Fish City Wins Best Sustainable Practices Award at Irish Restaurant Awards
Armagh, 11 April 2024
Fish City is proud to be recognised for Best Sustainable Practices in County Antrim at the Ulster Regional Finals of the 2024 Irish Restaurant Awards held on Wednesday, 10th April, at the Armagh City Hotel. Over 800 esteemed restaurateurs gathered to celebrate the excellence and innovation in the culinary landscape of Ulster, making this event a highlight of the year.
This year's Irish Restaurant Awards marked its 15th anniversary, receiving an overwhelming response with over 160,000 nominations from the public across the country. Nominations were made through The Irish Times website, the Irish Restaurant Awards' esteemed media partner. The journey culminates with the Regional and All Ireland Winners being unveiled at the All Ireland Awards Gala Dinner at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road, Dublin 4, scheduled for May.
Fish City was recognised with the award for Best Sustainable Practices for County Antrim, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and the environment. The restaurant has consistently demonstrated leadership in this area, pioneering initiatives in seafood sustainability and environmental stewardship.
“At Fish City, sustainability is not just a commitment; it’s a way of life. We are dedicated to pioneering initiatives that not only benefit our environment but also empower our local community and inspire positive change in our industry.”
The first Marine Stewardship Council-certified restaurant on the island of Ireland, the restaurant offers a free educational Kids Club programme to local area schools, educating Primary 7 schoolchildren with an immersive workshop and engaging experience at St Georges Fish Market. Additionally, Fish City was the inaugural business to adopt the Sustainable Fish Cities NI pledge, an environmental campaign led by Ulster Wildlife and Nourish NI.
In alignment with global efforts to reduce single-use plastics, Fish City exclusively utilises biodegradable straws and takeaway cutlery, along with recycled paper products for takeaway packaging. The commitment extends to serving only glass-bottled beverages, sourced from ethical suppliers like Clearer Water, a local social enterprise promoting a mixed-ability workforce.
The restaurant actively engages in community-driven initiatives such as beach clean-ups which contribute to pollution reduction and marine life protection. As a member of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, Fish City maintains green spaces dedicated to supporting native pollinators and enhancing biodiversity.
"We are honoured to receive the Best Sustainable Practices Award for County Antrim at the Ulster Regional Finals of the 2024 Irish Restaurant Awards," said restaurant owner Grainne Lavery. “At Fish City, sustainability is not just a commitment; it's a way of life. We are dedicated to pioneering initiatives that not only benefit our environment but also empower our local community and inspire positive change in our industry."
Fish City remains steadfast in its dedication to continuous improvement and learning on its sustainability journey, setting a shining example for the culinary world.
For more information about Fish City and its sustainability initiatives, please visit www.fish-city.com/sustainability
About Fish City: Fish City is an award-winning seafood and fish and chip restaurant located in Belfast, County Antrim, known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. With a focus on innovative cuisine and community engagement, Fish City strives to create memorable dining experiences while leaving a positive impact on the planet.