Palmerston North’s Little Savanna has swept the Manawatū Hospitality Awards, winning four categories and the supreme award.
African-inspired restaurant Little Savanna has cleaned up at the Manawatū Hospitality Awards, claiming a major prize and winning four categories.
The restaurant, at the corner of Princess St and Broadway, was judged supreme establishment and most outstanding restaurant at a function at Awapuni Events Centre on Monday night.
When owners Margie, a South African, and Andy Holmes, a Kiwi, moved from South Africa to New Zealand they missed the flavours of the traditional “braai’’ – South African barbecue – so decided to emulate the concept in Palmerston North.
“We’ve always wanted a place that would bring our two cultures together,” Margie Holmes told Stuff after the restaurant opened in 2017.
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Little Savanna also took out the categories for outstanding front-of-house team; emerging front-of-house member – Kerry Foster, and emerging chef – Matt O’Hagan.
The supreme award for an individual went to Grant Kitchen at the Āpiti Tavern & Eatery, outstanding bar was won by Brew Union in Palmerston North, outstanding cafe was Elm Cafe in Whanganui, and the people’s choice award went to High St Bistro in Dannevirike.
Owners, father and son duo Brock and Campbell Sprague, started the bistro two years ago and it has since become a popular haunt.
David Unwin/Stuff
Head Brewer Jason Franssen bottling up Ginger Fusion and Apple Crumble Cider for delivery.
Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois said as hospitality started its recovery from several challenging years, it was encouraging to see long-established attractions joined by new and emerging venues.
“Whether you want to try the region’s craft beers in a relaxed pub setting or sample fine dining from some of the region’s best chefs, the Manawatū has you covered.”
She said the awards were an opportunity to promote local hospitality and bring people together to recognise achievements in what continued to be unpredictable times.
Full list of award winners
- Supreme Award – Establishment: Little Savanna
- Supreme Award – Individual: Grant Kitchen, Apiti Tavern & Eatery
- Outstanding barista: Erin Millar, Arrosta Coffee Roasting Co
- Outstanding bartender: Lilli Daniel, Provenance
- Outstanding front of house team: Little Savanna
- Outstanding chef: Janet Gray, The Fat Farmer
- Emerging front of house: Kerry Foster, Little Savanna
- Emerging chef: Matt O’Hagan, Little Savanna
- Outstanding café: Elm Cafe
- Outstanding bar: Brew Union Brewing Company
- Outstanding streetfood/takeout: The Crafted and Co
- Outstanding ambience and design: Brew Union Brewing Company
- Outstanding regional establishment: Āpiti Tavern & Eatery
- Outstanding restaurant: Little Savanna
- Outstanding supplier: Gilmours Central
- Outstanding sales rep: Reuben Leung Wai, Gilmours Central
- People’s choice: High Street Bistro
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