The best hotels, bars and restaurants in the Australian Capital Territory were recognised this week at the 2019 Australian Hotels Association ACT Hospitality and Tourism Awards.
Close to 500 industry and political leaders gathered at Hotel Realm, at witnessed Pat Lonergan of Dona Hotels named as the 2019 Member of the Year.
AHA ACT general manager Anthony Brierley described as “an institution in Canberra”.
He added: “Pat is respected for his professionalism and integrity, and admired for his contribution to the health and vibrancy of Canberra’s accommodation industry.
“He leads a motivated and enthusiastic team and when people think of the accommodation industry in Canberra, they think of Pat. There is no one more deserving of this award.”
Other winners on the night included Mooseheads Pub and Nightclub, named Best Traditional Pub, Kokomo’s named Best Late Night Entertainment Venue, the Best New or Redeveloped Venue in the general division was won by Fenway Public House and Hotel Realm wone Best Wine List for its Buvette Bistro and Wine Bar.
Tourism Accommodation Australia National CEO Michael Johnson said the night was proof of just how far the ACT accommodation and pub sector had come.
“The industry has exploded here over the last decade and ACT venues are up there with some of the best in the country, if not the world,” said Johnson.
“The love and care hoteliers and staff put into these venues is obvious and I congratulate the winners and all the nominees on a job well done.”
Mr Brierley said a record number of nominations were received for awards across 32 categories. This year’s awards had new anonymous judges, completely independent of the AHA ACT, selected for their expertise and knowledge.
Some of last night’s other big winners included:
- John Press Award: Lala Hospitality Group
- Best Steak: The Duxton
- Best Burger: Young & Frisky
- Best Pub Eatery: 1882 Bar and Grill
- Best Cocktail/Lounge or Small Bar: Molly
- Best Beer Quality – Draught: The Durham Castle Arms Pub
- Best Beer Quality – Craft/local: Bentspoke Brewing Co.
- Best Casual Dining Venue: The District
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue: The Dock
- Best TAB venue: Ducks Nuts Bar and Grill
- Bartender of the Year: Michael Nguyen, Molly