Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen enjoys more success months after tear-jerker Christmas advert went viral

A Co Fermanagh pub that hit the headlines after creating an emotional Christmas advert has been named as one of the best bars in the Northern Ireland.

The festive video by Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen not only went viral on social media, but also prompted a surge in customers to the pub and earned it a tribute from retail giant John Lewis, which is synonymous for creating tear-jerker adverts.

The pub has now gained more success after it was named a county winner for the National Pub and Bar Awards 2024.

Each year the awards crown almost 100 county winners from across Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland.

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In the north, this year’s other county winners are Belfast restaurant Hearth (Antrim), Keegans in Armagh, The Dirty Duck Alehouse in Holywood (Down), Blackbird in Derry and Tomneys in Moy (Tyrone).

The pubs were recognised as “pioneering hospitality operators” which have “demonstrated excellence across a number of elements that affect the customer journey, including design, service, style of offer, marketing and investment”.

Each of the six venues will now compete for a regional title as well as the grand prize of National Pub & Bar of the Year in London on June 26.

It aims to give the pubs a “unique platform to promote themselves and increase guest footfall from locals and visitors alike”.

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the event, said: “The fact that we had record entries for the 2024 National Pub & Bar Awards tells us two things.

“One is how highly the industry regards these accolades, which is fantastic.

“But, also, it shows that more operators are in need of really positive and strong publicity to help drive business at the moment.

“Pubs and bars are facing some of the biggest challenges in recent history, so if the National Pub & Bar Awards can help by lifting sales across these venues, then we’re delighted to play our part.”