Meet the judging panel for Time Out Bar Awards 2024

Certified spirits educator

Eddie Nara’s passion and expertise in spirits have propelled him to become a prominent leader in the spirits industry. Notably, Nara is Asia’s first certified spirits educator accredited by the Society of Wine Educators. He also holds the position of whisky and gin ambassador lead tutor in Hong Kong and Macau. Additionally, he serves as an international spirits judge for the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) and Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (HKIWSC), and is a certified Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) educator. This marks his second stint as a judge for Time Out Hong Kong's Bar Awards, offering us valuable insights into Hong Kong's vibrant bar scene.

Academy Chair, 50 Best Bars, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan

With over 15 years of experience in managing hotels and bars, and four years as an Asia Pacific brand ambassador for Micther’s Whiskey, John Ng has expertise spanning various professions in the spirits industry. He now shares his passion and expertise in his role as the director of wine and spirits for epicurean lifestyle brand, Tasting Kitchen (TK). Moreover, Ng serves as the Academy Chair for Asia’s 50 Best Bars for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, overseeing the selection of industry leaders responsible for voting on the prestigious annual bar list. This is the first time he is joining the Time Out Hong Kong Bar Awards' judging panel, where he imparts his expertise on the city's constantly evolving drinking culture.

Executive Manager of Racecourse Marketing and Entertainment, Hong Kong Jockey Club

Born in the UK and educated in Hong Kong, Elliot Tenzer assumed the role of Executive Manager of Racecourse Marketing and Entertainment at the Hong Kong Jockey Club in 2023. With a foundation in hospitality and event management, he possesses extensive experience in designing and managing events across diverse sectors. He has also been instrumental in launching and operating various entertainment establishments in Hong Kong. Alongside our esteemed panel of judges, he lends us his time and expertise in visiting and scoring this year's list of nominees.

Editor-in-chief of Time Out Hong Kong

With over two decades of diverse experience in digital and print media, Tatum Ancheta brings a wealth of expertise from roles in publication, public relations, and advertising. In 2016, she founded DrinkManila.com, the Philippines' first online beverage publication, and has since been a judge at numerous premier bartending and cocktail competitions across the region. In 2020, she assumed the role of editor-in-chief for Time Out Hong Kong, overseeing the magazine's digital and print content. When she’s not writing about the latest happenings and trends in Hong Kong’s bar industry, she can be found sipping her way through the hottest drinking dens around town. For this year's Bar Awards, Ancheta and Time Out Hong Kong's editorial team sampled spirited concoctions at the city's top bars to present you with the roster of nominees.