The Northland hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners of the Northland Hospitality Awards.
The inaugural awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals, all of whom are making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand are proud to organise and foster these Awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the Northland hospitality industry.
Known for its rustic pizzas, Hone’s Garden won two of the top accolades winning Gilmours Supreme Award and the Whangārei District Love It Here! Outstanding Local Establishment proving just how popular it is.
The Cove Cafe took out the People’s Choice award. The recipient of this award is selected by the local dining public. Owned by former UK lawyer Lloyd Rooney and Kiwi farmer Mike Fraser, Cove Café has a gate to plate philosophy serving beef and lamb straight from their farm, making it a hot spot on the coast for tourists and locals alike.
An area of outstanding natural beauty, there is no shortage of great places to get a drink in the region.
Outstanding bar of the year went to The Tipsy Oyster in Paihia. A tapas bar and restaurant all combined it offers fresh local tapas and fusion tapas to locals and tourists alike.
There was recognition for those working in the industry too with outstanding front of house team going to the Quay in Whangarei and Marcus Berndt of Terra Restaurant picking up the award for outstanding chef. Sage Restaurant, Paroa Bay Winery was recognised as the outstanding restaurant of the year.
“It’s been a very tough year for our industry which makes it all the more important to recognise our successes. With a growing population that swells in the summer months, the region’s hospitality establishments play an important role in entertaining and hosting guests,” commented Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand.
“As an industry, it’s so important that we take time out to celebrate our success and acknowledge our achievements. We believe it’s important to shine a light on our industry and make sure we are recognised for the contribution we make to our community and economy. With all categories keenly contested, this year’s winners truly exemplify what it means to be at the top of their respective categories.”
“The Northland hospitality industry is changing all the time. Everywhere in Northland, you go there is a beautiful place to eat, drink and look at the scenery, it just brings people back here time and time again. And with no overseas travel this year, I believe we are going to have a very busy summer in Northland and more New Zealanders will truly get to see what Northland has to offer,” said Leah Greenall, Sales and Operations Manager of Gilmours Northland.
“I am super excited that these awards are showcasing the amazing talents of all the establishments that work so hard in bringing the community back together.”
The winners were announced at a virtual awards ceremony.
Northland Hospitality Awards 2020 Winners:
Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista Tom Richardson, Third Wheel Coffee Co.
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Bartender Sam Tarrant, The Butter Factory
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Front of House Team The Quay
NorthTec Emerging Chef Temarie Beirne, Jolt Café
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Chef Marcus Berndt, Terra Restaurant
Bidfood Whangarei Outstanding Café Helena Bay Cafe
The Hits Northland Outstanding Bar Tipsy Oyster
The Northern Advocate Outstanding Casual Dining/Street Food Biggie Bagels
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Ambience & Design No. 8
Whangārei District Love It Here! Outstanding Local Establishment Hone's Garden
Eftpos NZ Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant Mean's Vietnamese Café
dinefind Outstanding Restaurant Sage Restaurant, Paroa Bay Winery
Maurice Trapp Group Outstanding Sales Rep Rebecca Neill, Bidfood Whangārei
For more information regarding the awards please visit hospitalityawards.co.nz/northland
