Moira Irving, co-owner of The Old Church Restaurant, accepting the award for Outstanding Restaurant.
Moira Irving, co-owner of The Old Church Restaurant, accepting the award for Outstanding Restaurant.
The region's finest wining and dining establishments have been recognised.
The eighth Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards was a glamorous affair at Napier's Museum Theatre Gallery last night.
Some of the region's new establishments such as Monica Loves, Hugo Chang, and the Little Black Bird Cafe made an appearance in thenominations alongside established outlets including The Old Church, Pacifica Restaurant and Deliciosa.
Clearview Estate Winery won The Goodtime Foods Outstanding Winery Experience for a fourth time.
Clearview's owner and founder Helma van den Berg said it meant a lot to be recognised by the public and peers in the industry.
Manager Shayne Bird said it was "spectacular" to win for a third year running particularly with the strong new competition in the region.
"There are some great new bars around so it's pretty satisfying to win this award.
"The key to a good bar is to have an awesome staff, which we definitely have."
The coveted award for best restaurant was presented to The Old Church. Co-owner Moira Irving was overwhelmed after winning the award.
"I just can't believe it. To think this time last year I didn't even know what The Old Church was," she said.
Amber Rice-Dane from the Common Room is elated to receive the Outstanding Local Award.
Ms Irving has employed a number of international staff. "It brings a great level of professionalism to the establishment," she said.
Pasifika's ever-popular head chef Jeremy Rameka was judged the finest chef in the Bay.
A special presentation was made to hospitality stalwart Pip Harrison, manager of Liquor King Napier, who has had 30 years in the industry.
THE WINNERS
Goodtime Foods Outstanding Winery Experience: Clearview Estate Winery Napier and Hastings i-SITEs Outstanding Cafe: FG Smith Eatery Steinlager Pure Outstanding Bar: Emporium Eatery & Bar Sportsground Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant: Namaksar Zeelandt Brewery Outstanding Winery Restaurant: Elephant Hill Dhall & Nash Outstanding Wine and Beverage List: Deliciosa EIT Outstanding Front of House Team: Deliciosa Restaurant Association Outstanding Restaurant: The Old Church Clearview Estate Winery Best Ambience and Style: The Old Church Sacred Hill Outstanding Chef: Jeremy Rameka, Pacifica Restaurant Basepoint Outstanding Coffee Establishment: Hawthorne Coffee Simply Squeezed Outstanding Local: Common Room Bounce Hangover Helper Outstanding Supplier/Sales Rep: David Thompson, Gourmeats
