Around 30 NI food and hospitality in line for major all-Ireland awards
News Letter | 21 October 2025
Food & drink | with Sam Butler, Agri food specialist and former News Letter editor
Around 30 Northern Ireland enterprises have been shortlisted in the prestigious Good Food Ireland Awards 2025, celebrating the best in Irish food, drink and hospitality from across the entire island.
From artisan producers and family-run farm shops to luxury hotels and coastal cafés, the influential awards spotlight the businesses that make Ireland’s food culture world-class, while driving real economic impact across rural communities.
The awards honour the people and places that champion authentic Irish taste, local sourcing, sustainability and exceptional visitor experiences.
Among local producers featured in this year’s awards are: Long Meadow Cider, Loughgall, Co Armagh; Irish Black Butter, Portrush, Co Antrim; Crawford’s Rock, Kilkeel, Co Down; Glastry Farm Ice Cream, Kircubbin, Co Down; and Wild Atlantic Distillery, Castlederg, Co Tyrone.
The local contenders also include a successful deli business with shops in Belfast and Comber that’s run by Jonny McDowell and business partner Laura Bradley. As well as promoting Irish food and drink, the shops, which have won UK Great Taste and Blas na hEireann awards, are recognised across the British Isles as hubs for the very best of Irish cheese, including local favourites including Armagh’s multi-award-winning Ballylisk Cream, Dart Mountain from Dungiven and Mike’s Fancy Cheese, Newtownards.
The finals of this year’s awards will take place at The K Club, Co. Kildare on Monday, November 10. The Good Food Ireland Awards 2025 are more than a celebration, they’re a catalyst for rural growth, sustainable food tourism and all-island collaboration. This year’s awards spotlight the producers, chefs, cafés and food businesses whose work strengthens communities, creates jobs and champions local excellence across Ireland.
Categories in the awards are as follows:
The 5 Star Hotel of the Year Award highlights a hotel that has achieved a harmonious balance between culinary excellence, sourcing the finest local ingredients that push the boundaries of traditional gastronomy, luxurious surroundings, beautifully appointed rooms, state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional service. Included in this year’s finalists are Lough Erne Resort, Co Fermanagh; Dunluce Lodge, Co Antrim; Galgorm Resort, Co Antrim; and Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
The Culinary Heaven Award celebrates a destination where food is at the heart of the experience. It recognises places defined by seasonal Irish produce, authentic flavours, warm hospitality and a deep passion for Ireland’s food culture. Local finalists include: Bushmill’s Inn, Co Antrim; the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn; and Bishops Gate Hotel, Londonderry.
Restaurant of the Year is a restaurant that consistently delivers exceptional culinary experiences using high-quality Irish ingredients. The Chef’s creativity consistently demonstrates an aptitude for bringing out the integrity of the ingredients. Included in the finalists are: Underground Dining, Bangor; Tully Mill Restaurant, Co Fermanagh; and No 14 Georgian House, Co Down.
Hotel Restaurant of the Year recognises excellence in hotel dining and honours culinary talent and innovation, showcasing Irish cuisine, sustainability or regional specialities, considering factors such as food quality, service and ambience. Finalists include: Vespers at Culloden Estate & Spa, Co Down; and Gullion at Killeavy Castle Estate, Co Down.
The Food Tourism Experience Award celebrates food and drink producers, hospitality providers, cookery schools, food attractions, farm gate experiences, trails and other unique food tourism offerings that showcase local Irish produce. This award recognises those who create authentic, memorable journeys for visitors through a true taste of Ireland. Finalists include: Long Meadow Cider, Co Armagh.
The Sustainability Award recognises businesses that have developed and implemented clean production initiatives and sustainable practices, demonstrating how they are helping to protect Ireland’s environment. Finalists include: Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, Co Londonderry. Tourism Hospitality: Fish City Belfast, Co Antrim; and Scoper’s, Dundrum.
Dairy Producer of the Year, finalists inlude: Glastry Farm Ice Cream, Co Down.
Drinks Producer of the Year, finalists include: Long Meadow Cider, Co Armagh; Hinch Distillery Co, Ballynahinch; and Wild Atlantic Distillery, Castlederg.
Sweet & Savoury Producer of the Year, finalists inlude: Crawford’s Rock Seaweed Salt, Kilkeel; Irish Black Butter, Portrush; and The Mallow Makers, Newcastle.
Tourism destinations across the island of Ireland include finalists: Lynchpin Holywood, Co Down; A Slice of Heaven, Newtownards; Coq & Bull, Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor; Underground Dining, Bangor; Echlinville Distillery, Kircubbin; Habanero Steve’s, Bangor; Indie Fude, Comber; Lightfoot Kitchen & Deli, Co Down; Stonebridge Farm, Comber; and No 14 Georgian House, Comber.