Newtown restaurant named regional dining winner

A NEWTOWN venue has taken out the top honour at the 2025 Golden Plate Awards, with local operators across the city recording strong results in this year’s statewide hospitality program.

The Hamilton Group’s Woolstore restaurant, which opened in February, was named regional restaurant of the year last week.

The judging panel praised its contemporary menu, technical execution, value for money and cohesive dining experience, describing the venue as “a smart and sophisticated” space.

“The menu is thoughtfully written and showcases a diverse array of ingredients, with a strong emphasis on local produce,” the panel said. “It reflects the creativity and technical skill of a confident kitchen team.”

Led by head chef, Eli Grubb – who won the Golden Plate for Best Chef in 2024 – the food flowed, the judges said, “out of the kitchen with superb timing”.

Woolstore also won the contemporary dining award.

Geelong venues feature prominently across several categories.

The 18th Amendment Bar claimed the cocktail bar award, while Daisy Bar and Non Disclosure Bar were both highly commended.

Cafe Go received the best coffee award, with Industry 26 highly commended.

The region also produced this year’s apprentice of the year, awarded to The Retreat’s Adam Peucker, while Ella Dumaresq of 18th Amendment Bar was named outstanding front of house winner.

Golden Plate Awards director Pamela Jewson said the 2025 season reflected the “remarkable level of creativity, resilience and innovation” of the state’s hospitality sector.

“The Greater Geelong dining scene has never been stronger,” she said. “This year’s finalists demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to quality – from the paddock to the plate, from warm service to world-class food.

“Customer service would be the outstanding factor that puts this region streaks ahead and, I believe, is on par with Melbourne’s finest.

“We have a huge talent pool of great chefs and the exciting take from this year is the incredible talent showcased by our young apprentices, highlighting that the future of hospitality can only keep getting more robust.”

Now in their 23rd year, the Golden Plate Awards champion excellence in dining, service, local produce and hospitality professionalism, and aim to spotlight the achievements of those operating across the diverse culinary landscape.

“A Golden Plate can elevate reputation, build customer confidence, and strengthen brand credibility in an increasingly competitive market,” Ms Jewson said.

“For chefs, producers, venues and suppliers, the awards validate hard work and creativity while offering marketing and networking opportunities that can open new doors.”