Bay's best establishments announced

Mister D co-owner David Griffiths and Georgia on Tennyson owner Benny Fernandez were celebrating as they were announced as finalists last night for the hospitality awards. Photo/Duncan Brown.

The Bay's finest cafes, wineries, restaurants and bars gathered at the Art Deco Masonic Hotel last night as the 2017 Hawke's Bay Hospitality Award finalists were announced.

Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the tenth awards recognised those who have achieved excellence in the hospitality industry.

Finalists were chosen by an industry-only voting system for 13 different categories, which ranged from Best Ambiance and Style to Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant.

Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois said to be voted in by your peers as a leader in the category was a great honour.

Clearview Estate Winery is a decade-long supporter of the awards and co-owner Helma van den Berg said being named as a finalist or winner was highly anticipated by staff and owners alike.

"The awards highlight the outstanding and diverse growth of the local hospitality scene, with every possible creative option for food and beverage on offer," Ms van den Berg said.

Napier cafe Georgia on Tennyson was one of the cafes announced as a finalist for the Hellers Outstanding Coffee Establishment category.

Owner Benny Fernandez said to be a part of such an established event among some of the Bay's biggest names was "awesome".

Mr Fernandez said the awards carried a lot of clout, with the Restaurant Association behind it.

"We are relatively new to the market only opening a year and a half ago so to be nominated as a finalist is pretty cool for us and we are super stoked to be in the top four."

Mr Fernandez said the cafe gave customers a fresh perspective on coffee, offering different brews and alternative methods from around the world.

"We try hard and want to be consistent with our coffee as we rely on it to bring people back."

For the first time since its establishment a People's Choice Award has been added to the finals voting.

People can nominate their favourite local establishment, whether it is a bar, a cafe, a restaurant or cellar door.

It is a place that the Hawke's Bay community deems is the best because of their atmosphere, food, beverages or service.

Online voting for this category will be available via event partner Hawke's Bay Today, through its website. Winners will be announced on Monday, August 14, at the MTG Century Theatre in Napier.