Local venues in state pub awards

FOUR Bendigo venues have been named as finalists in the Australian Hotels Association (Victoria) 2025 state awards for excellence.

The All Seasons Resort Hotel in Strathdale has snared a finalist spot in four categories, the Brougham Arms Hotel in Williamson Street and the Botanical Hotel in White Hills three each, and The Foundry in Golden Square one.

The venues are among more than 370 finalists – along with individuals and managing entities – vying for honours this year.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner event at Crown Palladium in Melbourne on 19 May.

The All Seasons Resort Hotel is a finalist in the Best Hotel Accommodation, Best Gaming Venue (Regional), Best PubTAB (Regional) and Best Function and Event Space categories.

The Brougham Arms Hotel is listed in the Best Pub Restaurant (Regional), Best Pub Bar (Regional) and Best Refurbished Venue Space, while the Botanical Hotel has been selected in the Best Casual Dining (Regional), Best Outdoor Experience (Regional) and Best Marketed Hotel sections.

The Foundry, meanwhile, is in the running for the Best Sports Bar (Regional) award.

The Botanical Hotel and the Kennington Tavern were among local finalists in last year’s awards – the Botanical in two categories and the Kennington Tavern in five – with the Kennington venue taking out the Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage Menu honour.

A highlight for Bendigo’s hotel and hospitality industry was the naming of Rising Sun Hotel operators Pat Sheehan and Marilyn Bell as winners of the prestigious Nikakis Benchmark Award.

The award, named after former AHA president and industry identity, the late Nick Nikakis, is considered the most prestigious of the various citations handed out each year.

It recognises an individual or business that, through sustained performance and commitment, serves as an inspiration to others in the hospitality industry.

Part of Mr Sheehan and Ms Bell’s selection was for the personal and business couple’s long sponsorship of, and involvement with, Bendigo region sports clubs.