Best Local Produce Restaurant Awarded To The Café at Montalto
FOOD and drink represents a mammoth £5 billion industry for Northern Ireland, sustaining more than 100,000 jobs, with pubs, hotels, restaurants and other eating establishments forming an integral part of this. In the UK alone, people will eat out more than 11 billion times this year and will spend almost £60 billion, as the casual-dining and fine-dining sectors continue to experience huge growth. Whether you chose to dine out in a Michelin-recognised eatery, a five- or four-star hotel, a modest bistro or even your local coffee shop, consumers always want a memorable and delectable experience.
David Wilson, Managing Director at Montalto Estate noted, ‘We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award, especially following our grading as a 5* visitor attraction. We are proud that our Café has gained recognition with best use of local produce. Showcasing the produce of local suppliers and incorporating it into our popular dishes has enabled us and our Head Chef David Earle to nurture strong relations within the surrounding area. We would like to congratulate all winners and especially give thanks to our customers and their continued support.
Food NI chief executive Michele Shirlow noted, ‘There seems to be a food critic inside every one of us, so it’s no surprise that there has been an overwhelming response to this initiative. We constantly talk about places that are great to eat and about the quality of our food scene. Clearly the public thinks so too and has expressed an opinion via thousands of votes.’
Cathal Geoghegan, managing director of Henderson Food services said, ”We constantly talk about places that are great to eat and about the quality of our food scene. The response to the Great Places to eat Awards undermines the connection we have with food. Congratulations to the winners who thoroughly deserve their accolade.
In addition, Irish News marketing manager John Brolly suggested, ‘Nothing great is accomplished without passion and for all our winners it is clear that they have a real passion and love for producing delightful dishes that patrons enjoy. Now that our readers have had their say and given their favourite places a personal endorsement, hopefully that choice has been made a little bit easier.