Three local pubs shortlisted for awards

It could be drinks all round in Ballymena this week as three local pubs have been shortlisted for the chance to win six top industry awards.

The Grouse Inn is one of only five pubs from across Northern Ireland to be shortlisted for the Best Food award at Pubs of Ulster’s prestigious Pub of the Year Awards 2013, while the Front Page’s Maggie McGaughey has been shortlisted for Best Barperson, and the Wild Duck Inn in Portglenone has the chance to pick up four awards after being shortlisted in the Best Entertainment, Best Marketing, Best Big Idea and Best Food categories.

The three bars will now go head to head with pubs from across Northern Ireland to be named the toast of the trade.

Winners of eight award categories – including the hotly contested overall Pub of the Year 2013 – will be revealed at a special gala awards night hosted by Apprentice star, Jim Eastwood at the La Mon Hotel and Country Club on Wednesday night.

Mark Stewart, Pubs of Ulster chairman, said: “The Pub of the Year Awards provide a valuable opportunity to recognise the significant contribution Northern Ireland’s pubs make, not only within their own communities, but to the industry as a whole.

“Pubs of Ulster are committed to recognising and rewarding the important economic, social and cultural contribution made by pubs across Northern Ireland. The Pub of the Year Awards 2013 will celebrate innovation and excellence, providing an important benchmark for the industry.

“I would like to congratulate all three pubs and wish them the very best of luck at next month’s Pub of the Year Awards.”

This year’s Pub of the Year Awards are the most hotly contested yet. Following a phenomenal response from the trade, the shortlisted pubs, including The Grouse Inn, The Front Page and The Wild Duck Inn were selected after an extensive judging process by the Pub of the Year Awards’ independent judging panel, comprising top Northern Ireland business and marketing professionals.