Cork is still to be reckoned with for food & drink
Cork raised a glass in celebration last week as some of its most vibrant and innovative bars were recognised at the 2025 Irish Bar & Cocktail Awards.
The Rebel County made its mark across multiple categories, showcasing that Cork is still to reckon with for food and drink. Among the big Cork winners on the night was Monk Cocktail Bar, who took home the coveted title of Mocktail Bar of the Year. Known for its artful balance of flavour and creativity, without the alcohol, Monk continues to prove that abstaining from spirits doesn't mean compromising on experience.
What stood out for me on a recent visit to Monk was that their mocktails aren’t just syrupy consolation prizes - they’re smart, balanced, not overly sweet and sophisticated enough to make you forget there’s no booze in the glass. Manager and head cocktail master Eoin is a great source of information, and we had a great chat. The bar was also shortlisted in the hotly contested Signature Cocktail Bar category, further highlighting its reputation for excellence in both innovation and execution.
Also flying the Cork flag proudly was O’Mahony’s in Watergrasshill, shortlisted in the Gastro Bar of the Year category. Famed for its seasonal food and drinks menu that leans heavily on local produce, O’Mahony’s offers visitors a blend of culinary comfort and well-crafted drinks in a setting that feels welcoming.
In the city centre, Liberty Bar X Resistance made an impression with double shortlists in the City Bar of the Year and LGBTQ+ Friendly Bar categories, reflecting its dual role as both a dynamic social hub and an inclusive space for Cork’s nightlife. Moody Cafe Vin, with its curated wines and carefully constructed cocktails, earned a nod in the Destination Bar category, recognising venues worth travelling for, and rightly so. The interior is quirky and the staff is excellent while the tapas are delicious and the wine list is exceptional (that’s my personal opinion and might not align with other food writers).
I was thrilled to see Old Brennan’s Wine House take home the title of Best Wine Bar of the Year. My connection to Brennan’s runs deep - I once worked with the team in the old cookery school upstairs (more years ago than I care to admit!), and I’ve returned many times since its revival under the stewardship of Frank Schiltkamp. Many in Cork will remember Frank from his time at Augustine’s and Greenes, where his expertly curated wine lists became a hallmark.
It’s no surprise to see Brennan’s getting the recognition it so richly deserves.
The Cocktail Bar of the Year ultimately went to Dublin's Bar 1661, but Cork’s own Monk Cocktail Bar once again found itself in the national conversation, further evidence of our local scene that is punching well above its weight. These awards, more than mere accolades, speak to the quiet artistry and craft behind every shaker and pour. A well-made cocktail isn’t just a drink, it’s a performance, a story and a sensory journey.
From the way the glass feels in your hand to the first sip that dances on your tongue, cocktail culture blends technique, tradition, and experimentation. Here’s to the drinksmiths, the storytellers, and the alchemists behind the bar. Cheers, Cork!