Auckland Hospitality Scene Stands Strong: Lewisham Awards Demonstrate Resilience Of Auckland’s Hospitality Scene

1 June 2025

• Best new establishment: First Mates Last Laugh.
• Double win for Panacea.
• Karangahape Road establishments’ take out three categories.
• Nicola Richards of Monsoon Poon honored.

Resilience and innovations was on show as Auckland Hospitality’s best came together on Sunday night for the annual Lewisham Awards. Finalists, judges and guests packed out the Viaduct Events Centre for an evening of recognition and celebration with a time travellers theme.

The makers of the city’s best cocktail, cafe lattes and mince pies, assembled to acknowledge the achievements of the past year.

“Hospitality has continued to be challenging,” observers Dan Sullivan, Chairperson of the Awards Committee. “That hasn’t stopped innovation, dedication and ultimately success in this creative commercial industry”.

Karangahape Road establishments featured heavily with a double win for Apero for best Chef and Wine, best central establishment for pasta restaurant Pici, as well as the emerging talent award for the cult following of Pie Rolla.

Further off the beaten track were wins from Westhaven Marina located First Mates, Last Laughs for best new establishment, founded by Judith Tabron of Soul Bar fame, as well as Avondale based Tokos Tacos for best West Auckland establishment.

Nicola Richards, owner of Monsoon Poon was honoured with the Hospitality Hero award, the popular Southeast Asian restaurant closed it’s doors after almost 20 years of trading in early May.

“As an industry we’re seeing hospitality owners demonstrate an understanding and application of community and connection. Not only are they creating memorable experiences, they’re delivering them in such a way that guests want to come back to share it with others.” says Sullivan.

LEWISHAM AWARD WINNERS 2025

Best Emerging Talent - Lewis Mazza-Carson @ Pie Rolla's

Best Bartender - Theo Thjandra @ Truth or Dare/Goblin

Best Beer Brewer - Hallertau

Best Cafe - Duo

Best Chef - Leslie @ Apero

Best Cocktail Experience - Panacea

Best Central Auckland Establishment - Pici

Front of House - Sophie Ehan @ Gilt

Hospo Hero - Nicola Richards @ Monsoon Poon

Best Innovation - Everybody Eats

East/Waiheke - Casita Miro

Best North - Fantail & Turtle

Best South - Mania Seafood Boil

Best West - Tokos Tacos

Best New Establishment - First Mates, Last Laughs

Best Producer - Kumeu River Wines

Best Sales Experience - Gina Nicholls @ Tickety Boo

Best Sustainability - Panacea

Best Wine - Apero

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