Bar Beirut’s Soumi Tannous is one of Australia’s newest citizens. Photo: Supplied.
Soumi Tannous, co-owner of Canberra’s beloved Bar Beirut, has had a very big week, and a national award win turned out to be the icing on the cake after also becoming an Australian citizen.
Earlier this week he picked up the Australia-wide award for ‘Best in Front of House’ at the National Australian Hotel Association Awards (AHA). It’s not the first time that Soumi has been crowned Australia’s best host, having also taken the top accolade in 2022.
“Soumi is an iconic part of the Canberra hospitality scene. You only have to meet him once to know what an amazing host he is, and when you meet him a second time, he invariably remembers who you are and what you were drinking,” says Chris Gatfield, the general manager of the ACT branch of the AHA.
Impressed by Soumi’s big personality, warm service and dedication to ensuring his guests have a great time, Chris feels the award is well-deserved and recognises Soumi’s extensive talents.
While ecstatic about the win, Soumi had another ceremony to attend in the same week – he officially became an Australian citizen in a ceremony held at the Hyatt Hotel.
“Australia welcomed me with open arms, and I’m so proud to now call myself Australian,” Soumi explains.
“I arrived here with not much more than what I could fit in a suitcase. Today, I’m running a nationally recognised venue. That doesn’t happen everywhere. Australia gives people a genuine shot, regardless of where you’re from. I’m grateful for that – and for the Canberra community for getting behind me.”
Soumi Tannous of Bar Beirut is crowned as Australia’s best host for the second time. Photo: Supplied.
With his new citizenship status confirmed, Soumi holds a dual love for his new home nation and his home country of Lebanon, and he identifies that Bar Beirut was born from that love.
“I opened Bar Beirut to share the real Beirut – the one my wife fell in love with so much that her two-week holiday turned into a 12-month stay,” says Soumi.
In chatting with Soumi and Chantelle, you can’t help but be moved by their love for Lebanon. It inspires their business and their daily lives, where they aim to bring to life the vibrancy of the Lebanese culture, which revolves around a love for dancing, which Soumi refers to as shimmying, as well as good food and family.
“Lebanon has faced its share of challenges, but the spirit of its people remains unbroken. It’s a place that celebrates life fiercely, and that’s what makes it incredible. It’s my honour to share that culture and legendary Lebanese hospitality with Canberra,” Soumi tells Region.
With everything that Soumi and Chantelle bring to the hospitality scene, including a lengthy list of accolades including the 2024 Good Food Guide Readers’ Choice Award for Best Middle Eastern in the ACT, Canberra is clearly enamoured with the Tannous family as well, which is lucky, as it looks like they’re here to stay, and Soumi has the certificate to prove it.
Bar Beirut is located at 25 Garema Place. Soumi shimmies late into the night, from Tuesday through Saturday each week, with doors open from 6 pm until 2 am.
