Kaiser Brew Garden of Christchurch has won the Supreme Award at the 2023 Lion Hospitality Awards for Excellence.
The awards were announced at a black-tie dinner event at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on the final night of the two-day New Zealand Hospitality Conference.
The awards celebrated the success, achievements, and especially in light of the tough year the industry has just experienced – the resilience of the hospitality and accommodation sector, where the best of the best are recognised.
They are hosted by Hospitality New Zealand in partnership with principal sponsor Lion New Zealand and industry partners.
Kaiser Brew Garden won the Best Bar category and the Best Marketed Establishment category before being chosen for the top award from winners of the other 20 categories.
The People’s Choice Award, voted on by the public, was won by Richmond Club, Christchurch.
This was the 25th time the awards had been held in person.
Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Julie White said that Kaiser Brew Bar was a very worthy winner from one of the best lineups of finalists seen in years.
“They are well-deserved winners, and Hospitality New Zealand congratulates Campbell Parker and their team. They did a fantastic job during yet another year of the most trying of circumstances. I also congratulate every other category winner and finalist, as well as all entrants. To me, they are all winners to be willing and able to put themselves forward during yet another tough year,” said White.
Main sponsor, Lion New Zealand’s Country Director, Craig Baldie, added his congratulations to all the winners. He said his company was in awe at how well hospitality operators performed in the face of the continuing huge challenges the industry was going through.
“We are delighted to be able to once again support operators and an industry of such resilience.”
Tony Crosbie of South Island Hospitality Group was inducted into the Hospitality Hall of Fame during the awards.
Crombie Lockwood
Supreme Winner
Kaiser Brew Garden, Christchurch
One Music
Best Late Night/Entertainment Venue
Miss Gee's Bar and Eatery, Tauranga
Next Payments
Best Marketed Establishment
Kaiser Brew Garden, Christchurch
SKY
Best Country Hotel
Theatre Royal Hotel, Kumara
Sleepyhead
Best Hotel
QT Queenstown, Queenstown
Category winners:
Best Bar
Kaiser Brew Garden, Christchurch
Excellence in a Gaming Club, RSA or Sporting Venue
Hornby Club, Christchurch
Best Sustainability / Environmental and/or Recycling Practice
Aura Accommodation, Rotorua
Best Luxury Accommodation
The Landing, Te Tii
Best Mid-Scale Accommodation
Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, Whitianga
Best Restaurant
Botswana Butchery Queenstown, Queenstown
Outstanding Achievement in Training and Workforce Development
Wynyard Pavillion, Auckland
Best Local
Sprig + Fern Berhampore, Wellington
Best Sports Bar
The Locker Room Sports Bar, Queenstown
Best Destination Venue
Tantalus Estate, Waiheke Island
Best Cafe
TOAD Hall Motueka, Motueka
Best Restaurant in an Accommodation Venue
Esther at QT Auckland, Auckland
Best Motel Over 25 Rooms
Awa Motel, Whakatane
Best Motel Under 25 Rooms
Palazzo Motor Lodge, Nelson
Best Gaming Venue
Woodbourne Tavern and Motels, Renwick
Best Fine Dining
Craggy Range, Hawkes Bay
People's Choice
Richmond Club, Christchurch
Overall Highly Commended
The Landing, Craggy Range
Winners of the People’s Category, which were announced on Tuesday night, were celebrated again at the Lion Hospitality Awards for Excellence black-tie dinner. The winners are among the elite in their respective industries and have excelled at improving the hospitality and accommodation industries.
New to 2023 was the Michael Friend Hospitality Supplier of the Year award honouring the late Michael Friend, a long-time member of the industry and judge for the Lion Hospitality Awards for Excellence.
The winners for the People’s Category announced on 27 June 2023, were:
Future Leader of the Year - Mason Lattimore,
Highly Commended - Sam Stapley
Chef of the Year - Casey McDonald,
Highly Commended - James Laird
Leader of the Year, Accommodation - Doron Whaite,
Highly Commended - Chris McIntosh
Leader of the Year, Hospitality - David Allot,
Highly Commended - Bert Haines
Hospitality Supplier of the Year - Aaron Kedzlie,
Highly Commended - Todd Lynch
