What a claim to fame to be awarded the title of Ireland’s Best Burger 2019 at BurgerFest but that’s exactly what the folk from The Hatch did in February 2019. They did this after winning Best Burger in Ulster in 2018. They were also Finalists in the Caterer of the Year Wedding Awards. Their latest awards include Best Gourmet Burger Specialist in Ulster and the Top 100 in Ireland in John and Sally’s McKenna’s Guide.

The owners are Colin and Bronagh Johnstone from Castlewellan in County Down. They are massive foodies. They would have to be to come up with combinations like The Big Black Truffle Mac and Cheese Burger, The Scampi Fries Fish Burger and the 12hr Hickory smoked pork loaded fries. Colin was a chef for 18 years before setting up The Hatch with Bronagh.

They love local ingredients like Mourne shorthorn beef. Their fries are triple-cooked and the fish is super-fresh from Kilkeel. They smoke all their own meats in-house.

Find them in their truck along the Mourne Coastal Route in Dundrum, Kilkeel and Newcastle. Check Facebook for details. They also do corporate and private events as well as festivals.