Laois wins big at The Irish Restaurant Awards as several businesses take home awards

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The very best of the food and hospitality sector in Laois were honoured last night at the Irish Restaurant Awards Leinster Regional Final 2025, marking the first regional event of this year’s prestigious awards season.

The ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 11 at the Killashee Hotel, Kildare, where Laois winners from were revealed.

Over 1000 attendees gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of restaurants, cafés and food service providers across Leinster.

Now in its 16th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards received nearly 165,000 public nominations this year, submitted through The Irish Times - the official media partner of the awards.

Following the completion of all regional finals, the Regional and All-Ireland Winners will be announced at the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner on Monday, May 19 at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.

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County winners from Leinster can now secure their tickets for this highly anticipated event.

Speaking at the ceremony, Seán Collender, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: "Tonight is about recognising the outstanding efforts of those who bring Ireland’s culinary reputation to life every day. In a challenging business environment, it is more important than ever to honour the people whose hard work, passion and creativity shape our hospitality sector.

"The Leinster Regional Final once again showcased the incredible talent and innovation that define this region’s culinary landscape. I want to extend my congratulations to all the winners and nominees. It is their hard work that makes Ireland’s food scene truly exceptional."

There were many Laois winners:

Best Restaurant – Sponsored by San Miguel: Bramley Abbeyleix

Best Chef - Sponsored by BWG Food Service: Richard Piccard Edwards, Ballyfin Demesne

Best Restaurant Manager - Sponsored by Elavon: Kasia Urban, Bramley Abbeyleix

Best Customer Service – Sponsored by Restaurant-insurance.ie provided by Dolmen - Batonis

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant - Sponsored by Frylite: Ballyfin Demesne

Best Use of Social Media: The Make & Mark

Employee Excellence Award - Sponsored by Peninsula: Colm Dunne, Treacy's Bar and Restaurant

Best Casual Dining - Sponsored by Musgrave Market Place, Bowe's Foodhall & Cafe

Best Gastro Pub - Sponsored by Paynt: Treacy's Bar and Restaurant

Best Café: The Wandering Elk

Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine - Sponsored by FBD Insurance: The Hare's Corner

Best Newcomer - Sponsored by Square: La Vie en Rose

Pub of the Year - Sponsored by istil.38: Morrissey's

Best Wine Experience - Sponsored by Bibendum: Ballyfin Demesne

Local Food Hero – Sponsored by Sugar Snap -  Le Skinny Chef, Aymar Gourdet

Best Sustainable Practices – Sponsored by Familia Torres, Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery

Best World Cuisine - Mayur Restaurant

Innovator of the Year – Sponsored by Diageo, The Hare’s Corner