The Stirling Hotel in the Adelaide Hills has been awarded the honour of being named South Australia’s Best Overall Hotel in 2015 at this year’s AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence.
Since its renovation in 2008, The Stirling Hotel has taken out a total of nine awards across all of its major departments, including its accommodation, bistro, retail outlet, functions and restaurant.
This year is no exception, with The Stirling Hotel winning the category of Best Restaurant (joint winner with 2KW).
“The Stirling Hotel has proven yet again that they are well ahead of the game in terms of presentation, innovation, food, beverage and service excellence,” said AHA|SA General Manager Ian Horne.
“The Stirling Hotel is constantly evolving to suit the needs of the consumer. An outstanding and very popular venue with a very high standard across all of its major facets, it is a clear standout and very worthy of this important recognition”.
“Whether it is a casual meal of pizza from the pizza oven in the bistro, or an 8 course degustation in The Grill restaurant, you can be confident you will receive a great experience, every time.”
This year saw the introduction of a new category for Best Small Venue, which acknowledges the quality and popularity of this growing venue type. Clever Little Tailor on Peel Street has won this award, being recognised for its stylish interiors and charming atmosphere, knowledgeable and friendly bar staff, and impressive range of wines, beer and spirits.
It was a successful night for the RD Jones Group with their recently redeveloped hotels, The Moseley and The Gully Public House & Garden, both winning multiple awards. Highlighting the value in being progressive and evolving to meet changing customer needs, these venues are stunning examples of contemporary venues which take advantage of their surrounding environments.
But it’s not only just the newest most contemporary venues that were acknowledged at tonight’s awards. The 150 year old Victoria Hotel in Strathalbyn has taken out the award for the Best Bistro Causal Dining – Country. The judges were impressed with the large menu choice and use of many local products, and also its outstanding customer service. Steeped in history and charm, the Victoria Hotel embodies all that is great about country pubs and hospitality.
The 2015 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence was held on Tuesday, July 28, in The Arena, at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Over 800 people attended this premier industry event, with entertainment provided by Anthony Callea, and hosted by Hamish McLachlan.
All winners from the AHA|SA Awards will now go on to compete in the National AHA Awards to be held in Brisbane on September 14, 2015.
A full list of the winners:
Mid-Range Accommodation Sundowner Hotel Motel, Whyalla
Apartment/Suite Accommodation Miller Apartments Adelaide
Superior Hotel Accommodation Crowne Plaza Adelaide
Deluxe Hotel Accommodation The Playford Adelaide
Bistro /Casual Dining – Country Victoria Hotel, Strathalbyn (Hotel Victor, received a Judges commendation)
Bistro /Casual Dining – Metropolitan The Moseley Bar & Kitchen, Glenelg Joint Winner The Highway Joint Winner
Restaurant – Accommodation Division The Playford Adelaide
Restaurant – General Division 2KW Bar & Restaurant Joint winner The Stirling Hotel Joint winner
Bar Presentation & Experience – Country Port Lincoln Hotel
Bar Presentation & Experience – Metropolitan Publishers Hotel (Apothecary 1878 received a Judges commendation)
Best Outdoor or non-enclosed facility The Gully Public House and Garden, Tea Tree Gully
Live Music Venue Governor Hindmarsh Hotel HALL OF FAME for the 2nd time
Entertainment Venue The Moseley Bar & Kitchen, Glenelg
Sporting Entertainment Venue The Highway 15. Community Service & Support Vine Inn Barossa, Nuriootpa Page
Marketing & Promotion – Accommodation Division Lakes Resort Hotel
Marketing & Promotion – General Division The Gully Public House & Garden, Tea Tree Gully
Tourism & Regional Promotion National Wine Centre
Environmental Practice & Energy Efficiency Crowne Plaza Adelaide
Gaming Venue – Country Eyre Hotel, Whyalla
Gaming Venue – Metropolitan Royal Oak Hotel, North Adelaide
Function Operation/Facility – Specialist & Accommodation Division Adelaide Oval
Function Operation/Facility – General Division Lion Hotel, North Adelaide
Retail Outlet East End Cellars (The Stirling Hotel received a Judges Commendation)
Small Venue Clever Little Tailor
Redeveloped Hotel – Accommodation Division Miller Apartments
Redeveloped Hotel – Country Pretoria Hotel, Mannum
Redeveloped Hotel – Metropolitan The Moseley Bar & Kitchen, Glenelg
Staff Development & Training – under 100 Strathmore Hotel
Staff Development & Training – over 100 Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Apprentice Development & Training Warradale Hotel
Hotel Industry Rising Star Award James Alexander, Port Lincoln Hotel 3
Best Overall Hotel Stirling Hotel