THE search has begun to find the top 100 hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland, the third year of an initiative organised by Hospitality Ulster celebrating all that is great about the region's pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels.
The awards, which will be announced at a gala event in Belfast's Crowne Plaza next February, recognise businesses which, through their premises, staff and product offer, embody the essence of the local hospitality industry.
Anyone can nominate their favourite venue in a simple process at www.hutop100.org, and all premises nominated will go through to the judging process, regardless of the number of nominations received.
Judging will take place under the stewardship of food critic Joris Minne, with the judging the panel including the Irish News reporter and food columnist, Allison Morris, Ulster Business editor John Mulgrew, Sunday Life 'pub spy' Edwin McFee and highly regarded celebrity chef Paula McIntyre MBE.
The awards are supported by partners Bacardi Brown-Forman, Budweiser Brewing Group UK and Ireland, Coca-Cola, Counterpoint, Diageo, Dillon Bass, Heineken, Henderson Foodservice, Molson Coors, Richmond Marketing, Tennent’s NI and United Wine Merchants Ltd.
Hospitality Ulster chair Mark Stewart said: “We're thrilled to launch the Top 100 Hospitality Businesses Awards for the third consecutive year ahead of a star-studded celebration in February.
“Our industry is brimming with superb businesses and we are committed to recognising the fantastic venues which together make up our unique hospitality offering.”
“We are grateful to the panel of industry experts who meticulously work their way through the nominated venues with such ease and our fantastic partners and sponsors who make an event of this scale possible.”
