A Co Down pub has taken home the title of the best in Northern Ireland at an annual awards event.
The Dirty Duck Alehouse in Holywood was crowned the winner at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2024 in London on Wednesday night.
It was one of six pubs to be named as the best in the north earlier this year.
The other county winners, which were announced in April, were Belfast restaurant Hearth (Antrim), Keegans in Armagh, Blackbird in Derry and Tomneys in Moy (Tyrone).
The pubs were recognised as “pioneering hospitality operators” which have “demonstrated excellence across a number of elements that affect the customer journey, including design, service, style of offer, marketing and investment”.
And now the popular Holywood venue has won win the overall title of the best in Northern Ireland.
The George Inn, which is nestled in a quaint village just outside of Bath, was chosen as the overall 2024 pub of the year winner across the UK.
Dating back to the 14th century, the castle-like building was recently updated by the owner, with the work respecting and highlighting the pub’s many original and unique features.
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The judges said they were impressed with the immaculate venue, as well as the quality food and drink offer across all of its menus. Despite being such a historical site, the judges noted how industry-leading the food and drink side of the business is.
Other award winners at the event, which was held at 30 Euston Square, was Nottingham’s Castle Rock Brewery, which won pub group of the year and the inaugral Good Taste Award went to Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars’ Fitzherbert Arms.
