Future Hospitality Group Finalists In National Hospitality Awards

Queenstown hospitality legends Future Hospitality Group have done it again, scooping three finalist spots in national excellence awards.

For the fourth year in a row, they are finalists in the hotly-contended Best Bar category of the Hospitality New Zealand Awards For Excellence 2025 with iconic cocktail venue Little Blackwood. The lakeside bar won the award in 2022 to be crowned New Zealand’s best bar.

This year they’re also finalists in the Chef of the Year category for Matt Tobin (for the second year running) and in the Best Café category with local and visitor favourite odd saint.

Future Hospitality Group (FHG) co-owners James Ace and Bert Haines say the finalist nominations are proof of the hard work, consistency and passion of their 90-strong team members across the group.

Little Blackwood on Steamer Wharf is an icon of the Queenstown hospitality scene, beloved by locals and visitors as the perfect spot for seasonal, crafted cocktails partnered with outstanding cheese and charcuterie platters and world-class hospitality and service.

Nestled in a quiet, sunny and tree-lined spot alongside a small church, odd saint’s eclectic and crowed-pleasing menu of global soul food hits the spot with memorable dishes, outstanding cocktails and superb coffee.

Executive Chef Matt Tobin has demonstrated extraordinary talent, innovation, and leadership in the culinary industry. His unwavering commitment to excellence, creativity, and team development has elevated FHG to new heights. A visionary in the kitchen, he’s constantly pushing boundaries to create bold, vibrant, and unforgettable dishes.

James and Bert say awards recognitions celebrate the dedicated hospitality professionals in their team across the six venues they operate.

Winners of The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence 2025 will be announced over two evenings in Wellington on June 10 and 11.

For more information about Future Hospitality Group, head to www.future.co.nz

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