ULSTER has a new All-Ireland winner after the co-owner of acclaimed Belfast restaurant OX was named Best Restaurant Manager 2016.
Alain Kerloc'h of OX claimed the Ulster and All-Ireland 2016 titles.
The accolade came from the Restaurants Association of Ireland which was attended by more than 900 restaurateurs and staff at a black tie event held at Dublin's The DoubleTree by Hilton.
Mr Kerloc'h, from Brittany in France, trained in Michelin star restaurants such as the L’Arpege in Paris and is co-owner of Ox restaurant in Belfast city centre with Stephen Tolman.
The pair worked together in L’Arpege.
The ceremony celebrates the industry's achievement within the industry across Ireland over the last 12 months.
David Gillmore of James Street South was crowned as Best Chef Ulster 2016 and The Muddler's Club was named as Ulster's Best Newcomer 2016.
The best wine experience in Ulster is now officially to be sampled at OX Cave, while DinaDina was awarded Fresh Best World Cuisine in the province.
The Great Room Restaurant at The Merchant Hotel has been recognised for won Best Customer Service in Ulster, while Belfast's Sweet Afton Bar & Kitchen was named as Best Gastro Pub.
The Ginger Bistro took home the title of Best Casual Dining for 2016.
Guests of the event were treated to a six course gala dinner prepared by a team made up of winning chefs from the previous year's awards, with each representing a region of Ireland.
Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins said it was "the eighth and most successful year of the Irish Restaurant Awards".
"These awards are the accolades of the Irish restaurant industry - everybody wants to win one."
There were more than 70,000 online nominations cast earlier this year.
