Thyme restaurant retains prestigious Bib Gourmand

Thyme restaurant in Athlone has retained its prestigious Bib Gourmand listing in the 2026 Michelin Guide for the eight consecutive year.

Thyme is one of three restaurants across the Midlands to retain the much sought-after accolade in the wake of the hosting of the annual Michelin Awards Ceremony for Great Britain and Ireland in Dublin on Monday night. The other two Bib Gourmand establishments in the Midlands are both located in county Laois, Ballyfin Demense and Bramley in Abbeyleix.

Thyme, based at Custume Place, was established almost two decades ago by owner and head chef, John Coffey, and has grown its reputation steadily since then for the consistency and quality of its food offering which makes extensive use of local produce sourced from producers right across the Midlands.

The Michelin Guide differentiates restaurants by quality and price, with Stars honouring exceptional, high-end cuisine and Bib Gourmand recognising distinct character with quality food at fair prices.

The Michelin Guide had the following to say about Thyme:

This long-standing restaurant is constantly evolving under the guidance of its proud and passionate chef-owner. Inside, the bright green decor adds a warm, stylish touch, while the atmosphere is regularly buzzing, thanks to the restaurant's understandable popularity. The cooking is based around quality local produce, shown off in well-judged dishes that bring together harmonious flavours and textures. The menus mix new, seasonal creations with perennial favourites like the glazed ham hock with crispy hen's egg. The delightful service adds to the appeal.