South Belfast’s well-known watering holes are being given the opportunity to be the toast of the industry, with Pubs of Ulster’s Pub of the Year Awards 2012. Pubs of Ulster, the representative body for the licensed trade, is once again embarking on its annual search to find the best in the business and is calling on Belfast publicans to demonstrate the quality that exists in the local pub trade, in a bid to be crowned Pub of the Year 2012.
South Belfast pubs had a very successful year at last year’s awards, with Ryan’s Bar and Restaurant being crowned Northern Ireland’s Most Innovative Pub at the grand finale at Belfast City Hall.
Colin Neill, chief executive of Pubs of Ulster, said the industry has shown fighting spirit in economic hardship.
“The Pub of the Year Awards are a great opportunity to reward and recognise the excellence that exists in the local pub industry. It has undoubtedly been a difficult time for many publicans but the industry has demonstrated its ability to not only rise to the challenges, but to find new and innovative ways to overcome them.“
This year’s competition will again recognise the best pubs in each county with the Regional Pub of the Year Awards. Due to popular demand, the deadline for entries was extended to yesterday (July 17). Colin Neill has encouraged pubs from all areas to showcase their qualities.
“The Pub of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate this unique offering by showcasing the best pubs right across Northern Ireland. The awards act as a benchmark for the industry as a whole and I would encourage all pubs - whether they are large or small, in cities or villages - to show us what they have to offer,” he said.
This year’s award categories include: Pub of the Year, Best Food Pub and Best Family Friendly Pub. The category winners from each region will go forward to battle it out at the Pub of the Year Gala Awards night at Belfast City Hall on November 14.
