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.
“At the Restaurant Association, we believe it’s important to celebrate one another in the hospitality industry,” said Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand. “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.”
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.
Yonder was presented the Outstanding Café and Outstanding Design & Ambience Awards, with Amisfield picked up the honours 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.
2018 Queenstown Hospitality Awards Winners
- Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista of the Year – Nat Payne, Joe's Garage
- Hellers Café of the Year – The Chop Shop Food Merchants
- Jameson Outstanding Bartender of the Year – Jack Wharton, Bardeaux
- Glenfiddich Bar of the Year – The Sundeck
- Antipodes Outstanding Waiter of the Year – Jessica Patterson, La Rumbla
- Menumate Outstanding Front of House Team of the Year – Madam Woo
- Burns & Ferrall Emerging Talent, Chef – Callum Symonds, Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan
- Southern Hospitality Outstanding Chef of the Year – Vicky Wong, Botswana Butchery
- Negociants Emerging Talent, Wine Service Professional – Jeremy Olsen, Botswana Butchery
- GrabOne Winery Restaurant of the Year – Amisfield
- OneMusic Outstanding Design & Ambience of the Year – Yonder
- Crombie Lockwood Outstanding Central City Establishment of the Year – The Bunker
- Harrows Restaurant of the Year – La Rumbla
- Loaded Reports Sales Rep of the Year – Jill Newton, Lion Co
- McCarthy Specialty Supplier of the Year – Cardrona Distillery
- NZI Goods & Services Wholesaler of the Year – Bidfood Queenstown
- Trents Wholesale Supreme Crew Member of the Year – Jack Wharton, Bardeaux
- Trents Wholesale Supreme Breakthrough Talent of the Year – Jeremy Olsen, Botswana Butchery
- Trents Wholesale Supreme Supplier of the Year – Bidfood Queenstown
- Trents Wholesale Supreme Establishment of the Year – Yonder
- First Table People’s Choice, Establishment of the Year – Blue Kanu
- Skyline Queenstown Hospo Hero of the Year – Tony Robertson
