Armstrong's Barn

Armstrong's Barn is a defunct restaurant in Annamoe, County Wicklow, Ireland that was awarded a Michelin star in 1977.[1]

Armstrong's Barn
Restaurant information
Established1972
Closed1988
Head chefPeter Robinson, Paolo Tullio
Food typehaute cuisine and traditional Irish
Rating Michelin Guide
CityAnnamoe, County Wicklow
CountryIreland

In 1972 Peter and Christine Robinson opened their restaurant in Annamoe, converting part of a large rural dwelling, with its garages housing the kitchen.[2][3] They called it Armstrong's Barn after hearing that its location had long been known by that name, as a place for local gatherings and celebrations.

In the 1974 Good Food Guide (published by the British Consumers' Association) Armstrong's Barn was awarded "both a pestle and a bottle—the highest possible rating for a restaurant",[4] and in the same year it earned a star in the Egon Ronay Guide.[5] In 1975 the Good Food Guide renewed its commendation[6] and the Automobile Association Guide to Hotels and Restaurants awarded Armstrong's Barn a rosette[7] repeated in the following two years.[8][9] In 1976 The Irish Times, in An Irishman's Diary of 15 May, mentioned Armstrong's Barn as "the only eatery acknowledged" in Wicklow by The Good Food Guide.[10]

Following assessment by various Michelin representatives in 1977, Armstrong's Barn, with Peter Robinson as owner and head chef, along with chef Humphrey Weightman and front of house manager Hugh McCann, was awarded a star in the Ireland Michelin Guide (1978 edition). Between the assessment and the publication of the Michelin star, Robinson sold the restaurant to Paolo Tullio.[11] In keeping with their policy concerning change of ownership, Michelin withdrew their star the following year. Humphrey Weightman remained on as head chef, and in 1980 and 1981 Michelin awarded the restaurant a Red M indicating "good food at a reasonable price".[12] Paolo Tullio closed the restaurant in 1988 and later became a distinguished food critic.

See also

References
  1. Michelin Online
  2. Notice "Cook Wanted" The Irish Times 12 Feb 1972 p.18
  3. Notice, Armstrong's Barn closing for holiday October 1972
  4. "Where the good food is", Christina Murphy, The Irish Times, 14 Mar 1974 p.12
  5. "Dublin loses all its starred city restaurants" (P. A.), The Irish Times, 18 Nov 1974 p.13
  6. Maeve Binchy, The Irish Times, Thu 27 Feb 1975 p. 5
  7. "AA Guide lists irish hotels and restaurants", The Irish Times, 22 Nov 1975 p.13
  8. "Rosettes and stars for AA's eating places", The Irish Times, 3 Nov 1977 p.11
  9. "Good Food Guide names 54 Irish restaruants", Maeve Binchy, The Irish Times, 26 Feb 1976, p.7
  10. The Irish Times, 15 May 1976, p.9
  11. "Table for two", Charles Acton, The Irish Times, 2 Dec 1978, p.12
  12. The emergence, development and influence of French Haute Cuisine on public dining in Dublin restaurants 1900-2000: an oral history. Thesis DIT by Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire, 2009. 3 downloadable volumes.. Part 2, p. 345

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