Lewisham Awards finalists announced
The finalists in the 2026 Lewisham Awards have been announced, recognising Auckland’s outstanding chefs, bartenders, establishments and producers.
“Hospitality has never been for the fainthearted,” says Award Committee Chairperson, Dan Sullivan. “It’s certainly not an easy time to be in hospitality, but that’s when the true stars of our industry shine. Our finalists are the ones pushing forward, innovating, adapting, and continuing to deliver exceptional experiences night after night.”
Nominated by the hospitality industry and selected by a panel of experienced judges, finalists were recognised across the Lewisham Awards’ “Outstanding” categories, including Emerging Hospitality Talent, Front-of-House, Cocktail Experience, Beer Experience, Wine Experience, Cocktail Experience, Sales Experience, Innovation and Sustainability, New Establishment, Café, Local Establishment (North, South, Waiheke & East, West, Central), Producer, Distributor, Bartender, Chef and Hospitality Hero.
Winners will be announced at the 25th annual Lewisham Awards, a festival-style “A Night with The Stars” event, on 31 May.
2026 Lewisham Awards finalists:
Outstanding Bartender
Dewi Barbeiri – Truth or Dare
Justin Ydia – Gilt
Trent Brosnahan – Mo’s Bar
Vanessa Vega – Sky Bar
Outstanding Front of House
Dewi Barbieri – Truth or Dare
Emma Mondon – Prego
Philip Stack – First Mates, Last Laugh
Ryan Oliver – Panacea
Outstanding Emerging Hospitality Talent
Adhitia Firmansyah – Amano
Ellie Sims Hilditch – Amano
Oscar Norris – Prego
Leon Sittisart – Panacea
Outstanding Sales Experience
Angie Atkinson – Blanc
Logan Richmond – Sawmill Brewery
Ryan Kennedy – Hancocks Family Merchants
Sam Vine – McLeods Brewery
Outstanding Producer
Clevedon Buffalo Co
Curious Croppers
Man O’ War
Urbanaut Brewing Co
Outstanding Wine Experience
Bare Wines
Gilt
Ground Wine Bar
Pici
Outstanding Cocktail Experience
Caretaker
Deadshot
Definitely Maybe
Truth or Dare
Outstanding Beer Experience
Northern Line
Sawmill Brewery
The Beer Spot
Two Fold
Outstanding Innovation & Sustainability
Ahi
Project Hydrosol
Sawmill Brewery
Truth or Dare
Outstanding Distributor
Bidfood
Blanc
Hancocks Family Merchants
Tickety Boo
Outstanding New Establishment
Agnes
Bistro Saine
Ground Wine Bar
Manaia Seafood Eatery
Mother
Outstanding Chef
Jo Pearson – Alma
Andrew Hanson – Amano
Glen File – Gilt
Rio Pranata – Ambler
Outstanding Hospo Hero
Angie Atkinson – Blanc
Dany Dentith – Panacea
Renee Coulter – Coco’s Cantina
Theodore Tjandra – Truth or Dare
W: For a full list of finalists visit lewishamawards.co.nz
