Time Out Sydney has announced its first ever Pub Awards will be held in Sydney on Monday June 23.
Kicking off at 6.30pm at The Glenmore in The Rocks, the inaugural awards will celebrate the best of Sydney’s evolving pub scene, as well as providing a platform to launch the first ever annual Time Out Sydney Pub Guide.
Nine gongs are on offer including Pub of the Year, Family-Friendly and the Revival Award, the latter recognising a refurbishment or fresh fit-out that sets a benchmark for the industry.
The Publican of the Year award is set to be especially hotly contested with influential nominees including:
Adrian Evans at the Quarrymans Hotel
Dan Ryan at the Dove and Olive
Erin Arthur-Smith at the Courthouse
Liam O’Keeffe at The Welcome Hotel
Luke Hiscox at the Union
Michael Bain from the Royal Albert Hotel
Richie Haines at the Marlborough Hotel
Rob Hall from the Australian Brewery and Hotel
Ray Reilly at the Henson
Steven Forbes at the Oxford Tavern [continues below]
The decision to launch the awards follows a renewed focus by Time Out to recognise the best pubs in the city, according to CEO Michael Rodrigues.
"While Sydney has always enjoyed a healthy pub scene, the last few years in particular have seen a dramatic improvement in customer service standards across the board. We think innovations in the bar scene, as well as an explosion in casual dining, are contributing factors," he said.
"Our readers now expect diverse drink choices such as craft beer, decent and contemporary food, and a welcoming environment."
"Both independent operators as well as larger hospitality groups are responding, with venues that meet those demands. It's an exciting time for the industry and all good news for the punter," said Rodrigues.
Sister title Time Out Melbourne will also publish an annual Pub Guide to be launched at an awards event in Melbourne in July.
The announcement of the Time Out Pub Awards coincides with the cessation of Fairfax's Good Pub Guide and Schooner Awards, which had proven contentious in the hotel industry.
The full list of award nominees is available here. For more information on Time Out Australia and the awards, visit timeout.com/Sydney/pubs.