The winners of the Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards 2024 were announced this week with four Galwegian businesses taking home first place.
Danni Barry, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, won the Chef of the Year Award 2024, Foyles Hotel, Clifden took home the 3-Star Hotel of the Year 2024 Award, Sliabh Aughty Honey, Leahy Beekeeping, Carrownmore attained the Natural Food Award and POTA Café in Inverin earned the 2024 Georgina Campbell Best Café Breakfast in Ireland Award.
The Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards are Ireland's longest running food and hospitality awards and celebrates excellence in the Irish hospitality sector. Irish producers were also honored at the awards for providing the foundation of all of our good food.
The ceremony featured a Q&A with special guest and award-winning Irish chef Richard Corrigan, who answered questions on his career in hospitality and gave advice on how to succeed.
While Irish businesses and producers were celebrated, renowned food and hospitality writer Georgina Campbell offered a note of caution about falling standards in some areas, in particular breakfast meals. She said, “Cost-cutting is understandable and often necessary in the current business environment, but it needs to be done with care.
“Slashing the quality of breakfast in an otherwise enjoyable experience is counter-productive, and leaves guests disappointed on departure.
“But, as usual, this year’s Irish Breakfast Award winners are setting a gold-star standard for the famous Irish breakfast."
She added, “Something special that we noticed this year was how the rise of the kitchen garden is accelerating. We’re seeing more chefs getting actively involved in this eco-friendly initiative and not just paying lip-service to the concept.
“Growing their own seasonal produce is something for establishments to be proud of, as well as having environmental benefits.
“It’s great to be working with deliciously fresh, nutrient-dense produce grown right outside your door, and it’s a point
