The 350-year-old Coaching Inn and iconic Downpatrick bar, locally known as ‘Denvir’s’, has been shortlisted for a National Pub & Bar Awards.
The oldest surviving coaching inn in Ireland, Denvir’s Coaching Inn in Downpatrick, is toasting success after being named Best Pub in County Down in the 2017 UK National Pub and Bar Awards. Co-owned by The Horatio Group and General Manager, Chris Dagens, the award win is very timely as this June marks 350 years since the Coaching Inn first opened its doors.
Another venue in the Horatio Group portfolio, the Northern Whig – which is situated in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter – has also been named as Best Pub in Antrim in the same UK awards. Following the £2m acquisition of the building and a £300,000 refit in 2016 by the Horatio Group, this award marks the start of a new chapter for the iconic Northern Whig.
Named as County Winners, Denvir’s Coaching Inn and The Northern Whig will now be in the running to be named Best Regional Bar or even walk away with the title of Best Pub in the UK, at the National Pub & Bar Awards at BAFTA in London on 23 May 2017.
Commenting on the awards’ news, Stephen Magorrian, Managing Director of the Horatio Group said: “We’ve been working hard to build the Horatio Group portfolio over the last few years, and are thrilled that two of our venues have been recognised as being amongst the best in Northern Ireland.
“Denvir’s is one of the most historical building in Co. Down and to have received this recognition as we look to celebrate 350 years in business, seems very fitting. Huge thanks must go to Chris and the team at Denvir’s for all of their efforts, and to our GM, Gerard Keaney and the team at the Northern Whig.”
Other venues in the Horatio Group portfolio include Horatio Todds in Ballyhackamore and Molly Browns in Newtownards, in addition to Denvir’s Coaching Inn, Downpatrick and the Northern Whig.
In total, 94 pubs from across Northern Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland have been selected as the best in their county. Other winners from Northern Ireland include The Corner House, Armagh; The Taphouse, Fermanagh; Dormans, Derry and Time Bar, Tyrone.
Organised by Pub & Bar magazine, the awards take place at London’s iconic BAFTA theatre on Tuesday 23 May, and on the evening, 12 regional winners and one overall National Pub & Bar of the Year will be announced.
