Cheers! Portrush pubs in running for industry awards

The Cellar Bar at The Port Hotel and The Harbour Bar, both in Portrush are two of only five five pubs from across Northern Ireland to be shortlisted in the Best Charity Initiative category at Pubs of Ulster’s prestigious Pub of the Year Awards 2013.

The Harbour Bar has also been shortlisted in a further four categories: Best Marketing Initiative, Best Big Idea, Best Food and Best Barperson (in association with The Sunday Life).

The Cellar Bar and The Harbour Bar will now go head to head with pubs from across Northern Ireland to be named the toast of the trade next month.

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 13th November 2013.

Commenting on the awards Pubs of Ulster chairman, Mark Stewart, 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.

“I would like to congratulate both the Cellar Bar and Harbour Bar and of course, Willie Gregg from The Harbour Bar who has been shortlisted for Best Barperson, and wish them the very best of luck at next month’s Pub of the Year Awards.”

This years’ Pub of the Year Awards are the most hotly contested yet.

Following a phenomenal response from the trade, the shortlisted pubs, including the Cellar Bar and the Harbour Bar 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.