Birr's Sanjay's Kitchen awarded 'Best Restaurant in Offaly' accolade

Birr restaurant Sanjay's Kitchen has taken home the award for Best Restaurant in Offaly at the Regional Irish Restaurant Awards yesterday (Tuesday).

The ceremony took place took place at the Killashee Hotel, Kildare, where county winners from across Leinster were revealed.

Banagher pub JJ Hough's was awarded both the 'Pub of the Year' and 'Best Use of Social Media' honours at this year's awards.

Tullamore had a huge amount of recognition for its fabulous food community, with 'Best World Cuisine' going to Shishir, 'Best Customer Service' awarded to The Brewery Tap, 'Best Café' going to The Foxy Bean, 'Best Newcomer' was awarded to S Café and 'Best Gastro Pub' going to Old Warehouse.

In addition, 'Best Restaurant Manager' was awarded to Sarah Thomas in The Blue Apron Restaurant, and 'Best Chef' was awarded to Okan Kiraz in the Captain House Restaurant.

'Best Casual Dining' went to JJ Killeen's in Shannonbridge, and 'Employee Excellence' honours went to Daniela Botnari in Galileo's Kitchen in Edenderry.

Birr businesses also had an brilliant night, with 'Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine' in Offaly going to Kelly's Bar, 'Best Wine Experience' awarded to Hackett's Eatery at County Arms, and Townsend House Tapas Restaurant awarded 'Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant'.

'Innovator of the Year' went to The Bog's Dollops, and 'Best Sustainable Practices' went to Tullamore Court Hotel.

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

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.