Irish Pub Awards Cork winners revealed
Some of the finest pubs in Cork City and County are celebrating following their success at the 2018 Irish Pub Awards Regional Finals, which took place in The White Horse, West Village, Ballincollig, Co. Cork yesterday evening (11th September 2018). All nine winners will now go forward to the final of the National Pub Awards […]
VFI Cork statement in response to claims made by Oktoberfest Beag organisers
Claims made by the Oktoberfest organisers in a statement posted to its Facebook page (on Saturday 7th September) are highly misleading. In particular, VFI City Secretary Michael O’Donovan emphatically states he did not make the comment attributed by Daryl Cronin to him (“the VFI always wins”). In relation to the cancellation of Oktoberfest Beag and […]
Donegal publicans support Garda drugs campaign
Donegal members of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) have today (Wednesday 5th September) launched an anti-drugs awareness campaign in partnership with An Garda Síochána. The new campaign will see posters appearing in all VFI pubs in the county alerting the public to the use of illegal drugs. The poster provides a Garda phone number […]
Roddy Doyle’s Two Pints returns to VFI pubs
Roddy Doyle’s Two Pints has returned for a short run in VFI member pubs in Carlow, Louth and Longford. Following the shows in Ireland, the Abbey Theatre production moves to the UK in late September with plans for multiple American shows in the new year. Following on from 2017’s successful partnership when the play was […]
Almost 1,500 less pubs in Ireland last year than 2005
There were 1,477 less pubs in Ireland last year than in 2005, representing a 17.1% drop in businesses across the country, according to the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI, of which the VFI is a member. In 2017, there were 7,140 pubs nationwide – a decline from 8,617 in 2005. The figures are based […]
FSAI Publish Advice On Serving Burgers
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today reminded caterers and restaurants of the dangers of not cooking minced beef burgers thoroughly to remove harmful bacteria. In Ireland, 3% of raw minced beef is known to be contaminated with a particular harmful type of E. coli (called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) that can cause kidney failure. Children under […]
VFI Members Shortlisted for Great Carvery Competition
Congratulations to the 15 VFI members who have been shortlisted for this years KNORR Great Carvery competition. After strong entries from the length and breadth of the four provinces, the 2018 KNORR Great Carvery competition will crown winners in two categories Great Carvery Hotel of the Year and KNORR Great Carvery Pub of the Year. Speaking […]
VFI Members Feature In Ireland’s Top 20 Gastropubs
VFI members featured in a recent article ‘Ireland’s Top 20 Gastropubs’ by Lucinda O’Sullivan, one of Ireland’s most widely-read food critics. Lucinda’s top 20 gastropubs ‘for feeding the flock’ appeared in The Sunday Independent’s, Life Magazine. Lucinda investigates some of the best gastropubs where you and the whole family can dine out this summer. From high […]
Fianna Fáil Introduces Another Key Insurance Reform Bill
New Personal Injuries Assessment Board (Amendment) Bill 2018 to add further pressure on Government. In a move certain to heap additional pressure on the Government regarding insurance reform, Deputy Michael McGrath (FF) has this afternoon introduced the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (Amendment) Bill 2018, a private members bill which provides that where a personal injuries claimant […]
Garda Insurance Fraud Unit Gets Funding Thumbs-Up
The Alliance for Insurance Reform has welcomed the long-awaited confirmation from Insurance Ireland that they will fund the establishment of a new Garda Insurance Fraud Unit. The setting up of the unit is something the Alliance has been calling for to help prevent exaggerated and misleading claims being pursued and settled. Commenting on the announcement, […]
VFI & Fáilte Ireland Launch Pub Food Workshop
Fáilte Ireland and VFI Team Up to Transform Pub Food The range and quality of pub food across the country is set to be changed thanks to a joint training initiative organised by Fáilte Ireland and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI). Launched today (27th June) by the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, […]
Bar Manager’s Degree Apprenticeship to commence in 2019
Griffith College is to launch a Bar Manager’s Degree Apprenticeship in 2019. The news comes after the Apprenticeship Council of Ireland approved the course for development earlier this year. The three-year degree has been designed in partnership with the VFI, LVA and the wider industry including Diageo, Heineken and Febvre Wines. According to Michael […]
Food For Thought For Rural Pubs
Can food help keep rural pubs alive? Aidan McGrath, co-owner and chef in Ireland’s only pub with a Michelin star, certainly thinks so. The Wild Honey Inn in Lisdoonvarna was awarded a Michelin star back in October and was featured in its ‘Eating Out in Pubs Guide for 2018’. Aidan and his partner Kate Sweeney opened the pub back […]
Drogheda publicans back Fleadh with €100k sponsorship
€100k committed in major sponsorship deal by VFI Drogheda & District and Hoteliers to Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann 2018. Members of the Drogheda & District Vintners & Hoteliers and their suppliers have announced a significant sponsorship deal as part of their commitment and support for Drogheda Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2018. The deal, set to […]
Irish Rugby Jersey Auction
Congratulations to VFI member, Greg Ryan from McMunn’s pun in Ballybunion, Kerry, who recently won an auction for an Irish Rugby jersey signed by the Grand Slam winning team. Greg’s winning bid of €1,900 will be donated to the Peter McVerry Trust. Many thanks to John Conran for donating the jersey.
New President & Publican: Padraic McGann
New VFI President, Padraic McGann is looking forward to his two-year term in office. The Galway man, who has spent a lifetime in the trade, says pubs will continue to play a vital role in Irish society long into the future. A new President is a fresh opportunity to examine the aims and aspirations of […]
Irish Pub Awards 2018
Judging commences in the Irish Pub Awards 2018 Entries for this years Irish Pub Awards 2018 is now closed as the awards progress into the judging stage. Judging, which is completely independent, is currently taking place over June, July and August. Regional winners across each category will be announced at seven regional finals around Ireland […]
Beer remains the nation’s most popular drink
Ireland’s drinks industry sees growing demand for wine and spirits while beer remains most popular drink. Ireland’s drinks consumers have a growing taste for wine and spirits, according to a new report published by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI). Spirits made up a 19.8 percent share of the alcohol product market in 2017, […]
GOAL launches World Cup Pub Sweepstakes
Irish charity GOAL, supported by the VFI, is running a World Cup Sweepstakes during this summer’s tournament to raise funds for vital projects around the world. The World Cup will dominate TV coverage throughout June and July so GOAL is calling on publicans to take advantage of this interest and enter the Sweepstakes. To enter click […]
Publicans optimistic despite escalating business costs
A majority of publicans believe their business will improve over the next three years, new research reveals. This increased confidence is leading to plans by many in the trade to invest and refurbish their premises. The findings are revealed in a survey gauging publican sentiment on a range of issues commissioned by the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) at its […]