The Maghera Inn in Castlewellan and O’Hare’s Lounge in Newcastle are celebrating after taking home awards at the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade’s annual Pub of the Year Awards, held at the La Mon Hotel in Belfast.

The Maghera Inn came in second in the Food Pub of the Year category while O’Hare’s in Newcastle took second place for Tourism Pub of the Year and was also shortlisted for New Pub of the Year. 

The Maghera Inn’s impressive standards of food and the service provided to its diners received high commendation, while O’Hare’s recognition in the Tourism category rewarded the success of its tourist-focused approach.  

The awards were presented at a glittering ceremony which saw nominees from Northern Ireland’s finest pubs turn out in force in anticipation of receiving one of the industry accolades in recognition of excellence in the local pub trade.

Colin Neill, Chief Executive of the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade, offered his congratulations to the winners:

“I would like to congratulate everyone at O’Hare’s and the Maghera Inn on their fantastic achievements. With a record number of entries to the awards this year, competition in all of the categories was stiffer than ever.

According to the judges O’Hare’s and the Maghera Inn are fantastic pubs, offering exemplary service, warm and inviting atmospheres and an overall first class customer experience. 

My congratulations also go to the Maghera Inn for its fantastic food offering and to O’Hare’s for the outstanding experience it provides for visitors to the area. The standard of local entries was extremely impressive and all of the local finalists deserve recognition for their talent, hard work and commitment,” said Mr Neill. 

The Northern Ireland Pub of the Year Awards 2009 were sponsored by Diageo, Inbev, Magners, Coca-Cola, Britvic, Dillon Bass, Beannchor and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board with the publicans’ magazine Hospitality Review NI as the trade media sponsor.

The winners were chosen from over 250 entries. Each entry was visited by independent mystery shoppers with the winners being chosen by a judging panel.

For further information please contact Ross Williamson or Jenny Johnston, Inform Communications Tel:  028 9023 3550 Mob: 07734821070 (Ross) or 07730527857 (Jenny)

Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade