecrivain, with Kelly's resort in Rosslare being announced as Hotel of the year.

Hosts of the year were named as Neil and Noreen Harrington at Virginia's Guesthouse in Kenmare.

Georgina Campbell says that despite the tough economic climate some businesses are reversing losses.

“Every year a special theme emerges, depending on ‘the year that’s in it’ – this year the theme might have been expected to be survival, against the odds," she said.

"In fact – surprisingly - it’s more positive than that, as this year’s awards celebrate those who are bucking the trend, getting on with it – and thriving: so, this is a day to raise a toast, to those who not only survive – but thrive!”

Full list of award winners:

GEORGINA CAMPBELL AWARD 2011

Johnny & Lucy Madden, Hilton Park, Clones, Co Monaghan

HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2011

Kelly’s Resort Hotel, Rosslare, Co Wexford

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2011

L’Ecrivain, Dublin 2

CHEF OF THE YEAR 2011

Henry Stone, Sha-Roe Bistro, Clonegal, Co Carlow

PUB OF THE YEAR 2011

Hargadons, Sligo

“JUST ASK” RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR AWARD 2011 sponsored by Bord Bia

Harrys, Bridgend, Co Donegal

NATURAL FOOD AWARD 2011

Boyles of Dromore, Co Down

HIDEAWAY OF THE YEAR 2011

Saratoga Lodge, Templemore, Co Tipperary

TASTE OF THE WATERWAYS AWARD sponsored by Waterways Ireland

Keenans of Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon

WINE AWARD OF THE YEAR 2011

Kelly’s Resort Hotel, Rosslare, Co Wexford

HOSTS OF THE YEAR 2011

Neil & Noreen Harrington, Virginia’s Guesthouse, Kenmare

BUSINESS HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2011

Crowne Plaza, Dublin Airport

FAMILY FRIENDLY DESTINATION OF THE YEAR 2011

Ballyvolane House, Fermoy, Co Cork

ETHNIC RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2011

China Sichuan, Dublin

ATMOSPHERIC RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2011

L’Atmosphère, Waterford

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR 2011

The Fatted Calf, Glasson, Co Westmeath

COUNTRY HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2011

Marlfield House, Gorey, Co Wexford

GUESTHOUSE OF THE YEAR 2011

Ivyleigh House, Portlaoise, Co Laois

FARMHOUSE OF THE YEAR 2011

Lough Bishop House, Collinstown, Co Westmeath

B&B OF THE YEAR 2011

Carlingford House, Carlingford, Co Louth

CASUAL DINING AWARD 2011

Miss Courtney’s Tea Rooms, Killarney, Co Kerry

GREEN IRELAND HOSPITALITY AWARD 2011

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Recess, Co Galway