The finalists have been announced in the Nelson Hospitality awards and represent the best dining establishments in the region as voted by the hospitality industry.
Jointly hosted by the Restaurant Association of NZ and Hospitality NZ with lead sponsor Trents, the Nelson Hospitality Awards are an important development for the region to celebrate and promote the excellence of Nelson’s food and beverage offerings
Vegan café East Street, and popular Texan theme restaurant Lone Star secure the lead with an impressive five nominations apiece.
East Street’s five nominations fall in the following categories: Tejas Arn from East Street is a nominee for Outstanding Chef, while the restaurant itself is nominated for Outstanding Ambience and Design, Exceptional Host Responsibility, and nominations in the outstanding restaurant and cafe categories.
East Street goes up against Lone Star in the Ambience and Design and Host Responsibility categories.
Lone Star is also among the nominees for Outstanding Bar, with Steve Gardiner being recognised as an Outstanding Bartender, and Brooke Helem shining in the category of Front of House Champion.
In the Outstanding Restaurant category, East Street competes with Arden Bar & Kitchen, Hawker House, and Hopgoods and Co.
In the Outstanding Café category, contenders are La Planta Café, The Goods Espresso Bar, and Victus Coffee and Eatery.
Those looking for the region’s best flat white should check out Victus Eatery, La Planta Cafe
Columbus Coffee Nelson (Mitre 10) and The Goods Espresso where Nick Schryvers, Pablo Salas, Rosalyn Learmonth and Taylor Jones all receive nominations in the category of Outstanding Barista.
Barflies will value the acknowledgment of the finest bars in the area, as Kismet Cocktail and Whiskey Bar, Lone Star Nelson, Red16, and Sprig & Fern Tahuna have all secured nominations for the Outstanding Bar category.
Those with a passion for casual dining should be sure to explore Indian Cafe Nelson, Nahm, Viva la Vaca and Street Food on Washington. These exceptional eateries have all earned nominations in the coveted category of Outstanding Street Food/Ethnic Cuisine.
The region’s accommodation providers are also recognised with Ah House B & B, Tasman Bay Backpackers and The Prince Albert & Bridge Backpackers all nominated in the Outstanding Small Accommodation while and Kimi Ora Eco Resort, Palms Motel, Rutherford Hotel and Tides Hotel all earn nominations in the Outstanding Large Accommodation category.
17 awards will be presented to the best of the Nelson hospitality industry. From crew members, to suppliers, to establishments – the best of the best will be celebrated for their contribution to creating a world-class hospitality scene in the region.
Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois says, “The culinary scene in Nelson is brimming with creativity, and these Awards provide an ideal opportunity to acknowledge and applaud the accomplishments of the dedicated individuals who contribute to it. Whether you’re a local resident savouring local flavours, a hospitality professional, or an overseas visitor, these awards present an opportunity to recognise the finest offerings of the region.
“We must pause to acknowledge those individuals who celebrate our exceptional produce and graciously invite us into their venues. Among the remarkable finalists, there stand champions of the local hospitality industry, deserving of our recognition.”
The Nelson community is also able to vote for its favourite establishment in the People’s Choice Award category.
Tickets to the event are on sale now, to purchase or for more information regarding the awards please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/nelson/. Stay connected with key updates and announcements on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Nelson Hospitality Awards 2023 Finalists
Outstanding Barista
Nick Schryvers, Victus Eatery
Pablo Salas, La Planta Cafe
Rosalyn Learmonth, Columbus Coffee Nelson (Mitre 10)
Taylor Jones, The Goods Espresso Bar
Outstanding Bartender
Adriaan Mathijs Voorn, Sprig & Fern Tahuna
Lachlan Lewis-Smith, Red16
Nick Widley, Kismet Cocktail and Whiskey Bar
Steve Gardiner, Lone Star Nelson
Outstanding Accommodation Champion
Alexander Siebentritt, Rutherford Hotel
Gary Munro, Tides Hotel
Mark & John, Ah House B & B
Mike Walker, Prince Albert & Bridge Backpackers
Outstanding Front of House Champion
Brooke Helem, Lone Star Nelson
Denise Gibson, The Indian Cafe
Amy Gardner, Burger Culture
Yasuko Abe, The Styx
Lumina Lamb Outstanding Chef
James Rutherford, Hardy Street Eatery
Riki Day, Hawker House
Steve Howes, Gravity Winery & Cellar Door
Tejas Arn, East Street
Outstanding Café
East Street
La Planta Café
The Goods Espresso Bar
Victus Coffee and Eatery
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Bar
Kismet Cocktail and Whiskey Bar
Lone Star Nelson
Red16
Sprig & Fern Tahuna
Outstanding Street Food/ Ethnic Cuisine
Indian Cafe, Nelson
Nahm
Viva la Vaca
Street Food on Washington
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
East Street
Kismet Cocktail and Whiskey Bar
Lone Star Nelson
Red16
Outstanding Host Responsibility
Arden Bar & Kitchen
East Street
Lone Star Nelson
Sprig & Fern Tahuna
Outstanding Small Accommodation Provider (1-25 Rooms)
Ah House B & B
Tasman Bay Backpackers
The Prince Albert & Bridge Backpackers
Outstanding Large Accommodation Provider (25+ Rooms)
Kimi Ora Eco Resort
Palms Motel
Rutherford Hotel
Tides Hotel
Bidfood Oustanding Restaurant
Arden Bar & Kitchen
East Street
Hawker House
Hopgoods and Co
Outstanding Sustainability
Owen River Lodge
The Free House
Toad Hall
Outstanding Supplier/Producer
AquaFresh
Bidfood
Booster Wine Group
Wholesale Foods Nelson