The prestigious Australian Hotel Association NSW Awards for Excellence are on again, with overall winners to be announced at the end of this month.
Metropolitan finalists have been found across Sydney, from Bella Vista to Hurstville to Neutral Bay, but the title will be awarded to the pub that stands out across all 46 award categories.
John Whelan, AHA NSW CEO said there were almost one thousand entries this year, all high calibre contenders.
“Sydney has some of the best pubs in the world and these ten hotels are a showcase of what modern hotels offer.
“These pubs have restaurant quality food, great beer and wine, a family-friendly atmosphere and boast some of the best rooftops and beer gardens in the country.”
Metropolitan Hotel of the Year finalists are:
- The Bank Hotel, Newtown
- The Coopers Hotel, Newtown
- Humphrey’s Hotel, Hurstville
- Hunters Hill Hotel, Hunters Hill
- Jacksons on George, Sydney
- Shell House, Sydney
- The Oaks Hotel, Neutral Bay
- Swing City, Bella Vista
- The Royal Hotel, Paddington
- The Winston, Winston Hills.
Similarly, contenders for the Regional title are scattered across the state, from Nyngan to Merewether to Byron Bay.
Whelan notes that over half of this years’ finalists hailed from outside the greater Sydney region.
“Pubs in regional and rural NSW truly are the backbone of their communities.
“They hold a special place in country life which goes well beyond serving good food and drinks,” he said.
Regional Hotel of the Year finalists are:
- The Beach Hotel, Merewether
- Bellbird Hotel, Bellbird
- Bradford Hotel, Rutherford
- The Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
- Harrigan’s Cameron Park, Cameron Park
- Lakeside Village Tavern, Raymond Terrace
- The Nyngan Hotel, Nyngan
- Seaview Tavern, Woolgoolga
- Settlers Inn Hotel, Port Macquarie
- Shortland Hotel, Shortland.
The Association CEO wished all finalists good luck.
For both the Metro and Regional Hotel of the Year awards, independent judges evaluate a wide range of factors including food and beverage, overall hotel presentation and ambiance, community support and customer service.
Both overall winners will be announced on 29 October at a gala ceremony to be held at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse.
Finalists in all categories can be found on www.ahaawardsnsw.com.au.
