Kildare pub toasts national award
Staff at the Silken Thomas in Kildare town, which was voted Ireland’s favourite hostelry in the ‘Bar of the Year Awards’ at the weekend
THE SILKEN Thomas in Kildare town is celebrating after being chosen as the nation’s favourite watering hole in the ‘Bar of the Year Awards’, with the prestigious People’s Choice Award decided by more than 10,000 votes.
The Kildare venue had already secured the People’s Choice Award for Leinster before the national winner was announced at the awards ceremony, making the overall victory a particularly special achievement for the team.
Caroline Kelly, manager at the Silken Thomas, said the award was a recognition of the hard work of the entire team behind the popular venue.
“We’re delighted, and it’s for the team. It’s all about the team,” she said.
Around ten members of the Silken Thomas team attended the awards night, representing staff from across the business, including the kitchen, bar and service teams.
The win was also significant given the long history of the business, which was established by Joe and Marie Flanagan more than 50 years ago. Today, the business is run by Brian Flanagan and his wife Emer, continuing a family tradition that has made the Silken Thomas a familiar name in Kildare.
The Silken Thomas is also a major local employer, with approximately 80 full-time, part-time and weekend staff, along with employees working across the B&B and kitchen.
The People’s Choice win reflects the strong connection the venue has built with its customers over the years. Caroline said loyal customers had been congratulating staff throughout the weekend and highlighted the welcoming atmosphere of the business.
The awards night brought another emotional moment for communities in Kildare town and Newbridge when the late Vivian Carroll of Newbridge pub and restaurant Judge Roy Beans received the Gail Cotter Outstanding Achievement Award.
Mr Carroll had begun working at the Silken Thomas under Joe and Marie in the 1990s, before opening his own establishment in Newbridge in 2010. The recognition was a particularly poignant moment for family and friends of Mr Carroll after his untimely passing in February.
