Maghera Inn crowned best pub in Down

Maghera Inn crowned best pub in Down

22 March 2017

MAGHERA Inn is officially the best in County Down.

The traditional bar was named Bushmills County Down Pub of the Year by the Restaurants Association of Ireland at an annual awards ceremony in Fermanagh last week.

This is the third major award for the atmospheric local pub, which was awarded Northern Ireland Pub of the Year in 2007 and Food Pub of the Year in 2014.

Despite its growing list of accolades, owner Matthew Davey said he was stunned to receive the award at a glittering ceremony at the Lough Erne Resort in Fermanagh.

Always striving to improve, Matthew believes his determination to provide consistently good service in a welcoming Irish pub-style atmosphere is paying off.

He said he was delighted judges, who were looking for a popular pub that caters for all tastes, from whiskey lovers to craft beer enthusiasts, a comfortable atmosphere and a welcoming traditional pub “feel”, concluded that the Maghera Inn ticked all the boxes.

Thankful to his staff, including long-serving head chef Sean Doyle and front of house staff Paula Campbell and Gayle Dornan, he said they helped maintain the Maghera Inn’s continued reputation for excellence.

Matthew said the award was particularly welcome as the tourist season begins, meaning people will go off the beaten track to experience a few hours in what is officially the best pub of County Down.

Having grown up in the licensed trade, with his parents Hugh and Anne Davey, former owners of the Brook Cottage in Newcastle, Matthew said he had worked hard to adapt to the huge changes in the industry over the past decade.

“We turned the bar in to a pub, increasing the seats from 40 to a 100 seater,” he said.

“We have concentrated on the food side of the business and that has continued to grow.

“The age group we cater for is more likely to go out for a steak and a bottle of wine and to go home afterwards. We have adapted to cater for that market.”

Despite Maghera village springing up around the inn in recent years, Matthew, himself a fan of Irish pubs, said he was keen to maintain the atmosphere of a country pub.

“There is a real demand for gastro pubs and casual dining and we are now known for our food,” he said.

“As a publican, what I see is that people want food and we accommodate for them.

“This award had given us a great sense of encouragement. Now we just need to keep striving for perfection.”

The Maghera Inn will now compete for an Ireland-wide Restaurants Association of Ireland title in the next stage of the competition in May.