Renowned Kilkenny restaurant named Ireland’s best fine dining venue
By COLIN BARTLEY
AN INTERNATIONALLY renowned Kilkenny restaurant is Ireland’s best fine dining venue for 2019.
The Michelin Star and three AA Rosette Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate has been named Ireland’s Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant at the 2019 Gold Medal Awards.
The Lady Helen was announced as the winner at a gala awards ceremony held in Lyrath Estate last night.
Head Chef of The Lady Helen, John Kelly, Director of Sales and Marketing at Mount Juliet Siobhan O’Sullivan, and General Manager Mark Dunne, were on hand to collect the award.
Other Kilkenny establishments nominated were The Newpark Hotel for Ireland’s Family Friendly Hotel.
The Avalon House Hotel and Mount Juliet were nominated for Ireland’s Best Wedding Venue.
The Kilkenny Hibernian was nominated for Best Hotel Website.
While Antonio Cavaliere of Rinuccini, Cathal O’Dowd from Avalon House Hotel were nominated for Ireland’s Chef of Year Award.
The award for supreme winner went to Armada Hotel Co. Clare, also named Ireland’s best wedding hotel and Ireland’s best front of house team.
Donagh Davern, Fellow of the Irish Hospitality Institute and member of the Judging Panel said of the awards: “In a time where we are experiencing tight labour market conditions, we met some fantastic staff who were truly assets to their employers and the reason why guests return to a business.
“It is the people that make the true difference to the Irish Hotel and Catering product and the industry needs to ensure that these ambassadors are retained to enhance the industry going forward. Our congratulations to all the finalists.”
