All the SA Bar Awards winners

The SA Bar Awards was held as an online event, this year, with nominees and their fans experiencing the event programme through regional watch parties that brought reflection on a tough year and celebration of the exceptional talent that exists in the local drinks industry.

Votes by a judging panel of experts resulted in a shortlist of four nominees for each category, with the ultimate winners announced on the night.

“The calibre of nominees this year shows the depth of talent, creativity and diversity in the South African scene,” says Travis Kuhn, director of the Bar Awards. Kuhn manages the awards alongside event industry stalwarts, Ophelia Ross-Simms, Howard Ross-Simms and Leigh Kuhn.

“The winners have shown true dedication to their craft and customers, and we couldn’t be more excited to provide a platform that elevates the profession of bartending in this country, especially after the trying year that the industry has had.” Vicious Virgin, the bar in Wale Street, Cape Town, that walked away with the Newcomer and Team of the Year awards, sadly had to close its doors in July due to the devastating impact of the pandemic. Sadly, a fate shared by many outstanding outlets around the country.

We know this year was very tough on the bar industry, but we also know there is so much world-class talent and craft worth supporting and protecting. For this reason, we have set up a fund from monies received from sponsors that were traditionally used for hosting our normally glamorous awards event. The fund will allow those most affected in our industry, businesses and people who were left with little to no income during the lockdown, to apply for financial support that can hopefully help towards some relief. We are also focusing forward on ongoing initiatives to promote excellence, safety and upliftment, to elevate the industry for long-term success,” said Kuhn.

And the 2020 winners are: 

• Cocktail Bar of the Year brought to you by The House of Angostura - The Art of Duplicity, Cape Town
• Bartender of the Year brought to you by Maker’s Mark - George Hunter of Copper Monkey and Saint, Joburg
• High-volume Cocktail Bar of the Year brought to you by Sir Fruit - House of Machines, Cape Town
• Bar Team of the Year brought to you by Cointreau - Vicious Virgin, Cape Town
• New Cocktail Bar of the Year brought to you by Copper Monkey - Vicious Virgin, Cape Town
• Mobile Bar Operator of the Year brought to you by Pernod Ricard - Molecular Bars of Joburg
• Newcomer of the Year brought to you by Roku Japanese Gin - Taneale van der Merwe of Joburg
• Brand Ambassador of the Year - Jody Francis of Inverroche  
• Hotel Bar of the Year brought to you by Covert - Gorgeous George, Cape Town
• Media Contributor of the Year - Leah van Deventer
• Brand Campaign or Event of the Year - Inverroche Pioneers
• Bartender’s Brand of Choice Award brought to you by News Cafe - Inverroche 
• International Footprint Award brought to you by Pernod Ricard - George Hunter of Copper Monkey and Saint Johannesburg
• Social Media Contributor Award brought to you by Whitley Neill Gin - Peter Labese @TheeGintleman 
• Mentor of the Year brought to you by Inverroche - Cassandra Eichhoff (2nd year running)
• Pop-up Bar of the Year brought to you by Diageo World Class - Craigellachie 51
• Trailblazer of the Year brought to you by Hope Distillery - Brent Perremore of The Art of Duplicity, Cape Town
• Liquor Store of the Year brought to you by Johnnie Walker - Norman Goodfellows
• Main Market/Local Bar of the Year brought to you by Remy Martin - Smoking Kills (Drink Rum) Bar, Joburg