This year’s recipients include a waterfront restaurant, a pasta specialist, a pie maker and a taco joint.
In an awards ceremony at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre the focus was on achievement and celebration in what has been a tough industry of late.
“Hospitality has continued to be challenging,” says Dan Sullivan, Chairperson of the Awards Committee. “That hasn’t stopped innovation, dedication and ultimately success in this creative commercial industry.”
Karangahape Road establishments featured heavily with a double win for Apero as Leslie Hottiaux took out best chef and the restaurant also took the award for best wine. K Rd pasta restaurant Pici won for best central establishment and the emerging talent award went to the cult following of Pie Rolla’s, also on the central Auckland strip.
Further off the beaten track were wins from Westhaven Marina-located First Mates, Last Laughs for best new establishment, founded by Judith Tabron of Soul Bar fame, as well as Avondale-based Tokos Tacos for best West Auckland establishment.
Nicola Richards, owner of Monsoon Poon was honoured with the Hospitality Hero award, as the popular Southeast Asian restaurant closed its doors after almost 20 years of trading in early May.
“As an industry we’re seeing hospitality owners demonstrate an understanding and application of community and connection,” says Sullivan. “Not only are they creating memorable experiences, they’re delivering them in such a way that guests want to come back to share it with others.” says Sullivan.
2025 Lewisham Awards Winners
Best Emerging Talent – Lewis Mazza-Carson @ Pie Rolla’s
Best Bartender – Theo Thjandra @ Truth or Dare/Goblin
Best Beer Brewer – Hallertau
Best Cafe – Duo
Best Chef – Leslie @ Apero
Best Cocktail Experience – Panacea
Best Central Auckland Establishment – Pici
Front of House – Sophie Ehan @ Gilt
Hospo Hero – Nicola Richards @ Monsoon Poon
Best Innovation – Everybody Eats
East/Waiheke – Casita Miro
Best North – Fantail & Turtle
Best South – Mania Seafood Boil
Best West – Tokos Tacos
Best New Establishment – First Mates, Last Laughs
Best Producer – Kumeu River Wines
Best Sales Experience – Gina Nicholls @ Tickety Boo
Best Sustainability – Panacea
Best Wine – Apero
