Hospitality awards: Outstanding Establishment category

Emporium Bar and Restaurant in Napier offers food, drinks and friendly vibes until 11 o'clock every night. Photo/File

Local bars and restaurants are being recognised for their ability to deliver well-rounded experiences to a wide variety of customers.

From local spots with a homely feel to traditional bars and strong newcomers, industry insiders picked four great places to sit back, relax and soak up some atmosphere for the Steinlager Pure Outstanding Establishment category.

When it comes to creative thinking, Shed 2 in Napier pushes the boundaries - it's partly why they continue to draw fresh faces and keep regulars coming back, owner Dennis Buckley said.

"We have innovated many of the ideas in hospitality here, that's important to us. We also like to think that when people come in it's a friendly, family environment."

Like any great establishment, Havelock North's Rose & Shamrock has perfected the basics and plays to its strong points.

"We have the largest selection of tap beers in Hawke's Bay, good quality, affordable food and nice friendly staff," owner Peter Nair said.

"The building attracts people for the ambience and theming."

Having been open for 18 months, Emporium in Napier had become a "go to" for those who want quality every time, manager Chris Dobson said.

"Over the past months we have all really gelled as a team, everyone works together, we all have fun - people come out to have fun, so if they see us enjoying ourselves, 99 per cent of the time they will too."

The fact that people could come in for food, coffee, cocktails or wine until 11 every night of the week was another bonus.

"Our kitchen doesn't close, the menu just gets a bit smaller, and that's not going to change."

In Hastings, the Common Room, with its quirky decor and delightful garden bar, has become a fast favourite with the after-5pm set.

The great selection of drinks, nibbles and tasty platters make it the perfect place to stop off after work.