The Australian bar industry’s biggest peer-voted awards are back for their 25th year, and voting is now open. The Bar Awards exist for one reason: to spotlight the venues, operators, teams, and individuals shaping how Australia drinks right now.
Australian Bartender editor Kim Berry said, “It is time to celebrate all the legends in the industry. We have tightened the nomination process this year for a more even playing field and to find out more about why a particular person, venue, operator, or supplier is your pick. But the core of the Australian Bar Awards remains – awards for the industry, voted for by the industry.”
How voting works (quick, clean, done)
- Who can vote: Hospitality industry professionals only (bartenders, managers, operators, brand teams).
- Round one: Industry votes determine the top 10 finalists in each category.
- Round two: Finalists rank their peers; sponsors also cast a vote to determine winners, along with a panel of industry professionals overseeing the voting process.
- Finalists announced: July issue of Australian Bartender and online.
- Awards night: Wednesday 16 September at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf during Sydney Bar Week (12–16 September).
- Voting window: Opens Tuesday 03 March and closes 11:59pm AEST, 15 May 2025.
- Note: Bartender of the Year isn’t a nominated award – register interest via events@twodeforce.com.au.
Voting works best on desktop or laptop.
Full terms and conditions are available online.
Categories you can vote in:
- Cocktail List of the Year
- Bar of the Year
- Cocktail Bar of the Year
- New Bar of the Year
- Rookie Bartender of the Year
- Pub of the Year
- Host of the Year
- Small Bar of the Year
- Nightclub of the Year
- Bar Manager of the Year
- Regional Bar of the Year
- Bar Operator of the Year
- Bar Team of the Year
- Best Speciality Beer Venue
- Wine Bar of the Year
- Best Bar Food
- Best Bartenders’ Bar
- Best Live Music Venue
- Restaurant Bar of the Year
- Best Distillery Bar
- Best Brewery Bar
- Gin Bar of the Year
- Rum Bar of the Year
- Whisky Bar of the Year
- Tequila Bar of the Year
- Hotel Bar of the Year
- Training Program of the Year
- Brand Ambassador of the Year