Some of the best-known locals in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter are battling it out across dozens of categories as finalists in the 2024 AHA NSW Awards for Excellence.
From popular ‘food’ categories like best burger or best steak, to ‘people’ categories like industry rising star and best regional chef, Hunter venues are in with a real chance to win.
“To have 19 hotels in the running for awards ranging from food to staffing to family-friendly really does show the depth and strength of the local pub industry,” AHA NSW Newcastle and Hunter President Mick Starkey said.
“With 83 nominations across a record 48 categories, the Hunter’s pubs are showing they are the best of the best in NSW. If I was a betting man, I’d be backing local hotels to walk away with some top prizes next week, but all the finalists are already winners in my opinion.”
From Newcastle/Hunter region, the Bellbird Hotel, Bellbird is a finalist in 10 categories, the Lakeside Village Tavern – Raymond Terrace is a finalist in nine, while the Bradford Hotel – Rutherford and The Beach Hotel – Merewether are both finalists in eight categories. The Shortland Hotel – Shortland and Harrigan’s Cameron Park – Cameron Park have a chance to win in seven categories.
10 hotels are vying for the hotly contested title of Best Regional Casual Dining (Northern) – including the Nags Head Hotel – Adamstown, the Bellbird, the Huntlee Tavern – Branxton, Harrigan’s Cameron Park, Hotel Jesmond – Jesmond, Bull & Bush Medowie – Medowie, The Beach Hotel, the Lakeside Village Tavern, The Shortland Hotel and The Great Northern Hotel, Teralba.
The winners will be named at a gala ceremony on Tuesday, 29 October 2024 at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney.
AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said pubs played a special role in regional NSW and it was great to see so many finalists from the Hunter region.
“Pubs in regional and rural NSW truly are the back-bone of their communities,” said Mr Whelan.
“They hold a special place in Australian life which goes well beyond serving good food and drinks. I wish all the finalists the best of luck next week.”
A full list of finalists for this year’s AHA NSW Awards for Excellence can be found at www.ahaawardsnsw.com.au Media Contact: 0447 956 170 (finalist pics available)
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