Media Release:
The winners of the inaugural Bar Awards were announced last night on Monday, August 5 at an event held at Bartholomew’s, where nearly 300 hospitality professionals gathered to celebrate Newcastle’s bar scene.
Presented by HUNTERhunter, Newcastle’s leading digital publication, Bar Awards recognised the owners, bartenders, mixologists, and brewers who are moving the city’s drink culture forward.
The winners of the 11 award categories were:
- Bar of the Year – The Falcon
- Bartender of the Year – George Prokop of The Koutetsu
- Rookie of the Year – Mia Kha of The Underground
- Cocktail Bar of the Year – The Koutetsu
- Hotel of the Year – The Prince of Merewether
- Brewpub of the Year – FogHorn Brewery
- Best Live Music Venue – The Stag and Hunter Hotel
- Best Restaurant Cocktail Menu – The Flotilla
- Best Hotel Cocktail Menu – The Prince of Merewether
- Best Wine List – The Flotilla
- Best Non-Alc Menu – The Koutetsu
The People’s Choice Award was also announced, with the winners decided by public vote. The winners were:
- Favourite Bar – Coal & Cedar
- Favourite Hotel – The Lucky Hotel
- Favourite Brewpub – Modus Merewether
The evening began with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country by Cheryl Smith, followed by a yidaki performance. City of Newcastle Councillour Carol Duncan also spoke before the awards kicked off.
MC Myffy Rigby, former editor of the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide and current editor of Swill magazine, guided attendees through the celebrations.
