The people vote Indigo at Hawke's Bay hospitality awards

Indigo co-director and general manager Shaun Bates holding his award after taking out the Hawke's Bay Today People's Choice award at the Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards.Photo/Duncan Brown.

The region's finest establishments were recognised at the annual Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards last night whether they poured pints or flat whites.

Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the awards honoured talented and entrepreneurial people working within the hospitality industry.

For the first time this year a Hawke's Bay Today People's Choice award was presented and the Bay's authentic Indian Restuarant, Indigo was crowned the winner.

The award was introduced to give the public the opportunity to vote for and recognise their favourite establishment.

Starting up six years ago co-director and general manager Shaun Bates was thrilled to win an award where the people voted.

"It means a lot as we pride ourselves on looking after our customers and for us that is the most important thing. There voice and opinion counts so we couldn't be happier."

Mr Bates said they had grown a great local following, who they would always put first.

"We look after them, remember their seat preferences, their names, their orders and will always guide them on what is good depending on their pallete."

"I think we are popular as we have a huge variety with authentic Indian cuisine and then more contemporary dishes with Indian fusion. We use the freshest local ingredients."

Along with their extensive food menu Mr Bates said they had the largest whisky collection in the country and up to 200 wines with a lot of those local.

Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois congratulated all the winners on a job well done.

"With so many talented operators and dedicated hospitality professionals in the region, each category was keenly contested."

"Under the stewardship of the Restaurant Association and with the valued support of industry partners, the awards are an important platform to highlight the region's successes and to acknowledge the industry's achievements."

The Hawke's Bay Branch of the Restaurant Association was proud of all the restaurants, cafes, bars, and wineries that made up the unique and vibrant industry.

President Sean Burns said the winners reflected the dynamic and diverse businesses that the Hawke's Bay community had to choose from, and the awards were a very important event for the local industry.

"All the hospitality owners and staff would like to thank the sponsors that support our efforts and helped make these awards such a fantastic celebration."

Award winners:
Hellers Outstanding Coffee Establishment:
Hawthorne Coffee

Restaurant Association Outstanding Sales Rep/Supplier:
Lisa Clarke, Clearview Estate Winery

San Pellegrino Outstanding Cellar Door:
Clearview Estate Winery

Sacred Hill Outstanding Chef:
Jeremy Rameka, Pacifica Restaurant

Bidfood Outstanding Café:
Maina

Simply Squeezed Outstanding Local:
Common Room

Crombie Lockwood Outstanding Winery Restaurant:
Elephant Hill

Hawke's Bay Today People's Choice:
Indigo

Clearview Estate Winery Best Ambience and Style:
Bistronomy

Steinlager Pure Outstanding Bar:
Emporium Eatery & Bar

Restaurant Association Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant:
Indigo

EIT Outstanding Front of House Team:
Mister D

Craggy Range Outstanding Wine & Beverage List:
Deliciosa

One Music Outstanding Restaurant:
Bistronomy