The annual Time Out Bar Awards will return to Melbourne on Sunday 16 November and Sydney on Sunday 23 November, with the latter event to be staged at the Wentworth Park Greyhound track.
Time Out declared Bar Awards season open in a launch event at at Sydney's Cliff Dive on Monday night, which featured a surprise visit from bar industry duo, Rossco Charman and Andy Penney as Daft Punk (pictured).
Time Out Australia CEO, Michael Rodrigues said the Time Out Bar Awards continue to grow and last year's Sydney event sold out weeks in advance.
"We needed a larger space and after two years at the scenic Island Bar, we thought we would head to the races. But not the horses, the dogs!" he said.
There will also be two new awards launched this year: Best Bar Team and Best Party Bar. “A great bar is only as good as the team behind it. This new award celebrates those bars where there are no weak links and no rock stars – just consistently great service,” said Time Out Australia’s chief food and drink critic, Myffy Rigby.
“We’re also excited to be recognising those bars that bring the good times, every time – regardless of cocktail, wine or craft beer pedigree. Places that have the uncanny knack of turning your quiet night into a weekend-changing belter.”
Nominations for the two new categories in Sydney are as follows:
Best Bar Team
The Rook
The Baxter Inn
Earl’s Juke Joint
Bulletin Place
Sokyo
Best Party Bar
Cliff Dive
Hello Sailor
The Anchor
Frankie's Fun Room
Mary's
A crack team of Time Out food and drink critics will judge 10 of the 12 awards, checking out the best of what Sydney and Melbourne has to offer. Ten top drinks professionals will decide the Hot Talent award and People’s Choice, as ever, will be judged by Time Out readers.
L-R: Time Out's Michael Rodrigues and Myffy Rigby
The awards celebrate the best of what makes Sydney and Melbourne’s bar scenes special, with the industry’s elite all in attendance, vying for a chance at the coveted awards. The much-anticipated annual Time Out Bar Guides will also be launched at the event. Bar lovers and those looking for a good old party are also welcome to attend. Tickets are just $55 (plus booking fee), and partygoers will be treated to Bilpin Cider, White Rabbit beers and snacks.
All other award nominees will be announced at the end of October and tickets for the event will be available from Thursday 9 October.
Time Out Melbourne Bar Awards
Sunday 16 November
Location TBC
Tickets $55 (plus booking fee)
Time Out Sydney Bar Awards
Sunday 23 November, 3:30-9pm
Wentworth Park Greyhounds, Wentworth Park Road, Glebe, NSW 2037
Tickets $55 (plus booking fee)
For further information and tickets, visit www.au.timeout.com/sydney or www.au.timeout.com/melbourne