Press Release Issued 15.10.09

Waterways Ireland Taste of the Waterways Prize awarded to Café Merlot, Enniskillen

The Taste of the Waterways Award winner 'Café Merlot' was revealed on Thursday October, 15th 2009 by Georgina Campbell.

Presenting the Taste of the Waterways Award to 'Café Merlot' in Enniskillen, Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland stated "I am particularly delighted to present this Taste of the Waterways Award and to commend Georgina Campbell on her choice. I have experienced Café Merlot hospitality over the years and believe them to be a deserving winner".

The Taste of the Waterways Award was introduced in 2008 with the Oarsman in Carrick-on-Shannon taking the honours. The Taste of Waterways is a publication produced by Waterways Ireland in partnership with Georgina Campbell highlighting the excellent hospitality of the waterway experience. The guide is free and updated regularly with Georgina's selection of establishments of all kinds serving food and hospitality all along the inland waterways.

Martin Dennany commenting on the guide stated 'The judging criteria and standard of assessment for the Taste of the Waterways Georgina Campbell guide is very high, with selection made on merit alone: no payment is charged for entry, no payments accepted for advertising. For the Waterways Ireland Award Winner, Café Merlot this is exciting company in which to lead the field.'
Georgina Campbell highlighted that 'As a team, Gerry Russell and Johnny Donnelly present creative modern cooking, a relaxed dining atmosphere, a great wine list and knowledgeable service; they also operate the newer café/deli/wine shop Russell & Donnelly, just along the street. All round, a great place to know about - congratulations are in order.'
On winning the award the Café Merlot team of Johnny Donnelly and Gerry Russell celebrated. Johnny Donnelly stated 'I would like to thank Waterways Ireland and Georgina Campbell for the Taste of the Waterways Award in recognition of all our hard work, high standards and customer service'