It’s been a busy few months for restaurants across the country, as the various regional Hospitality Awards took place, presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand. 

OneMusic has been privileged to attend these awards and present winners with our very own OneMusic Outstanding Ambience and Design Award, celebrating a hospitality provider who has committed to keeping customers happy with a curated, inviting environment and a winning design formula. 

Each of these businesses are licensed by OneMusic and have kept music at the heart of the overall ambience created at their premises. There were some superb winners this year, and we managed to catch up with some of them. 

Canterbury Hospitality Awards

This year’s Cantabrian winner was Scoundrel Bar & Eatery.  

Situated in a converted warehouse, with a 1950s Austin truck smack bang in the middle of this bar and eatery, Scoundrel has the confidence to show their customers they are anything but the norm. Accompanied by mass amounts of lush greenery and comfy couches, this restaurant brings a rustic nostalgia to our modern-day world.  

Scoundrel was born from a mix of passion and vibrant culture, bringing together all things the staff love about hospitality into one space to create a memorable experience for everyone. Keeping the atmosphere raw and authentic by their choice of alternative music lures their customers into this bold and diverse eatery, much like the city of Christchurch itself.  

Music is at the heart and soul of Scoundrel. It sets the tone for every little thing that contributes to the happiness of this local community hub. 

From indie rock to soul jazz, Scoundrel keeps their customers on their toes, delighting them with funky vibes to keep the energy high throughout the bustling days that turn into busy nights with their specialised wine on tap.  

We let the music match the vibe, so every visit feels a bit different.

Otago Hospitality Awards  

Music and mood have been the winning combination for creating the best customer experiences in hospitality. And in Ōtepoti, it’s Pequeño Lounge Bar that took the crown this year for the best vibes on Dunedin’s drinks scene. 

For 20 years now, Pequeño’s patrons have been frequenting its space. With its dim lighting and bespoke cocktails, it is the speakeasy to escape to for an intimate drink or two. With comfortable couches and a cozy fireplace, Pequeño is warm and inviting. And customer service is always at the front of their minds.

“As soon as someone walks in, we greet them with a smile,” says Pequeño’s director, Jazmin Campbell.

Music is essential to enhance the ambience, with classic tunes and lo-fi sounds played over their speakers. Every now and then, the bar will host a jazz night. The live music pulls a crowd, according to Jazmin.

“We find that on those nights, music helps to draw in the customers,” she says.

Music brings up the vibe and adds to the speakeasy theme.

Aside from live music, they will often host a House DJ on a Friday night, which increases the tempo and sets the tone for the upcoming weekend. This is also well-loved and adds some excitement to the otherwise laid-back atmosphere.

It’s a flawless formula that’s worked for over two decades, kept fresh by a carousel of new musicians and trends appealing to the times. And it is what made Pequeño deserving of this year’s OneMusic Ambience and Design Award. 

Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards

Over at the Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards this year, the stand-out for the OneMusic Ambience and Design Award was newcomers to the scene, Madame Social. 

Situated on the dazzling waterfront of Ahuriri, Napier, this Asian-fusion eatery has changed the game for residents and visitors – and it hadn’t even been open three months!

“In these last few weeks, we’ve created a space that customers are absolutely blown away by,” says the restaurant’s director Sarah Kelly. “As for us, we’re even more blown away by the overwhelming response, and so proud to have won this award so quickly!”

Madame Social’s attraction comes from various carefully considered details. They curate their menus with custom cocktails for guests to enjoy, along with an impressive list of Hawke’s Bay wines. Their menu takes the best of Asian and European dining and elevates it further in combination. But alongside the drinks, water views, and innovative cuisine, the icing on the cake is their use of music that ties it all together. 

“That’s my husband’s wheelhouse!” says Sarah. “He plays funky, trendy, modern house mixes that just go so well with the ambience.”

The playlists also change to suit both the day and night crowds.

In addition, they’re careful of the overall atmosphere.

We’re constantly adjusting the music level and playlists, depending on the size and response of the diners.

Madame Social believes that because music is such an integral part of the dining experience, it’s right to properly give back to the musicians behind that provision and get properly licensed. “They put in all that effort to produce good music for our entertainment, and businesses should absolutely be supporting them through the likes of music licensing.”

OneMusic is proud to have supported the Restaurant Association’s Hospitality Awards for 10 years. It is always a pleasure to see the passion and creativity that fuels these businesses and the entertainment and culture they drive throughout the regions. Restaurant Association CEO, Marisa Bidois says, 

Ambience is the soul of any venue—it’s the magic that makes guests feel truly welcomed and engaged from the moment they walk in. 

Marisa continues, “By recognising the hard work and dedication of passionate hospitality professionals through these awards, we not only highlight the incredible atmosphere they create but also celebrate the effort that goes into crafting unforgettable experiences. These awards help to promote the local dining scene and inspire others in the industry to strive for excellence, ensuring that every detail, from lighting to music to decor, plays a role in setting the stage for memorable moments.”

We’re looking forward to seeing what next year brings!

For businesses playing music on premises, they can apply for a licence through OneMusic. Find out more here.