The city's best bars, hotels, bartenders, mixologists and brewers were recognised at the inaugural Bar Awards in Newcastle on Monday night.
More than 300 people attended the awards ceremony at Bartholomew's on King Street, where winners were announced across 11 categories:
Bar of the Year - The Falcon
Bartender of the Year - George Prokop (The Koutetsu)
Rookie of the Year - Mia Kha (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
Swill magazine editor Myffy Rigby was MC at the ceremony which began with a Welcome to Country by Cheryl Smith, followed by a yidaki performance.
City of Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan spoke on stage about the challenges faced by Newcastle hospitality and entertainment venues, and the council's ongoing support for the city's nightlife economy and its live music scene.
She also discussed the NSW Government's Vibrancy Reforms which came into affect on July 1 and have changed the way noise complaints are dealt with in city centres.
Presented by HUNTERhunter in partnership with City of Newcastle, Lightspeed and The Farmer's Wife Distillery, the Bar Awards aim to pay tribute to the personalities and businesses who are moving the Newcastle's drink culture and nightlife forward.
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