From Beirut to Australia with love, Soumi Tannous’ journey to the top.
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If you haven’t experienced authentic Middle Eastern hospitality, then it’s time to book at table at Bar Beirut.
Owner Soumi Tannous has officially been crowned Australia’s Best Front of House personality by the Australian Hotels Association at their national award ceremony on the Gold Coast this week.
He was the only ACT winner and it is the second time he has won the award (previously in 2022). Soumi’s unique style of warmth, generosity and passion for great food and drink at his venue Bar Beirut has earned him a legion of local fans. Now it’s clear he is in a hospitality class of his own.
But there is even more reason for Canberra to be proud, as Soumi has also become an Australian citizen.
It’s been quite the week!
“Australia welcomed me with open arms, and I’m so proud to now call myself Australian,” he said following the emotional ceremony attended by his wife Chantelle and three children.
Peter Barclay AHA ACT President, Soumi Tannous Bar Beirut, and Chris Gatfield General Manager AHA ACT Branch
“I arrived here with not much more than what I could fit in a suitcase. Today, I’m running a nationally-recognised venue. That doesn’t happen everywhere. Australia gives people a genuine shot, regardless of where you’re from. I’m grateful for that – and for the Canberra community for getting behind me.”
Soumi met Chantelle in 2011 when she was backpacking in Beirut and the young lovebirds decided to settle in Canberra because it was “small and compact just like Lebanon”. They love raising their family here and Soumi wanted to make his love for Australia official – as well as contributing fully to the country, including being able to vote.
He is proud to have made a little corner of Garema Place an award-winning meld of Lebanese and Australian culture with Bar Beirut picking up many awards and accolades over its five-year tenure including being named in TimeOut’s Top 25 Bars in Australia for 2025.
“I opened Bar Beirut to share the real Beirut – the one my wife fell in love with so much that her two-week holiday turned into a 12-month stay.
“Lebanon has faced its share of challenges, but the spirit of its people remains unbroken. It’s a place that celebrates life fiercely, and that’s what makes it incredible. It’s my honour to share that culture and legendary Lebanese hospitality with Canberra.”
Soumi Tannous at Bar Beirut. Photo by Zachary Griffiths
Chris Gatfield, General Manager of the AHA’s ACT Branch, described Soumi as “an iconic part of the Canberra hospitality scene. You only have to meet him once to know what an amazing host he is, and when you meet him a second time, he invariably remembers who you are and what you were drinking.
“In an industry that’s not short on character, he stands out for his big personality, his warm service, and dedication to making sure his guests have an amazing time at Bar Beirut. This is a well-deserved accolade and a rightful recognition of Soumi’s many talents.”
More than 600 industry leaders attended the awards to recognise the venues and individuals who embody the true spirit of Australian hospitality – creating safe, welcoming spaces for locals and visitors to celebrate milestones, share stories and support one another.
Main Image: Soumi at his citizenship ceremony pictured with Deputy Chief Minister, Yvette Berry
