It was a big week for Bar Rochford. Not only was it named as a national finalist in the Good Food top 20 Australian bars for 2019 but it has also been listed as a finallist in the Young Guns of Wine Wineslinger Awards.
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Bar Rochford is a favourite of the Good Food team. In last year's Good Food Guide it was given one hat by the judging team. The Good Food Guide 2020 Bar of the Year will be announced September 30 at the Good Food Guide Awards in Brisbane.
Wineslinger is an annual award for venues where wine is the hero, and where it's served with a sense of fun and adventure.
A panel of 100 wine and hospitality experts - comprised in equal parts of winemakers, sommeliers and journalists - has voted on the Top 50, from which the trophy winners will be decided in late October.
Bar Rochford owner Nick Smith said the nominations have been a highlight of a stressful year.
"We've had some big changes this year with staff," he said. Chef Louis Couttoupes left in February.
"It was all a bit stressful and I was worried about it but I'd have to say the place is the best it's been. Everyone is happy at work, we all work our own parts, we have respect for each other.
"Josh Lundy and Belle Barrett are doing an amazing job, it's a pretty cool place to be at the moment."
What intrigues a lot of people about Bar Rochford is that you're not sure if it's a bar or a restaurant, and Smith reckons that its secret.
"There is a sign out the front that says bar but we're definitely a restaurant, five to 10pm most nights and then we do transform into a raucous little bar on Friday and Saturday nights."
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Other Canberra bars recommended by the Good Food team included Molly and Bacaro.
Wineslinger also included Eightysix and Italian and Sons in their national top 50.
The Wineslinger Awards offers a People's Choice Award, with all voters receiving a $50 voucher (conditions apply) to premium wine broker Langton's. As well, everyone who votes goes in the draw to win prizes that wine lovers' dreams are made of - from a tour and taste with the Henschkes at the Hill of Grace vineyard, to a stay at the luxury Mitchelton Hotel with a winemaking experience in the historic cellars of Tahbilk.
There's even an opportunity to determine the final blend of the 2019 Ocean Eight Pinot Noir with winemaker Mike Aylward on the Mornington Peninsula.
Those keen to vote on the People's Choice can head to younggunofwine.com/wineslinger.
Voting will close on Monday, October 28 at midday.
Vote early, vote often, vote local.