Magherafelt's Mary's Bar named the best pub in Co Derry

Along with Co Tyrone winner Brewers House in Donaghmore, the team from Mary’s will now attend the grand final of the National Pub & Bar Awards in London to see who’s the finest their region.

Brewers House will compete with Mary’s Bar, Antrim’s The Stokers Halt, The Yellow Heifer in Co Armagh and Co Down’s The Poacher’s Pocket.

A total of 94 pubs from across Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales have been selected as the best in their county, they will also have the chance to be named the best pub in the UK.

Organised by Pub & Bar magazine, the awards take place at London’s iconic BAFTA theatre on Tuesday, May 24, and on the evening, 12 regional winners and one overall National Pub & Bar of the Year will be announced.

From perfect service to product range, aesthetic design or entertainment schedules, the 94 county winners were selected by Pub & Bar magazine’s judging panel on the aspects required to provide ultimate hospitality.

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, has commended the local pubs and bars that have won their county titles.

“These pubs represent all that is great about the modern on-trade,” he said. “You can only imagine the fantastic variety of operations we have discovered through the judging process – it’s been an absolute pleasure to investigate just how all of these incredible operators run their businesses. What’s great about the awards is that all the attendees of the grand final are already winners – we’re very much looking forward to celebrating with everyone in London on May 24.”