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Chapter One takes Restaurant Title

Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen, in Dublin 1, is 'Restaurant of the Year' in the Georgina Campbell Irish food and hospitality awards 2021. Damien Grey, of the Michelin-starred brennans0921 Liath in Blackrock, Co Dublin, was named 'Chef of the Year' in the annual awards, now in their 23rd year.

The Park Hotel in Kenmare, which reopened this summer after a €1 million makeover by international designer Bryan O’Sullivan, took the award for best five-star hotel. Cliff at Lyons, where bedrooms and facilities have also been upgraded this year, was named best four-star hotel. The three-star winner is the Station House Hotel in Kilmessan, Co Meath.

Describing this year’s awards as “a kind of love letter to Irish food and hospitality,” editor and publisher Georgina Campbell paid tribute to those who work in the industry. “I am lost in admiration for all of the brave and dedicated people in the sector who have stretched themselves to the limit to keep their businesses (many of them family owned) going, keep their staff together if at all possible, and provide incredibly creative alternative services to customers.”

The full list of award recipients is:

Government plans liberal Nightlife

Major changes to alcohol licensing laws will be discussed by the Cabinet, including making it easier for cultural venues such as theatres, galleries and exhibition spaces to get nightclub

licences.

Staggered and extended closing times for bars and possibly nightclubs are under consideration as well as bringing Sunday trading times into line with the rest of the week.

Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton will seek Government approval to draft the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2021.

It follows on from the commitment given by Minister Helen McEntee in the Justice Plan 2021 to reform the licensing laws.

Minister for Arts and Tourism Catherine Martin will also bring a report to Cabinet on the night-time economy.

It is aiming to bring more venues into late night use by linking promoters and artists with existing spaces.

Kerry champion for Irish holidaymakers

Kerry beat Cork as the most visited summer holiday destination chosen by domestic tourists this year. kerry

Cork was the most visited destination last year followed by Kerry, but this summer it dropped to third place, with Galway the country's second most visited destination.

Hotel spend data for the summer months of June, July and August reveals Kerry was the top destination for visitors from the majority of counties each month.

Holidaymakers from Cork, Dublin and Limerick chose the Kingdom as their holiday destination.

But people from Kerry and Waterford chose locations in Cork for their break.

For holidaymakers from Galway, most chose to go east to Dublin to enjoy their well-earned break.

Donegal was another popular destination for Irish holidaymakers.

Three is new Olympia sponsor

Dublin's historic Olympia Theatre is to become the 3Olympia Theatre, following the announcement of a sponsorship deal with Three Ireland. olympia0921

The partnership, which the mobile phone company says will support the reopening of the venue following its closure during the pandemic, will initially run for eight years.

The landmark Victorian venue first opened as The Star of Erin Music Hall in 1879

Three already sponsors live music and entertainment in Ireland including the 3Arena, Electric Picnic and Longitude and the company says this new partnership will provide further support to Ireland's music scene as it emerges from lockdown.

Opposition grows to Americas Cup bid

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney faces growing resistance in the Coalition to the State making a formal bid to host the 2024 America’s Cup yacht race in Cork. americascup0721

Mr Coveney has championed the project, arguing the race is third only to the Olympics and soccer World Cup in terms of scale for host countries.

There is uncertainty over the potential returns from a major State investment in an elite event, at a time when many other sports remain underfunded.

A report for the Government by consultants EY projects €150 million in costs and potential economic benefits of €400 million-€500 million, but there is scepticism among some politicians about the prospect of such gains being realised.