Napier bistro, Central Fire Station, has won three categories at this year’s Hawkes Bay Hospitality Awards. The exquisite Art Deco venue, as featured in the February 2020 edition of Hospitality Business, won the Supreme Establishment of the Year, Outstanding Restaurant, and Outstanding Ambience and Design awards.
Co-owners, Flor Meneham and Sam Clark, have joined the ranks of delighted former Aucklanders who are lapping up their new Hawke’s Bay lifestyles. They discovered the local hospo scene is super vibrant and believe there are more good restaurants in Hawke’s Bay than any other region. Biased or not, they’re undeniably meeting and working with phenomenal producers and operators who are doing really exciting things for the industry.
Asked whether the exquisite Art Deco venue influences their menu, “Yes”, comes the quick reply. “In terms of our food style we don’t like to make things too complicated but felt the building requires a certain elegance. It is beautiful with an immaculate fit out and that inspires us to create dishes that are stylish, classic and modern.
“Initially we thought the Bistro would be more casual but we sensed the customers wanted something special too, and they constantly let us know that we’re delivering.”
Hawkes Bay locals have also had their say selecting Piku Restaurant and Cocktail Bar as their favourite establishment.
Fresh from winning Best Vineyard in Australasia in the World’s Best Vineyard awards, Craggy Range follows this up taking two of the top accolades winning outstanding winery restaurant, along with best chef for Casey McDonald.
Those looking for a great coffee and brunch won’t be disappointed with Zach Wilkins of Little Frimley Kitchen voted top barista and Georgia on Tennyson taking out outstanding coffee establishment while Maina wins the accolade of outstanding café.
Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois says, “Hawkes Bay has some of the nation’s best restaurants, an abundance of fresh produce and world-class wineries, making it a mecca for diners.
“The Restaurant Association is dedicated to supporting the hospitality industry, providing support to business owners and the future leaders of our industry. The awards give us an opportunity to promote the local hospitality community, bringing people together to recognise our achievements in what continue to be challenging times. It is more important than ever to connect and celebrate one another’s success.”
Hawkes Bay Hospitality Awards Winners 2021
Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista
Zach Wilkins of Little Frimley Kitchen
The National Distillery Outstanding Bartender
Dave Morris, Funbuns
Coca-Cola Europacific Outstanding Front of House Team
Mister D Dining
Service Foods Outstanding Chef
Casey MacDonald, Craggy Range
EIT Emerging Chef
Gurjot Singh, Piku Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Menulog Outstanding Street Food/Takeout
Vinci’s Pizza
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Coffee Establishment
Georgia on Tennyson
Bidfood Outstanding Cafe
Maina
Waitoa Beer Outstanding Bar
Common Room
Cocktail Collective Outstanding Cocktail Experience
Monica Loves
Trinity Hill Outstanding Wine & Beverage List
Matisse Wine Bar
OneMusic Ambience & Design
Central Fire Station Bistro
Nova Energy Outstanding Regional Establishment
Puketapu Pub
Karma Drinks Outstanding Ethnic Cuisine
Asian Diner
dinefind Outstanding Winery Restaurant
Craggy Range
Napier City Council Outstanding Restaurant
Central Fire Station Bistro
Dish Catering Outstanding Sales Rep
Steve Olley, Paratua Wines
Toitoi Venues Outstanding Supplier
Brave Brewing Co.
Hawke’s Bay Today People’s Choice
Piku Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Gilmours Supreme Award
Central Fire Station Bistro
