Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and I expect there are some heavy heads in Newcastle today.

Last night was the inaugural Newcastle Bar Awards held at the majestic venue Bartholomew’s on King Street. 

Jammed inside the building was a who’s who of the hospitality scene all dressed up on a Monday night to celebrate the evolution of the industry, its comradery, and its future. 

Upon entrance, guests were met by the Farmer’s Wife Distillery who offered their Autumn Gin and Tonic with a sprig of rosemary on arrival. Inside the venue, canapes were darting round the floor which had been cleared of its booths in anticipation of the 300+ strong turnout. 

Drinks were sponsored by a host of local breweries including Shout Brewing Co, Method Brewing, and Good Folk Brewing with Brokenwood Wines as the wine sponsor for the evening. While we were enjoying the drinks, the banter and the music downstairs, upstairs was a seated affair that included treats by Arno Deli and CakeBoi.

Before the award formalities began, we were treated with a beautiful Welcome to Country by Newcastle Aboriginal Elder Aunty Cheryl Smith, and introductions ensued led by the MC of the evening, Myffy Rigby. 

Newcastle City Councillor Carol Duncan gave a solid speech on behalf of City of Newcastle who sponsored the night, championing the industry and the challenges it has overcome over the years. She highlighted the efforts of the community who have and continue to fight for the live music scene in the wake of lock out laws and noise complaints to thunderous applause. 

Founder of HUNTERhunter, Alissa McCulloch, took to the stage, giving a rare glimpse of the person behind the scenes and the passion that has brought the event to life.

Myffy kicked the awards off swiftly with only a few small hiccups when the power went out halfway through. The power-gate gave the crowd an unexpected intermission which only served to drum up more excitement and anticipation for the People’s Choice Awards, with Modus Merewether being voted Favourite Brewpub, The Lucky Hotel taking the gong for Favourite Hotel, and Coal & Cedar winning Favourite Bar. 

While the full list of winners have been announced, it would be remiss to not point out there were two awards handed out that really brought the house down: Rookie of the Year (Mia Kha) and Bartender of the Year (George Prokop). 

The celebration of young talent in Newcastle’s evolving hospitality community is really what has left a lasting impression in a night that is defined by its support of the industry, how far it has come and where it is going. 

After the official business of the evening had concluded, the atmosphere kept ramping up with some dancing, others feasting (the Newy Fried Chicken was a welcome late-night snack) and many beaming faces. 

Public opinion for the first ever Newcastle Bar Awards was a resounding success, and the question everyone wants to know: when’s next year’s awards?

Bar Awards is another event delivered under your Special Business Rate Program.