Popular Pilot Bar scoops yet another award and spreads its wings with new venture
The popular Pilot Bar has captured a coveted award for it's stellar dining. The owners of the Enniscrone pub has recently re-opened a local restaurant.
An Enniscrone pub is celebrating yet another glittering award just weeks after its owners took over and revamped a favourite local restaurant.
The Pilot Bar has become an Enniscrone mainstay and a must-visit destination. It’s popular and dedicated owners Tommy and Rhona Battle have been keeping visitors to the seaside town and loyal locals fed and watered for the past decade.
The hostelry recently added another award to its already heavy mantlepiece when the Pilot was crowned Best Food Pub in Connaught at the Irish Pub Awards.
Hospitality has long been in Tommy and Rhona’s life. Tommy’s parents previously ran the Atlantic Hotel in Enniscrone and Rhona’s mum operated a B&B in Bundoran.
“Catering and hospitality has always been in the blood,” said Rhona.
The Battle’s love being based in picturesque Enniscrone.
“It’s great. It can be hectic at times, particularly in summertime but we love what we do. We have a great staff and are really more like a family at this stage. Working is actually fun because you are going to work with people who you get on with and when you have that it doesn’t feel like hard work,” said Rhona.
The Pilot has long been famed for its food which has seen tourists and locals return in their droves. The bar is manned seven days a week by its friendly and hard-working team.
“We are lucky to have so many visitors in the summertime but you have to make sure you keep your locals happy. They are your bread and butter. When you look after them you find that they will look after you,” said Rhona.
Tommy and Rhona are building on the success of the Pilot and have recently taken over the nearby Ait Eile restaurant.
“It’s a different venture in a different atmosphere. We will be able to cater for bigger parties and those special occasions in Ait Elie,” said Rhona.
Enniscrone’s oceanside setting means fish will be a star turn on the menu and there will also be a strong focus on succulent and well-prepared steaks.
The new-look Ait Eile since re-opened during the October Bank Holiday.
“Things have started off really well. We feel we have created a really lovely atmosphere for a night out,” said Rhona.
“The feedback we have been getting has been really positive,” she added.
The restaurant is currently open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and for Sunday lunch.
