Last night, the Australian bar industry came together at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf for the 2026 Australian Bar Awards, bringing some of the country’s best bartenders, operators, bar teams and industry leaders under one roof.
Marking the grand finale of Sydney Bar Week, more than 30 awards were handed out across the night, celebrating the people and venues setting the standard for Australian hospitality right now.
From Bar of the Year and Bartender’s Bar to Rookie Bartender, Brand Ambassador and Hall of Fame, the night recognised talent from across the country, with winners spanning Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and Northern Territory.
A huge congratulations to every finalist and winner who joined us for another incredible night.
Here are your 2026 Australian Bar Awards winners.
Bartender of the Year
Sponsored by Spirits Academy
Callum Marra, Old Loves, NSW
Bar Manager of the Year
Sponsored by Angostura
Corby Small, The Gresham QLD
Bar of the Year
Sponsored by Club Suntory
Frog’s Hollow Saloon QLD
Bar Operator of the Year
Sponsored by Unico Zelo
Fancy Free Group VIC
Bar Team of the Year
The Gresham QLD
Best Bar Food
Sponsored by Estrella Damm
Continental Deli Bar Bistro NSW
Best Bartenders’ Bar
Sponsored by Angostura
Old Mate’s Place NSW
Best Brewery Bar
Sponsored by Bartender
The Grifter Brewing Co NSW
Best Distillery Bar of the Year
Sponsored by Espolòn Tequila
Never Never Distilling Co. SA
Best Live Music Venue
Sponsored by Angostura
Jolenes, NSW
Best Speciality Beer Venue
Sponsored by Estrella Damm
Patio by Range QLD
Cocktail Bar of the Year
Sponsored by William Grant & Sons
Byrdi VIC
Cocktail List of the Year
Sponsored by Angostura
Maybe Sammy NSW
Gin Bar of the Year
Sponsored by Spirits Academy
Bar Planet NSW
Host of the Year
Sponsored by Club Suntory
Claudia Morgan, Bar DEMO NSW
Hotel Bar of the Year
Sponsored by CAPI
Bar Tilda NSW
New Bar of the Year
Sponsored by Espolòn Tequila
Three Horses VIC
Nightclub of the Year
Sponsored by CAPI
Alice Bar QLD
Pub of the Year
The Alliance Hotel QLD
Regional Bar of the Year
Sponsored by Club Suntory
WAT den, Mooloolaba QLD
Restaurant Bar of the Year
Sponsored by CAPI
Bar Rochford ACT
Rookie Bartender of the Year
Sponsored by Club Suntory
Carter Stacey, Frog’s Hollow Saloon, QLD
Rum Bar of the Year
Old Love’s NSW
Small Bar of the Year
Sponsored by Spirits Academy
Above Board VIC
Tequila Bar of the Year
Sponsored by Espolòn Tequila
Cantina OK! NSW
Whisky Bar of the Year
Sponsored by Spirits Academy
Silver’s Motel NSW
Wine Bar of the Year
Sponsored by Unico Zelo
Bar Copains NSW
Training Program of the Year
Sponsored by Bartender
Club Suntory, Suntory Global Spirits Oceania
Brand Ambassador of the Year
Sponsored by Bartender
Alice Newport, Club Suntory
Hall of Fame
Sponsored by Bartender
Anneliese Grazioli, Hanky Panky Lounge NT
