Three Wolves is setting the bar high as the only Cairns venue to be a finalist in the 2017 Bartender Magazine Australian Bar Awards.

Being nominated and making it to the finals in the Regional Bar of the Year category is another ‘straight up’ example of the growing success and popularity of the boutique Abbott Street laneway bar.

Three Wolves co-owner Darren Barber described it as a "pretty big thing" to make it through to the finals given the calibre of the venues involved. Not to mention the fact Three Wolves opened just nine months ago.

Competition for the regional title includes venues in Newcastle, Merimbula, the Hunter Valley, Townsville, Terrigal, Bunbury and Noosa.

“This is definitely really good and huge for the business,” he said.

“We have been nominated against some other big venues from around Australia. It's a great opportunity to get our name out there.

“It is also good recognition within the industry. We don't have any expectations and are just really excited to be nominated.

“It gives us confidence that this type of venue is working in Cairns and is being supported by locals.”

The awards form part of Sydney Bar Week, a five-day calendar of events including conferences, special training and invite-only gatherings for that will be attended by some of the biggest licensed venues in Australia.

Some of the biggest and best venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth are also vying for awards.

“Bar Week is a good opportunity to mingle and mix with a lot of other bar owners from around Australia who have multiple venues and award winning bars,” Mr Barber said.

Becoming a finalist in the awards is also an extra dash of spirit to a successful cocktail for the small bar after Three Wolves mixologist and bar manager Jacob Cohen last month scooped the pool at the national finals of the Southern Comfort Travelling Tales Cocktail Competition in Sydney.

The Australian Bar Awards will be announced on 19 September 2017.