Cargo Gantley’s Pub & Cafe at Arthurs Point has been named the best of the best in New Zealand.
The Queenstown venue, owned by Malcolm and Meron Blakey, won the supreme award at the 2022 Lion Hospitality Awards for Excellence, presented in Auckland on Wednesday night.
The awards celebrate the success, achievements and — especially in light of the tough year the industry has just experienced — the resilience of the hospitality and accommodation sector.
Cargo Gantley’s — formerly Gantley’s Restaurant — won the best new/redeveloped food and beverage category before gaining the top award from winners of the other categories.
Hospitality NZ chief executive Julie White said Cargo Gantley’s win was well deserved.
"They did a fantastic job under another year of the most trying of circumstances, as did every other category winner and finalist.
"For many businesses and operators, just being able to enter was a small miracle in itself after the tough year they’ve had.
"The competition was fiercer even than last year, which is a testament to the resilience the industry has shown through the pandemic.
"It was almost as if everyone lifted again."
Queenstown’s Future Hospitality was also recognised — it won the excellence in people and culture category, while one of its venues, Little Blackwood, was named best bar.
Owners James Ace and Bert Haines said they were "absolutely stoked" with the accolades.
Mr Haines said they were particularly proud of winning the people and culture award "because it really is a full-team award".
Cromwell’s Fusee Rouge Cafe won the best cafe category, while Fable Dunedin won the best hotel category.
