The 2025 Lewisham Awards have celebrated the best of Auckland's hospitality scene over the past 12 months.
The makers of the city’s best cocktail, cafe lattes and mince pies, assembled to acknowledge the achievements of the past year.
“Hospitality has continued to be challenging,” said Dan Sullivan, Chairperson of the Lewisham Awards Committee.
“That hasn’t stopped innovation, dedication and ultimately success in this creative commercial industry.”
Karangahape Road establishments featured heavily at the 2025 Lewisham Awards with a double win for Apero for best Chef and Wine, best central establishment for pasta restaurant Pici, as well as the emerging talent award for the cult following of Pie Rolla.
Further off the beaten track were wins from Westhaven Marina-located First Mates, Last Laughs for best new establishment, founded by Judith Tabron of Soul Bar fame, as well as Avondale-based Tokos Tacos for best West Auckland establishment.
Nicola Richards, owner of Monsoon Poon was honoured with the Hospitality Hero award, the popular Southeast Asian restaurant closed it’s doors after almost 20 years of trading in early May.
“As an industry, we’re seeing hospitality owners demonstrate an understanding and application of community and connection. Not only are they creating memorable experiences, they’re delivering them in such a way that guests want to come back to share it with others.”
2025 Lewisham Awards Winners:
Anchor Food Professionals Outstanding Chef
Leslie Hottiaux, Apero
Hancocks Outstanding Bartender
Theo Thjandra, Truth or Dare/Goblin
OneMusic Outstanding Local Establishment Central
Pici
Antipodes Water Company Outstanding Sustainability
Panacea
Restaurant Association Hospitality Hero
Nicola Richards, Monsoon Poon
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Outstanding Beer Experience
Hallertau
Outstanding Emerging Talent
Lewis Mazza-Carson, Pie Rolla’s
Outstanding Cafe
Duo
Outstanding Cocktail Experience
Panacea
Outstanding Front of House
Sophie Ehan, Gilt
Outstanding Innovation
Everybody Eats
Outstanding Local Establishment East/Waiheke
Casita Miro
Outstanding Local Establishment South
Mania Seafood Boil
Outstanding Local Establishment West
Tokos Tacos
Outstanding New Establishment
First Mates, Last Laugh
Outstanding Producer
Kumeu River Wines
Outstanding Sales Experience
Gina Nicholls, Tickety Boo
Outstanding Wine Experience
Apero
More news here.
