Hospitality Awards: Jagermeister Outstanding Bar Awards

Nominations for the Jagermeister Outstanding Bar category in the Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards are all popular options.
Soda Cafe and Bar in Taradale, Diva Bistro and Bar in Havelock North, Pipi Bar in Havelock North and The Thirsty Whale in Ahuriri all impressed industry insiders who voted them the top finalists.
Soda Cafe and Bar has been open for only three years in Taradale but has made a big impact on the small community.
The bar's outfit is ultramodern and stylish, catering to those who like things clean and sparkling.
Owner Daniel Moffitt said the bar's nooks and crannies were an ideal place to relax and chat privately.
They source local ingredients for their menu and aim to provide consistently high calibre service.
The bar is the only finalist from Taradale and Mr Moffitt said that might be due to their live music twice a month provided by DJs and bands.
They also offer an online pizza ordering service, which has proven to be a hit with late night diners.
Pipi Bar in Havelock North is a new contender, and offers something completely different from any other bar in Hawke's Bay, owner Alexandra Tylee said.
"It is a European-style, small, intimate setting. It's relaxed - somewhere people can have an after-work casual drink as an alternative. It's completely different."
Having Pipi Bar entirely separate to Pipi Cafe was a deliberate move by Ms Tylee to create a more "grown-up" environment.
"At Pipi, we encourage children to come along, but the bar is a place for adults - it's like a grown-up Pipi."
Around the corner Diva Bistro and Bar offers something to appeal to all age groups and tastes.
"From great coffee through to casual lunch service and a sophisticated dinner menu our dining experience combined with a chic bar appeals to all aspects of the vibrant Hawke's Bay lifestyle," owner Barbara Beach said.
At any time of day Diva is a great option - whether you are looking to mix it up with a specialty cocktail or choose from their large list of wines.
"Our Cheers-style bar offers an exciting cocktail menu and the largest selection of wines by the glass in Hawke's Bay."
At the Thirsty Whale in Ahuriri, making people feel safe and comfortable and giving customers what they want is a priority, owner Keith Price said.
"It's got a lot going for it - I think it is an environment where people feel secure and it offers two types of bars, one which plays older music the other which plays younger music."
Location and a traditional atmosphere are also important.
"West Quay is the place to be really - and I think people enjoy the Irish style dual bar. The dance floor is popular and people also like to be able to relax and have a drink after work."
For industry voting, go to: www.hbhospoawards.co.nz or the facebook page hbhospoawards.