Northern Ireland

Chefs, restaurants and pubs recognised for hard work

The Lemon Tree in Letterkenny was Donegal's top restaurant
The Lemon Tree in Letterkenny was Donegal's top restaurant The Lemon Tree in Letterkenny was Donegal's top restaurant

LEADING chefs, restaurants and pubs have been recognised for their hard work and dedication.

The Ulster regional heat of the 2019 Irish Restaurant Awards on Tuesday named the top establishments.

The awards covered a wide range of venues and there were winners from each of Ulster's nine counties.

Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said the awards showcased the incredible food on offer in cafes, pubs and restaurants.

"Ireland may be a small country, but it boasts everything from fine dining to high quality gastropubs, from the comfort of traditional Irish food to exploring the world though exotic world cuisine, the Irish restaurant industry has much to offer," he said.

"We have an appreciation for what we eat and where our food comes from, as well as the dedication of those working in the food industry."

Winners will progress to the all-Ireland event on May 13.

The winners were:

Antrim: Ox

Armagh: 4 Vicars

Cavan: MacNean House and Restaurant

Derry: The Sooty Olive

Donegal: The Lemon Tree Restaurant

Down: NOBLE.

Fermanagh: 28 Darling Street

Tyrone: Oysters Restaurants

Monaghan: Courthouse Restaurant