Owner of the local cafe, Badia Zaidi pictured receiving the Cafe of the Year award at the The Irish Takeaway Awards at the Tullamore Court Hotel.

Athlone business scoops Cafe of the Year award

Kayley Hardiman

Published: Wed 21 Feb 2024, 4:49 PM

The Balcony Cafe at Ganly's Hardware Store on the Roscommon Road, Athlone, recently claimed the Café of the Year award at The Irish Takeaway Awards.

The annual awards took place in Tullamore Court Hotel on Tuesday, February 6.

The Balcony Cafe at Ganly’s Hardware Store on the Roscommon Road, Athlone. RIGHT: Owner of the local cafe,

Owner of the local café, Badia Zaidi said that he was “over the moon” following the win. He continued: “It was a great achievement for myself and the team particularly as it was just over a year ago that Zaidi Fusion Catering took over The Balcony Cafe and our first time up for any awards.

“The recognition will hopefully boost our already successful café and hopefully more people will make the trip upstairs in Ganly's Hardware to say hello and enjoy our delicious coffee, homemade food and treats.” The Moate resident also thanked his staff for their hard work along with the café's loyal customers. The café has eight staff members in total.

The Balcony Cafe is open upstairs in Ganly's from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.