Soumi from Bar Beirut named Australia’s best host
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It’s a Middle Eastern-Mediterranean meze restaurant that’s brought a taste of Beirut to Canberra (as well as the party)—and now the smiling face behind the bar has been named Australia’s best host.
Recognised nationally as best in Front of House at the Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence last night in Sydney, Soumi Tannous from Bar Beirut has been named the ‘best of the best’ when it comes to hosting—a fact that anyone who has tried his boozy bubble tea can attest to.
Transforming the iconic Beirut Bunker Bar into the new Bar Beirut in late 2021, Soumi has long been a familiar face in Canberra’s bartending scene after learning his trade in war-torn Beirut before bringing his eclectic cocktails to Australia.
And while his signature cocktail style is rooted in house-made additions that show true dedication to the art of the stiff drink, it’s his commitment to his customers (and a good time) that saw him honoured at the prestigious AHA National Awards for Excellence.
Along with having Australia’s best host, the ACT also walked away with an award for Best Meeting and Events Venue. Won by Hotel Realm, it’s proof that here in Canberra we have some of the best venues and hospitality staff in the word—but we already knew that.
Also last night, Canberra’s own Daana has been named the best Indian restaurant in Australia in the 2022 Hostplus Restaurant and Catering Awards, highlighting the hard (and delicious) work of multi-award winning husband and wife duo–Chef Sanjay and Chef Sunita Kumar.
The Chefs first offering was Indian street food from a shipping container in a pop-up village on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. Determined to break the mould of ‘curry in a hurry’, Chef Sanjay and Chef Sunita began to craft a new dining experience, the menu at Daana showcases the diversity, warmth, and ancient heritage of India.
“Australians have been missing out on the depth of our food and culture,” says Chef Sunita Kumar. “At Daana we focus on our guests first, and our passion for food a close second. Our mission has been to create an unparalleled dining experience, showing the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine. Being named as the 2022 Best Indian Restaurant in Australia endorses Daana’s mission and drives us on to the next goal in our business journey.”
Photography: Zachary Griffith
