Australia’s hospitality finest gathered in Adelaide tonight to celebrate and learn who is the best of the best for 2023, at the AHA National Awards for Excellence.
More than 650 VIPs and industry guests joined the Association at the famous Adelaide Oval, with a dress code of ‘wear your whites’ to suit the unique venue.
Attendees enjoyed entertainment by Chris Sebastian, the night hosted by Australian entertainer Tim Campbell.
Finalists, comprising state winners from around the country, vied for a total of 53 trophies, presented by an assortment of industry names, including AHA National CEO Stephen Ferguson.
Poignantly taking the prize for the Best Meeting and Events Venue this year, was host the Adelaide Oval.
Eligible for a string of awards, the Laundy group pulled in Best Deluxe Pub Accommodation for Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, and scored Best Family Dining for The Marsden Brewhouse.
The all-important Chef of the Year – General Division prize went to Solotel’s Fernando Sanchez, at Opera Bar, Sydney.
Taking the major title of Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional was the Grovedale Hotel, Victoria, which also picked up Best Gaming Venue – Regional.
And the crown for Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan went to Duxton Pubs Group’s Cremorne Hotel, in Unley, South Australia, which also snared Best Bar Presentation & Service – Metropolitan.
Awarded Best Hotel Group Operator for 2023 was the Comiskey Group, based in Queensland.
A customary highlight of the evening was the induction of the Farquhar brothers, known for the Caxton Hotel, in Queensland’s Petrie Terrace, into the prestigious Diageo Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame.
Congratulating all winners and finalists, AHA National President David Canny says the national awards are a “high-level clash” between the best from all states and territories, and rightfully emblematic of Australian culture.
“These finalists prove nothing compares to the atmosphere, the noise and the sheer joy of being out in a lively pub full of good people, good food and great drinks,” said Mr Canny.
“But our hotels are so much more. They are a part of our social fabric, a constant in a world of change and a real-world place for connection in increasingly online-focused and isolated communities.
Full list of 2023 Winners
Excellence in Service – General Division: Simon Buchanan, Bentspoke Brewing, Canberra, ACT
Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division: Rob Weeden, The Fullerton Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division: Katelyn Jones, Crown Hotels Melbourne, VIC
Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division: Lynda Bailey, Mercure Belconnen Canberra, ACT
Front of House Employee of the Year – General Division: Declan Coffey, Hanky Panky Lounge, Darwin, NT
Front of House Employee of the Year- Accommodation Division: Toby Lier, Pullman Melbourne on the Park, VIC
Chef of the Year – General Division: Fernando Sanchez, Opera Bar, Sydney, NSW
Chef of the Year – Accommodation Division: Kelly Jackson, Crown Hotels Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Industry Rising Star – Accommodation Division: Dyan Suaco, The Langham Sydney, NSW
Hotel Industry Rising Star – General Division: Henry Wines, The Western Hotel, Ballarat, VIC
Outstanding Achievement in Training: The Langham Melbourne, VIC
Local Legend Award: Peter Appleby, The Grand Hotel Warrandyte, VIC
Outstanding Community Service & Achievement: The Old Woolstore Apartment Hobart, TAS
Excellence in Innovation, Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Practice: The Star Sydney, Pyrmont, NSW
Best Tourism Initiative: Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures, TAS
Best Bar Presentation & Service – Regional: Luna, Canberra, ACT
Best Bar Presentation & Service – Metropolitan: Cremorne Hotel, Unley, SA
Draught Beer Quality Award: The Shortland Hotel, NSW
Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan: Cross Keys Hotel, Cavan, SA
Best Gaming Venue – Regional: Grovedale Hotel, VIC
Best Redeveloped Hotel – General Division: Portarlington Grand Hotel, VIC
Best Redeveloped Hotel – Accommodation Division: InterContinental Sydney, NSW
Best Restaurant – Metropolitan: The Brompton, SA
Best Restaurant – Regional: Furneaux Restaurant, St Helens, TAS
Best Restaurant – Accomm Mid-Range to Superior: The Wintergarden, Hydro Majestic Hotel Blue Mountains, NSW
Best Restaurant – Accomm Deluxe: Altitude, Shangri-La Sydney, NSW
Best Traditional Pub Accommodation: Oscars Hotel & Café Bar, Ballarat, VIC
Best Deluxe Pub Accommodation: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, NSW
Best Meeting and Events Venue: Adelaide Oval, SA
Best Sporting Entertainment Venue: Burleigh Town Hotel, QLD
Best Entertainment Venue: Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, SA
Best Entertainment Venue: Sandstone Point Hotel, QLD – Hall of Fame
Best Outdoor/Non Enclosed Facility: Victoria Park Hotel, WA
Best Retail Liquor Outlet: Eatons Hill Hotel, QLD
Hall of Fame: The Farquhar Family, The Caxton Hotel, QLD
All Abilities Hotel – General Division: Duke of Brunswick Hotel, Adelaide, SA
All Abilities Hotel – Accommodation Division: Crown Perth, Burswood, WA
Best Family Dining: The Marsden Brewhouse, NSW
Best Wagering Venue: V Hotel, Virginia, SA
Best Marketed Hotel – General Division: Cataract on Paterson, Launceston, TAS
Best Marketed Hotel – Accommodation Division: Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, Pokolbin, NSW
Best Bistro – Regional: Mountain View Hotel, Whitfield, VIC
Best Bistro – Metro: Harbord Hotel, Freshwater, NSW
Best Mid-Range Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne, VIC
Best Superior Accommodation: Mindil Beach Casino Resort, Darwin, NT
Best Suite/Apartment Hotel: The Langham Gold Coast, QLD
Best Lifestyle/Resort Style Accommodation: RACV Cape Schanck Resort, VIC
Best Hotel Bar – Accommodation Division: Rooftop at QT Perth, WA
Best Deluxe Accommodation: COMO The Treasury, Perth, WA
Best Luxury Accommodation: Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain, NSW
Best Hotel Group Operator: Comiskey Group, QLD
Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional: Grovedale Hotel, VIC
Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan: Cremorne Hotel, Unley, SA
Overall Hotel of the Year – Accommodation Division: The Langham Gold Coast, QLD
