Hotel staff celebrate accolades

THE team behind the Meredith Hotel received pleasant news leading into the holidays.

Early last month, they were ushered into the spotlight not once but three times, winning as many accolades in the regional Victorian Golden Plate Awards.

The Apprentice of the Year award in particular came as a shock to the hotel’s Lynda Polwarth.

She said the win is a proud achievement after seven months in the role.

“It’s definitely something I never thought I’d accomplish,” she said. “But with everyone’s support, it’s helped pushed me to do what I could do.”

Polwarth made the jump to hospitality seven months ago with an apprenticeship at Meredith Hotel after previously working in retail.

“I just wanted a career change and it just suited really well,” she said. “I started here and loved it straight away and knew this is what I wanted to do.

“It was something completely different to step out of my comfort zone, and I love cooking. I love sharing my food with people so that definitely helped me.”

As well as Polwarth’s personal achievement, the business overall won for Best Value, as well as the People’s Choice with more than 2000 votes.

Co-owner, Jasmine Muscat said the venue has come a long way since she, alongside partner and head chef Chris Hassan, took it over in early 2021 after years of working alongside each other as part of Geelong’s hospitality scene.

“The venue had a horrible reputation when we took over,” she said. “When we looked at it, it was like something from The Walking Dead.

“We had to repaint, clean the carpet, we had to bring in everything you see. There was no pictures on the wall or any character.

“There’s nothing like us now in Golden Plains.”

Meredith Hotel previously received a Highly Commended in the 2023 Golden Plate Awards.

Hassan said their back-to-back gongs are a big win for both the venue as well as Golden Plains Shire’s hospitality scene.

“I think it’s bringing a lot of foodies into town,” he said. “We’ve definitely picked up in business since winning the awards.

“It’s massive for Golden Plains. We’re the first in the region’s history to do it as far as I know it. It’s definitely put it the Shire on the map.

“We’ve gone from a little hidden gem to people knowing us. This is what we’ve been striving for since we opened.”

Their awards success behind them, Hassan said the team is looking to “regenerate” their menu into the new year.

“It’ll be more restauranty food while still focusing on our famous parmas,” he said.

“We’re still creating that atmosphere where couples and families can come and celebrate. That’s what food’s about; celebration.”