Halfway House earns national honour as Broughshane pub recognised among UK’s finest rural businesses

The Halfway House Country Pub

The Halfway House Country Pub outside Broughshane has been recognised among the very best rural pubs in the United Kingdom after receiving a Highly Commended honour at the Grand Champions of the 2026 Countryside Alliance Awards in London.

The prestigious recognition was announced on Wednesday, July 8, at the House of Lords, where the Carnlough Road venue represented Northern Ireland after being crowned Countryside Alliance Northern Ireland Champion Pub earlier this year.

Competing against category winners from England, Scotland and Wales, the long-established family-run business secured national recognition in what are widely regarded as the rural community’s equivalent of the “Rural Oscars”.

National recognition for rural excellence

Now in their 19th year, the Countryside Alliance Awards celebrate outstanding rural businesses across five categories:

• Best Local Food

• Best Butcher

• Best Pub

• Best Rural Enterprise

• Best Village Shop/Post Office

The awards recognise businesses that go above and beyond for their communities while supporting local economies, championing regional produce and delivering exceptional customer service.

Thousands of nominations from across the United Kingdom were narrowed down through public voting before finalists were honoured at the Northern Ireland awards ceremony at Stormont in April.

Each Northern Ireland category winner then progressed to the UK Grand Champions finals at the House of Lords, competing against the very best rural businesses from across Britain.

Although the Halfway House narrowly missed out on the overall UK title, its Highly Commendedaccolade places it among the country’s leading rural pubs.

‘The beating heart of rural Britain’

Opening the national awards ceremony, Sarah Lee, Director of the Countryside Alliance Awards, praised the finalists for the vital role they play in sustaining rural communities.

She said:

“Now in their nineteenth year, the Countryside Alliance Awards continue to showcase the amazing people and enterprises that form the beating heart of rural Britain. These stories of diligence, innovation, hard work and community camaraderie deserve to be heard in the corridors of power.

“Whether you’re here representing a village pub, a local shop, a family farm, or a rural enterprise, you are all champions of the countryside and the communities that live there.

“These Awards are about more than just business. They are a celebration of the people and values that keep rural life alive – commitment to community, a passion for produce, innovation, sustainability, and good old-fashioned hard work. It’s a privilege to welcome such exemplary standard bearers of rural Britain to Westminster.

“Good luck to all of you. Your perseverance, ingenuity and toil have brought you this far, and whatever happens next, you should all be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved.”

Her remarks reflected the purpose of the annual awards, which honour businesses whose success is measured not only by commercial achievement but also by the positive impact they have on the communities they serve.

Why the Halfway House stood out

Pat Hamill (left), proprietor of Halfway House, with son Barry (right) presented with their Highly Commended certificate, coming second in the United Kingdom.

Announcing the Halfway House as the Highly Commended pub in the Grand Champions of the 2026 Countryside Alliance Awards, judges highlighted the Broughshane venue’s ability to honour its heritage while continuing to evolve with the needs of its community.

Describing it as “a classic example of a rural hostelry that has stood the test of time while continuing to evolve with its community”, judges praised its blend of history, hospitality and local pride.

First opening its doors in the 19th century and remaining proudly independent, the pub was recognised for creating an environment where its motto – “come as a guest, leave as a friend” – genuinely reflects the experience of customers.

Judges also highlighted its commitment to local provenance, noting that the menu showcases the very best of Northern Irish produce sourced from named suppliers across County Antrim and beyond. Every dish, they said, tells the story of local farming, fishing and food production, while the carefully selected drinks menu successfully balances traditional favourites with contemporary tastes.

Beyond its food and drink, judges said the Halfway House’s greatest strength lies in the role it plays within the wider community.

They praised its support for local schools and organisations, its significant charitable fundraising, and its importance as a welcoming gathering place where people come together for celebrations, live music, sporting occasions and everyday companionship.

Summing up the recognition, judges concluded that the Halfway House combines “heritage with heart”, describing it as a business that understands its purpose extends far beyond serving food and drink.

Almost two centuries of hospitality

The latest accolade follows the Halfway House being named Countryside Alliance Northern Ireland Champion Pub earlier this year.

At the time, judges described the business as an outstanding example of rural hospitality.

They said:

“Set in the scenic Braid Valley at the foot of Slemish Mountain, The Halfway House Country Pub has been welcoming locals and visitors since 1838, a remarkable history built on almost two centuries of hospitality.

“Under the stewardship of the Hamill family since 1995, this traditional country pub has blended heritage with innovation, evolving while staying true to its roots.

“It has built a strong reputation for exceptional food, generous portions and high standards, championing local produce from Glenarm Shorthorn beef to fresh seafood and seasonal dishes.

“But what truly sets it apart is its role in the community, a place where friendships form, milestones are celebrated and guests become regulars.”

Congratulations pour in

Following the announcement in London, a spokesperson for Countryside Alliance Ireland congratulated the team on their national success.

They said:

“What an incredible achievement!

“A huge congratulations to The Halfway House on being awarded Highly Commended in the Pub category at the UK Finals of the Countryside Alliance Awards!

“This recognition is a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of the entire team. From the warm welcome and fantastic food to the wonderful atmosphere and commitment to the local community, this award is thoroughly deserved.

“We’re so proud to see The Halfway House representing our area on the national stage. Congratulations once again to everyone involved – here’s to many more successes!”

Team thanks supporters

Reflecting on the awards ceremony in London, the Halfway House team thanked everyone who had supported the business throughout the competition.

A spokesperson said:

“A great day out at the Countryside Alliance Ireland UK finals in London today.

“We didn’t lift the top prize but more than happy to get runner up in a very strong field.

“Many thanks to everyone who voted or contributed to the feedback forms over last few weeks. Well done everyone!”

Westminster congratulations

North Antrim MP Jim Allister (centre) with Pat Hamill (right), proprietor of Halfway House, and his son Barry today at Westminster on the River Thames, London.

North Antrim MP Jim Allister was also among those to congratulate the team, meeting the owners at Westminster following the awards ceremony.

Mr Allister congratulated the Halfway House owners on finishing as runners-up and receiving the Highly Commended honour at the Countryside Alliance Awards UK finals.

For the Hamill family and their team, the latest accolade represents another landmark in a story spanning almost 190 years.

Having first secured the title of Northern Ireland Champion Pub before earning recognition on the national stage, the Halfway House has further strengthened its reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s premier country pubs while showcasing the quality, hospitality and community spirit that continue to thrive in rural County Antrim.