Award Winners
Let's celebrate the winners of the 2024 Canterbury Hospitality Awards!Supreme Award
Trents Wholesale Supreme Individual
2024 winner - Lisa Levy
This is presented to an individual who has been influential and has made a significant contribution to the hospitality industry. They are recognised for their pioneering spirit, energy, resourcefulness, and commitment to the hospitality industry.
Trents Wholesale Supreme Establishment
2024 winner - Cellar Door
This is presented to an establishment who has been influential and has made a significant contribution to the hospitality industry. They are recognised for their pioneering spirit, energy, resourcefulness, and commitment to the hospitality industry.
Crew Members of the Year
Restaurant Association Outstanding Barista
2024 winner - Eduardo Santos, Sala Coffee
The Canterbury region knows how to start the day right. This Outstanding Barista is on hand to help you recover from the night before or set you up for a day of adventure with a strong hit of caffeine. They are fast with the grind and deliver the perfect cup with a side of local knowledge. Whether it is iced, long, short, trim, full fat, flavoured, double or any combination of the above they nail it every time!
Campari Outstanding Bartender
2024 winner - Cory Evans, The Last Word
A great bartender can pour you the perfect drink from just a few moments of conversation, they know what is on trend or when to bring out a classic. They have shaken, stirred or blended their way into your heart and are your go-to on a night out or for a quiet drink. This person has the skill to knock your socks off with a signature cocktail, they know the wine list by heart and can pair the perfect drink with whatever you choose on the menu.
Tevalis Outstanding Front of House Team
2024 winner - Bar Yoku
This team works with flawless unity, from your first moment through the door, to dessert arriving at the table, they cover every detail. They know when to be at your table, when your glass needs a top up and can hear a dropped knife from the other side of the room. Their service is consistent and you can tell that they work as a team. This Canterbury crew are what sees you return to their establishment time and time again.
Outstanding Restaurant Manager
2024 winner - Laura Holcroft, Bar Yoku
This individual exemplifies leadership and dedication, ensuring every aspect of the dining experience runs seamlessly. Their keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills are evident from the moment you walk in the door. They orchestrate the team with precision, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and valued. Their passion for hospitality is contagious, inspiring their staff to deliver top-notch service consistently. This manager's ability to anticipate and exceed customer needs makes them a cornerstone of their establishment, ensuring that every visit is memorable and every customer leaves with a smile.
Anchor Food Professionals Outstanding Chef
2024 winner - Julie Han, Table Bloom
This Chef is both a visionary and a leader, they have passion for the food culture that is woven into the fabric of Canterbury and they delivery it onto every plate. They are an ambassador of local produce and an innovator of new techniques and always have their finger on the pulse of what their customers want to eat. This Chef inspires others through their passion for food and delivers exceptional dishes to their guests at every service.
Breakthrough Talent of the Year
Silver Fern Farms Emerging Chef
2024 winner - Quinn Ojala, Inati
This year’s Emerging Chef is not only climbing the Canterbury hospitality ladder but displays a passion and dedication for the industry in the kitchen. They are a confident, talented professional who demonstrates leadership potential with a great future in front of them. They have been in the industry for less than five years but in that time they have definitely made an impact.
Establishments of the Year
Bidfood Outstanding Street Food/Casual Dining
2024 winner - Smoke 'n' Barrel
This operation delivers an experience that is exciting, fast & fresh. Street Food / Casual Dining has changed the way many of us like to eat & the nominees will be those at the forefront of this movement. For a quick bite in or grabbing a meal on the way home from work, this outstanding establishment has you covered and has the added bonus of convenience.
Coca Cola Europacific Partners Outstanding Cafe
2024 winner - Hello Sunday
We are a region full of amazing cafes and this place is the absolute best spot to pick up a great coffee, or maybe stay a little longer for a bite to eat. The Outstanding Café knows how to dish up a vast range of satisfying food, to accompany some of the best coffee in the world, all served in a relaxing, inviting space with standout customer service.
Dinefind Outstanding Wine & Beverage List
2024 winner - Inati
The Outstanding Wine & Beverage List reflects both the overall style of the establishment and its menu; it displays an excellent array of beverages as well as a variety of wine styles. Incredible thought has gone into the beverage offerings with the venue showing a commitment to both the style and food through their cellar and their service team.
Outstanding New Establishment
2024 winner - Brewda
New to our bustling hospitality community, opening within the last two years, this venue has already made a statement. It feels like it could have been around for years. It is innovative, welcoming and here to stay!
Outstanding Bar
2024 winner - Bareno
The Outstanding Bar has the perfect combination of great service, great atmosphere and great drinks. Their beverage list has something to suit everyone and is executed with style and professionalism. They are setting the standard of excellence in the industry and are not afraid to push the boundaries when it comes to innovation. Their staff provide you with a home away from home and keep you coming back for more.
Outstanding Regional Establishment
2024 winner - Brew Moon
This is a venue where you make the effort to travel to time and time again, because let’s face it it’s well worth it! This is the spot where everything is on point, food, drinks, service you name it they have it and with that extra added bonus of a real community vibe.
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
2024 winner - Scoundrel
This venue is all about celebrating the creative zest which runs through the Canterbury hospitality scene. This establishment has thoughtful décor throughout with exceptional music and lightening that not only accentuates but lifts the 'going out' experience to its fullest.
Restaurant Association Outstanding Sustainability
2024 winner - Otahuna Lodge
This award is presented to an organisation that inspires and leads others to make a difference through their sustainability practices. A warrior of change that embodies a culture designed to leave a positive impact on both people and the environment and with a menu designed with thought and our future in mind.
Lumina Lamb Outstanding Restaurant
2024 winner - Black Estate
They are setting the standard for hospitality and quality of product in our region with consistency and excellence in all facets of their business. They are known for keeping their loyal regulars excited and always enticing new customers to come join in the experience.
Suppliers of the Year
Outstanding Sales Rep
2024 winner - Zac Goy, Aitkens
This person turns up at the right time, every time and knows exactly what product or support you need. Whether its staff training, organising an emergency delivery or simply being someone to bounce crazy ideas off – the outstanding sales rep is YOUR support person on the ground and simply knows how best to support you, your business and your team.
Outstanding Supplier
2024 winner - Aitkens
This supplier is committed to top quality and innovative products, they listen to their customers and know what works well for each of their individual needs. They are always a phone call away with a team of professionals on board to provide you with all the essential goods and services you require to open the doors.
People's Choice Award
Outstanding People's Choice - Establishment
2024 winner - Smokey T's
This Canterbury venue is an establishment that excels in customer service, consistency of product, welcoming ambience and style, attention to detail and is always willing to go the extra mile!
Supreme Award
Trents Wholesale Supreme Individual
2024 winner - Lisa Levy
This is presented to an individual who has been influential and has made a significant contribution to the hospitality industry. They are recognised for their pioneering spirit, energy, resourcefulness, and commitment to the hospitality industry.
Trents Wholesale Supreme Establishment
2024 winner - Cellar Door
This is presented to an establishment who has been influential and has made a significant contribution to the hospitality industry. They are recognised for their pioneering spirit, energy, resourcefulness, and commitment to the hospitality industry.
Crew Members of the Year
Restaurant Association Outstanding Barista
2024 winner - Eduardo Santos, Sala Coffee
The Canterbury region knows how to start the day right. This Outstanding Barista is on hand to help you recover from the night before or set you up for a day of adventure with a strong hit of caffeine. They are fast with the grind and deliver the perfect cup with a side of local knowledge. Whether it is iced, long, short, trim, full fat, flavoured, double or any combination of the above they nail it every time!
Campari Outstanding Bartender
2024 winner - Cory Evans, The Last Word
A great bartender can pour you the perfect drink from just a few moments of conversation, they know what is on trend or when to bring out a classic. They have shaken, stirred or blended their way into your heart and are your go-to on a night out or for a quiet drink. This person has the skill to knock your socks off with a signature cocktail, they know the wine list by heart and can pair the perfect drink with whatever you choose on the menu.
Tevalis Outstanding Front of House Team
2024 winner - Bar Yoku
This team works with flawless unity, from your first moment through the door, to dessert arriving at the table, they cover every detail. They know when to be at your table, when your glass needs a top up and can hear a dropped knife from the other side of the room. Their service is consistent and you can tell that they work as a team. This Canterbury crew are what sees you return to their establishment time and time again.
Outstanding Restaurant Manager
2024 winner - Laura Holcroft, Bar Yoku
This individual exemplifies leadership and dedication, ensuring every aspect of the dining experience runs seamlessly. Their keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills are evident from the moment you walk in the door. They orchestrate the team with precision, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and valued. Their passion for hospitality is contagious, inspiring their staff to deliver top-notch service consistently. This manager's ability to anticipate and exceed customer needs makes them a cornerstone of their establishment, ensuring that every visit is memorable and every customer leaves with a smile.
Anchor Food Professionals Outstanding Chef
2024 winner - Julie Han, Table Bloom
This Chef is both a visionary and a leader, they have passion for the food culture that is woven into the fabric of Canterbury and they delivery it onto every plate. They are an ambassador of local produce and an innovator of new techniques and always have their finger on the pulse of what their customers want to eat. This Chef inspires others through their passion for food and delivers exceptional dishes to their guests at every service.
Breakthrough Talent of the Year
Silver Fern Farms Emerging Chef
2024 winner - Quinn Ojala, Inati
This year’s Emerging Chef is not only climbing the Canterbury hospitality ladder but displays a passion and dedication for the industry in the kitchen. They are a confident, talented professional who demonstrates leadership potential with a great future in front of them. They have been in the industry for less than five years but in that time they have definitely made an impact.
Establishments of the Year
Bidfood Outstanding Street Food/Casual Dining
2024 winner - Smoke 'n' Barrel
This operation delivers an experience that is exciting, fast & fresh. Street Food / Casual Dining has changed the way many of us like to eat & the nominees will be those at the forefront of this movement. For a quick bite in or grabbing a meal on the way home from work, this outstanding establishment has you covered and has the added bonus of convenience.
Coca Cola Europacific Partners Outstanding Cafe
2024 winner - Hello Sunday
We are a region full of amazing cafes and this place is the absolute best spot to pick up a great coffee, or maybe stay a little longer for a bite to eat. The Outstanding Café knows how to dish up a vast range of satisfying food, to accompany some of the best coffee in the world, all served in a relaxing, inviting space with standout customer service.
Dinefind Outstanding Wine & Beverage List
2024 winner - Inati
The Outstanding Wine & Beverage List reflects both the overall style of the establishment and its menu; it displays an excellent array of beverages as well as a variety of wine styles. Incredible thought has gone into the beverage offerings with the venue showing a commitment to both the style and food through their cellar and their service team.
Outstanding New Establishment
2024 winner - Brewda
New to our bustling hospitality community, opening within the last two years, this venue has already made a statement. It feels like it could have been around for years. It is innovative, welcoming and here to stay!
Outstanding Bar
2024 winner - Bareno
The Outstanding Bar has the perfect combination of great service, great atmosphere and great drinks. Their beverage list has something to suit everyone and is executed with style and professionalism. They are setting the standard of excellence in the industry and are not afraid to push the boundaries when it comes to innovation. Their staff provide you with a home away from home and keep you coming back for more.
Outstanding Regional Establishment
2024 winner - Brew Moon
This is a venue where you make the effort to travel to time and time again, because let’s face it it’s well worth it! This is the spot where everything is on point, food, drinks, service you name it they have it and with that extra added bonus of a real community vibe.
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
2024 winner - Scoundrel
This venue is all about celebrating the creative zest which runs through the Canterbury hospitality scene. This establishment has thoughtful décor throughout with exceptional music and lightening that not only accentuates but lifts the 'going out' experience to its fullest.
Restaurant Association Outstanding Sustainability
2024 winner - Otahuna Lodge
This award is presented to an organisation that inspires and leads others to make a difference through their sustainability practices. A warrior of change that embodies a culture designed to leave a positive impact on both people and the environment and with a menu designed with thought and our future in mind.
Lumina Lamb Outstanding Restaurant
2024 winner - Black Estate
They are setting the standard for hospitality and quality of product in our region with consistency and excellence in all facets of their business. They are known for keeping their loyal regulars excited and always enticing new customers to come join in the experience.
Suppliers of the Year
Outstanding Sales Rep
2024 winner - Zac Goy, Aitkens
This person turns up at the right time, every time and knows exactly what product or support you need. Whether its staff training, organising an emergency delivery or simply being someone to bounce crazy ideas off – the outstanding sales rep is YOUR support person on the ground and simply knows how best to support you, your business and your team.
Outstanding Supplier
2024 winner - Aitkens
This supplier is committed to top quality and innovative products, they listen to their customers and know what works well for each of their individual needs. They are always a phone call away with a team of professionals on board to provide you with all the essential goods and services you require to open the doors.
People's Choice Award
Outstanding People's Choice - Establishment
2024 winner - Smokey T's
This Canterbury venue is an establishment that excels in customer service, consistency of product, welcoming ambience and style, attention to detail and is always willing to go the extra mile!