The Bunker restaurant the cream of the crop
The Southern Lakes hospitality industry acknowledged the outstanding abilities of its own with the announcement of the winners in the Southern Lakes Hospitality Awards on Sunday night.
Supported by lead sponsor Trent’s Wholesale the awards were hosted at Walter Peak with the support of Real NZ.
A memorable night for all, guests were also treated to a trip on iconic steamboat TSS Earnslaw.
The awards recognise the hospitality professionals, all of whom are making a positive impact on the local café and dining scene. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand is proud to organise and foster these awards with the main purpose being to unite, grow and promote the local hospitality industry.
Central Queenstown restaurant The Bunker took out three awards including supreme establishment award for its ‘rustic fine dining’ in a cosy fireside ambience.
Callum Plank also took home the award for best emerging chef. The restaurant’s exceptional wine list was also recognised with a win for outstanding wine and beverage list.
Cellar door, bistro and boutique hotel Kinross was the clear local’s favourite winning the people’s choice award.
Masterchef judge Vaughan Mabee was also recognised for his contribution to the local hospitality industry taking home the supreme individual award.
Winning the award for outstanding restaurant is Sherwood. Set in the heart of a 78 room eco hotel overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Sherwood’s focus is on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients served in a vibrant and unique setting.
Outstanding chef went to Koji Kiminami of Tanoshi for his signature urban style Japanese plates from the teppan grill.
Those looking for a place to get a well-served beverage can rest assured there is no shortage of great places to get a drink in the region.
Outstanding bar of the year went to popular central Queenstown establishment Ferg’s bar whilst Liam Cabourn of cocktail bar Little Blackwood took out the best bartender accolade.
The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro took home the two top café awards winning outstanding café whilst outstanding barista went to Liam Wright.
Lovers of casual dining should seek out Francesca’s Mobile Pizza which was awarded outstanding street food/casual dining.
Marisa Bidois, CEO Restaurant Association of New Zealand says “From waterfront restaurants with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu to alpine eateries perched in the neighbouring mountains, there is no shortage of exceptional dining options. It’s great to see tourism returning to the region and the awards are a great way to bring attention to the unforgettable dining experiences it has to offer.
“With each category hotly contested, it’s very exciting to see new talent emerge and make their mark. It’s important to recognise and support these individuals as they continue to develop. The fact that there were so many deserving nominees is a positive sign for the future of the hospitality industry in the region.”
For more information regarding the awards please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/southernlakes, Facebook @qthospitalityawards or Instagram @southernlakesawards
Trents Supreme Individual Award
Vaughan Mabee, Amisfield
Trents Supreme Establishment Award
The Bunker
The Breeze Outstanding People’s Choice
Kinross
DineFind Outstanding Barista
Liam Wright, The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro
Hospo Start Outstanding Bartender
Liam Cabourn, Little Blackwood
Antipodes Outstanding Front of House Team
Tanoshi Cow Lane
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Emerging Chef
Callum Plank, The Bunker
Hospo Start Emerging Front of House
Brooke Owens, Slow Cuts
Anchor Food Professional Outstanding Chef
Koji Kiminami, Tanoshi
DineFind Outstanding Street Food/Casual Dining
Francesca’s Mobile Pizza
Bidfood Outstanding Café
The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Bar
Ferg’s Bar
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Wine & Beverage List
The Bunker
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Winery Restaurant
Amisfield
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
Yonder
Bunnings Trade Outstanding Regional Establishment
Aosta
Lumina Lamb Outstanding Restaurant
Sherwood Queenstown
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Sales Rep
Ross Mander, Canyon Brewing
Real NZ Outstanding Supplier
Bidfood