On Monday 10 November, the AHA(WA) hosted the 2025 AHA & Coca-Cola Hospitality Awards for Excellence, with more than 1100 industry stakeholders in attendance.
This year’s awards attracted a record 605 nominations across more than 40 categories, highlighting the strength and depth of the state’s hospitality talent.
Competition across many categories was exceptionally tight, with judges recognising the consistently high standard of entries. This led to joint winners and highly commended acknowledgements, while several venues were inducted into the Hall of Fame after winning their category for the third consecutive year.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said this year’s awards reflected the innovation, resilience and dedication that continue to define WA’s world-class hospitality industry.
“Western Australia’s hospitality venues and professionals continue to set the national standard for excellence,” Mr Woods said.
“This year’s winners showcase the incredible diversity and creativity across our industry, from vibrant regional pubs and boutique breweries to sophisticated dining venues and dynamic hotel bars.
“Each award recipient embodies the spirit of WA hospitality: welcoming, innovative and committed to delivering unforgettable experiences for guests. Their achievements strengthen our tourism offering, support local jobs and help cement WA’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier destinations for food, drink and travel.”
Historic three-peat
Nokturnl made AHA(WA) history at this year’s awards, when it won Perth’s Best Hospitality Venue for CBD mega-venue Stories. It’s the first time in the association’s history that an operator has won the major award three times – each with a different venue (Old Synagogue, 2020; The Beaufort, 2022).
“To win this award once is an incredible honour – to win it three times across three separate venues is something truly special and something we will cherish,” said Ross Drennan, co-founder of Nokturnl.
“It’s a testament to the passion, creativity and relentless drive of our teams – and to the partnerships that have allowed us to bring these projects to life. Stories was born from a huge task set by the State Government – to revitalise Yagan Square – and to see it recognised at this level is beyond rewarding.”
Stories was opened by Nokturnl in mid-2024, after the group redeveloped the old Market Hall precinct in Yagan Square. Not only was it named Perth’s Best Hospitality Venue, but it also won the Lion Bar Presentation and Service award, and one of its restaurants, KARLA, was named a joint winner for the Metropolitan Restaurant award.
“Stories represents everything we love about hospitality – connection, creativity and community,” says Drennan. “We’re proud to have delivered on the State’s vision for Yagan Square and to have created something that not only celebrates Perth’s talent but also redefines what a city hospitality precinct can be.”
Major winner
LocalsCo also had a very successful night, winning six awards – including two of the three overall awards. It was named WA’s Best Group Venue Operator, as well as having The Rose Hotel in Bunbury named WA’s Best Regional Hospitality Venue. The Rose Hotel underwent a $3m renovation that was completed mid-year, in time for the pub’s 160th anniversary.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the awards received, it’s a real testament to the hard work and dedication each and every one of our teams at each venue show our customers on a daily basis,” stated LocalsCo director Lawson Douglas.
The wins have come off the back of a big 12 months for LocalsCo, who also completed a massive $7m refresh of the Bayswater Hotel in Perth, which was awarded Best Redeveloped Venue on Monday night as well.
LocalsCo venues also fared well in the dining categories, with The Rose Hotel being named joint winner in the Casual Pub Dining Regional category – alongside Froth Craft Bunbrewery – as well as Eaton Tavern taking out Family Dining Regional.
Treendale Farm Hotel, also in the LocalsCo portfolio, was named TAB Hotel/PubTAB Venue Regional.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the effort of our teams recognised at this level,” said Matt Marinich, Group Operations Manager at LocalsCo.
“We’ve built LocalsCo around great people and solid hospitality, and this award reflects the pride and ownership our staff bring to every venue.”