Image credits: AHA
South Australia’s best hospitality venues have been recognised at last nights Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence.
Held in Hobart Tasmania, hotels from across the nation were recognised. The Australian Hotel Awards (AHA) are recognised as the most prestigious in the hospitality industry, honouring the achievement of excellence in a wide range of categories. This year, seven incredible South Australian venues took out top honours.
Bridgeport Hotel in Murray Bridge which recently opened its stunning re-developed 100-room hotel is proof that perseverance and hard work pay off. Taking home the top honours for Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional the Bridgeport is a must-visit for all South Aussies.
Overlooking the famous Murray River, the $45 million re-development has retained its local identity, whilst completing an extensive new development. Offering everything from stylish accommodation, quality dining, a bustling sports bar, and extensive meeting and events facilities. It also introduced a ground-breaking jobs program for the long-term unemployed locals in the region.
Clare Valley’s Watervale Hotel was one of those amongst the winners last night, taking home the prize for Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice.
Hospitality duo, Warrick Duthy and Nicola Palmer, have cemented their passion for paddock to plate fine-dining throughout the Watervale Hotel’s menu, using some of the most innovative and best sustainable practices in the business. At the crux of her creations, Nicola strives to utilise every aspect of her ingredients and create a dish with as little to no waste as possible.
From the bio-dynamic, organic ingredients derived from Penobscot Farm, to flavours of the Clare Valley flowing freely throughout – The Watervale Hotel has encapsulated best environmental practices throughout its offerings.
Two South Australian venues took out the Best Front of House Staff divisions – highlighting the incredible staff in SA’s industry. Front of House Employee of the Year – General Division, was won by Uraidla Hotels, Heath Johansen and Front of House Employee of the Year – Accommodation Division, being won by Chris Speck from Mt Lofty House.
Another big winner was The Stirling Hotel. The popular hills eatery took home the top prize for best bistro. The Stirling Hotel is no stranger to AHA titles, having won multiple titles in previous years.
AHA(SA) General Manager Ian Horne says that the performance of the industry in these challenging times is a true testimate to their resilience and hard work. “Congratulations to all the outstanding winners of the 2021 Hotel Awards for Excellence,” he says. “The incredible standards in food and beverage, service and experience set by all of our winners this year is a testament to the absolute resilience and innovation of the hotel industry – even through the continuing challenging times, the hotel industry and our people continue to lift, innovate and set high standards across all facets of our venues”.
Congratulations to all the SA Finalists of the AHA National Awards. A wonderful display of venues punching well above their weight amongst industry peers from across the nation.
An extra special congratulations must go to Greg Fahey in particular. Greg was inducted into the AHA Hall of Fame – as a wonderful humble stalwart of the SA Hotel Industry.
The Winners of the AHA National Awards were announced in Hobart last night. SA winners are as follows…
Front of House Employee of the Year – General Division, presented by Hostplus
WINNER: Uraidla Hotel, SA (Heath Johansen)
Front of House Employee of the Year – Accommodation Division, presented by Hostplus
WINNER: Mount Lofty House, Crafers, SA (Chris Speck)
Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice, presented by Coca Cola Europacific Partners Australia
WINNER: Watervale Hotel, SA
Best Bistro – Metropolitan, presented by Carlton and United Premium Beverages
WINNER: Stirling Hotel, SA
Outstanding Community Service & Achievement, presented by Keno
WINNERS: Duke of Brunswick Hotel, Adelaide, SA
2020 Diageo Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame, presented by Diageo
WINNER: Greg Fahey, SA
Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional, presented by Carlton and United Premium Beverages
WINNER: Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge, SA
To find out more about the Australian Hotel Association (SA), head to their website.
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