Our Willie’s a Bar Hero!

Popular barman Willie was thrilled to receive the Bar Hero of the Year Award by the Pubs of Ulster at a glittering gala evening in Belfast City Hall.

Judges’ praised the vibrant and charismatic barman for his ability to deliver good fun and banter to all customers, old or new.

They also commended Willie for constantly introducing new ground breaking ideas, concepts and events to entertain loyal customers and capture new ones. He was also championed for his great charity work with Willie’s Orphan Fund.

A delighted Willie said he was very proud to have won the award and thanked Pubs of Ulster for the prestigious honour.

“I’ve been priviledged to have worked with every owner of the Harbour Bar since 1965 and remember holding the old bottles of Guinness as a youngster,” Willie told The Times.

“The award will be permanently on display in the Harbour Bar, for everyone to view.

“I’m not just personally pleased but very pleased for the all the other staff and our fantastic customers who gave me so much support and encouragement.

“Thank you all and next year I intend to do all it takes for the Harbour Bar to be in the running for some more awards that are up for grabs with Pubs of Ulster.”

Commenting on the awards, Mark Stewart, chairman of Pubs of Ulster said: “I would like to thank all the pubs who entered this year’s awards and congratulate all the winners, especially Willie Gregg, for showcasing the very best that the local pub trade has to offer.”

Earlier this year the Harbour Bar was named as a finalist in the Co Antrim Best Tourist and Visitors Bar of the Year.

REPORTS: DAVID RANKIN