Restaurants across Donegal are celebrating major wins in this year’s YesChef Awards in Dundalk.
The prestigious ceremony, now in its tenth year, saw several top accolades heading back to the hills on Tuesday.
This year, Donegal shone brightly in the awards which prides itself on meticulous inspections by culinary experts nationwide.
Marbles Restaurant at the Shandon Hotel & Spa took home the coveted Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year 2024 award. Their success wasn’t limited there, as David Greer and Collette Parry from Marbles were also recognised with a Highly Commended distinction in the Aniar Pastry Chef of the Year category.
Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year 2024 – Marbles Restaurant, Shandon Hotel and Spa
Rising star Katie McCloskey from Biddy’s O’Barnes was named the Faithlegg Young Chef of the Year 2024 for Ulster. Biddy’s O’Barnes itself had a night to remember, adding the Gastropub of the Year 2024 in Ulster award to their trophy cabinet.
Faithlegg Young Chef of the Year 2024 Ulster Katie McCloskey, Biddy’s O’Barnes
Gastropub of the Year 2024: Ulster Biddy’s O’Barnes
The Edge Restaurant at Redcastle Hotel & Spa secured the Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2024: Ulster title, while also achieving a highly commended spot in the Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year category.
The Edge, Redcastle Hotel and Spa
Continuing the winning streak, Chandpur took home both the Indian Restaurant of the Year 2024 and Vegetarian Menu of the Year 2024 Ulster awards.
Indian Restaurant of the Year 2024 and Vegetarian Menu of the Year 2024 Ulster Chandpur
Castle Grove Country House was crowned the Country House Restaurant of the Year 2024.
Country House Restaurant of the Year 2024 Castle Grove Country House
Even Donegal’s cafes got in on the action, with Old Stone claiming the title of Café of the Year 2024: Ulster.
Café of the Year 2024: Ulster Old Stone
McGettigans at the Clanree Hotel secured the Kings Mill Front of House Team of the Year 2024: Ulster award.
The Strand Bar and Kitchen Falcarragh were honoured with Highly Commended Gastro Pub of the Year and Highly Commended Vegetarian Menu of the Year.
The night also featured a special tribute to the late Joe Shannon, a beloved figure in the industry who passed away in March. The main course was dedicated to the Sligo chef’s favourite flavours, a fitting way for the YesChef committee to celebrate his infectious laugh and fun-loving spirit.
