City’s finest crowned under Pullman Hotel

Hamilton’s central business best were crowned among concrete floors and a towering 70 metre crane at the Love the Centre Awards on Wednesday evening.

Held in the foyer of the under-construction Pullman Hotel, the annual awards recognise stand-out retailers and eateries in the CBD, with Rüdi’s Bakehouse, Hamilton Hotel Public Bar & Bistro and True Store among this year’s winners.

Hamilton Central Business Association general manager Vanessa Williams said the evening recognised the award recipients and the wider contribution of the CBD business committee.

“Our businesses are at the heart of what makes Hamilton’s central city a place people want to visit, work and spend time in. They create jobs, deliver memorable experiences, build connections and give our city centre its energy and character.

“The Love the Centre Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge that contribution and celebrate the people behind it.”

She said the awards also recognised central city businesses’ commitment and endurance during a challenging period for retail and hospitality operators.

“The 2020s have certainly presented a number of challenges for businesses. Continuing to show up, invest in their businesses and serve their customers takes real resilience.

“To see businesses come together, support one another and take pride in what they have achieved was incredibly special. There was a genuine sense of enjoyment and optimism in the room.”