Hawke's Bay hospitality finalists announced

A time to celebrate - hundreds gather to celebrate the Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards last year. Photo / File

The wait is over and the finalists have been announced for the Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards.

Presented by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the awards recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals all making a positive impact on the local hospitality scene.

Restaurant Association of NZ chief executive Marisa Bidois said it was important to celebrate one another in the industry.

"Our work is physical and demanding and there are limited opportunities to come together to support each other.

"The Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards represent the occasion to do just that – celebrate the hard work and success of the hospitality industry within the Hawke's Bay region."

Hawke's Bay's familiar favourites are competing with some up and coming bars and restaurants for the top spot.

Among the familiar faces are The Loading Ramp competing for more than one title, including the "Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Bar of the Year", against new kid on the block Matisse Wine Bar and Monica Loves.

Hastings favourite Common Room is up against Rose & Shamrock and Westshore Beach Inn for the "Unison Fibre Outstanding Local of the Year" award.

Other finalists include Hapi, F.G Smith, Georgia on Tennyson, Deliciosa, Clear View Estate, Mister D and more.

The winners would be announced at the awards evening held MTG Hawke's Bay on Monday, August 6.

After the awards the finalists would continue to celebrate in style at Shed 2 for a "Mexican Fiesta" themed evening.

Final voting via the website is now open to the industry-closing at 5pm Sunday, July 29.

The public can also have their say and vote for their favourite establishment via the Hawke's Bay Today People's Choice Award:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hb18_peopleschoice

This will be awarded to an establishment which excels in customer service, consistency in food preparation and delivery, welcoming ambiance and style, attention to detail along with going the extra mile.