Best of Port 2015

Proudly presented by the Port Melbourne Business Association, with the support of local businesses, the annual ‘Best of Port’ awards acknowledge and reward outstanding businesses within Port Melbourne.

Now in their fifth year, the awards are made across 13 categories – representing the very best of what Port has to offer.

With over 10,000 competition votes registered by members of the community in 2015, the Best of Port Awards were presented in a spectacular evening of celebration at one of Port Melbourne’s premier waterfront restaurants – Mr Hobson, on 14 October 2015.

Pod Homewares & Gifts – Best General Retail

Sponsored by the Prince Alfred Hotel

“Beautiful gifts at fabulous prices” make us Port Melbourne’s best destination for the latest in giftware and household products from around Australia and the world. Catering to all tastes and styles, our focus is on delivering an ever-changing range of familiar premium brand names – and a few others you might want to get to know! Our staff are friendly, knowledgeable and look forward to assisting you with your next purchase!

Noisette – Best Customer Service

Sponsored by the PMBA

Truly local, our Baristas and staff know who you are, what you like, and how you like it! With ‘Le meilleur café de Port Melbourne’ and the best array of fresh French breads, delicious pastries and stunning cakes, we’re proud to be a Bay Street institution. Our unwavering passion for quality and service sets us apart and makes us proud to be part of this great community. 

Dominos – Best Takeaway & Eatery

Sponsored by Rings of Melbourne

Offering a fun and affordable dining alternative, right here in the middle of Bay Street, we are Port’s best place to relax, eat pizza and enjoy a chilled beer or wine! The proud new occupants of one of Port’s most iconic buildings (The Old Post Office), you can catch the cricket on the big screen and listen to the latest tunes, all whilst enjoying the best fresh, fast and affordable pizzas and sides!

Hunky Dory – Best Takeaway & Eatery

Sponsored by Rings of Melbourne

We’ve been serving up Port’s best healthiest seafood options alongside traditional fish and chips since 2004! Whether it’s a delicious grilled fillet of Salmon or Whiting, Greek or spinach salad or a healthy serve of brown rice, there’s something for everyone at Hunky Dory! Offering comfortable, casual indoor and outdoor dining, with a glass of wine or beer, come join us on Bay Street this Summer! 

Gloss – Best Fashion

Sponsored by Melbourne Chiropractic

As a proud business owner, we couldn’t be more grateful to be one of Port’s best! Offering outstanding customer service and quality fashion and accessories, we work hard to accommodate all of our customers needs. So if you’re looking to get ready for Summer, come see us! We’re confident that you’ll walk away happy with your purchase and keen to come back! 

Green Element – Best Hairdresser

Sponsored by Bayside Skin & Laser

We are thrilled to be voted as Port’s Best Hairdresser! Our wonderful team strive to be the best at their craft and provide an exceptional experience for every client. Offering both hair and makeup services and complementary Aveda sensory journeys and hand massages – you’ll love every minute of your time at Green Element!

Endota Spa – Best Beauty Services

Sponsored by Mortgage Choice Port Melbourne

“We have an amazing and exceptional team.” With a team dedicated to giving their all to every client, every day, this award is an absolute privilege. Offering amazing remedial massage, spa treatments, facials & beauty, your sublime spa oasis awaits – right here in the heart of Port Melbourne. 

Blu Spoon - Best New Business

Sponsored by City of Port Phillip Neighbourhood

Not only are we the best new business in Port, Blu Spoon is Australia’s FIRST Greek yogurt bar! We’re mixing our favourite traditional Greek flavours with locally sourced ingredients to make Port’s best snack and dessert experience! Come try our rose petal or baklava flavoured frozen yogurt and experience the guilt-free Blu Spoon sensation! 

Mr Lawrence – Best Restaurant

Sponsored by Port Melbourne Self Storage

We’ve brought The London back to life! When a short-term opportunity to relaunch the tired old London Hotel came up, we (Matt Thurley, Ashley Richey, Lyndal Barnes & Nick Savage) put our thinking caps on! Bringing the nomadic Mr Lawrence (at) The London to life, we offer Port’s best Middle Eastern share plates, Turkish pizzas, crafty beers and an eclectic wine list. 

Thomas Dux – Best Fresh Produce

Sponsored by Port Melbounre Physiotherapy & Pilates

“Fresh produce is the heart of Thomas Dux.” It all starts with sourcing and buying the very best produce available and continues in-store with Chris and his dedicated team diligently ensuring that all our fruit and veg are of the highest standard. Lucy our friendly resident foodie, is also excellent at assisting customers with recipe or meal ideas, or samples of some of our finest produce.

Prince Alfred – Best Pub Bar

Sponsored by Jim’s TradeNet

With an extensive wine selection and a warm welcome, we’ve retained all the warmth of a traditional local pub. Offering exceptional food, refreshing cocktails, and boutique beer, in a family friendly atmosphere, Prince Alfred’s is everything Port residents expect in a local pub, plus refreshingly more!

Ausure – Best Professional Service

Sponsored by Dominos Port Melbourne

A family run business, Ausure Port Melbourne offers efficient, professional and reliable service for all your insurance needs. Our team of qualified staff offer a range of personal, commercial and rural insurance products from a number of insurers. With over 85 years of experience in the insurance industry, and extensive product knowledge in all areas of general insurance – let Ausure help you with your insurance needs today.

Balderdash – Best Café

Sponsored by Mercedes Waratah

With the most stunning custom-built espresso machine in Melbourne, Balderdash Café is known for its excellence in coffee! And with Chef, Thomas Damm, (formally The Stokehouse) serving up more deliciousness than ever before, there’s plenty of reasons to come try our breakfast and lunch menu. The crew at Balderdash Café look forward to serving you (and our biscuit addicted furriends) for many years to come.

Melbourne Chiropractic – Best Health & Well Being

Sponsored by Southern Cross Brokers

Every day, we witness small miracles in the lives of our patients. It is these changes that fuel our passion for helping others. Our clinic aims to empower individuals to maximize their life’s potential through a holistic approach to wellness care. Through gentle adjustments, exercise, nutrition, supplements and a healthy mindset, we help our clients to address the most specific of health concerns.

Janet Bolitho - Dedication to the Port Melbourne Community

Sponsored by the PMBA

Having worked tirelessly for the Port Melbourne community, in many capacities, including two terms in local government and in the office of Mayor, Janet is a woman of great integrity who has consistently walked the talk. 

Passionate about Port Melbourne, it’s future, and it’s past, Janet has been an active member of the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society, a Friend of Perce White Reserve, a current and active member of the Friends of Westgate Park, President of Road Safety Action Group Inner Melbourne, an ardent blogger - detailing the changes occurring in housing in Port Melbourne with blogs called ‘Port houses’ and ‘Port Focus’, and a representative for our community on the Ministerial Advisors Committee for Fisherman’s Bend. 

Janet has also been responsible for creating and leading walking tours around Port Melbourne that are grounded in the past, sensitive to the present and questioning of the future. With limitless stamina and endurance, Janet Bolitho’s contribution and service to the Port Melbourne community is deserving of this inaugural recognition. 

Tony Hill – Lifetime Contribution to the PMBA

Sponsored by the PMBA

Tony Hill was a part of the genesis, and a founding member of the Port Melbourne Business Association. His work within the Port Melbourne community has been tireless.

A solicitor in Port Melbourne’s oldest law practice, McClusky’s Lawyers, Tony has been campaigning and lobbying council on the needs of local businesses since the early 90’s. Formerly an industrial area, the voice of Port’s traders, often led by Tony Hill, has been paramount in the growth and success of the Port Melbourne Streetscape and community we have today. 

Tony’s work in not only helping to establish, but maintain the integrity and charter of the Port Melbourne Business Association had laid a firm foundation for both former and current committee members. 

Still a current and active member of the PMBA, the Lifetime Contribution to the PMBA Award seeks to recognise Tony’s commitment to the trading and greater Port Melbourne community who benefit from the tangible results of his hard work and dedication.