Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife was in the spotlight last night as nearly 300 hospitality professionals gathered at Bartholomew’s for the inaugural Hunter Hunter Bar Awards.

The event celebrated the best of Newcastle’s bar scene, recognising outstanding venues and exceptional hospitality talent.

Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the award for Best Live Music Venue, a category fiercely contested by some of our favourite places to go in the city.

The award, presented by Bandaid Bookings & Festivals, was won by The Stag & Hunter Hotel.

Hotel owner, and AHA Newcastle Hunter President, Mick Starkey and his team were there to collect the award.

“How good is Newcastle,” Mick said

“There are so many great live music venues here, we just all need to come together to make it happen.”

Known for its eclectic lineup and commitment to showcasing both local and touring artists, The Stag & Hunter has become a favourite haunt for music lovers. The venue faced stiff competition from fellow finalists Adamstown Bowling Club, The Beach Hotel, The Hamilton Station Hotel, and The Underground, which have all contributed significantly, like The Stag, to the city’s rich musical tapestry.

The Bar Awards did more than just recognize the best live music venue; it highlighted the collective efforts of Newcastle’s hospitality industry. In total, eleven awards were presented, along with the People’s Choice Award, each celebrating different facets of the bar scene.

We’re looking forward to next year’s awards already!


Spiegeltent Newcastle 2026