LCN Awards 2025 winners revealed

The results are in after the biggest and best night in Northern Ireland Hospitality and 18 worthy winners are celebrating picking up a prized LCN Awards gong.

On a night of drama, glam and glitz at Crowne Plaza, Belfast more 450 guests gathered for a action-packed party which kicked things off at a wonderful Schweppes sponsored drinks reception before moving to the Grand Ballroom which was sea of black and gold, perfectly complementing those in attendance who filly embraced the theme with their wonderful outfits.

Following an introduction by show hosts Pete Snodden and Rebecca McKinney it was over to Jim Creaney MD of platinum sponsor Linencare to tell guests why he was thrilled to throw his support behind such an important night for the industry and LCN publisher and awards organiser Bill Penton to welcome all of the hopefuls to the Crowne Plaza.

With 18 awards to be handed out the event, complemented by superb entertainment from Diona Doherty and The Professionals, was split into two parts and the big winners on the night were:

• The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, Hotel of the Year (up to 75 rooms), sponsored by Linencare.
• Amelia Hall, Style Bar of the Year, sponsored by Schweppes.
• Elephant Rock Hotel, Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by Richmond Marketing.
• Friel’s Bar and Restaurant, Tourist Pub of the Year, sponsored by Rockshore.
• Dunluce Lodge, Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by Edward Dillon.
• Revolucion de Cuba, Live Music Venue of the Year, sponsored by PPL PRS. 
• Brae, Best Food to Go, sponsored by FEB Chartered Accountants.
• JP Shiels, Post House, Barperson of the Year, sponsored by Madrí Excepcional.
• Mark Beirne of the Clover Group, Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by FEB Chartered Accountants.
• Ben Madigan’s Bar and Kitchen, Community Pub of the Year, sponsored by Drinks Inc.
• Michael Deane, Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Penton Media Group.
• The Four Trees, Pub Food of the Year, sponsored by Coca-Cola.
• Neighbourhood cafe, Cafe/Bistro of the Year, sponsored by Titanic Quarter.
• Lough Erne Resort, Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year, sponsored by Ireland’s Wedding Journal.
• Cathal Duncan, Waterman, Chef of the Year, sponsored by Sysco.
•  Lough Erne Resort, Hotel of the Year (More than 75 rooms), sponsored by Abbey Upholsterers.
• mrDeanes, Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by Licensed and Catering News.
• The Plough Inn, Pub of the Year, sponsored by Guinness.

Speaking afterwards, LCN publisher Bill Penton said: “The 2025 LCN Awards were a new high for us, both in terms of the event itself and the outstanding entries and winners who of course have excelled in very trying times.

“Of course none of this would be possible without our wonderful sponsors and we look forward to them returning next year and seeing even more great venues in the running to win a prestigious LCN gong.”