The finalists for the Christchurch Hospitality Awards have been announced, showcasing the depth of Christchurch’s diverse hospitality scene.
O.G.B., Christchurch’s popular speakeasy bar, featured heavily, being nominated for best bar, outstanding bartender, front of house team and central city establishment. Along with O.G.B., Smash Palace and The Craft Embassy were also nominated for best bar.
Inati, known for its intimate seating arrangements that bring diners into the chef’s space, was nominated for outstanding restaurant. Additionally, Story, The Monday Room and 5th Street were also nominated for this award.
The innovation that Christchurch’s hospitality sees, especially in regards to new pop-ups and fit-outs makes for a high level of competition in the design and pop-up-related categories. Amazonita, Chiwahwah, Parlour and 5th Street were nominated for outstanding ambience and design, while Banter, Empire Chicken, Posh Porridge, and Vagabond Chefs were nominated for outstanding pop-up establishment.
Marisa Bidois, C.E.O. Restaurant Association of New Zealand, said, “The hard-working Christchurch hospitality industry deserves recognition more than most. Designing exciting and first-class dining experience to attract people back into the city, they are at the forefront of rebuilding and reimaging the city. These are a dedicated and creative group of individuals who are critically important to the future of Christchurch.”
Voting is open until Sunday the 1st of September, and winners will be announced on the 9th of September. Links for industry votes and general public votes for people’s choice can be found here and here respectively. Additional information can be found here.
Full list of nominations can be found below.
Mediaworks Outstanding Barista
Jeremy Green - Unknown Chapter
Markus Hirner - Espresso 245
Ryan Haans - The Fermentist
Shaymus Brunton - The Birdwood
Hellers Outstanding Café
Hello Sunday
Ilex Cafe
Little Pom's
Unknown Chapter
Jameson Outstanding Bartender
Ben Edwards - O.G.B
Charles Gillet - Poplar Social Club
Ezra Eseese - 5th Street
Zac Goy - Vesuvio
Asahi Beverages Outstanding Bar
gin gin
O.G.B
Smash Palace
The Craft Embassy
ARA Institute of Canterbury Emerging Front of House
Ally Demarchi - 5th Street
Grace Irving - O.G.B
Jamie Rogers - Amazonita
Antipodes Outstanding Maitre'd
Ana-Maria Smith - Miro
Claudia Hagerty – Barberra
Olivia England - The Monday Room
Wynn Kerstens - 5th Street
Southern Hospitality Emerging Chef
Andrew Tranter - Pescatore, The George
Cameron Woodhouse - Inati
Vanessa Bennie - Craft Embassy
Service Foods Outstanding Chef
Eeva Torvinen - The Monday Room
Jackson Smith - Pegasus Bay
Jamie Bennett - Town Tonic
Simon Levy - Inati
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
Amazonita
Chiwahwah
Parlour
5th Street
Burns & Ferrall Outstanding Pop Up Establishment
Banter
Empire Chicken
Posh Porridge
Vagabond Chefs
Kono Wines Outstanding Ethnic/Casual Dining
Francesca’s Italian Kitchen
Hanoi Me
Kinji Japanese Restaurant
Miss Peppercorn
Crombie Lockwood Outstanding Central City Establishment
Not Without You
O.G.B
Smokey T’s
Twenty Seven Steps
Nova Energy Outstanding Suburban/Regional Establishment
Black Estate
Pegasus Bay
The Birdwood
The Port & Eagle
Champagne Laurent-Perrier Outstanding New Venue
Alfred
Athens Yacht Club
Barberra
Earl
Burns & Ferrall Outstanding Restaurant
Inati
Story
The Monday Room
5th Street
Eaton Drink Co. Outstanding Sales Rep
Andrew Johnston - Procure Liquor
Andy Allen – Invisible Wines
Paul Bett - Asahi Beverages
Richard Page – Aitkens
NZI Outstanding Supplier
Peter Langlands
Peter Timbs Meats
Red & White Cellar
Southern Hospitality
McCarthy Outstanding Caterer
Ilex Events
Eaton Drink Co
The Bespoke Chef
