Sawyers Arms wins top industry gongs

NEWTOWN’S Sawyers Arm Tavern has cleaned up in the Victorian division of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) State Awards for Excellence, claiming two major honours and five nominations as a finalist.

The Noble Street restaurant was awarded Best Casual Dining – Regional, while employee Morgan Hampstead was honoured with Venue Manager of the Year status.

More than 1,200 people attended last night’s (Monday, May 19) gala event at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne. with a diverse array of venues and influential figures in the sector honoured in 42 distinct categories.

Grovedale Hotel again took the Best Gaming Venue – Regional title, following their Victorian and National wins in 2023.

AHA Vic and AHA National president David Canny congratulated all winners.

“What a night to celebrate the great things about the hotel and pub industry,” he said.

“The outstanding individuals, rising stars and those operators who continue to invest, innovate, and excel.”

Several venues from the region were also finalists in their respective categories:

• Sawyers Arms Tavern – Hotel of the Year – Regional
• Sawyers Arms Tavern – Best Refurbished Venue Space
• Sawyers Arms Tavern – Parma of the Year – Regional
• Sawyers Arms Tavern – Best Pub Restaurant – Regional
• Mario Tambajong, Sawyers Arms Tavern – Chef of the Year
• Matt Drew, Petrel Hotel – Venue Manager of the Year
• Petrel Hotel – Best Redeveloped Hotel
• Petrel Hotel – Best Pub Restaurant – Regional
• Cooper Rickard, Wharf Shed Geelong – Apprentice of the Year
• Torquay Hotel – Best Live Entertainment Venue
• Torquay Hotel – Best Gaming Venue – Regional
• The Beach Hotel Jan Juc – Best Pub Bar – Regional
• The Beach Hotel Jan Juc – Best PubTAB – Regional
• Telegraph Hotel – Best Rooftop Experience
• Telegraph Hotel – Best Function and Event Space
• Grovedale Hotel – Best Sports Bar – Regional
• Grovedale Hotel – Best PubTAB – Regional
• Portarlington Grand Hotel – Best Hotel Accommodation