The judges had plenty to choose from this year.

But the winners list in this year’s Cork Better Building Awards features the creme de la creme of businesses that ploughed extra effort, creativity and imagination into their shopfronts.

Announced this evening at an event in The Kingsley Hotel, the big winners in hospitality this year were Paladar on Bridge Street, Seventy-Seven on the Grand Parade, The Old Oak and Old Brennan’s Wine Bar on Oliver Plunkett Street.

Commending the Latin American-inspired Paladar cocktail bar and kitchen on Bridge Street in the burgeoning Victorian Quarter, the judges said the stunningly stylish interiors are set “within the sensitive conservation refurbishment of a late-Georgian townhouse”.

“Already winners of the ‘The Best Overall Bar’ at the Irish Bar Awards, this afternoon their exterior is also a winner. The shopfront contains a high-quality design aesthetic with an attractive shopfront design, joinery, with appropriately sized glazing and a charming and inviting colour palette.”

Old Brennan’s was described as a new and very successful addition to the east end of Oliver Plunkett Street: “The attractive shopfront design and outdoor seating is a very charming and inviting addition to the nighttime and leisure offer of the city centre. The external refurbishment pays homage to the former Brennans Kitchen shop use whilst creating an inviting façade and high-quality signage and materials.”

 

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There were over one hundred entries this year spread across ten categories including the Judges Choice Award. As well as the winners, two Special Merit Awards were presented.

The winners in full are: 

• Best Tourism and Arts – Elizabeth Fort, Barrack St.
• Best Retail – Mango, St. Patrick’s St.
• Best Cafe / Restaurant –  Paladar, Bridge St.
• Best Pub Front – Seventy Seven, Grand Parade
• *Special Merit -Old Brennan’s Wine Bar, Oliver Plunkett St.
• Best New Development – 7,8,9 Quaker Road, Donnybrook
• Best Commercial Premises –  Savills, Penrose Wharf
• Best Climate Resilience –  The Old Oak, Oliver Plunkett St
• Best City Living – Barrack St. Housing Development
• Heritage, Conservation and Sustainability Winner – Mercy Hospital Cancer Care Centre
• *Special Merit – Mercy Hospital Mansion House Entrance Restoration
• Judges Choice – Redevelopment of the former Moores Hotel, Morrison’s Island

The awards, which are organised by Cork Business Association and supported by Cork City Council, are judged by an independent panel of experts in business, heritage, planning and placemaking.

“For over 60 years Cork Business Association has been proudly representing the interests of our members and the Better Building Awards has become a favourite fixture in the CBA Calendar,” said Aaron Mansworth, President of Cork Business Association.

“These awards mean so much to those who are nominated and shortlisted. Maintaining and presenting these buildings to their very best, takes a lot of time, effort and financial commitment. So, I am very proud that today, we will celebrate those who have shown vision in how they build, modernise and maintain their buildings.”