2024 Award Winners BEST SUPPORTER OF IRISH FOOD & DRINK PRODUCERS 2024

The Coach House, Roundwood, Co Wicklow

Exciting developments in County Wicklow saw The Coach House in Roundwood re-opening in new ownership recently - and joining up with the brilliant Roundwood Stores next door. When Simon Pratt, his wife Monique and two former Avoca associates opened The Roundwood Stores in 2021, that delightfully mindful little bakery, shop and café soon became the area’s go-to place to pick up a loaf of sourdough and some quality groceries, or have a casual bite of something seasonally delicious. So there was delight a-plenty when they bought the adjacent Coach House pub two years later – and even more when the 200-year old pub re-opened in December 2023, initially as a weekend bar/restaurant. And now it’s a real inn, offering delightful accommodation as well as excellent food and drink – which, true to the Pratt playbook, has support for Irish producers at its heart: All our beef is of Irish origin. We pride ourselves on working directly with producers and growers who really do all the hard work. These include but are not limited to Ballincarey Organic Farm, Top of the Hill Farm, An Tairseach Organic, The Craft Butcher, WineTavern farm, Kish fish, Ashford Mushrooms, Wild Irish Game, and Hollywood cheese. While this policy statement may not be long or complicated, it explains the well-recognised Pratt ethos succinctly – and, after that, the experience itself does the talking. Chef Ciaran Kiely (Avoca aluminus) offers a number of seasonal menus - pub, restaurant (lunch and dinner), kids - all generously sprinkled with credits to local and other Irish suppliers, and each kicking off with their glorious 48-hour sourdough (also available in the shop next door if you are quick enough), served with deep yellow butter and a more-ish dip such as parsnip & feta. Ah, what a way to start a very good meal where everything tastes of itself...If only every town in Ireland had a place like this.