AUSTRALIA/FRANCE. Emirates Leisure Retail’s (ELR) Brisbane River Grill has been named ‘Best Airport Bar of the Year’ at the Drinks International Travel Retail Awards 2016 held in Cannes.
ELR said it set out to achieve a genuine Sense of Place at the outlet in Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal.
“Creating a real Sense of Place using local Queensland designs and materials and delivering a menu of outstanding quality using locally sourced produce is testament to our commitment to delivering world-class experiences that will delight our guests each and every time they visit us,” said ELR Australia Managing Director Adam Summerville.
An 8m hand painted canvas of the Brisbane River landscape commissioned by a local Queensland artist is one of the central design features. Other elements include an open kitchen, long communal tables and live sports on screens.
The menu focuses on using local produce, including free range eggs from the Tambourine Mountain and grass-fed beef from Rangeland, Darling Downs. Dishes include the Famous BRG Full Brekkie Skillet, the Moreton Bay bug spaghetti and the Popcorn Mooloolaba Prawns.
The drinks offer also aims to capture the essence of the state. ELR has partnered with Queensland micro-brewery Green Beacon while an extensive wine list includes options by local favourite Sirromet Wines.
Brisbane Airport Corporation General Manager Airline and Retail Management Andrew Brodie said: “This award won by Brisbane River Grill reflects how a concept created through a true partnership can deliver an outstanding outcome for the airport, retailer and travellers.
“Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal has a unique and distinct Sense of Place that Brisbane River Grill has brought to life through the local produce on its menu, the restaurant fit-out and its quality of service.”
ELRA was previously victorious in the ‘Airport Coffee Shop of the Year’ category at the Airport Food and Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards, held in Geneva in July. The award recognised the Hudsons store at Brisbane Airport, noting its ability to connect seamlessly with the rest of the airport. The store was also commended for delivering both expert functionality and striking aesthetic appeal, and for creating a strong Sense of Place while delivering impressive commercial returns.
“We would like to thank our partners at Brisbane Airport Corporation for the trust in our partnership which continues to grow from strength to strength,” said ELR Chief Operating Officer Kevin Zajax.
“They share the ambition as we do, to continually elevate the standards of airport hospitality and with Brisbane River Grill and Hudsons Coffee winning Best Airport Bar and Best Coffee Shop of the Year respectively, has set a benchmark from which we will strive to go even further. These awards highlight our absolute commitment to delivering quality experiences. Our ultimate reward and recognition is to continually delight our guests.”
Footnote: The Moodie Davitt Report also publishes The Airport FAB Report, the world’s only media focused on airport (and other travel-related) food & beverage. The company co-organises the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards. The Airport FAB e-Newsletter is published every two weeks and The Airport FAB e-Zine every month.
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