Presented by HUNTERhunter, Bar Awards are about recognising the bartenders, mixologists, brewers, and hospitality owners who are moving Newcastle's drink culture forward – both behind the bar and beyond it.

Championing a standard of quality drinks and service anchored in talent, craftsmanship, and diversity, Bar Awards celebrate those who have led the way, and those on the path to do so.

There will be 11 categories, nominations will come from businesses in the industry, and the winners will be determined by our panel of industry judges.

Winners will be announced at the Bar Awards event on Monday August 5.

Do you work in the industry? Own a bar, hotel, restaurant, or brewpub? Then we want you to nominate!

The Bar Awards industry nominations are NOW OPEN, click here to complete the nomination process. 

Here are the award categories.

Bar of the Year

The Bar of the Year award champions the bar that stands out from the pack. The service by the staff is unmatched, the drinks are faultless, and the atmosphere has drinkers (and bartenders) returning time and time again.

Bartender of the Year

The Bartender of the Year award is as much about the accolades, knowledge, and talent, as it is the genuine sense of curiosity and care that sees a mixologist at the forefront of Newcastle’s bar scene.

Rookie of the Year

This one is for the up-and-comers; the rising stars; the ones to watch; the movers and shakers. Rookie of the Year celebrates the next generation of talent in Newcastle’s bar industry.

Cocktail Bar of the Year

The Cocktail Bar of the Year award celebrates the best of the best cocktail bars – not only are the drinks delicious in their own right, but they add a layer of personality into an already character-filled space.

Hotel of the Year

The Hotel of the Year award is an ode to your local pub – the one that always gets it right, whether it’s a well-poured cold one, a hearty pub feed, or simply a friendly chat with the bartender.

Brewpub of the Year

The Brewpub of the Year award celebrates Newcastle’s ever-evolving craft beer scene and the dedicated brewers behind your favourite local brewpubs.

Best Live Music Venue

The Best Live Music Venue Award recognises an establishment where music is the focus. Punters know it as a place you’d go for a gig, just as much as a place to visit for a drink.

Best Restaurant Cocktail Menu

Presented by SOQUAL

From innovative concoctions that push the boundaries to the classics that never go out of style, the Best Restaurant Cocktail Menu award recognises the restaurants that have nailed the art of the cocktail menu.

Best Hotel Cocktail Menu

While we all love a pub feed and a schooner enjoyed in a beer garden, there’s something to be said for a well-done cocktail at your local. The Best Hotel Cocktail Menu award recognises exactly this – the pubs that are killing it with their cocktails.

Best Wine List

Presented by Brokenwood Wines

Sniff, swill, sip, savour. The Best Wine List award celebrates the venues who have made curating their selection of wines into an art form.

Best Non-Alc Menu

Whether you’re after a cocktail sans the spirits, the crispness of a craft beer, or the elegance of a fine wine, the Best Non-Alc Menu Award recognises the venues that are leading the charge in offering a quality and comprehensive range of non-alcoholic drinks.

People’s Choice Award

While our judges have the tough task of deciding the cream of the crop in 11 award categories, we're handing over the power to you – the folks who sip, savour, and socialise in Newcastle's buzzing bar scene – for the People's Choice Award. These categories include voting for your favourite Bar, Hotel and Brewpub.

Besides the honour of backing your favourite local spots, by voting in the People’s Choice Award, you’ll automatically be in with a chance to win our huge competition prize. Stay tuned to find out all the details!

Key dates

Industry nominations open | Tuesday May 7
Industry nominations close | Monday June 3 

Industry voting opens | Tuesday June 4
Industry voting closes | Sunday June 30

People’s Choice Award voting open | Monday July 1
People’s Choice Award voting closes | Wednesday July 31

Bar Awards event night | Monday August 5

Bar Awards event night 

In its inaugural year, the Bar Awards industry-only event night will be held at the spectacular Bartholomew’s. This is where the industry will come together to celebrate and recognise the efforts, hard work, and outstanding performances of its peers.

Register here to be the first to know when tickets go on sale.

Want to become a sponsor of Bar Awards? 

For all sponsorship opportunities contact [email protected]

PR and Media

For all other enquiries about the Bar Awards contact [email protected]