BEECH HILL ‘BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT

IN COUNTY DERRY’

The restaurant at the Beech Hill Country House Hotel in Derry has been named best in the county by the Irish Restaurants Association.

Beech Hill was nominated by readers of the Dublin based national Sunday Independent newspaper and then visited by inspectors from the Irish Restaurants Association who made their judgement known at a big awards ceremony in Belfast.

Hotel owner Patsy O’Kane said: “To be officially recognised as the hotel with the best restaurant in the county is a considerable achievement, particularly when you see how many other top quality hotels were taking part in the competition. All our staff are overjoyed about the award which reflects their hard work and their culinary skills. Their aim is always to provide guests, many of whom come from overseas, with a really great dining experience. This accolade shows they are achieving that goal.”

Head chef Trevor Hambley said: “I am so pleased with the award because it’s a real boost for all those talented people in my kitchen who work so hard. They rarely meet any of our customers face to face so it’s great when an organisation like the Irish Restaurants Association tells them that they are the best.”

The Derry hotel will now be automatically entered in the Irish Restaurants Association’s competition to discover the best hotel restaurant in Ireland.

Photo:  Hotelier Patsy O’Kane (centre with framed certificate) with some of Beech Hill’s restaurant staff. Trevor Hambley is standing immediately behind her.