The finalists have been announced in the Wellington Hospitality awards, with the finalists representing the top-notch dining establishments in the capital as voted by the hospitality industry. The Wellington general public are also able to vote for their favourite establishment in the First Table People’s Choice Award category.
Over 20 awards will be given to the best of the Wellington hospitality industry. From crew members, to suppliers, to establishments – the best of the best will be celebrated for their contribution to creating a world-class hospitality scene in Wellington.
A number of establishments took the spotlight at this year’s finalist launch including Shepherd – receiving nods in the Restaurant of the Year, Outstanding Ambience & Design, and Outstanding Maitre d categories – and newcomers Rita and Frenchie. Rita nominated for Outstanding New Establishment and Outstanding Chef of the Year, and Frenchie was nominated in both the Emerging Chef and Outstanding New Establishment categories.
“Wellington has a vibrant and world leading hospitality scene which deserves to be recognised,” said Restaurant Association CEO Maris Bidois. “Our goal is to recognise those providing an exceptional experience to Wellingtonians and connect them to one another and the local dining community. ”
Voting is open until Sunday, 14 October and the winners will be revealed at the awards evening on Sunday, 21 October.
Tickets to the event are on sale now – to purchase or for more information regarding the awards please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/wellington.
2018 Felix Wellington Hospitality Awards Categories
L'affare Outstanding Barista of the Year
Frank Hsu, Frank's Coffee
Morgan West, Milk Crate
Nik O’Connell, Staple Espresso
Jameson Outstanding Bartender of the Year
Alex Vowles, Hawthorn Lounge
Benji Irvine, Hanging Ditch
Max Roberts-Bristow, Poquito Bar
Burns & Ferrall Emerging Front of House
Georgia Mackenzie, Poquito Bar
Jack Coppack, Hawthorn Lounge
Louis Shepherd, C.G.R. Merchant & Co.
Helping Hands Outstanding Front of House Team of the Year
Capitol Restaurant
Ortega Fish Shack & Bar
Prefab Eatery
Moet Hennessy Outstanding Maitre d of the Year
Chelsea Godinet, Shepherd
Davey McDonald, Ortega Fish Shack & Bar
Patrick Ferrier, Capitol Restaurant
Le Cordon Bleu Emerging Chef
Geordie McLachlan, Whitebait
Tom Millot, Frenchie
Zoe Lloyd, Beach House & Kiosk
Gilmours Outstanding Chef of the Year
James Pask, Whitebait
Kelda Hains, Rita
Tom Hutchison, Capitol Restaurant
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Café of the Year
Café Polo
Olive
Prefab Eatery
Garage Project Outstanding Beer Experience of the Year
Garage Project
Little Beer Quarter
Malthouse
Negociants Outstanding Wine Experience of the Year
Le Samourai
Noble Rot Wine Bar
Ortega Fish Shack & Bar
Federal Merchants & Co Outstanding Cocktail Experience of the Year
Crumpet Bar
Forresters Lane
Hawthorn Lounge
Service Foods Outstanding Casual Dining/Street Food Experience of the Year
K C Cafe & Takeaway
Lucky
Mr Go's
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design of the Year
Lulu Bar
Rita
Shepherd
BCE Catering Equipment Outstanding New Establishment of the Year
1154 Pastaria
Frenchie
Rita
Nova Energy Outstanding Suburban/Regional Experience of the Year
Beach House & Kiosk
Rita
The Larder
Red + White Cellar Outstanding Restaurant of the Year
Capitol Restaurant
Ortega Fish Shack & Bar
Shepherd
The Recruitment Network Outstanding Caterer of the Year
Ruth Pretty Catering
Sarah Searancke Catering
The Catering Studio
Harbourside Function Venue Outstanding Sales Rep of the Year
Oliver Kettle, Vintners
Rachel Watson, Red + White Cellar
Stephanie Reade, Mineral Wines
Crombie Lockwood Insurance Brokers Outstanding Supplier of the Year
BCE Catering Equipment
Moore Wilson's
On Trays Food Emporium
iMonitor Outstanding Hospitality Professional of the Year
John Matias, Memphis Belle
Peter Lowry, Forresters Lane
Stephen Morris, Avida Bar
