Canberra's vibrant hospitality scene is celebrating a monumental achievement as local bar owner Soumi Tannous has claimed a prestigious national honour, just days after officially becoming an Australian citizen.
Soumi Tannous from Bar Beirut in Garema Place has been named the best in Front of House at the 2025 AHA National Awards for Excellence. The award ceremony took place on the Gold Coast, where industry leaders from across the nation gathered to recognise outstanding achievements in hospitality.
A Dream Realised Through Hard Work
This marks the second time Tannous has received this distinguished award, having previously won in 2022. However, the 2025 victory carries special significance, coming shortly after he officially became an Australian citizen.
"The first time I left with the award I felt like the prime minister. This time, I think it's like being the Governor-General," Tannous shared, describing the emotional moment of his win.
He emphasised the considerable effort behind the achievement, noting that the award process involved mystery shoppers and detailed interviews. "This is hard work. Getting an award at an event like this comes with a lot of dedication," Tannous explained. "Winning awards in Canberra, getting all these accolades that get me into a national position - it's beyond rewarding."
The Heart Behind Bar Beirut's Success
Tannous maintains remarkable humility despite his success, quickly acknowledging the crucial support from his wife and co-owner Chantelle, who enables him to focus on front-of-house operations every night.
He also credits his dedicated team, emphasising that no individual achievement matters without collective effort. "It doesn't matter how good you are at welcoming people or making drinks - of which he's also won awards for - it wouldn't mean anything without a team of employees working with you," Tannous stated.
His approach to hospitality stems from childhood experiences in Lebanon, where he first discovered his passion while watching his mother cook. After persistent requests to help, she finally allowed him to take over the kitchen, sparking a lifelong journey in the hospitality industry.
Though initially trained as a chef in Lebanon, Tannous discovered his true calling when staffing shortages forced him to serve customers directly. He brought this natural hospitality with him to Australia ten years ago, beginning his Australian journey working in RSLs before eventually establishing his own venue in Canberra.
Why Bar Beirut Remains Intimate and Special
Despite suggestions to expand, Tannous believes the intimate scale of Bar Beirut contributes significantly to its unique atmosphere and personalised service.
"People say that I should get a bigger venue, but that's part of what makes Bar Beirut so special," he explained. "It's a one-man operation [out the front] so it means I have time to see everyone and talk to everyone that's here."
This philosophy extends to his fundamental belief about hospitality. Tannous sees his national award as validation that the industry remains in good hands, with dedicated professionals committed to making customers feel valued.
"You're choosing to spend your money in my joint out of 100,000 different options, the least I can do is to acknowledge your presence and give you something worthy of that money in food or drinks and hospitality," Tannous said. "That's how I interpret people choosing this venue."
The 2025 AHA National Awards for Excellence brought together more than 600 industry leaders and guests. AHA national president David Basheer highlighted how the awards underscore the vital role hotels play in community life, stating: "From the smallest regional pub to the largest city property, our hotels bring people together in good times and tough times."
