2019 Award Winners 'JUST ASK' RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2019

Hooked, Sligo, Co Sligo

“Just Ask!” is a public awareness campaign that aims to encourage consumers when eating out to look for information on where the food (particularly meat) on their plate comes from, and encourages chefs to provide this information on their menus. The programme supports both large and smaller artisan suppliers, encouraging both Irish diners and visitors from abroad to support restaurants that are in turn supporting their suppliers. The Bord Bia “Just Ask!” Restaurant of the Year Award is chosen from the year’s winners selected for the Guide’s monthly e-zine. There have been some superb “Just Ask!” winners over the years, and it is great to see younger chefs coming through who live the philosophy and take pride in showcasing the best of local produce.

Named after the meat hooks once used in his father’s traditional butchers shop, Sligo restaurateur Anthony Gray and his wife Ailish have even incorporated the original butchers block in the bar of this atmospheric venue, and some of the old shop's favourite butchery products live on too, through Head Chef Joe McGlynn's menus - including Joe Gray's award winning sausages, which have been faithfully recreated for the restaurant. There's a genuine passion for local food. Anthony has championed local producers for many years and is Chairman of the Sligo Food Trail, while Joe McGlynn has trained and worked with several inspiring chefs including the peerless Paul Flynn, of The Tannery in Dungarvan. So it’s no surprise that the menu pays tribute to the host of special people and businesses that supply the kitchen with flavourful ingredients, including the unique Andarl Farm (free range 'velvet' pork and bacon), esteemed butchers Sherlocks of Tubbercurry and Kelly’s of Newport, Ballisodare Free Range Eggs, Sligo LETS Organics, Le Fournil bakery (next door) and even Mammy Johnston’s ice cream, made in Strandhill... Joe’s menus offer something for everyone, but the crowning glory has to be the beef - many would travel especially for Sherlock's Finest Rib Eye Steak (and a side of White Hag Onion Rings is highly recommended). A great example of why supporting local producers makes sense, Hooked is deservedly popular with locals and a delightful find for visitors to Sligo Town.