Congratulations are due to Michael Martin and Claire O'Reilly, respectively chef and manager of Dublin's Clarence Hotel, who scooped the 10th annual Gilbey's Gold Medal for excellence in catering, just at the year's end. The Gilbey's gold medal is one of the most respected awards in the business. Distinguished previous winners include Kevin Thorn ton, Colin O'Daly and Myrtle Allen, so this is quite a gong for a hotel which is still in its infancy.
When you consider that The Clarence beat off opposition from such hotshots as Canice Sharkey of Isaac's in Cork, Alan O'Reilly of Morels in Dublin, and Nick and Kathy Price of Nick's Warehouse in Belfast, who were all among [ NO]12 establishments those shortlisted, it makes the hotel's success even sweeter.