Local restaurants honoured with national industry awards

STRABANE'S growing reputation as a culinary destination received a significant boost last week when local restaurants claimed a number of titles at the prestigious Irish Restaurant Awards.

The Ulster Regional Final of the awards took place in the place in the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan where several of Strabane's finest food and drink establishments were up for awards.

They were joined by almost 800 restaurant and hospitality business owners and staff as they celebrated their hard work and achievements at the glitzy awards ceremony, which also saw many well-known restaurateurs of Ulster turn out.

Among the big winners in the Co Tyrone sections were local eatery The Banks, Oysters and Tusk, while Colin McMenamin of Red Pepper in Castlederg also took home an accolade.

There was double success for The Banks Restaurant, a new addition to the town's hospitality scene on Main Street, with Shane Breslin and his team delighted to take home the awards for 'Best Emerging Irish Cuisine' and 'Best Newcomer'.

"We had the best time at the Irish Restaurant Awards 2023," a spokesperson said.

"It was a great night for the hospitality sector in Strabane....We really appreciate all of your support and well wishes.

"It has been an amazing year. Roll on the next few."

Continuing their success in previous years, Oysters Restaurant was recognised for providing Best Customer Service.

It marked a double celebration for the Patrick Street venue, which is run by husband and wife, Kevin and Caroline Clarke, as they were also awarded the regional winner for 'Best Restaurant Tyrone' at the Food Awards Northern Ireland held in the Europa Hotel.

"Two nights and two awards. Team Oysters are thrilled," they said.

There was also success for Anoop Guram and his team at Tusk with the Castle Street European and Indian cuisine specialists delighted to be walking away with the 'Best World Cuisine' award.

It's the second year in a row that the restaurant have been named worthy winners.

"A great night for Strabane hospitality," they said. "Thanks to all our customers over the past year for your continued support and our amazing, hardworking staff.

"We would also like to give a special thanks to all of our local suppliers for their top quality products and services."

Rounding off the night, the Red Pepper's Colin McMenamin was named 'Local Food Hero'.

"Many thanks for the nominations," Colin and his wife, Ann Marie, said.

"A lovely evening mingling with some of the best in our profession.

"We are so grateful to still be here 13 years on and that wouldn't be possible without our loyal and supportive customers...Thank you."

All of the county winners now compete for the Regional and All Ireland Titles, which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards All Ireland Final on Monday, May 15 in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin 4.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, councillor Sandra Duffy, extended her congratulations to the winners.

"These awards are just recognition of the passion and dedication that exists within our food industry and the hard work of those who provide exceptional culinary experiences to their customers,” she said.

“Our council area is now firmly established as a foody destination with a wide choice of restaurants offering locally sourced and high level cuisine.

"The winners should be proud of their achievement, they represent the very best of our food and drink scene and are a reflection of the quality and diversity that exists within the industry locally.”

Kieran Kennedy, chair of Strabane BID, added his conrgratulations.

“This is an outstanding endorsement of the local Strabane restaurant scene and all three restaurants are worthy winners,” he said.

“It has been a challenging few years for everyone in the hospitality industry however all three venues have worked hard to continue to offer a first-class service to the public.

“Congratulations to all the winners and good luck to them as they represent Tyrone and Ulster when the national winners of the Irish Restaurant Awards are announced in Dublin in May.”

Emma McGill, Strabane Town centre manager, said the accolades are proof of the growing and thriving food scene in the town.

“The Banks has only been operating for a short time but they are already firm favourites with the public," she added.

“Tusk has gone from strength to strength after their rebrand and stunning new renovations.

“Oysters is a renowned fine dining venue and have won several awards over the years and their 100 per cent locally sourced menus remain as popular as ever.”