Parc Pavilion Cronulla and The Oxford Bathurst have been named the 2025 Metropolitan and Regional Hotels of the Year at today’s AHA NSW Awards for Excellence.
The two venues took out top honours at a gala awards ceremony at Royal Randwick in front of a crowd of about 1400 industry, political and business leaders.
In an industry first, The Dry Dock, Balmain and The Red Lion Hotel, Rozelle were also awarded Distinction Awards as judges determined the quality of venues nominated for Hotel of the Year in 2025 was exceptionally high.
The much sought-after People’s Choice Award was won by the Gerogery Hotel, Best Family Friendly Hotel was won by the Bellbird Hotel (Regional) and the Marsden Brewhouse (Metropolitan), Heart of the Community was won by Coogee Bay Hotel – for the second year in a row – and Best Bush Pub was awarded to the 115-year-old Balldale Hotel in the Riverina.
The food categories were once again highly competitive. Best Restaurant was the Dry Dock Public House & Dining Room, Balmain. Best Burger went to Robertson Public House and Kitchen, Best Parmi was won by Railway Hotel in Temora, Best Sunday Roast was The Royal Hotel Paddington, Best Steak was awarded to The Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay, Best Steak Sandwich went to the Coramba Hotel and Best Chip was taken out by Lakeside Village Tavern in Raymond Terrace.
Group Hotel Operator of the year was Tilley & Wills Hotels while the Individual Hotel Operator award went to Steven Speed of The Fortune of War in the Rocks.
Popular Newcastle hoteliers Rolly and Helen De With received a standing ovation when they were inducted into the AHA NSW Hall of Fame – it’s only the second time in AHA NSW history that a married couple has been inducted.
More than 881 nominations were received for awards across 47 categories and AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said the winners represented the best and brightest in the NSW hotel industry.
“The quality of NSW hotels has never been higher.” Mr Whelan said.
“From the mum and dad operations in the most remote parts of the state to multi-level entertainment precincts in Sydney, NSW hotels directly employ 72,000 people, raise millions of dollars for charity and drive the NSW tourism and hospitality economy.”
“I would like to congratulate all our hotels for their work throughout the year, particularly todays award winners,” he said.
Winners include:
Best Family-Friendly: Bellbird Hotel (Regional) The Marsden Brewhouse (Metro)
Best Regional Local – The Blamey Hotel, Wagga Wagga
Best Metropolitan Local – Parc Pavilion, Cronulla
Best Outdoor Experience – Pubic House Petersham
Best Late Night Venue – Universal Sydney
Best Sporting Entertainment Venue – Rocksia Hotel, Banksia
Best Draught Beer Quality – Lake George Hotel, Bungendore and The Nyngan Hotel (Nyngan) – joint winners
Best Wine List – Shell House Dining Room and Terrace, Sydney
Best Cocktail list – Barangaroo House
Best Unique Bar Experience – Goros, Surry Hills
Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20) – Great Northern Hotel, Teralba
Industry Rising Star – Zoe Archer, Settlers Inn Hotel, Port Macquarie
Regional Chef of the Year – Stefano Burlando, The Oxford Bathurst
Metropolitan Chef of the Year – Joint winners Han Chen, Cruise Bar and Restaurant and Kirsten Baker, the General Gordon Hotel, Sydenham
A full list of finalists for this year’s AHA NSW Awards for Excellence can be found at www.ahaawardsnsw.com.au
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