Raising The B.A.R In 2019

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Now in its fourth year, the B.A.R (Bartending Accolades & Recognition) Awards has become one of the most important dates on the calendars of the bar industry as well as alcohol and hospitality brand giants.

The awards are intended to celebrate the best in South Africa’s cocktail industry – from the best bars and best brands to the best mixologists who have devoted countless hours to perfecting their craft.

This year the event is set to take place on Monday, 11 March with additional activities such as masterclasses and cocktail offers beefing up the week ahead of the award ceremony.

Nominations and judging for each category of the awards are managed by a pool of the greatest minds in the F&B and hospitality industries. Each of the sixteen categories are comprised of four nominated candidates. Votes are then cast by 75 leading industry role players and personalities to determine which of those finalists will be the ultimate winners within their respective categories. The award categories for 2019 are: Best New Cocktail Bar, Cocktail Bar of the Year, High-Volume Cocktail Bar of the Year, Hotel Bar of the Year, Best Pop Up Bar of the Year, Best Mobile Bar Operator, Best Bar Team, Newcomer of the Year, SA Bartender of the Year, Brand Ambassador of the Year, Mentor Award, SA Bartenders Brand of the Year, International Footprint Award, Best Brand Campaign, Media Contributor of the Year, Social Media Award.

B.A.R founder, Travis Kuhn explains that the B.A.R. Awards strive to acknowledge the brands and mixologists that make the SA cocktail industry a contender on the global stage and demonstrate the importance of both private and commercial enterprise.

Kuhn says, “In years past we’ve seen the ‘who’s who’ of industry professionals across the country congregate in Cape Town for this one-night event to honour the best in the business. Four years on and the event is beginning to transform into a more rounded experience with masterclasses on offer for attending trade and showcases targeted at the wider public. We expect the event to grow, just as, as a country, we need to be constantly pushing the envelope and delivering cutting edge experiences. Onward and upward for the B.A.R Awards and South Africa’s bar and hospitality industries!”

Kuhn is currently South Africa’s Bartender of the Year after winning the Diageo World Class competition in 2018. He is also a drinks consultant and owner of The Perfect Serve mobile bar service.