FOOD Café Rua runs away with national award

Rua runs away with national award


Ciara Moynihan

Long appreciated by locals and visitors alike as a true haven for delicious food and locally produced artisan goods, Rua has now received national recognition. On Tuesday night last, November 22, the Castlebar deli, bakery and café was named Good Food Ireland Local Food Shop of the Year, with the judges noting Rua’s “clear demonstration of local produce combined with appropriate service.”
The original Café Rua was opened by Ann McMahon on New Antrim Street, Castlebar, over ten years ago, and has been producing uncomplicated food using seasonal and local ingredients ever since. The second, split-level branch, Rua, opened on Spencer Street in August 2008, expanding to include not just a café but also a deli and shop. Ann’s children, Aran and Colleen, now run the business.
Rua’s wide selection of local produce includes Westport Grove jams, relishes and quince paste; Carrowholly raw milk cheese; bags of mixed leaves from Stephen Gould in Headford; and Cuinneog country butter from Balla. The deli has also recently started selling free-range ham from Sunday Farm in Kiltimagh. There is a fantastic selection of baked goodies too, as well as plenty of international fare.
Rua’s award was presented by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the Good Food Ireland Conference and Awards Ceremony in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin.