London awards name Belfast hotel venue ‘best bar in Northern Ireland'
Rattlebag at the Bullitt Hotel won the title at the CLASS Bar Awards on Wednesday at the Battersea Arts Centre in London.
Judged by the CLASS Collective, a selection of 170 bar experts from across the UK, the CLASS Bar Awards recognise the talent, achievements and diversity of the UK bar scene.
The Best Bar in Northern Ireland is a new addition to the awards line-up, with three of the four finalists coming from the Beannchor Group stable: Rattlebag, The Merchant's Cocktail Bar and Bert's Jazz Bar.
The Garrick on Belfast's Chichester Street, which was part of the Beannchor Group until 2007, also made the shortlist.
The latest win follows Rattlebag becoming the first cocktail bar in Ireland to feature in the Pinnacle Guide, described as the 'Michelin guide for bars'. Rattlebag, and The Merchant's Cocktail Bar, are the only two venues on the island listed in the guide.
Rattlebag manager Chris Waring said: "We are proud to win this award, which recognises the exceptional quality of Northern Ireland's bar scene on a national stage.
"This is a credit to the passion and innovation of our incredible team, who continue to strive to create exceptional drinks, events and experiences.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay protégé to shut his first ever restaurant after 11 ‘incredible' years of trading
The acclaimed chef has teased a new project KITCHEN CLOSED Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay protégé to shut his first ever restaurant after 11 'incredible' years of trading A MICHELIN-STARRED chef has announced the closure of his debut restaurant. The founder trained under Gordon Ramsay, and at the three-Michelin-starred John-Georges in New York. Advertisement 3 Stuart Ralston opened Aizle in 2014 Credit: Tripadvisor 3 The restaurant later relocated to the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel Credit: Tripadvisor 3 Stuart was awarded a Michelin-star for his restaurant Lyla Credit: Justin Rodrigues The Edinburgh-based Aizle is set to close later this year on September 21. Stuart Ralston first opened the restaurant on St Leonard's Street in 2014. A description in the Michelin Guide read: "The constantly evolving menu takes on a surprise tasting format and is presented to diners as 'The Harvest', a list of produce to be featured in the meal rather than exact dish names." It follows Stuart's emphasis on incorporating local and seasonal goods in his menus - with some dishes available for several weeks and "others just a few" according to Aizle's website. Advertisement Their most recent 'harvest' included items like guinea fowl, black garlic, quince and salted milk which came together in a blind tasting menu. Ralston announced Aizle's closure on social media. He wrote: "When I first opened the doors on St Leonard's Street in 2014 as a young chef, Aizle was born out of a desire to build something different, challenge me as a young chef and provide a place people would choose to work. "I wanted to work with producers who really care about what they grow and make people happy with our food. Advertisement "Over the past 11 years, we have moved homes, met brilliant people along the way and grown into something to be proud of." Ralston added that the closure would give him more time to focus on his other restaurants, in addition to a new project. Popular food reviewer gives his thoughts on Scotland's 'most expensive restaurant' He went on to thank the "incredible, dedicated team, past and present", and said that he hopes to continue working with them. The restaurant relocated to the Garden Room at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel. Advertisement In 2018 it moved to a four-day week to reduce stress and staff burnout. He has since opened several other restaurants in the city, including Noto and Tipo, both of which hold Michelin Bib Gourmands and which will be unaffected by the closure. Earlier this year, his restaurant Lyla, was awarded a Michelin star. Vouchers which had been purchased for Aizle can still be redeemed at Ralston's other restaurants. Advertisement Commenters on social media expressed sadness at the restaurant's closure, as well as excitement for Stuart's future projects. One wrote: "So sad I never got to eat at Aizle! And excited for all that's to come." Another said: "Such an iconic restaurant in the Edinburgh food scene." While another added: "To this day the best dining experience I've had." Advertisement
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Michelin-starred chef shuts first restaurant he opened in the city
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh Michelin-starred chef has announced the closure of the first restaurant he opened in the city. Stuart Ralston shared the news on social media that Aizle, a Michelin guide eatery on Charlotte Square, would close in the coming months. The chef, who won his first Michelin star earlier this year for one of his other Edinburgh restaurants, Lyla, wrote: "After an incredible decade, I have made the decision to close the doors to my first restaurant, Aizle. "Firstly, thank you to our amazing team that have moulded Aizle to what it is, to all the producers, and to our guests, we have loved having you. I look forward to continuing our path, together. "When I first opened Aizle on St Leonard's Street, I wanted to do something that would challenge me as a young chef, provide a place that people would choose to work in and serve food that would make people happy. "Over the past 11 years, we've moved homes, met brilliant people along the way, served some great food and together, built a restaurant to be proud of and had some incredible staff throughout the years. Anyone who was a part of Aizle , thank you." While it was a difficult decision to make, Stuart decided that Aizle's time had come to an end so that he could put even more focus on his other successful Edinburgh restaurants. He even hinted to a new project in the works. He added: "A decision that didn't come easily to me, but the time has come to focus even greater on Lyla, Noto and Tipo, as well as our new project. Any remaining vouchers can be redeemed across the group in all our venues. 21 September 2025 will be our last service." Devastated customers took to the comments to share their thoughts on the closure. One said: "We've been coming since you opened in St Leonard's, so sad to hear this. But also as you've expanded we have loved all you have created so we are excited to see what the future brings for you." Another said: "Had some incredible meals here. Sad to hear this news." While a third added: "Have had so many wonderful evenings here. Absolutely gutted to hear this. Hopefully can fit in another visit before you close." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
The National
3 days ago
- The National
Michelin-star Scottish chef to close debut restaurant after 11 years
Stuart Ralston, who was recognised with the top cooking accolade for his Lyla eatery in Edinburgh earlier this year, said he will be shutting down Aizle, the first restaurant he ever opened. Aizle is a 'blind tasting menu restaurant', with customers shown a menu of ingredients without being told how they will be combined into five to seven courses. Originally based on Edinburgh's St Leonard's Street, Aizle currently operates out of the Garden Room at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel. Ralston also runs two other restaurants, Noto and Tipo, both of which are also in the Scottish capital. READ MORE: Michelin restaurant critics urged to take 'stronger stance' on sustainability Announcing the closure of Aizle, he said: 'When I first opened the doors on St Leonard's Street in 2014 as a young chef, Aizle was born out of a desire to build something different, challenge me as a young chef and provide a place people would choose to work. 'I wanted to work with producers who really care about what they grow and make people happy with our food. Over the past 11 years, we have moved homes, met brilliant people along the way and grown into something to be proud of. We achieved what we set out to do. 'The decision hasn't come easily, but the time feels right to close Aizle, and for me to put even more focus on Lyla, Noto and Tipo, as well as our next project. 'I want to give a huge thank you to the incredible, dedicated team, past and present, the wonderful farmers, fishermen, winemakers and all the people in between. I look forward to continuing to work with you.' Ralston said Aizle will be closing for good on September 21.
