The finalists have been announced for the 2023 Lewisham Awards, which celebrate the best and the brightest in the Auckland hospitality industry. The event is entering its 21st year, and promises to be a night of recognition and revelry.
The Lewisham Awards are renowned for scouting out exceptional talent and achievements in the hospitality sector, and recognising those who have made significant impacts in areas such as cuisine, beverage service, management, and supplier relations. The 2023 finalists showcase the diverse talent within the Auckland region.
This year's ceremony will be held at Shed 10 along the Auckland waterfront, on Sunday 4th June. The evening promises to be full of elegance, entertainment, and camaraderie, and to celebrate the winners in each category.
The event will kick off at 5:00 pm with a sparkling cocktail reception and the awards announcement, followed by an array of food truck offerings crafted by talented chefs.
Lewisham Governance, Chris Upton has expressed enthusiasm for this year's edition.
"We're thrilled to have such a fantastic group of finalists this year. The Lewisham Awards serve as a platform to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of these professionals and establishments to the hospitality industry. We're looking forward to a fantastic evening that brings together the best in the business."
The 2023 Lewisham Award Finalists are:
CATEGORY
Hancocks Outstanding Bartender
- Theo Tjandra, Panacea
- Taite Maltby, Deadshot
- Rohan Dandona, The Bramble
- Dany Dentith, Panacea
CATEGORY
Restaurant Association Hospitality Hero
- Adam Neal, The Parasol and Swing Company
- Edmundo Farrera, Le Fuente
- Danny Dentith, Panacea
- Diva Giles, Beau
CATEGORY
Lewisham Foundation Outstanding
Sales Representative/Brand Ambassador
- Claud Taylor, Hancocks
- Connor Grisedale, Tickety Boo
- Brittany Gillespie, Red & White Cellar
- Josh Sanford, Yeasty Boys
CATEGORY
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Local Establishment - North
- Tokki
- Stanley Avenue Wine Bar & Bistro
- Tiny Triumphs
- Fantail & Turtle
CATEGORY
OneMusic Outstanding Local Establishment - East
- Bucks Bistro
- Spiga
- Morell Bistro
- The Kohi Beach Eatery
CATEGORY
Gilmours Outstanding Local Establishment - Central
- Prego
- La Fuente
- Alma
- Beau
CATEGORY
Antipodes Sustainability Award
- Forest
- Kingi
- Ahi
- Atelier
CATEGORY
Insurance Advisernet Outstanding Front of House
- Tye Okieffe, Vivace Restaurant
- Cal Ross, The Parasol and Swing Company
- Danny Dentith, Panacea
- Simon Benoit, Cazador
CATEGORY
Anchor Food Professionals Outstanding Chef
- Leslie Hottiaux, Apero Food & Wine
- Dariush Lolaiy, Cazador
- Josh Shields, MoVida
- Ken O’Connell, Copia Restaurant
CATEGORY
Culley's Emerging Hospitality Talent
- Ana Laing, Crave
- Jasper Rae, Apero Food & Wine
- Pete Watson, Movida
- Stephen Sami, Cassia
CATEGORY
Silver Fern Farms Outstanding Supplier
- Tickety Boo
- Hancocks
- Bidfood
- Foodchain
CATEGORY
Clyth MacLeod Outstanding Producer
- Curious Croppers
- Massimo's
- Nobl & Sunday
- Bayside Rum Co.
CATEGORY
Bidfood Outstanding Cafe
- Duo Eatery
- Honey Cafe Takapuna
- Seabreeze
- Homeland
CATEGORY
Negociants New Zealand Outstanding Wine Experience
- La Fuente
- Beau
- Cave à Vin
- Bar Céleste
CATEGORY
Pernod Ricard Outstanding Cocktail Experience
- Panacea
- ACS
- Caretaker
- The Bramble
CATEGORY
Bepoz Outstanding Innovation
- Eco Spirits
- Ahi.
- Now Book it
- Forest
CATEGORY
BLANC Outstanding New Establishment
- Panacea
- Phat Philly's NZ
- Bossi
- Tokki
CATEGORY
DB Breweries Outstanding Local Establishment - South
- The Bramble
- Woodside
- Bracu Restaurant
- Hallertau Clevedon
CATEGORY
Coca Cola Europacific Outstanding Local Establishment - West
- Hallertau Riverhead
- Churly's Rise
- The Grounds at Whoa! Studios
- Et Tu
CATEGORY
L'affare Outstanding Barista
- Johnny Leung, Archie Cafe
- Shannon Hafner, Kokako
- Jay Weir, Crave
- Panatda Namwong, Dear Jervois
