Countryside Alliance Awards 2025 - Northern Ireland Winners Announced

Last night (1 April), the Countryside Alliance Ireland held its annual Northern Irish ‘Rural Oscars’ awards ceremony, where several rural businesses from Northern Ireland were crowned champions.

The Countryside Alliance Awards – now in their 18th year – recognise rural businesses across five categories, including ‘best local food’, ‘best butcher’, ‘best pub’, ‘best rural enterprise’, and ‘best village shop/ post office’. These businesses go the extra mile within their communities, supporting the local economy and championing local goods and services.

Thousands of nominations from around the country were whittled down via a public vote, with the final few being honoured at the Northern Irish finalists’ awards ceremony in Belfast at The Bridge, Titanic Belfast.

The awards were presented by Gary McCartney, director of the Countryside Alliance Ireland, and the event was attended by a number of MLAs.

The winner of each category will go on to represent Northern Ireland in the national champions reception at the House of Lords in June, competing against other finalists from Wales, Scotland, and England.

Gary McCartney said:

"This evening we celebrate our rural communities and the role that you, the finalists, play in keeping them together.

"Your continuing promotion and defence of Northern Irish produce, skills and rural life deserves all the credit it gets and Countryside Alliance Ireland is proud to be honouring a group of people who are passionate about their countryside and passionate about providing quality goods, services and employment to rural communities and beyond.

"You are the best of the best, you are already winners by reaching this final and we applaud you for being just you.”

The Northern Irish winners of the 2025 Countryside Alliance Awards are:

BUTCHER

Champion - Marquess Meats, Muckamore

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtonabbey described Marquess Meats as “a family-run business that has become a leading light of our Borough's vibrant rural economy”. Marquess is known for its support for both the local community and its farmers, championing quality and sustainability. Customers appreciate its local delivery service and selection of unique prepared foods, which has recently included pineapple and sweet chilli gammon steaks, and Guinness and shamrock burgers for St Patrick’s Day.

Highly Commended - O'Kane's Meats, Claudy

A family butcher now in its second generation, O’Kane’s is dedicated to preserving and practising the traditional skills and expertise of the butchery trade. Customers praise its high quality, wide product range and excellent, friendly service; one reviewer summed it up as providing “High quality meat at affordable prices.”

LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK

Champion - Sinton's at the Bridge, Scarva

Transforming a historic family property with roots dating back to 1919, Julianne and Graeme Morton have created a dining destination that beautifully bridges past and present. Their perseverance through a five-year planning permission process reflects a deep commitment to realising their vision. With local and seasonal cuisine presented with contemporary flair, served by a loyal team in a setting rich with local history, Sinton's success celebrates not only exceptional hospitality but also the preservation of a cherished community landmark. 

Highly Commended - Ballyboley Dexters, Carrowdore

An enterprise that since 2009 has cultivated a remarkable enterprise along Strangford Lough's shores and the Ards Peninsula, with environmental consciousness and animal welfare as their guiding principles. Their conservation grazing practices protect delicate ecosystems, respecting wildflower blooms and nesting seasons. By embracing regenerative farming techniques and converting traditional grasslands to diverse herbal leys, they are pioneering sustainable meat. Ballyboley's commitment to Pasture for Life certification reflects their dedication to excellence, creating extraordinary beef while nurturing the landscape for generations to come.

PUB

Champion - The Head o The Road, Portadown

One of the most-nominated businesses in this year’s Awards, the Head o The Road was described in one submission as “a traditional country pub that has stayed true to its heritage and is a hub in the local community.” This pub has become the hub of this community, where you are always guaranteed a warm welcome. From the most wholesome tasty dishes and drinks from locally sourced suppliers, not to mention the lovely smiling welcome and warm atmosphere, this pub has it all! The owners contribute a lot to the community from raising money for charity, supporting the local U18s football team, and even offering a toolbox loan service to local farmers - the carpark is claimed to hold more tractors than Burkes of Cornascriebe!

Highly Commended - The Happy Landing, Eglington

Split into a variety of spaces including a restaurant, smaller bars and outdoor seating for the warmer months, the Happy Landing is praised for its outstanding food, welcoming atmosphere and service described by one reviewer as “like a 5 star restaurant but with a family feel”. Its food has been described as of broad variety and excellent flavour; weekends bring live music and a Sunday carvery. The pub is named for its close proximity to the nearby airfield; World War 2 pilots would repair there for a hard-earned pint.

RURAL ENTERPRISE

Champion - Garden Fresh & Lily's Flowers, Tandragee

This family-owned establishment has become the heart of County Armagh's food landscape, connecting local producers with appreciative customers. Through its meticulous sourcing of seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, and artisanal products, Garden Fresh exemplifies rural enterprise at its finest. Its exceptional offerings, from farm-fresh berries to handcrafted flower arrangements, demonstrate an unwavering dedication to freshness, quality and personal service. Garden Fresh stands as a model of sustainable local business, nurturing both the land and the community it serves with pride and distinction.

Highly Commended - Ellie Mo's Coffee Shop, Portadown

Under compassionate leadership, this family-run café has transcended the traditional dining experience to become a vital cornerstone of its community. Its commitment to excellence is evident in its consistently delicious homemade fare, using locally-sourced ingredients at accessible prices. During challenging times, particularly through lockdowns, Ellie Mo's exemplified the spirit of community care by delivering meals to elderly and vulnerable neighbours. With warm hospitality, exceptional food, and genuine commitment to community wellbeing, Ellie Mo's represents the best of local enterprise – where every customer is treated like family.

VILLAGE SHOP & POST OFFICE

Champion - Duffy's, Killough

Praise verges on universal for this comprehensively stocked local shop, whose range includes everything from groceries and meals to electricals and furniture. Customers value Duffy’s of Killough for the excellent service offered consistently by its caring staff, with many expressing disbelief at how efficiently they have been able to supply vital kitchen appliances in times of distress. Its food range is described as high in quality and wide in variety, including tasty home-made foods and a highly regarded butchery, with its convenient off-licence section also drawing applause. Serving a small and relatively isolated village, Duffy’s is a cherished asset at the heart of its community.

Highly Commended - The Village Store, Loughgall

Set in an historic building clad in ivy, The Village Store promises its customers great food on the go. Offering hot food and a delicatessen through the week, post office services on Mondays and Fridays as well as a more typical grocery and convenience range, it boasts the highest food hygiene rating. Visitors praise the quality of service and friendliness of its staff, and the business also plays an important role in its community by regularly sharing village news and service updates on its Facebook page.