Hawke's Bay hospitality industry celebrates successes

ndigo manager Shaun Bates with NZME Central General Manager Glen Smith, accepts the People's Choice Awards sponsored by NZME at the Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards last night. Photo / Paul Talyor

Napier's Mister D restaurant has been named Hawkes Bay's best restaurant, heading up an evening of celebrations at the annual Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards ceremony last night.

The Awards, which recognise the outstanding hospitality professionals, all of whom making a positive impact on the local cafe and dining scene, were organised by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand with the aim to grow and promote the Hawke's Bay hospitality industry.

"As an industry it's so important that we take time out to celebrate our success and acknowledge our achievements. We believe it's important to shine a light on our industry and make sure we are recognised for the contribution we make to our community and economy," the Restaurant Association of New Zealand's Marisa Bidois said.

"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 region. Congratulations to all winners."

This year's winners showcase a mix of newcomers with Hapi taking the award for the Outstanding Cafe of the Year award, Matisse Wine Bar winning both honours in Ambience & Design and Outstanding Wine & Beverage List, and Funbuns winning the Outstanding Ethnic Restaurant of the Year award.

Longstanding favourites of the region continued to exemplify the outstanding abilities and talents known to the region, with top honours for Outstanding Restaurant of the Year going to Mister D, and Hawthorne Coffee Roasters taking the award for Outstanding Coffee Establishment of the Year.

The coveted People's Choice Award went to Indigo Napier for a second year and James Beck of Bistronomy was awarded Hospitality Hero of the Year for his dedication to the industry and contributing to the success of Hawke's Bay hospitality.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony held at the MTG Century Theatre and, afterwards, enjoyed the chance to catch up with their colleagues at an industry party hosted by Shed 2.