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The Auckland hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of their own with the announcement of the winners of the 15th annual Lewisham Awards. This year’s event, held at the Langham hotel, 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, 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.
This year’s awards introduced two new categories - “Outstanding Cafe "and "Outstanding Barista", along with a notable "Outstanding Contribution" award.
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.
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Crombie Lockwood
Outstanding Waiter:
Des Dillon
The Outstanding Waiter puts the customer first, establishing a connection with them, adjusting quickly to all the different types of guests and situations. |
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Restaurant Association of New Zealand Outstanding Sales Representative:
Emily Ujdur, Southern Hospitality
The Outstanding Sales Representative knows that each of their customers’ needs are different and that flexibility is the key! They are committed to the industry and always go the extra mile.
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Negociants Outstanding Wine Service Professional:
Sonja Anic, MooChowChow
The Outstanding Wine Service Professional has an excellent knowledge and understanding of New and Old world wines. Passionate about the industry, they create well-balanced and wine lists. |
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Clyth MacLeod Outstanding Street Food:
The White Lady
Outstanding Street Food is exciting; it is about offering food that is fast, tasty and authentic. They do a few dishes, but they do them exceptionally well, and their menu can change at a whim highlighting what is fresh and local. |
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Bidfood Outstanding Cafe:
Takapuna Beach Cafe & Store
The Outstanding Cafe is a new category this year; and this establishment offers an array of great food, superb coffee, fabulous staff, a comfortable ambience and standout customer service. |
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Menumate Outstanding New Venue:
Amano
The Outstanding New Venue has been open for less than two years. Their venue stands apart from the others through their fantastic atmosphere but also for their point of difference. |
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Moana New Zealand
Emerging Talent:
Jorja Grogan, Bricklane
This year's Emerging Talent is not only climbing the hospitality ladder but displays a passion and dedication for the industry in their chosen field. They are confident, talented, professional and demonstrate leadership potential with a great future in front of them. |
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Federal Merchants & Co
Outstanding Bartender:
Jeremy Nivern, Mea Culpa
The Outstanding Bartender has excellent memory, a sense of humour and a unique personal style. They can make you…well pretty much anything! |
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Eurovintage Outstanding Wine List:
Ponsonby Road Bistro
The Outstanding Wine List reflects both the overall style of the establishment and its menu; it displays an excellent foray across wine growing regions in both NZ and overseas, as well as a variety of wine styles. |
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Fine Food New Zealand
Outstanding Caterer:
LittleWolf
The Outstanding Caterer is known for their exceptional food and beverage offerings as well as providing exemplary service. Their menus are designed to meet the personal and financial needs of their client. |
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Hancocks Wine, Spirit & Beer Merchants Outstanding Bar:
Mea Culpa
The Outstanding Bar does everything well from their warm and knowledgeable service, their impressive product range, fantastic atmosphere and delicious food selections. |
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Lewisham Foundation
Outstanding Contribution:
Lindsay Swannack, Prego
Lindsay is a founding member of the Lewisham Committee and fifteen years on he is still giving his time selflessly, his expertise, his amazing camera skills and friendship to many. |
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OneMusic Outstanding Establishment:
Café Hanoi
The Outstanding Establishment has been around for longer than two years. They bring their loyal fans back time and time again, all the while gaining new ones. They constantly keep things fresh. |
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Pernod Ricard
Outstanding Restaurateur:
Krishna Botica - Café Hanoi, saan, Xuxu Dumpling Bar
The Outstanding Restaurateur is both an astute business person but also a charismatic leader. They are engaged, gracious and generous with their time to not only the team, and the clientele but also to the wider hospitality industry. |
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