THE Australian Hotels Association (AHA) reckons the Hastings’ pubs are among the state’s best when it comes to food, music and generally being “the heart of the community”.
Port Macquarie, Lake Cathie, Wauchope, Beechwood and Long Flat all feature on the list of finalists for this year’s AHA NSW Awards of Excellence.
These are the most prestigious awards in the hospitality industry and will be announced in Sydney on 28 October.
Finnians Irish Tavern in Port Macquarie, owned by Hunt Hospitality, will be looking to retain the honour of being Best Live Music Venue, while the Settlers Inn in Port Macquarie and stablemate the Lake Cathie Tavern are both up for Best Regional Local.
Zoe Archer of Settlers Inn Hotel in Port Macquarie is a finalist for the “Industry Rising Star” award while Hastings Hotel chef Ashley Mitcham is in the running to be named “Regional Chef of the Year”.
It is the first time all eight pubs in the Flower Hotels group have made the cut.
Managing Director Alistair Flower shared that it was a humbling result especially as two categories are group awards.
“We’re proud to see our teams recognised for their hard work, passion, and dedication to our communities.”
For the sixth time, Settlers has also made the list of finalists for the big one – Regional Hotel of the Year.
“Sure we haven’t won it [yet], but to be the only pub continuously on the list is pretty special just the same, considering there are hundreds of great regional pubs.”
The local finalists and their categories are:
– Flower Hotels: Heart of the Community, Group Hotel Operator of the Year.
– Finnian’s Irish Tavern: Best Live Music Venue.
– Zoe Archer: Industry Rising Star.
– Ashley Mitcham: Regional Chef of the Year.
– Settlers Inn Hotel: Regional Hotel of the Year, Best Regional Local, Best Retail Liquor Outlet (Cellarbrations), Best Parmi, Best Regional Casual Dining.
– Lake Cathie Tavern: Best Regional Local, Best Parmi.
– Long Flat Pub: Best Marketing Activity.
– Hastings Hotel Wauchope: Best Steak.
– Tacking Point Tavern: Best Steak.
– Beechwood Hotel: Best Steak Sandwich.
– Fernhill Tavern: Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20).
State winners may be eligible to enter the National AHA Awards to be announced in November.
By Sue STEPHENSON
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