Massive Success at the LCN Awards – Full Review to Follow in August Issue of LCN

Hold the Date: 11th June – LCN Awards 2027 – Europa Hotel Belfast

What a night it was back in June and we’re not finished yet! The LCN Awards at the Europa Hotel on 12th June really was a special celebration of everything that is good and great about our hospitality sector. And the August issue of LCN will feature a special Awards supplement dedicated to each of the category winners, all the finalists and sponsors.

The special edition – due out mid-August – features Lifetime Achievement Award Winner James McGinn MBE; Entrepreneur of the Year Niall McKenna of The Watermans and James Street South; Stephen McGorrian of Horatio Todds, Pub of the Year winner; Charlotte (Lottie) Noren of Beau and Trevor McCann of The Corner House which won Gastro Pub of the Year.

Trevor told LCN “It was a proud moment – full of mixed emotions. The whole village has been congratulating us – there’s a very positive buzz around it all. We’ve worked hard to transform The Corner House in to the full page – a destination venue that covers a positive experience for everyone, so we were very proud to receive this award.”

The Bushmills Inn – Hotel up to 7 Rooms

Speaking on behalf of The Bushmills Inn which won the Hotel of the Year – Up to 7 Rooms, General Manager Alan Walls said “Winning Hotel of the Year at the LCN Awards is a huge recognition for our amazing team who are completely committed to ensuring that all our guests’ expectations are exceeded. It is a fantastic achievement which shows just how much their professionalism and dedication is appreciated by all who stay with us.”

Pub of the Year – Horatio Todds

Stephen McGorrain of Horatio Todds said “We were absolutely delighted to win Pub of the Year. We were an extremely positive addition in Ballyhackamore when we first opened fifteen years ago, and we have been improving ever since. This award is recognition of the excellent work of our staff over the years and not least, in the past year when our Industry has been under so much pressure. It is also recognition for the resilience of the Industry in general, the fact that a well-established business has been recognised in such a way, and also a recognition for all that is good in East Belfast.”

Restaurant of the Year – Beau

Beau Restaurant was a finalist in three categories – Newcomer of the Year, Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year – the category it won. “It was amazing” said Charlotte – better known as Lottie. “To be finalists in three categories was incredible – but Restaurant of the Year was the last award being announced on the night – and to hear the Beau had won was simply incredible.

“We were overwhelmed – but I must say it was well deserved for all the staff, who have put in so much hard work. Beau is only open for over a year – the staff are really smashing it, so it was huge reassurance for them that they are getting it right.

“The support there on the night was special too – I love to see that the whole sector is sticking together through difficult times.”

Lifetime Achievement James McGinn MBE

A delighted James McGinn said on the night: “Thank you to Licensing and Catering News, Bill and Wynn for this incredible award and for always putting on such a fantastic event.

“I am delighted to receive it here, at the Europa Hotel, where my Hastings journey began 31 years ago! Congratulations to all the nominees & winners. Thank you also to the Sponsors, especially Linen Care – Jim, Katie, Paddy, Mantas and everyone back at base.

“They keep the accommodation machine running 24 hours a day, seven days a week and their quality and service are hugely appreciated.”

James went on to say “I spent 20 years here at the Europa as General Manager, and I have now been replaced by an even better one, Andy McNeill, who has helped deliver these awards.

“When I was younger, I hoped I might one day receive a lifetime achievement award, although I thought it was for people nearing the end of their careers even though I have had 44 years of dedication, I can assure you that there is still plenty of fuel left in the tank, and so much more for me and the team to achieve.”

That’s just a taster of what some of our winners said.

Each of the category winners will be featured in LCN over the coming months, but we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate – once again – every single finalist and category winner on the night.