Barrow’s Keep on winning! Full list of Kilkenny winners from 2020 Leinster Restaurant Awards

Barrow’s Keep was the big winner at the Leinster Restaurant Awards this week, but 13 other leading Kilkenny eateries and bars were also honoured for their fine fare and excellent service.

Barrow’s Keep, which moved to Thomastown late last year, was named Best Newcomer in the province at the gala event in the Knightsbridge Hotel.

Morgan Vanderkamer was named Best Restaurant Manager, while the Barrow’s Keep also won the Best Wine Experience category.

The trio of awards is a fantastic achievement for owners Morgan and Stephen McArdle, who have worked in leading restaurants in Dublin, Belfast and London.

Management and staff of Barrow’s Keep celebrating their three awards

Morgan said they are “thrilled” with the awards, which she said is “great recognition for the team from our guests for the hard work we do at Barrow’s Keep”.

Morgan told KilkennyNow.ie: “Our goal is to always offer a memorable experience in the restaurant consisting of excellent food and hospitality. Our wine program has always been an integral element of our business and since our move to Thomastown this has been very well received.”

Restaurant of the Year Awards 2020 – All the Kilkenny Winners

Best Restaurant – Sponsored by Tindal Wine Merchants
Kilkenny – Campagne

Best Chef – Sponsored by BWG Foodservice
Kilkenny – Keith Boyle of Restaurant Lady Anne

Best Newcomer – Sponsored by Monin
Kilkenny – Barrows Keep

Best Restaurant Manager – AIB Merchant Services
Kilkenny – Morgan Vanderkamer of Barrows Keep

Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant – Sponsored by Frylite
Kilkenny – Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate

Best Customer Service – Sponsored by Dolmen Insurance Brokers
Kilkenny – Truffles Restaurant and Wine Bar

Best Gastro Pub – Sponsored by Elavon
Kilkenny – Left Bank

Best Cafe – Sponsored by Illy
Kilkenny – Café La Coco

Pub of the Year – Sponsored by Jameson Ginger and Lime
Kilkenny – Tynans Bridge House Bar

Best Wine Experience – Sponsored by Gilbeys with Bibendum
Kilkenny – Barrows Keep

Best World Cuisine – Sponsored by Stafford Lynch – San Pellegrino
Kilkenny – Ristorante Rinuccini

Best “Free From” – Sponsored by Peroni Libera
Kilkenny – The Cutting Vedge

Best Kids Size Me
Kilkenny – Paris Texas Bar and Restaurant

Best Local Food Hero – Sponsored by The Irish Times
Kilkenny – Nicole & Bart Pawlukojc of Áran

Best Emerging Irish Cuisine – Sponsored by Manor Farm
Kilkenny – Lil’s at Avalon House Hotel

Best Casual Dining – Sponsored by Just Eat
Kilkenny – Foodworks