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Judging

about the judges

The Bar & Beverage Awards will be judged by a diverse industry panel. Seniority within the bar industry is not a prerequisite to judging, but familiarity with the national landscape – and integrity – is.

Judges are eligible for awards, but they’ll be recused from judging any category they’re nominated in.

 This preclusion extends to any bars, brands, businesses or organisations that judges have a direct affiliation with, to avoid a conflict of interest.

head judge

Raymond Endean

Ray has been a stalwart in the hospitality industry for 27 years, starting his journey as a runner and working his way up to become the owner of an award-winning cocktail bar, Orphanage Cocktail Emporium, which he successfully ran for eight years. Under his leadership, the bar garnered numerous accolades, including Worlds 50 best bars “top new bars in the world” as well as “top 100 bars in the world” multiple years running, Conde Naste Traveller “top 9 new bars in the world” as well as the team being serial competition winners and became renowned for its innovative cocktails and exceptional customer service.

After shutting the doors on his beloved cocktail bar, Ray ventured into new heights by owning a trendy rooftop bar until 2022. His rooftop bar became a popular destination, celebrated for its stunning views, vibrant atmosphere, and unique drink offerings. Following the sale of the rooftop bar, Ray embarked on a five-month journey across Europe, where he explored diverse cultures and gained fresh inspiration from some of the world’s most renowned bars and hospitality experts.

In November 2022, Ray took the helm of the Cape Town branch of Thirst Bar Services. In this role, he has been instrumental in driving the branch’s growth and enhancing its reputation for excellence. Ray’s extensive expertise in mixology, customer service, and team management has been pivotal in elevating Thirst Bar Services to new heights.

Ray’s passion for hospitality is matched only by his dedication to innovation and quality. He is known for his ability to create memorable experiences for guests, whether through meticulously crafted cocktails or exceptional event services. His leadership style is characterized by a commitment to mentoring his team, fostering a collaborative environment, and continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of hospitality.

Looking ahead, Ray is excited to continue his journey with Thirst Bar Services, where he aims to expand the branch’s offerings and further cement its position as a leader in the industry.

Ray’s journey from runner to award-winning bar owner and beyond is a testament to his unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and enduring love for the hospitality industry.

Judging Panel

For 2024, our dynamic and diverse judging panel comprises 46 industry aficionados, handpicked for their passion and expertise. Breaking barriers, this diverse ensemble features 23 talented women and 23 equally impressive men from macros the national landscape.

Each judge brings a unique perspective and unwavering commitment to fairness, having disclosed any potential conflicts of interest. Together, they stand united in their mission to ensure every category receives the equitable consideration it deserves.

All judges are eligible for awards but will be recused from voting where necessary.

Aimee May Donofrio | Owner/Head Bartender at Smoking Kills, Site Manager at Battalion

AJ Durow | Bar & Beverage Consultant – Self-Employed

Albre Marais | Bar Owner at Insurgince

Alecs Maai’ke Besier | Bartender at Rikku, Owner of SERV’D Apparel, MIXO instructor at EBS

Alex Farnell | Prestige Director – Pernod Ricard South Africa

Alexander Fahrenheim | Director at Just Short

Ania Odyniecka | National Sales & Marketing Manager at Sanpellegrino & Acqua Panna

Ayanda Sithole | Bartender at Thirst Bar Services

Bojena Saunders | Brand Advocacy Manager

Burdett Geiling | Production Manager/Logistics at Just Short

Cameron Hawkins | SUBSA Head Advocacy and ORD’s at Bicardi

Cassandra Eichhoff | Director at the European Bartender School in Cape Town

Chantelle Horn | Herder of cats, Filmmaker and Luxury Drink Consultant at Crave Concepts

Charné van Heerden | Self-Employed

Christopher Pheiffer | Owner/GM

Dalu Dube | Head/Master Mixologist and Bar Manager at Burger & Lobster, Nikkei, Hacienda, Scala and Iron Steak and Bar

Daniel Knodl | Director at Just Short

David Donde | CEO of Truth Coffee, Rapt and The Art of Duplicity

Eutécia Name | General Manager at Sin Tax Bar

Evert de Jong | Director at Just Short and Sin Tax Bar

Gary Knoetze | Director at Beverage Chefs

Hester Bergh | Brewery Owner at Beerworks

Jan-Hendrik Venter | Group Beverage Manager for the Slick Restaurant Group (Belthazar, Gibsons and Balducci)

Josh Sarembock | Owner at Fable & Vue Shortmarket

Kholofelo Amanda Seopela | General Manager at Neighbarhood Listening Bar

Lauren Penny | Global Brand Ambassador for Inverroche Gin

Leah Van Deventer | Independent Drinks Writer, Educator & Consultant & Head Judge of the Bar & Beverage Awards

Lee-Ann Singer | FEDHASA Cape Chair and Singer Group Director

Liam Jukes | Bar Manager

Lucinda V Zinyemba | Business Development Consultant t Blacktaxconsulting and Founder of Lucy’s Magique Cocktails

Lucy Beard | Co-Owner at Hope Distillery

Luke Knox | Former Bacardi Brand Ambassador, Industry Mentor and Sales Manager

Marson Strydom | Advocacy Manager at Campari SA

Maynard Booyzen | Head Bartender at A Streetbar Named Desire

Paula Lorang | Founder at PAON Studio

Pieter Oosthuizen | Head of Product at Kegtails 

Richie Nahkala | General Manager at Alchemy

Roxanne Read | Head Trainer at EBS

Ryan Duvenage | Diageo Bar Academy Regional Head Trainer: Africa

Sabrina Traubner | Operations Manager for Gubo Consulting

Sheldon van Vuuren | Bar Manager/Benchwarmers Sport Bar

Stephanie Bronwin Oosthuizen | Owner of Socks Premium Syrups and Socks Flair Club

Steven Zylstra | Self-Employed

Tanealé Juanita van der Merwe | National Prestige Brand Ambassador at Pernod Ricard

Alessandro Galassi | Co-Owner of Talking to Strangers

Alex Lepelley | Co-Owner and Founder of Galactic Spirits Distillery and Liquor Logic Software

Bradly Howland | CEO of Alkemi Collective Marketing Agency

Caroline Smith | Head of PR at Flow Communications