By Vanessa Cavasinni, editor Australian Hotelier
The 2016 AHA-Aon Hospitality Awards for Excellence were held at Crown Perth on Monday night, with pubs, bars, restaurants and tourism venues from all over Western Australia represented.
The team from Settlers Tavern with their awards. Courtesy of Facebook.
Forty-two awards were presented on the night to a variety of venues and individuals who represent the excellence of the WA’s hospitality industry. AHA (WA) CEO, Bradley Woods, was extremely pleased with the high calibre of the state’s industry and those who work in it.
“WA’s hospitality venues provide world class food, beverages, service and atmosphere to locals and visitors from interstate and overseas.
“When it comes to quality, the bar is raised higher every year, and judging the awards is not easy.
“WA’s hotels, bars and dining venues are playing an ever increasing role in the state’s economy, and it’s important to recognise the hard work of the people who make it all happen.”
One of the big winners on the night was the Colonial Leisure Group (CLG), taking out the major award WA’s Best Group Venue Operator. CLG also won the Presentation and Service Award for Print Hall, as well as Best Themed Venue for Apple Daily Bar and Eating House, the south-east Asian street food restaurant within Print Hall; along with the Best Environmental Practice Award for The Royal on the Waterfront.
Settlers Tavern in the Margaret River region also did well on the night, being named the Best Regional Hospitality Venue in the state. It also took out Best Casual Pub Dining Regional, and the Front Office and Administration Employee award for Louise Sheridan. Owner Rob Gough was ecstatic with the outcome.
“It was absolutely fantastic. It’s really rewarding, particularly for the team who put so much into it. We work really hard and we look forward to being a part of the Awards every year. You head into it knowing that there’s some amazing competition and if we bring something home that’s fantastic, but if not, you’re still going to have a good night. As it turned out, it was extraordinary for us.”
Gough suggested that the recognition comes down to the passion of the team at Settlers Tavern.
“It all comes down to loving what we do. If a patron walks in and they’re not feeling the love, then it means you’ve lost the plot. We work really hard to make sure all of our patrons are feeling that even before they arrive.”
The State Buildings, which contain a mix of retail and hospitality offerings, took out Perth’s Best Hospitality Venue.