The Black Anchor, perched on the riverbank in the East Algarve city, with a spacious riverside terrace at the front, a vine covered canopied garden at the back where grapes grow over patrons' heads, and both public and lounge bars, prides itself on being called an Irish venue.

Little wonder. Its owners for the past 18 years, who have expertly nurtured and breathed new life into the historic and iconic waterfront building, both hail from the Emerald Isle.

Vinny Kennedy's home town is Wexford, his wife Joy Fletcher comes from Athlone.

And it was on Friday night last (November 8) that the Black Anchor, billed as the 'only real Irish bar outside of Ireland' by its many international patrons, as well as Portuguese people, pulled off its remarkable triple Awards feat.

The Black Anchor took the Taste of the Algarve title in a people's vote, beating finalists Hannah's Place in Almancil and the Franguinho de Albufeira in a public poll.

Not only that, but two of the top singers/showmen who are hallmark performers at the Black Anchor — Danny Maverick and Gary Vesey — were judged first and second respectively in the Entertainment/Band or DJ Awards category. Coincidentally, it was another all-Irish hat-trick in that category, with the other nominees, The Six Irish Men, finishing third.

Said Vinny, no mean performer himself on karaoke nights at 'The Big Irish': "This is the first time we've entered the Awards.

"And it is a tremendous fillip for us to win 'the Taste' Award.

"It is a huge compliment on the food front to chefs Robert and Fabio and their cuisine team in the kitchen.

"And, of course, it's a triumph for our bar staff who, in terms of hospitality, are the best in the business and serve both patrons at the bar and those eating and drinking at the tables on the river terrace and in the back garden."

Said Joy: "We put our roots down in Tavira almost 20 years ago. We raised our children, now adults, who went to school here. The pub and restaurant have become a hub for Irish ex-pats who are both resident and who come back frequently while on holiday. And we have plenty of English, Scots, Welsh, French, German, Scandinavian, American, Canadian and, of course, Portuguese patrons as well.

"We regard them all as friends. Which is what a real Irish pub should be about: people as well as pints."

And as for Danny Maverick, the Belfast man had already been nominated by the organisers, the Algarve Business Awards, to announce the Taste of Algarve winners.

He was as delighted as Joy and Vinny and a host of their cheering supporters when he pulled the result card out of the envelope.

And there was the same kind of uproarious celebration from the same dinner guests when Danny won the Entertainment Award.

In an emotional acceptance speech, Danny singled out the Portuguese people for praise.

"Most of all, I would like to thank the Portuguese people.

"I came here 17 or 18 years ago, and I found they are the most hospitable and friendly people in the world."

Danny added: "What a year! I turned 60 years of age. I got married to my wife Christine. And now this..."

And then in a last line tinged with high emotion he said: "My mother is 79 today."

"This," he said, holding up his Award, " is my mother's birthday present."

The Taste of the Algarve Award goes to an establishment which stands out for taste, service, and supporting local businesses.

The citation reads: 'This Award recognises commitment to excellence in food service including excellence of customer care, quality premises suited to target customers, the use of local ingredients, imaginative menus, flavour of the food and innovative marketing.'

Text by Jim McDowell