The Dirty Duck named Northern Ireland's Pub and Bar of the Year 2024

1st July 2024

Copyright Belfast Live, by Sophie McLaughlin, full article, Co Down spot named Northern Ireland's Pub and Bar of the Year 2024

A Co Down bar and restaurant has taken the top spot in Northern Ireland at the National Pub & Bar of the Year 2024.

The National Pub & Bar Awards crowns nearly 100 County Winners from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland every year who are then entered into the running to be crowned the best in the UK.

In April, six bars from each of Northern Ireland's six counties were named as the best in the country, battling it out for the title of NI Pub and Bar of the Year at the final this week.

The Dirty Duck Alehouse was named the best in Northern Ireland for 2024, beating 2023 winner Hearth, Keegan's, Charlie's Bar, Blackbird and Tomneys for the top spot.

On what makes a winner, Pub and Bar Magazine said: "From perfect service and product range, to aesthetic design and entertainment schedules, a National Pub & Bar Award winner delivers all of the aspects required to provide ultimate hospitality within the modern on-trade."

The Dirty Duck in Holywood is a traditional pub serving local food with an upstairs restaurant that boasts panoramic views of Belfast Lough and a downstairs bar with real log fires where you can enjoy a pint of cask-conditioned ale as well as the usual offering and fine food.

Taking to social media after their win, The Dirty Duck said: "Thank you to The National Pub& Bar awards for awarding us the best pub in Northern Ireland!

"It's a fantastic honour for us to win best pub in Northern Ireland.

"Our staff work tremendously hard to maintain our excellent reputation and our loyal customer base is what makes the Dirty Duck what it is. Thank you all".

In 2023, it was the only spot in Northern Ireland to take home an All-Ireland award at the Irish Restaurant Awards when it was named Best Gastro Pub on both sides of the border.