Award Winners
Let's celebrate the winners of the 2023 Southern Lakes Hospitality Awards!Supreme Awards
Trents Supreme Award- Establishment
2023 winner - The Bunker
The Supreme Establishment award is presented to the establishment who received the most nominations and votes by their hospitality peers across all category awards. This is the pinnacle award of the evening and represents the best of the best for the region.
Trents Supreme Award- Individual
2023 winner - Vaughan Mabee
This prestigious award is presented to an individual who has been influential and has made a significant contribution to the Southern Lakes hospitality industry. They are recognised for their pioneering spirit, energy, resourcefulness, and commitment to the hospitality industry.
Crew Members of the Year
Dinefind Outstanding Barista
2023 winner - Liam Wright, The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro
The Southern Lakes 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 flat, flavoured, double or any combination of the above they nail it every time!
Hospo Start Outstanding Bartender
2023 winner - Liam Cabourn, Little Blackwood
A great Southern Lakes bartender is part tourism provider and part drinks wizard. They can tell you the hotspots while they recommend the perfect Central Otago drop or mix you something to warm your cockles after a long day on the slopes. This person has the skill to make you feel right at home and also pour you the perfect drink to keep you coming back for more. They know what is on trend and when to pull out a classic and provide the backbone for a great night out.
Antipodes Outstanding Front of House Team
2023 winner - Tanoshi Cow Lane
From a smile on a arrival to recommending a great dish, this team works in perfect unity to make your dining experience flawless. They know the menu like it is an old friend and can guide you to crate the perfect fit for an occasion. They know when you need them from just a glance and when to leave you to enjoy your evening. They are the glue that ties the bar, kitchen and the guest together.
Anchor Food Professionals Outstanding Chef
2023 winner - Koji Kiminami, Tanoshi
This Chef wears many hats, leader, visonary, champion of local produce, culinary wizard. They are artists of their craft and know how to showcase Southern Lakes on a plate. They lead and inspire their team to push food boundaries and their passion is evident in every dish that leaves their kitchen. Southern Lakes opens its doors to the world and this Chef is an ambassador for the Aoteroa food scene.
Breakthrough Talent of the Year
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Emerging Chef
2023 winner - Callum Plank, The Bunker
This Emerging talent is a name that you will hear many times to come, with 3 years or less in the kitchen they are at the start of what will be a long and exciting career in food. They are learning the ropes but also have an insight to offer and new ideas to share. They can work as part of a team but also have the potential to stand out the front. This person is passionate about what they put on the plate and are getting noticed for all the right reasons.
Hospo Start Emerging Front of House
2023 winner - Brooke Owens, Slow Cuts
Everyone wants this hospo newbie on their team. Having recently caught the hospitality bug this front of house superstar is making waves and getting noticed. They are eager to learn but also have some new ideas to teach, they are a joy to have as part of the team and have a long road ahead of them as part of the industry.
Establishments of the Year
Dinefind Outstanding Street Food/ Takeout
2023 winner - Francesca's Mobile Pizza
Takeout has reached new heights and this Outstanding Street Food or Take out establishment is setting the standard. This is your go to for a quick bite or your stop on the way home to the couch. This local has a que out the door and is at the top of your list when good food fast is on the agenda. They can take you on a world trip with just one mouthful or save you from the dishes after a hard days work. Their food could stand it's ground in any restaurant but just happens to come in a takeawy container.
Bidfood Outstanding Cafe
2023 winner - The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro
Whether it is a morning coffee, a weekend eggs bene or a great weekday lunch with friends this Outstanding Café has you covered. They can be your home away from home, your office or your weekend go to. The menu has the best of what at all points during the day and their coffee hits the spot every time. Customer service is a standout and this cafe creates and inviting and relaxing space.
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Bar
2023 winner - Ferg's Bar
The Outstanding Bar has the perfect combination of great service, great atmosphere and great drinks. Their bevergae list has something to suit everyone and is executed with style and professionalism. They are setting the standard of execellnce in the industry and are not afraid to push the boudaries when it comes to innovation. Their staff provide you with a home away form home and keep you coming back for more.
Nanny Goat Vineyard Outstanding Wine & Beverage List
2023 winner - The Bunker
Incredible thought has gone into curating this Outstanding Wine & Beverage List. Not only does it showcase a range of great wines, cockatilas and other beverages but these tie together seemlessly with the menu and overall style of the establishment. This establishment has the service to match their list and the knowledge to recommend the perfect beverage accompaniment to match any occasion.
Restaurant Association Outstanding Winery Restaurant
2023 winner - Amisfield
Wine is not the only reason that people flock to this vineyard. They provide the full experience matching amazing food with their wines to create the perfect place to stop. For a long lunch looking over the vines, a special occasion or just because this Outstanding Winery Resturant is perfect for both the wine enthusiast and foodies alike.
Bunnings Trade Outstanding Regional Establishment
2023 winner - Aosta
This Outstanding Regional Establishment is worth the trip, they are a draw card to locals and tourists alike and showcase the wider Southern Lakes Region. Everything is on point, food, service and atmosphere and as an added bonus there is normally parking and a great community to explore when you visit.
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
2023 winner - Yonder
This Southern Lakes Venue has the WOW factor, great design, beautiful fittings and fixtures and a playlist that perfectly matches the vibe. Every details has been thought through to create an experience from the moment you open the door.
Lumina Lamb Outstanding Restaurant
2023 winner - Sherwood Queenstown
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. Consistently at the top of their game all the element combine to deliver the perfect dinign experience.
Suppliers of the Year
Outstanding Sales Rep
2023 winner - Ross Mander, Canyon Brewing
This Outstanding Sales Rep is an extension of your team. They know what you need, when you need it and sometimes it seems they even know before you do! They provide support for your business through their product knowledge, recommend solutions and are on hand with the best sellers. They are keen negotiators and also emergency delivery couriers. In short they are your business support team.
Real NZ Outstanding Supplier
2023 winner - Bidfood
This Supplier is your go to for your favourite products. They have a team of professionals ready to answer your every question and deliver top quality products every time. They listen to their customers and find solutions to your wants and needs. This Outstanding Supplier takes pride of place on your menu, beverage list or in the everyday function of your business.
People's Choice Award
The Breeze People's Choice Award
2023 winner - Kinross
This Southern Lakes 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 Awards
Trents Supreme Award- Establishment
2023 winner - The Bunker
The Supreme Establishment award is presented to the establishment who received the most nominations and votes by their hospitality peers across all category awards. This is the pinnacle award of the evening and represents the best of the best for the region.
Trents Supreme Award- Individual
2023 winner - Vaughan Mabee
This prestigious award is presented to an individual who has been influential and has made a significant contribution to the Southern Lakes hospitality industry. They are recognised for their pioneering spirit, energy, resourcefulness, and commitment to the hospitality industry.
Crew Members of the Year
Dinefind Outstanding Barista
2023 winner - Liam Wright, The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro
The Southern Lakes 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 flat, flavoured, double or any combination of the above they nail it every time!
Hospo Start Outstanding Bartender
2023 winner - Liam Cabourn, Little Blackwood
A great Southern Lakes bartender is part tourism provider and part drinks wizard. They can tell you the hotspots while they recommend the perfect Central Otago drop or mix you something to warm your cockles after a long day on the slopes. This person has the skill to make you feel right at home and also pour you the perfect drink to keep you coming back for more. They know what is on trend and when to pull out a classic and provide the backbone for a great night out.
Antipodes Outstanding Front of House Team
2023 winner - Tanoshi Cow Lane
From a smile on a arrival to recommending a great dish, this team works in perfect unity to make your dining experience flawless. They know the menu like it is an old friend and can guide you to crate the perfect fit for an occasion. They know when you need them from just a glance and when to leave you to enjoy your evening. They are the glue that ties the bar, kitchen and the guest together.
Anchor Food Professionals Outstanding Chef
2023 winner - Koji Kiminami, Tanoshi
This Chef wears many hats, leader, visonary, champion of local produce, culinary wizard. They are artists of their craft and know how to showcase Southern Lakes on a plate. They lead and inspire their team to push food boundaries and their passion is evident in every dish that leaves their kitchen. Southern Lakes opens its doors to the world and this Chef is an ambassador for the Aoteroa food scene.
Breakthrough Talent of the Year
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Emerging Chef
2023 winner - Callum Plank, The Bunker
This Emerging talent is a name that you will hear many times to come, with 3 years or less in the kitchen they are at the start of what will be a long and exciting career in food. They are learning the ropes but also have an insight to offer and new ideas to share. They can work as part of a team but also have the potential to stand out the front. This person is passionate about what they put on the plate and are getting noticed for all the right reasons.
Hospo Start Emerging Front of House
2023 winner - Brooke Owens, Slow Cuts
Everyone wants this hospo newbie on their team. Having recently caught the hospitality bug this front of house superstar is making waves and getting noticed. They are eager to learn but also have some new ideas to teach, they are a joy to have as part of the team and have a long road ahead of them as part of the industry.
Establishments of the Year
Dinefind Outstanding Street Food/ Takeout
2023 winner - Francesca's Mobile Pizza
Takeout has reached new heights and this Outstanding Street Food or Take out establishment is setting the standard. This is your go to for a quick bite or your stop on the way home to the couch. This local has a que out the door and is at the top of your list when good food fast is on the agenda. They can take you on a world trip with just one mouthful or save you from the dishes after a hard days work. Their food could stand it's ground in any restaurant but just happens to come in a takeawy container.
Bidfood Outstanding Cafe
2023 winner - The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro
Whether it is a morning coffee, a weekend eggs bene or a great weekday lunch with friends this Outstanding Café has you covered. They can be your home away from home, your office or your weekend go to. The menu has the best of what at all points during the day and their coffee hits the spot every time. Customer service is a standout and this cafe creates and inviting and relaxing space.
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Bar
2023 winner - Ferg's Bar
The Outstanding Bar has the perfect combination of great service, great atmosphere and great drinks. Their bevergae list has something to suit everyone and is executed with style and professionalism. They are setting the standard of execellnce in the industry and are not afraid to push the boudaries when it comes to innovation. Their staff provide you with a home away form home and keep you coming back for more.
Nanny Goat Vineyard Outstanding Wine & Beverage List
2023 winner - The Bunker
Incredible thought has gone into curating this Outstanding Wine & Beverage List. Not only does it showcase a range of great wines, cockatilas and other beverages but these tie together seemlessly with the menu and overall style of the establishment. This establishment has the service to match their list and the knowledge to recommend the perfect beverage accompaniment to match any occasion.
Restaurant Association Outstanding Winery Restaurant
2023 winner - Amisfield
Wine is not the only reason that people flock to this vineyard. They provide the full experience matching amazing food with their wines to create the perfect place to stop. For a long lunch looking over the vines, a special occasion or just because this Outstanding Winery Resturant is perfect for both the wine enthusiast and foodies alike.
Bunnings Trade Outstanding Regional Establishment
2023 winner - Aosta
This Outstanding Regional Establishment is worth the trip, they are a draw card to locals and tourists alike and showcase the wider Southern Lakes Region. Everything is on point, food, service and atmosphere and as an added bonus there is normally parking and a great community to explore when you visit.
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
2023 winner - Yonder
This Southern Lakes Venue has the WOW factor, great design, beautiful fittings and fixtures and a playlist that perfectly matches the vibe. Every details has been thought through to create an experience from the moment you open the door.
Lumina Lamb Outstanding Restaurant
2023 winner - Sherwood Queenstown
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. Consistently at the top of their game all the element combine to deliver the perfect dinign experience.
Suppliers of the Year
Outstanding Sales Rep
2023 winner - Ross Mander, Canyon Brewing
This Outstanding Sales Rep is an extension of your team. They know what you need, when you need it and sometimes it seems they even know before you do! They provide support for your business through their product knowledge, recommend solutions and are on hand with the best sellers. They are keen negotiators and also emergency delivery couriers. In short they are your business support team.
Real NZ Outstanding Supplier
2023 winner - Bidfood
This Supplier is your go to for your favourite products. They have a team of professionals ready to answer your every question and deliver top quality products every time. They listen to their customers and find solutions to your wants and needs. This Outstanding Supplier takes pride of place on your menu, beverage list or in the everyday function of your business.
People's Choice Award
The Breeze People's Choice Award
2023 winner - Kinross
This Southern Lakes 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!