SA Shines at National Awards

The Bridgeport Hotel at Murray Bridge has been recognised as the Regional Hotel of the Year at the AHA’s National Awards for Excellence in Hobart.

It was one of seven hotels and individuals to be lauded as the best in Australia across a range of categories.

Among the highlights was the induction of South Australia’s Greg Fahey (2020 inductee) into the prestigious Diageo Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame. AHA National President Scott Leach said the presentation dinner was a significant and moraleboosting event given the enormous challenges that the industry has faced over the last two years.

“Against all odds, industry operators right around the country have continued to provide the highest possible levels of industry service and customer experience. Their innovation, their optimism and their commitment has shone through.”

“As we rightly celebrate our winners, we also acknowledge and salute the wonderful contributions of each and every one of our industry operators during the toughest period in the industry’s long history,” he said.

He said the annual awards was about rewarding new ideas, excellence and old-fashioned hard work in venues ranging from mum and dad run country pubs to huge, five-star accommodation hotels.

“It also an opportunity to recognise the individual stars of our industry. They will set the standards for the future and ensure that Australian hospitality continues to enjoy world -wide recognition.”

The Overall Hotel of the Year at a metropolitan level went to the Sandstone Point Hotel in Queensland, while at a regional level, the winner was The Bridgeport.

The best restaurant in the Accommodation Division went to Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney, while the Best Regional Restaurant went to the Tinamba Hotel in Victoria.

Saffire Freycinet at Coles Bay in Tasmania won the Deluxe Accommodation, while the Overall Hotel of the Year Accommodation Division went to MACq01 Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania.

Blanche Bar in Karratha, Western Australia, was recognised for its effort in the Best Tourism Initiative section, while the Best Hotel Accommodation General Division went to Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel in Sydney.

The prestigious Chef of the Year was awarded to Adam Upton- Browning of Marnong Estate at Mickleham in Victoria, whilst The Botanical Hotel in South Yarra took home the top honours in Best Bar Presentation and Service in a metropolitan area.

Hotel Industry Rising Star went to Ricci-lee Wheeler of The Seabreeeze Hotel at Nelsons Bay.

A FULL LIST OF 2021 WINNERS ARE FEATURED BELOW:

• Employee Excellence in Service - General Division: Molly, Canberra ACT (Jess Arena)

• Front of House Employee of the Year - General Division: Uraidla Hotel, SA (Heath Johansen)

• Chef of the Year: Marnong Estate, Mickleham VIC (Adam Upton-Browning)

• Employee Excellence in Service - Accommodation Division: Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa, Yarra Glen VIC (Mel Watson)

• Front of House Employee of the Year - Accommodation Division: Mount Lofty House, Crafers SA (Chris Speck)

• Hotel Industry Rising Star: The Seabreeze Hotel, Nelson Bay NSW (Ricci-Lee Wheeler)

• Best Tourism Initiative: Blanche Bar, Karratha WA

• Best Bar Presentation & Service – Regional: Exchange Hotel, Kilcoy QLD

• Best Bar Presentation & Service – Metropolitan: Botanical Hotel, South Yarra VIC

• Draught Beer Quality Award: Noonamah Tavern NT

• Best Hotel Bar - Accom. Division: Ovolo Woolloomooloo NSW

• Best Retail Liquor Outlet: Bracken Ridge Tavern QLD

• Best TAB Licensed Venue: Newmarket Tavern, Flemington VIC

• Best Keno Venue: Welcome Stranger Hotel, Melbourne VIC

• Best Gaming Venue – Regional: Bradford Hotel, Rutherford NSW

• Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan: Sugar Gum Hotel, Hillside VIC

• Best Family Dining: Treendale Farm Hotel, Australind WA

• Best Restaurant – Metropolitan: The Old Synagogue, Perth WA

• Best Restaurant - Accommodation Division: Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney NSW

• Best Restaurant – Regional: Tinamba Hotel VIC

• Best Marketed Hotel - General Division: Sandstone Point Hotel QLD

• Best Marketed Hotel - Accommodation Division: The Island Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise QLD

• Best Meeting and Events Venue: Eaton’s Hill Hotel, Brisbane QLD

• Best Suite/Apartment Hotel: East Hotel, Kingston ACT

• Best Sporting Entertainment Venue: Northies Cronulla Hotel NSW

• Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice: Watervale Hotel SA

• Best Superior Accommodation: Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort NT and the Ship Inn Stanley, TAS

• Best Hotel Accommodation - General Division: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, NSW

• Best Mid-Range Accommodation: Holiday Inn Sydney Airport, NSW

• Best Bistro – Regional: The Heritage Balnarring, VIC

• Best Bistro – Metropolitan: Stirling Hotel, SA

• Best Entertainment Venue: The Corner Hotel, Richmond VIC

• Outstanding Community Service & Achievement: Duke of Brunswick Hotel, Adelaide SA

• Best Outdoor/Non-Enclosed Area: Barangaroo House, Sydney NSW

• Outstanding Achievement in Training: Cataract on Paterson, Launceston TAS

• Best Redeveloped Hotel - General Division: Tattersalls Hotel, Armidale NSW

• Best Redeveloped Hotel - Accommodation Division: Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences, QLD

• Best Deluxe Accommodation: Saffire Freycinet, Coles Bay TAS

• 2020 Diageo Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame: Greg Fahey, SA

• 2021 Diageo Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame: Tom McGuire AM, QLD

• Best Hotel Group Operator: Sand Hill Road, VIC

• Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional: Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge SA

• Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan: Sandstone Point Hotel, QLD

• Overall Hotel of the Year - Accom. Division: Mac01, Hobart TAS