2021 Award Winners COMMUNITY AWARDS

COMMUNITY AWARDS

PERSON: Claire Nash Nash 19 Restaurant & Food Shop Cork

Claire Nash’s bustling city centre restaurant is just a stone’s throw from the English Market – the source of much of the local and indigenous produce they are known for – and it will celebrate 30 years in business in 2022. Having evolved over the years it now includes a wine bar, a food and gift shop, and Sternview gallery, which showcases Contemporary Irish Art exhibitions. But some things never change and ‘Simple food cooked honestly’ has always been their mantra, which explains why this warm and friendly place has such a dedicated following. Claire is also very involved with community food projects, including the annual Long Table dinners that were a highlight each summer until the pandemic struck. Once that happened, the ‘Eat on the Street' outdoor dining project became the new focus and, together with other nearby restaurants, Nash 19 created a vibrant dining scene that kept the city alive and supported producers and other suppliers during an exceptionally challenging time. And always with that wonderful smile.

RESTAURANT: Cyprus Avenue Belfast

Like everyone else in hospitality, Richard McCracken, chef-owner of the delightful Cyprus Avenue restaurant in East Belfast, found himself staring into the abyss in spring 2020. But, having taken a deep breath and looked at the options while considering how to keep his staff together, he wasn’t long bouncing back. They had always sold a few in-house and other local products from the restaurant and, being a very community-conscious operation, he was keenly aware of the difficulty people had booking delivery slots from supermarkets – and that local producers had lost their customers. So he took the plunge and launched a fully-fledged retail operation, Corner Shop, focusing on products from Northern Ireland. This not only supported local producers but (with Brexit also an issue, disrupting the supply of goods), ensured the shelves were always full. The range of products offered grew enough to open an online shop like a mini speciality supermarket, for collection or next day delivery. Like other quality-led operations, they also did well selling sourdough pizzas from their converted 3-wheel Piaggio Ape van, and they started a hugely successful hamper operation for Christmas, Valentines and other occasions, again using local suppliers - “even the boxes are made in East Belfast”. Supporting local spells success.

EVENT: Food On The Edge Jp McMahon Galway www.foodontheedge.ie.

Created by Galway chef and restaurateur Jp McMahon and a team of likeminded people in 2015, Food On The Edge is a community activity of a different kind, bringing together chefs and food enthusiasts all around the world who want to create a better global network. Held annually in Galway until the pandemic stopped play, the 2-day symposium is back this autumn and coming to Airfield Estate in Dundrum and the theme is ‘Social Gastronomy’, which uses food as a vehicle for change and development- something that is at the core of Food On The Edge and, says Jp McMahon, and “… very important this year as the industry has evolved throughout the pandemic and I hope we’ll see lasting change.” The venue for Food On The Edge’s first foray outside Galway is significant in itself - welcoming the event to the 38 acre working farm in Dublin, CEO Gráinne Kelleher pointed out that the estate has a long history of sustainable and social gastronomy dating back to the early 1900s.

HOTEL: No. 1 Pery Square Hotel Limerick
A stunning property on the city’s most gracious Georgian square, Limerick’s premier boutique hotel was immaculately restored over several years by owners Patricia and George Roberts in celebration of its original architectural features and, ever since opening in 2004, the warmth of welcome and pampering of guests have always matched the care devoted to the building. Fine public rooms and sumptuous bedrooms are a delight, also memorable dining at the Long Room and Sash Restaurant where head chef Keith Pigott showcases local and seasonal produce with finesse, while the holistic Spa @ No. 1 offers the ultimate in wellness programmes. And, aside from the wonder of the restored Georgina building itself, what Patricia gives to Limerick makes it extra special – Pery Square events, such as the Georgian Christmas Fair for example, which lifted spirits so enjoyably last December, and the annual Pigtown Culture and Food series which has celebrated the food heritage of Limerick city and county each autumn since 2017. The perception of Limerick has changed dramatically in recent years, and it’s people like Patricia Roberts who have made that happen.