2026 Bar of the Year Awards
We are thrilled to announce that the Mercantile Hotel has been shortlisted for 6 awards across restaurant, bar, and venue categories in the Bar of the Year Awards, one of Ireland’s most respected hospitality awards.
These categories reflect the rich, memorable food, bold cocktails and distinctive design that define the Mercantile. From the plates served in the restaurant to the cocktails poured at the bar, every element reflects the spirit of Dublin, a city full of stories, personality and, most importantly, characters.
Our Shortlisted Awards
City Bar Of The Year
We offer a “Real Dublin” experience that is loud, proud, and professional. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, the Mercantile has always been a place where Dubliners and visitors alike can come together to share stories, celebrate, and enjoy the city’s vibrant culture.
Restaurant Bar Of The Year
At the heart of the hotel, Chef Cian has reimagined the dining experience. His menus balance modern Irish cooking with provenance. The food feels both authentic and elevated, deeply connected to Dublin’s culinary scene. Big on flavour and full of character, the menus reimagine pub classics and bistro favourites.
Hotel Bar Of The Year
Our cocktails are more than just drinks, they are a celebration of Dublin itself. Inspired by the eclectic mix of personalities and moments that have shaped Dublin, we have crafted a cocktail menu that brings to life the character and characters of this great city. From the poets and musicians to the street traders and modern icons, each cocktail tells its own story.
Best Designed Bar/ Indoor Space
The Mercantile is a vibrant, living part of Dame Street’s social fabric. We have successfully maintained the soul of a traditional Victorian pub while delivering the high standards expected of a premier hotel establishment. We have an unmatched atmosphere and architectural heritage. Housed in a stunning 19th century Victorian building, our high ceilings and mahogany finishes provide a “sense of place” that modern venues cannot replicate.
Hotel Cocktail Bar Of The Year
We aren’t just a bar that serves cocktails, we are a destination where the art of the drink is central to the guest experience. Our cocktail collection is a masterclass in balance, blending historic inspiration with modern innovation. Our menu caters to a diverse clientele, from the discerning cocktail enthusiast seeking a complex, creative creation to the hotel guest looking for a perfectly executed classic. Our team treats every drink as a performance, ensuring that even during our busiest periods, the quality of the serve, the temperature of the glass, and the precision of the garnish never falter.
Best Newcomer
After a transformative five year restoration, we didn’t just reopen, we introduced an entirely new hospitality ecosystem to Dame Street that seamlessly bridges the gap between historic preservation and 21st-century luxury. We honoured the deep rooted legacy of a 19th century Victorian institution while launching a brand new, multi-faceted operation that includes a 105-room hotel, a reimagined 100-seater restaurant, and the addition of Café28. We created a high energy, food-led destination that serves as a gateway to Dublin culture. From our elevated culinary program to our curated cocktail offerings, every element of the Mercantile has been designed from the ground up to set a new benchmark for Irish hospitality.
Thank You
These awards are a recognition of the people who make the experience what it is. We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful to everyone who has helped make the Mercantile what it is today.
We look forward to celebrating alongside the other nominees at the 2026 Bar of the Year Awards.
