Following a record number of entries, the 2016 Australian Hotels Association (AHA) ACT Hospitality Awards were held on 11 July.
More than 440 industry members and political leaders attended the black tie event to recognise the achievements of ACT’s foodservice and accommodation businesses and their employees.
AHA ACT general manager, Jo Broad, said “From a popular established Manuka gastro bar to a unique, five star hotel and a world class wildlife retreat, this year’s winners showcased innovation and progression across the ACT’s hospitality sector.”
The Best Restaurant title went to Pomegranate, while Monster Kitchen and Bar took out the Best Hotel Restaurant category. The District took out Best Caf Restaurant, the Best Wine List went to Mezzalira.
Other winners included:
- John Press Award – Brian Smith – Hopscotch and Young & Frisky
- Member of the Year – Tarn Morrow – QT Canberra
- Best Restaurant Service Employee (Accom) – Dharmesh Panvelkar, Crowne Plaza Cabberra
- Best Restaurant Service Employee (Gen) – Dexter Nathis, Black Fire Restaurant
- Best Restaurant Cookery Employee – Nikhi Jain, National Convention Centre
- Best Apprentice Chef – Barsha Rai, Joe’s Bar East Hotel
- Best Front of House Employee – Joint winners: Indigo Collins, Crowne Plaza Canberra and Madison Groom, Doma Hotels
- Best Cocktail Bar – Joint winners: Bar Rochford and Molly
- Best Bar Presentation and Service – Public
- Best Meetings and Events Hotel (Accomm) – Hyatt Hotel Canberra
- Best Meetings and Events Venue (Gen) – National Convention Centre
- Best New/Redeveloped Venue (Accomm) – Little National Hotel
- Best New/Redeveloped Venue (Gen) – Joe’s Bar
- Best Marketed Hotel – East Hotel
- Best Environmental Practice – Crown Plaza Canberra
- Best Late Night Entertainment Venue – Shorty’s
- Best Live Entertainment Venue – Transit Bar
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue – The Dock
- Best TAB Licensed Venue – Ducks Nuts Bar & Grill
- Best Local – The George Harcourt Inn
- Best Pub Bistro – Joint winners: Hopscotch and Meating Room
- Outstanding Community Service & Achievement – Crown Plaza Canberra
- Best Suite/Apartment Hotel – East Hotel
- Best Mid-Range Accommodation (3-3.5 Star) – The Brassey Hotel
- Best First Class Accommodation (4 Star) – Little National Hotel
- Best Superior Accommodation (4.5 Star) – QT Canberra
- Best Deluxe Accommodation (5 Star) – Joint winners: Hotel Hotel and Jamala Wildlife Lodge