Shed 2 has it all - experienced staff, a huge food and drink selection and a great atmosphere.
Steinlager Pure Outstanding Bar category
Outstanding equals more than beer on tap - it's about the little details, from experienced staff to a friendly smile.
From funky to more traditional, industry insiders reveal their favourite places to kick back in the Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards Steinlager Pure Outstanding Bar category.
The little bar down the lane, Monica Loves is bringing a "beating heart" back to Napier CBD with it's mystery, intrigue and attractive urban interior.
A lack of signage or publicity adds to its uber cool vibe, allowing customers to feel as though they could be anywhere in the world.
Co-owner Dan Tosswill says it was designed to bring the essence of his travels back home to Hawke's Bay and breathe life into Napier city.
"My wife and I have lived in London and Melbourne. Now we are 35 and have got three kids we wanted something that's got a big city feel, we have seen a lot of the world, it was important to us to create that feel here."
The bar shot to popularity and has been named as a finalist in the hospitality category of New Zealand's prestigious Interior Awards.
"We want to attract people back into town, to get people out of their offices on a Thursday or Friday night."
Hugo Chang is a collaboration between East and West which fills a niche in Havelock North.
"It provides somewhere hip and fun for a mature crowd - we have got to appeal to a market that's young and old, traditional and eccentric - it's a place all can go to have a good time," co-owner Liv Reynolds says.
They always strive to provide a unique, welcoming experience as well as a reprieve from icy winter weather.
Emporium Eatery & Bar is all about consistency and they have it perfected - with nominations in the Outstanding Bar category three years running.
"If we are successful it will be our third year winning, although there are some new contenders it would be nice to continue the success," food and beverage manager Shayne Bird says.
Knowledgeable staff who offer advice about the drinks they're serving and delivering quality every time was the overall aim.
Shed 2 is the oldest building in Ahuriri restored with a modern interior and huge television screen. This is one local designed with the whole family in mind.
The friendly atmosphere is a huge part of its appeal owner Dennis Buckley says.
"I think the experienced staff we have in the kitchen and out the front we have got people that have been with us for 13 to 15 years. "Food and wine is key, we have lots of food, 170 wines with 130 of those from Hawke's Bay. We are the only open house with 23 craft beers, five local beers - also menus are 100 per cent local businesses that we deal with."
Investigations found a Gisborne restaurant illegally selling tobacco to the public.