2009 Award Winners HOST OF THE YEAR 2009

John Moriarty - Lord Baker's

In all the years we’ve been travelling around the country seeking out the best hospitality - a ‘hobby’ that goes back over 20 years or more, certainly far beyond the life of the current guide – I don’t think we’ve ever missed calling into the fine establishment run by our Host of the Year, John Moriarty.

There are very good reasons for that: we love the traditional, homely atmosphere and the welcoming turf fire burning in the bar, and we always enjoy the seafood - a bowl of chowder and some home baked soda bread, at the very least.

But, best of all, the man himself is invariably there - and there is nothing about this town (and the peninsula it’s on) that he doesn’t know about. Many would go so far as to say that John Moriarty is Dingle!

He’s certainly a brilliant host, caring and watchful - no detail escapes his notice, ensuring that every guest will leave contented. And, having got all the local lowdown, everyone – visitors and nosy folk like us, alike - will feel completely at home in this smashing little town.

Simply magic – every town should have a man like this, in a bar and restaurant like this…