Celebrating the best and the brightest in the Auckland hospitality industry, the Lewisham Award organisers have revealed the 2023 contenders.
With finalists chosen across twenty categories, the annual event promises to be a night of recognition and revelry.
The Lewisham Awards, renown for honouring exceptional talent and achievements, recognise those who have made a significant impact in areas such as cuisine, beverage service, management, and supplier relations.
The awards night will take place at Shed 10, Queens Wharf, Auckland CBD on Sunday, June 4 and promises an evening of elegance, entertainment, and camaraderie.
The event kicks off at 5pm with a cocktail reception and awards announcement, followed by an array of food truck offerings crafted by talented chefs.
Lewisham governor, Chris Upton expressed enthusiasm for this year’s event, saying: “We’re thrilled to have such a fantastic group of finalists this year. The Lewisham Awards serve as a platform to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of these professionals and establishments to the hospitality industry. We’re looking forward to a fantastic evening that brings together the best in the business.”
The Lewisham Awards are an annual event dedicated to celebrating and honouring the outstanding achievements of professionals and establishments in the Auckland hospitality industry. Established in 2002, The Lewisham Foundation created the awards as a benchmark for excellence, with winners showcasing exceptional talent, innovation, and dedication to their craft.
The 2023 Lewisham Award finalists are:
| Category | Name | Establishment |
| Hancocks Outstanding Bartender | Theo Tjandra | Panacea |
| Taite Maltby | Deadshot | |
| Rohan Dandona | The Bramble | |
| Dany Dentith | Panacea | |
| Insurance Advisernet Outstanding Front of House | Tye Okieffe | Vivace Restaurant |
| Cal Ross | The Parasol and Swing Company | |
| Danny Dentith | Panacea | |
| Simon Benoit | Cazador | |
| Anchor Food Professionals Outstanding Chef | Leslie Hottiaux | Apero Food & Wine |
| Dariush Lolaiy | Cazador | |
| Josh Shields | MoVida | |
| Ken O’Connell | Copia Restaurant | |
| Culley’s Emerging Hospitality Talent | Ana Laing | Crave |
| Jasper Rae | Apero Food & Wine | |
| Pete Watson | Movida | |
| Stephen Sami | Cassia | |
| Lewisham Foundation Outstanding Sales Representative/Brand Ambassador | Claud Taylor | Hancocks |
| Connor Grisedale | Tickety Boo | |
| Brittany Gillespie | Red & White Cellar | |
| Josh Sanford | Yeasty Boys | |
| Silver Fern Farms Outstanding Supplier | Tickety Boo | |
| Hancocks | ||
| Bidfood | ||
| Foodchain | ||
| Clyth MacLeod Outstanding Producer | Curious Croppers | |
| Massimo’s | ||
| Nobl & Sunday | ||
| Bayside Rum Co. | ||
| Bidfood Outstanding Cafe | Duo Eatery | |
| Honey Cafe Takapuna | ||
| Seabreeze | ||
| Homeland | ||
| Negociants New Zealand Outstanding Wine Experience | La Fuente | |
| Beau | ||
| Cave à Vin | ||
| Bar Céleste | ||
| Pernod Ricard Outstanding Cocktail Experience | Panacea | |
| ACS | ||
| Caretaker | ||
| The Bramble | ||
| Bepoz Outstanding Innovation | Eco Spirits | |
| Ahi. | ||
| Now Book it | ||
| Forest | ||
| BLANC Outstanding New Establishment | Panacea | |
| Phat Philly’s NZ | ||
| Bossi | ||
| Tokki | ||
| Southern Hospitality Outstanding Local Establishment – North | Tokki | |
| Stanley Avenue Wine Bar & Bistro | ||
| Tiny Triumphs | ||
| Fantail & Turtle | ||
| DB Breweries Outstanding Local Establishment – South | The Bramble | |
| Woodside | ||
| Bracu Restaurant | ||
| Hallertau Clevedon | ||
| OneMusic Outstanding Local Establishment – East | Bucks Bistro | |
| Spiga | ||
| Morell Bistro | ||
| The Kohi Beach Eatery | ||
| Coca Cola Europacific Outstanding Local Establishment – West | Hallertau Riverhead | |
| Churly’s Rise | ||
| The Grounds at Whoa! Studios | ||
| Et Tu | ||
| Gilmours Outstanding Local Establishment – Central | Prego | |
| La Fuente | ||
| Alma | ||
| Beau | ||
| Antipodes Sustainability Award | Forest | |
| Kingi | ||
| Ahi | ||
| Atelier | ||
| Restaurant Association Hospitality Hero | Adam Neal | The Parasol and Swing Company |
| Edmundo Farrera | Le Fuente | |
| Danny Dentith | Panacea | |
| Diva Giles | Beau | |
| L’affare Outstanding Barista | Johnny Leung | Archie Cafe |
| Shannon Hafner | Kokako | |
| Jay Weir | Crave | |
| Panatda Namwong | Dear Jervois |
