2018 Award Winners PUB OF THE YEAR 2018

Bar One, Castlebar, Co Mayo

While Irish pubs in general are going through a challenging time, the pub experience remains one of the highlights of a visit to this country for visitors from abroad, who love the unique atmosphere and the craic. And as long as there are family run pubs as good as this one, the future of the Irish pub is assured.

This family’s hospitality history in the area dates back to the 1970s, when Mary and Michael Cadden opened the famous Westport bar and restaurant The Asgard. It set a benchmark for food and hospitality in the West, something that they have continued to nurture here in Castlebar.

Now run by Mary and Michael’s son, Mark Cadden - whose brothers operate Dublin’s stylish Saba, and Saba to Go - this smart gastropub is the busiest bar food venue in the area and it’s easy to see why.

Modern and well designed, the welcome is warm and friendly - an early sign of the high standards that epitomise this fine pub, where hospitality is king.

Nothing is ever too much trouble for the kind and well trained staff, and the philosophy of seeking out and taking inspiration from the best local foods and drinks (proudly acknowledged) shows in the flavour and quality on the plate.

This must be one of the best run establishments in the country - and not only is the food superb but, at weekends, it is Castlebar’s night time hotspot too.