Nick Seeherr, David Hawk and Kenny Ariaens of Suite Bar

One of Auckland’s smallest bars is punching well above its weight, with Suite Bar being awarded Hospitality New Zealand’s Best Bar for 2011.

Tucked away in the basement of a heritage building at 2 Hobson Street in Auckland’s CBD, Suite Bar has been delighting patrons with delicious cocktails and slick service for the past six years, gaining a swag of awards along the way.

Owner-operator David Hawk says that the bar has a philosophy for being at the forefront of trends and having the bravery to break new ground.

“Suite has been a pioneer of the resurgence in New Zealand’s cocktail culture,” says Hawk. “We’re delighted to gain this recognition, despite being a very small player in theNew Zealandbar scene,” he said.

David attributes the win, not only to the popularity of their drinks menu but to the professionalism and character of his bar staff. His bar team includes James Goggin, the first New Zealander to win Tales of the Cocktail cadetship inNew Orleans, ranking him in the top 50 bartenders in the world for 2011.

Barney Toy is also a top name winning the Appleton’s Award forNew Zealandearlier this year. Rita Vovna, Kenny Ariaens, Adam Mather and Nick Seeherr complete the talented team.

“Winning best bar is fantastic recognition for all the training and dedication that these professionals have put into Suite, and for their continued efforts to exceed expectations,” says Hawk.

Hawk and his team scour the globe new products, ideas and techniques and he believes that Suite offers an unmatched selection of spirits. One recent trend the bar has been winning acclaim for is their retake on the 1920s ‘Jerk’ sodas.

Where the right kind of sodas didn’t exist commercially, the Suite team created their own from natural New Zealandfruit juices and extracts. They are now marketing these through other outlets under the brand Cool As Soda.

And on top of creating a savoir-fare cocktail environment, David Hawk has extended his raconteur accomplishments into producing a line of gourmet pies called appropriately Ka Pies.

“In recent years we’ve seen a huge explosion in cocktail bars throughout the country, many owned by groups and corporates. We continue to focus on providing the personal touch and we know that is valued by our customers,” says Hawk.

“Suite Bar provides a great place to come and discover new tastes and flavours which we take great pride in revealing these to our vibrant local community.”