The finalists for the 2018 Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards have been announced, with up and coming establishments and familiar faces vying for top spots.

Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals all making a positive impact on the local hospitality scene. A large number of nominations were received from the industry across 15 categories, recognising those who work hard to achieve excellence in hospitality.

Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of NZ says

“At the Restaurant Association we think it’s important to celebrate one another in the hospitality industry. Our work is physical and demanding and there are limited opportunities to come together to support each other. The Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards represent the occasion to do just that – celebrate the hard work and success of the hospitality industry within the Hawke’s Bay region.”

Final Voting via the website is now open to the industry, closing at 5.00pm on Sunday, 29 July 2018.

The public can also have their say and vote for their favourite establishment via the Hawke’s Bay Today People’s Choice Award. This will be awarded to an establishment that excels in customer service, consistency in food preparation and delivery, welcoming ambience and style, attention to detail and is always willing to go that extra mile. Online voting is also via the website for both industry and the public.

The winners will be announced at the awards evening, held at the MTG Hawke’s Bay on Monday, 6 August. Guests will then be transported to Shed 2 and enjoy a ‘Mexican Fiesta’ themed evening of delicious tapas, selection of local beverage offerings and entertainment by DJ Hurricane.

Tickets to the event are on sale now, to purchase or for more information regarding the awards please visit www.hospitalityawards.co.nz/hawkesbay. Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @hawkesbayhospitalityawards and Instagram @hbhospoawards.

2018 Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards Finalists

Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista of the Year
Aydan Apiata, Mister D Dining
Benjamin Fernandez, Georgia on Tennyson
Ryan Huthnance, Crazy Good Coffee

Bidfood Hawke’s Bay Outstanding Café of the Year
Adoro Ahuriri Café
Hapi
F.G.Smith

Nova Energy Outstanding Coffee Establishment of the Year
Cupple
Georgia on Tennyson
Hawthorne Coffee Roasters

Simply Squeezed Outstanding Bartender of the Year
Claudia Hintz, Loading Ramp
Dave Morris, Funbuns
Jonathan Lopez, Matisse Wine Bar

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Bar of the Year
Loading Ramp
Monica Loves
Matisse Wine Bar

Unison Fibre Outstanding Local of the Year
Common Room
Rose & Shamrock
Westshore Beach Inn

GrabOne Outstanding Front of House Team of the Year
Deliciosa
JARKs Cityside Restaurant & Bar
Loading Ramp

EIT Emerging Chef of the Year
Auden Smith, Gin Trap
Dom Michau, Diva Bar & Bistro
Dylan Olsen, Clearview Estate Winery

Service Foods Outstanding Chef of the Year
Ashley Jones, Elephant Hill
Casey MacDonald, Terrôir Restaurant, Craggy Range
Hayden Esau, Matisse Wine Bar

Shed 2 Outstanding Sales Rep of the Year
Bryce Weir, Bidfood Hawke’s Bay
David Thompson, Gourmeats
Shaye Bird, Liquor King

Clearview Estate Winery Outstanding Ambience & Design
Funbuns
Matisse Wine Bar
Mamacita 

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Wine & Beverage List
Deliciosa
Emporium Eatery & Bar
Matisse Wine Bar

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Winery Restaurant of the Year
Clearview Estate Winery and Restaurant
Elephant Hill
Te Awa Winery Restaurant
Terrôir Restaurant, Craggy Range

Eftpos NZ Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant of the Year
Funbuns
Indigo
Sai Thai

OneMusic Outstanding Restaurant of the Year
Mister D
Hunger Monger
Malo

The Rotorua hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of their own with the announcement of the winners at a gala dinner held at the Energy Events Centre.

The Awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals, all of whom are making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand are proud to organise and foster these Awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the Rotorua hospitality industry.

Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand says

“At the Restaurant Association, we believe it’s important to celebrate one another in the hospitality industry. Our work is demanding and there are limited opportunities to come together to support each other. The Rotorua Hospitality Awards represent the occasion to do just that – celebrate the hard work and success of the hospitality industry within the region. Congratulations to all winners.”

With all categories keenly contested, this year’s winners truly exemplify what it means to be at the top of their respective categories.

Phil Elliot from Atticus Finch took top honours winning the Outstanding Chef award, and aspiring chef Bethany-May Allen from Peppers on the Point – Lake Rotorua was awarded Emerging Chef. The team at Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar – Skyline Rotorua took out the Outstanding Front of House Team honour, and Regent of Rotorua proved they have all the ingredients to be named Outstanding Restaurant.

Third Place Café was presented Outstanding Café for a second year running, with Outstanding Barista honours going to Grace Choi, McDonalds Fenton Street.

Urbano Bistro was awarded Outstanding Design & Ambience with Indian Star Restaurant picking up top honours for Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant.  Shaye Honeycombe, Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar awarded Outstanding Bartender and Brew Craft Beer Pub was named Outstanding Bar.

After an impressive 8,500 votes received, the coveted People’s Choice Award went to Scope Rotorua.

Ray Singh of Indian Star Restaurant was awarded Icon of Hospitality for his dedication to the industry spanning over 25 years, with 18 of them contributing to the flourishing scene Rotorua hospitality of today.

Guests were treated to a delectable selection of local produce and beverages and entertainment by local DJ Shane Schwalger.

For more information regarding the awards please visit hospitalityawards.co.nz\Rotorua.
Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @rotoruahospitalityawards and Instagram @rotoruaawards.

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2018 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Finalists

More FM Rotorua Outstanding Barista
Grace Choi, McDonalds

Bidfood Rotorua Outstanding Café
Third Place Café

Hancocks Outstanding Bartender
Shaye Honeycombe, Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar

Lion Breweries Bar
BREW Craft Beer Pub

Hospitality Management Systems Front of House Team
Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, Skyline Rotorua

Tabasco Emerging Chef – Bethany-May Allen, Peppers on the Point
Lake Rotorua

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Outstanding Chef
Phil Elliot, Atticus Finch

Indian Star Emerging Business
El Mexicano Zapata

OneMusic Outstanding Design & Ambience
Urbano Bistro

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant

Eftpos NZ Outstanding Restaurant
Regent of Rotorua

GrabOne Outstanding Takeout
The Factory Smokehouse & Grill

Skyline Rotorua Outstanding Sales Rep
Rohan Knowles, Diverse Distributors

Eurest Outstanding Supplier
Bidfood Rotorua

Events & Venues Excellence in Event Hospitality
Rotorua Night Market

Rotorua Lakes Council Peoples Choice
Scope Rotorua

Tohu Wines Icon of Hospitality
Ray Singh

On Sunday, 3 June in Auckland, at a Pacific Nights themed ceremony held at Eden Park, the Auckland hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of their own with the announcement of the winners of the 16th annual Lewisham Awards.

This year’s event was a sell out, which is a tribute to the calibre of the finalists and highlights the high regard in which they are held.

The Lewisham Awards (named after Richard Lewisham, who was a pioneer of the Auckland hospitality scene) were established in 2002 with the main objective to encourage excellence in the city’s hospitality community.  With this in mind, the best in the business are honoured by their peers once a year, as the industry comes together to celebrate their success.

Finalists and winners came from a mix of both new and well established businesses, highlighting this dynamic and ever changing industry and showing that Auckland hospitality  remains in excellent heart.

Some categories, such as Outstanding Restaurateur and Outstanding Maitre d’, were once again tightly fought, showing the depth of talent that we have in Auckland in our food and beverage offerings.

So what are you waiting for – those in the know in hospitality have crowned these people and venues the best of the best – must be time to go and check them out yourselves!!

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2018 Lewisham Awards Winners

Crombie Lockwood Outstanding Waiter
Loz Colwill, Apero

Antipodes Water Outstanding Maitre d’
Sonya Chan, White + Wong’s

Federal Merchants & Co Outstanding Bartender
Prateek Arora, Cassia

Restaurant Association of NZ Sales Representative
Craig MacKenzie, Sunshine Brewery

Hospitality Association of NZ Outstanding Supplier
Hancock’s Wine, Spirit & Beer Merchants

EuroVintage Outstanding Wine List
Apero

Negociants Outstanding Wine Service Professional
Ismo Koski, Apero

Southern Hospitality Outstanding Local
Mo’s

Hellers Outstanding Caterer
Urban Gourmet

Clyth Macleod Outstanding Street Food
The Lucky Taco

Hancock’s Wine, Spirit & Beer Merchants Outstanding Bar
Caretaker

Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista
Sai Okesene, Super

Bidfood Outstanding Cafe
Kokako Cafe

Independent Liquor Outstanding New Venue
Parasol & Swing

OneMusic Outstanding Establishment
Amano

Moana New Zealand Emerging Talent
Jami Kerrigan

Winterhalter NZ Outstanding Chef
Che Barrington, GoGo Daddy, Chop Chop/Woodpecker Hill/Bluebreeze Inn

Pernod Ricard Outstanding Restaurateur
Sid Sahrawat, Cassia/Sidart

Moet Hennessy Outstanding Hospitality Personality
Nicola Richards, Monsoon Poon

More details on the Lewisham Awards can be found at www.lewishamawards.co.nz
Check us out on Facebook & Instagram.

The finalists for the 2018 Rotorua Hospitality Awards have been announced, with familiar faces and consistently good establishments vying for top spots.

Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the Rotorua Hospitality Awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals all making a positive impact in the local hospitality scene. A large number of nominations were received from the industry across 16 categories, recognising those who work hard to achieve excellence in hospitality.

Marisa Bidois, Chief Executive of Restaurant Association says:

“Time and time again we are impressed by the number of nominations received and we see this as an endorsement that the Rotorua hospitality industry welcomes the awards as a means to support and recognise each other. It is a real tribute to the calibre of talent in Rotorua hospitality. To be selected by your peers as a leader in your category is a great honour in itself.”

Winners will receive a coveted “Chevron” trophy, representing a stripe indicating rank or length of service. Winners will also be listed on the Eat New Zealand website, a movement dedicated to promoting New Zealand’s best food, drink and culinary destinations to the world.

Final Voting via the website is now open to the industry, closing at midnight on Sunday, 20 May.

The public can also have their say and vote for their favourite establishment via the Rotorua Lakes Council People’s Choice Award. This will be awarded to an establishment that excels in customer service, consistency in food preparation and delivery, welcoming ambience and style, attention to detail and is always willing to go that extra mile. Online voting is now open via the website for both industry and the public.

The winners will be announced at the awards evening, held at the Energy Events Centre on Sunday, 1 July. The Rotorua Hospitality Awards is your opportunity to get together with the city’s hospo squad, enjoy a night of delicious canapés, wine, beer, and cocktails, and participate in a bit of healthy competition at our awards ceremony.

Tickets to the event are on sale now, to purchase or for more information regarding the awards please visit www.hospitalityawards.co.nz/rotorua. Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @rotoruahospitalityawards and Instagram @rotoruaawards.

2018 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Finalists

More FM Rotorua Outstanding Barista of the Year
Ethan Butler, Artisan Cafe
Leroy Cunningham, Market Kitchen
Grace Choi, McDonalds
Andrea Baigorria Germain, Revolver Espresso

Bidfood Rotorua Outstanding Café of the Year
Artisan Café
Lime Caffeteria
Scope Cafe
Third Place Café

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Bartender of the Year
Sean Kelly, Atticus Finch
Shaye Honeycombe, Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar
Rohit Mehla, Rydges Hotel, Rotorua
Scott Barlow, Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar

Lion Breweries Bar of the Year
BREW Craft Beer Pub
Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar
SOBAR

Hospitality Management Systems Front of House Team of the Year
Atticus Finch
Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar

Tobasco Emerging Talent – Chef
Bethany-May Allen, Peppers on the Point – Lake Rotorua
Pritam Gaware, Skyline Rotorua
Gill Fursharan, Urbano Bistro

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology – Outstanding Chef of the Year
Phil Elliot, Atticus Finch
Digraj Baghela, Princes Gate Hotel
Mark Solon, Urbano Bistro

Indian Star Emerging Talent – Business
Delhi Hutt
El Mexicano Zapata
Scope Cafe

OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design of the Year
Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar
Regent of Rotorua
Urbano Bistro

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant of the Year
Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant
The Thai Restaurant
Yamato Japanese

Eftpos NZ Outstanding Restaurant of the Year
Atticus Finch
Regent of Rotorua
Urbano Bistro

GrabOne Outstanding Takeout of the Year
24b Lunchbar
Pizzeria Imperfetto
The Factory Smokehouse & Grill

Skyline Rotorua Outstanding Sales Rep of the Year
Rohan Knowles, Diverse Distributors
Donna Bloore, Jasco Distributing
Tracey Lawrence, Service Foods

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Supplier of the Year
Bidfood Rotorua
Diverse Distributors
Service Foods

Events & Venues Excellence in Event Hospitality of the Year
Crankworx Rotorua
Rotorua Night Market
The Okere Falls Beerfest

The Queenstown hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of their own with the announcement of the winners at the inaugural awards ceremony at Skyline Queenstown.

The Awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals, all of whom making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand and lead partner Trents Wholesale are proud to organise and foster these Awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the Southern Lakes diverse hospitality industry.

Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand says

“At the Restaurant Association, we believe it’s important to celebrate one another in the hospitality industry. Our work is demanding and there are limited opportunities to come together to support each other. The Queenstown Hospitality Awards represent the occasion to do just that – celebrate the hard work and success of the hospitality industry within the region. Congratulations to all winners.”

With all categories keenly contested, this year’s winners truly exemplify what it means to be at the top of their respective categories.

Vicky Wong from Botswana Butchery took top honours winning the Outstanding Chef award, the team at Madam Woo were awarded the Outstanding Front of House Team honour, and La Rumbla proved they have all the ingredients to be named Outstanding Restaurant.

The Chop Shop Food Merchants was presented the Outstanding Café Award, Yonder won the Outstanding Design & Ambience honours, and Amisfield picked up the Award for Outstanding Winery Restaurant. The Sundeck was awarded the Outstanding Bar Award, and The Bunker was named Outstanding Central City Establishment.

After an impressive 650 votes received, the coveted People’s Choice Award went to Blue Kanu.

Tony Robertson, formerly of Hamills Restaurant, was awarded Hospo Hero of the Year for his dedication to the industry spanning over 30 years, contributing to the flourishing scene Queenstown hospitality of today.

Guests were treated to a delectable selection of local produce and beverages and sweet sounds from Annah Mac and DJ duo Sweet Mix Kids.

For more information regarding the awards please visit www.hospitalityawards.co.nz\queenstown.
Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @qthospitalityawards and Instagram @queenstownawards.

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2018 Queenstown Hospitality Awards Winners

2018 Queenstown Hospitality Supreme Awards Winners

2018 Queenstown Hospitality People’s Choice & Hospo Hero Winners

Rotorua’s hospitality industry is to be celebrated for the 7^th year at the 2018 Rotorua Hospitality Awards, an industry event aimed at highlighting the very best of the region.

Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the Rotorua Hospitality Awards have been recreated with a fresh new identity. The new regional hospitality awards design has come from the need to create a more streamlined and consistent awards platform throughout New Zealand, with the Rotorua Hospitality Awards representing the highly coveted biannual celebration for its region.

CEO Marisa Bidois says

Our goal is to bring the hospitality community together and connect them with the larger community.

Winners will receive a coveted ‘Chevron’ trophy, symbolising a stripe indicating rank or length of service. The ‘Chevron’ represents the industry’s mark for distinction and provides a recognised symbol for excellence for consumers and visitors alike.

The Restaurant Association has partnered with Eat New Zealand, a collective of New Zealand’s chefs, producers, media, tourism and event operators, who are all dedicated to promoting New Zealand’s best food, beverage, and culinary destinations to the world.

Bidois says

Winners will be listed on the Eat New Zealand website, a beneficial development for the region as Rotorua continues to be recognised globally for its distinction in tourism and hospitality.

Nominations are now open to the industry until Sunday, 27 May.

Final voting will begin on Tuesday, 29 May and winners will be revealed at the awards evening on Sunday, 1 July at the Energy Events Centre.

The Rotorua general public are also able to vote for their favourite establishment in the Rotorua Lakes Council People’s Choice Award category from 29 May.

Tickets to the event are on sale now. To nominate, purchase tickets or for more information regarding the awards please visit www.hospitalityawards.co.nz\rotorua.

Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @rotoruahospitalityawards and Instagram @rotoruaawards.

2018 Rotorua Hospitality Awards Categories

• More FM Rotorua Outstanding Barista
• Bidfood Rotorua Café
• Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Bartender
• Lion Breweries Bar
• Hospitality Management Systems Outstanding Front of House Team
• Tobasco Emerging Talent – Chef
• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Outstanding Chef
• Indian Star Emerging Talent – Business
• OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
• Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant
• Eftpos NZ Outstanding Restaurant
• GrabOne Outstanding Takeout
• Skyline Rotorua Outstanding Sales Rep
• Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Supplier
• Events & Venues Excellence in Event Hospitality
• Tohu Wines Hospo Hero
• Rotorua Lakes Council Peoples Choice

2018 Lewisham Awards Finalists Announced In The Search For The Pinnacle Of Auckland’s Hospitality Scene

There is strong competition in the race for accolades in this year’s Lewisham Awards. Winners receive recognition as one of the top in Auckland hospitality.

The Lewisham Awards recognise each part of the industry that contributes to Auckland’s vibrant and diverse dining and entertainment scene. From restaurant owners to chefs, waiters, baristas, suppliers and establishments.

This year marks the 16th year that the Lewisham Awards will celebrate excellence in Auckland hospitality.

The number of nominations this year has set records, creating an exciting contest to find the winners. This year’s finalists include long established venues and personnel, joined in the top four with amazing new establishments and hospitality stars. This identifies the outstanding standard set by those at the top in the industry.

Finalist voting runs from Tuesday 8th May until Tuesday 22nd May. The votes are then counted to find those selected as the top. This will ensure that Auckland’s hospitality stars will be ready to hit the red carpet on 3rd June. The industry gathers to support finalists and celebrate winners in true hospitality style at the Pacific Nights themed Awards night.

Tickets are on sale now for the awards evening at Eden Park on Sunday 3rd June 2018. For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.lewishamawards.co.nz

Please keep an eye on the Lewisham Awards website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter page for event updates.

w: www.lewishamawards.co.nz  •  f: @LewishamFoundation  •   i: @lewishamawards

The 2018 Lewisham Awards finalists are:

The finalists for the inaugural 2018 Queenstown Hospitality Awards have been announced, with familiar faces and consistently good establishments vying for top spots.

Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand and lead partner Trents Wholesale, the Queenstown Hospitality Awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals all making a positive impact on the local hospitality scene. A large number of nominations were received from the industry across 16 categories, recognising those who work hard to achieve excellence in hospitality.

Marisa Bidois, Chief Executive of Restaurant Association says:

The number of nominations received was an endorsement that the industry welcomes the awards as a means to support and recognise each other and is a real tribute to the calibre of talent in Southern Lakes hospitality. To be selected by your peers as a leader in your category is a great honour in itself.

Winners will receive a coveted “Chevron” trophy, representing a stripe indicating rank or length of service. Winners will also be listed on the Eat New Zealand website, a movement dedicated to promoting New Zealand’s best food, drink and culinary destinations to the world.

Final Voting via the website is now open to the industry, closing at midnight on Sunday, 20 May.

The public can also have their say and vote for their favourite establishment via the First Table People’s Choice Award. This will be awarded to an establishment that excels in customer service, consistency in food preparation and delivery, welcoming ambience and style, attention to detail and is always willing to go that extra mile. Online voting is also via the website for both industry and the public.

The winners will be announced at the awards evening, held at Skyline Queenstown on Monday, 28 May. Guests will be treated to a delectable selection of local produce, a vast array of the best tipple and sweet sounds from international DJ duo Sweet Mix Kids.

Tickets to the event are on sale now, to purchase or for more information regarding the awards please visit www.hospitalityawards.co.nz\queenstown. Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook page @qthospitalityawards and Instagram @queenstownawards.

2018 Queenstown Hospitality Awards Finalists

Finalists for the Queenstown Hospitality Awards will be announced on Monday, 30 April.

Queenstown’s flourishing hospitality industry is to be celebrated at the inaugural Queenstown Hospitality Awards, an industry event aimed at highlighting the very best of the region

Established by the Restaurant Association of NZ and lead partner Trents Wholesale, the awards are an important development for the region, as Queenstown continues to be recognised globally for its distinction in tourism and hospitality.

CEO Marisa Bidois says,

“It’s imperative the hospitality industry recognises its champions as it provides not only a peer benchmark for excellence but also serves to give people valuable guidelines on the best places to visit”.

With more than 16 award categories, the best of Queenstown’s hospitality industry – from crew members, to suppliers, to establishments – will be celebrated for their contribution in creating a world-class hospitality industry in Queenstown.

The relevance of the event has attracted support from local and national category sponsors signing up to be part of the inaugural event including Meadow Fresh, Hellers, Pernod Ricard, Federal Merchants, Antipodes, Menumate, Southern Hospitality, Crombie Lockwood, OneMusic, Negociants, GrabOne, Harrows, NZI, First Table and host venue Skyline Queenstown.

Final voting will begin on Monday, 30 April upon announcement of finalists.
RSVP to the Finalist Launch

Awards winners will be revealed at the highly anticipated Queenstown Hospitality Awards Gala on Monday, 28 May at Skyline Queenstown. Queenstown general public are also able to vote for their favourite establishment in the First Table People’s Choice Award category.

Queenstown Hospitality Awards 2018 Categories:

• Meadow Fresh – Outstanding Barista of the Year
• Hellers – Cafe of the Year
• Jameson – Outstanding Bartender of the Year
• Glenfiddich – Bar of the Year
• Antipodes – Outstanding Waiter of the Year
• Menumate – Outstanding Front of House Team
• Southern Hospitality – Outstanding Chef of the Year
• Burns & Ferrall – Emerging Talent – Chef
• Crombie Lockwood – Central City Establishment of the Year
• OneMusic – Outstanding Ambience & Design
• Negociants – Emerging Talent – Wine Service Professional
• GrabOne – Winery Restaurant of the Year
• Harrows – Restaurant of the Year
• Restaurant Association – Sales Rep of the Year
• McCarthy – Specialty Supplier of the Year
• NZI – Goods & Services Wholesaler of the Year
• First Table – People’s Choice – Establishment of the Year
• Skyline Queenstown – Outstanding Hospo Hero

RSVP to the Finalist Announcement event here.
Purchase tickets to the Queenstown Hospitality Awards here.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the awards evening please visit: www.hospitalityawards.co.nz/queenstown

Nominations for Lewisham Awards are officially open!

It’s that time of year again for the hospo community of Auckland nominate who you think is the best of the best within the Auckland hospitality industry!

This is your chance to nominate and vote in 19 categories for your fellow hospo crew members, suppliers and establishments who you think are doing a stellar job of serving up the goods in Auckland.

The Bay hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of their own with the announcement of the winners at a glittering gala dinner held at Mills Reef Winery on Sunday night.

The Awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals all making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene. The Restaurant Association of NZ are proud to organise and foster these awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote Bay of Plenty’s vibrant hospitality industry.

Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of NZ says “At the Restaurant Association we think it’s important to celebrate one another in the hospitality industry. Our work is physical and demanding and there limited opportunities to come together to support each other. The Bay Hospitality Awards represent the occasion to do just that – celebrate the hard work and success of the hospitality industry within the Bay of Plenty region. Congratulations to all the winners.”

With all categories keenly contested, this year’s winners truly exemplify what it means to be at the top of their respective categories. Kate McKeller White of Fish Face Seafood & Wine Bar took top honours winning the Outstanding Chef award, with Hide – Thirst & Hunger picking up the Outstanding New Venue and Outstanding Design & Ambience awards. The General won in the Outstanding Cafe category, with The Rising Tide picking up the Outstanding Bar honour, and in-house popular local street-food vendors Johney’s Dumpling House named Outstanding Street Food/Takeout for a second year in a row.

The Barrio Brothers in Tauranga were awarded the Outstanding Front of House Team honour and the coveted People’s Choice Award, and Macau proved they have all the ingredients to be named Outstanding Restaurant.

The Bay Hospitality Awards were established in 2016 to celebrate the Bay of Plenty region’s culinary talent, great venues and passionate people and will be back in 2019.

2017 Bay Hospitality Award Winners:

Innocent Packaging Outstanding Barista
Kalee Haakma, Thy Neighbour Coffee Bar

UNO. Magazine Outstanding Café
The General

Lion Co Outstanding Bartender

Katie Short,
The Barrio Brothers Mount Maunganui

Pernod Ricard Outstanding Bar
The Rising Tide

Moana NZ Emerging Talent – Front of House
Lisa Rooney, The Rising Tide

Independent Liquor Outstanding Design & Ambience
Hide, Thirst & Hunger 

Menumate Point of Sale Outstanding Front of House Team
The Barrio Brothers, Tauranga

Gilmours Tauranga Outstanding Street Food/Takeout
Johney’s Dumpling House

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Sales Representative
Robbie Moore, Bidfood Tauranga

Bidfood Tauranga Outstanding Caterer
Handcrafted Food

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Emerging Talent – Kitchen
Tom Greene, Octopus’s Garden

Bidfood Outstanding Chef
Kate McKeller White, Fish Face Seafood & Wine Bar

Federal Merchants & Co Outstanding New Venue
Hide – Thirst & Hunger

Gilmours Tauranga Outstanding Restaurant
Macau Bar Kitchen & Lounge

Mills Reef Winery People’s Choice Award
The Barrio Brothers, Tauranga

For more information regarding the awards please visit www.bayhospitalityawards.co.nz.