By Sacha Delfosse – editor bars&clubs
The winners of SouthTrade International's 2013 Liquid Miles trade incentive program were announced last night at a grand finale party held at Sydney's Slide Lounge.
The competition, now in its third year, was split into two categories this year – one for small venues and the other for larger ones – with 210 venues from across Australia entering.
The finalists in the small venue category were Kodiak Club (VIC), Canvas (QLD), Taste baguette and Grill (NSW), Bar on Gouger (SA) and Wolf Lane (WA).
Canvas took out the grand prize with last year's winner, Kodiak Club, the runner-up.
The finalists in the large venue category were Hotel Sweeney's (NSW), Baroq House (VIC), Sugar Nightclub (SA), Press Club (QLD) and Devilles Pad (WA).
Hotel Sweeney's came first and – for the second year in a row – Press Club was runner-up.
Both winning venues will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two (valued at $15,000) to this year's Tales Of The Cocktail event in New Orleans and will also be taken to visit the Buffalo Trace and Finest Call distilleries.
The Cirque du Solei themed finale party attracted a large industry crowd – many wearing circus-style costumes – who enjoyed a selection of cocktails created by the finalist venues for the competition and were entertained by burlesque dancers, circus performers and DJs.