King of Snake has taken out the top prize in the Canterbury Hospitality Awards. The celebrated restaurant’s fusion of Asian and Euro influences caught the attention of the judges, who named it Supreme Establishment of the Year at the annual awards ceremony at Te Pae on Monday, 17 October.

As well as landing the Trents Supreme Establishment Award, King of Snake won the OneMusic Outstanding Ambience and Design award, and the Service Foods Outstanding Restaurant award.

In all, 20 awards were presented. Restaurant Association Chief Executive Marisa Bidois congratulated all finalists and winners. “Consistency and quality are what puts great establishments on the map, and quality is what the Canterbury Hospitality Awards recognise today. Christchurch and surrounds are richer for our hospitality leaders and our winners are at the top of their game, delivering great experiences and flavours that keep patrons coming back for more.”

The Outstanding People’s Choice award went to Smokey Ts for the fourth consecutive year. Smokey Ts is led by award-winning pit master and former executive chef Tristin Anderson. Menu highlights include 10-hour smoked brisket, 6-hour smoked pork belly and 2-hour smoked jerk chicken.

Robert Fairs’ Londo, in Merivale’s Papanui Road, won the New Establishment category.

Freddy Nordt took out the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Emerging Chef award for his work at Black Estate. The winery and restaurant won the Southern Hospitality Outstanding Regional Establishment award.

Pegasus Bay’s events manager Belinda Donaldson won the Trents Supreme Individual.

The association also inducted globally celebrated chef and businessman Mark Gregory to the Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. “We’re thrilled to recognise Mark for his remarkable career throughout which he has not only built many successful businesses both within hospitality and elsewhere, but also consistently and generously given back to the community,” Bidois says.

Canterbury Hospitality Awards Winners 2022

Trents Supreme Award – Establishment – King of Snake

Trents Supreme Award – Individual – Belinda Donaldson

The Hits Outstanding People's Choice – Smokey Ts

Restaurant Association Hall of Fame inductee – Mark Gregory

Meadow Fresh Outstanding Barista – Fumihiko Takai, Espresso Studio

Grey Goose Outstanding Bartender – Meredith Earle, Austin Club

Tevalis Outstanding Front of House Team – 5th Street

Anchor Food Professionals Outstanding Chef – Robert Fairs, Londo

Ara Te Pukenga Emerging Front of House – Sam Schwartfeger, 5th Street

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Emerging Chef – Freddy Nordt, Black Estate

Menulog Outstanding Street Food/Casual Dining – Bar Yoku

Coca Cola Europacific Partners Outstanding Café – Child Sister

Wine Education Co. Outstanding Wine & Beverage List – Cellar Door

Antipodes Water Outstanding New Establishment – Londo

Pernod Ricard Outstanding Bar – The Last Word

Southern Hospitality Outstanding Regional Establishment – Black Estate

OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design – King of Snake

Service Foods Outstanding Restaurant – King of Snake

Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Sales Rep – Andy John Allen, Punky Brewster

Lumina Lamb Outstanding Supplier – ServiceIQ