4 minute read
Scott’s Spot
from Hotel SA March 2022
by Boylen
By Scott Vaughan
Hello all and welcome to the March edition of Scott’s Spot. With COVID-19 rolling through the city and my household in early 2022 along with uncertainty when restrictions would be eased, I was office bound for a period of time. At time of writing, restrictions are “slowly” easing which is positive although still a way to go compared to the eastern states of the country.
REGIONAL MEETINGS
The first scheduled meeting in mid-February for the year was to be held at the Sundowner in Whyalla. Unfortunately, this meeting was cancelled by the AHA|SA due to uncertainty at the time, however looking forward to July, Stephen and the team will turn it on for members and corporate partners.
In positive news, regionals will be held for the Murray Mallee at the Big River Motor Inn in Berri along with Bordertown Hotel in, you guessed right, Bordertown! Looking forward to providing an update in the April edition.
OUR SHOUT PODCAST
Listen Here: https://www.ahasa.com.au/latest-news/aha-sa-podcast-our-shout
Massive thanks to Lucy Randall for her interview with publicans featuring Tony “Hoges” Hogan Streaky Bay Hotel along with the Fricks, being Bev and David, of Hotel Arno along with Matty Rogers who hosted the Christmas regional at the Marina in Port Lincoln. I’m waiting to be shown the exit door as an interviewer!
I had the pleasure of interviewing Kevin Beswick down at the Sailmaster Hotel in late January, followed by Graham Cox at Lord Exmouth known as “The Monkey House”. Make sure you have a listen to all the fantastic stories from our publicans and corporate partners on the podcast hosted by the incredibly talented, Mandy Collins, publican at the Lady Daly Hotel.
Enjoying the company of Keven Beswick at the Sailmaster.
Graham Cox and daughter Donna down at the Lord Exmouth, with over 200 toy monkeys perched above the bar.
NATIONAL AWARDS
Congratulations to all the SA finalists of the AHA National Awards. Typically, a wonderful display of venues punching well above their weight amongst industry peers from across the nation. To have seven winners is an incredible effort. Winners are:
• Front of House Employee of the Year - General Division WINNER: Heath Johansen - The Uraidla Hotel SA
• Front of House Employee of the Year - Accommodation Division WINNER: Chris Speck - Mount Lofty House Crafers, SA
• Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice WINNER: Watervale Hotel SA
• Best Bistro – Metropolitan WINNER: The Stirling Hotel SA
• Outstanding Community Service & Achievement WINNERS: The Duke of Brunswick Adelaide, SA
• 2020 Diageo Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame WINNER: Greg Fahey, SA Lakes Hotel
• Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional WINNER: Bridgeport Hotel Murray Bridge, SA
FAREWELL & WELCOME
There are a number of members who have recently sold their venues. I wanted to acknowledge venues who have been part of the AHA|SA for a number of years, focusing on regional areas, and wish all the best for future endeavours, while welcoming new licensees. Note that this is for transfers from December through until end of February with more to come over coming months.
• Naracoorte Hotel
• Prince of Wales Penola
• Eudunda Hotel Motel
• Grand Tasman Hotel
• Moonta Hotel along with Cornwall and Royal Hotels
• Darke Peak Hotel
• Lucindale Hotel
FOLLOWING ARE A FEW SNAPS TAKEN OVER THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY:
The Brighton Metro Hotel. Unrecognisable from the past.
Williamstown Hotel dining area.
The Golden Fleece Hotel.
The stunning McLaren Vale Hotel.
The stunning McLaren Vale Hotel.
The stunning McLaren Vale Hotel.
The Meadows Hotel.
The Meadows Hotel.
The must-be-seen, Sofitel Adelaide (below). A massive thanks to GM Rachael Harman for providing a tour to myself and Katherine Taylor.
That’s all for the March edition, until next time, pobachymos!
