Ed St takes out gaming award

Local bar and restaurant Edinburgh Street triumphed at Hospitality New Zealand’s Awards for Excellence evening on October 13.

The establishment, known as Ed Street, was the recipient of the Excellence in Gaming award.

New owner Leanne Collins said the win came as a surprise.

‘‘[It felt] really good. We were all quite shocked as Ed Street had never put in for an award before.’’

She said it was a great feeling to be able to bring an award back to Pukekohe, and was planning on heading back to the awards next year, with her eye on the top prize.

Collins said the win came down to providing a safe, clean and comfortable environment, with plenty of privacy and a friendly vibe.

‘‘It’s all about customer service,’’ she said.

She said the application process was intensive - she had to put together a portfolio of photos and undertake an interview with a judge about the business.

Collins said one of the establishment’s obvious draw-cards was its historical setting - it is located in the former Pukekohe Fire Station, dating back to 1924, and has retained much of the building’s grandeur.

The Hospitality awards celebrate the best of Kiwi hospitality in several categories.

Over 450 people celebrated the event at a black-tie event at SkyCity.