Tasmania’s hospitality industry celebrates biggest ever Awards for Excellence
The pinnacle of Tasmania’s hospitality excellence was celebrated in record style as the biggest gathering in industry history descended on the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens for the annual THA Awards for Excellence on October 30. More than 800 representatives and dignitaries were on hand to see the winners announced across 40 categories compromising the state’s best cafes, restaurants, accommodation providers, pubs, sporting clubs and tourism operators. This year saw a new record number of nominations for the awards – more than 200 venues from around the state submitted more than 600 overall entries – with the winners highlighting the exceptional standards and innovative spirits prevalent across the sector. “The strength and vibrancy of Tasmania’s hospitality sector are clearly showcased through the accomplishments of tonight’s winners. These awards not only recognise individual excellence but also highlight the collective spirit and resilience of our industry,” THA chief executive Steve Old said.
“Each year our Awards for Excellence grow bigger and bigger. There was an outstanding array of entrants from right across the state and I know the judging was extremely difficult in multiple categories.”
In the major categories, Furneaux Restaurant continued its reign as Restaurant of the Year – Regional, saluting for a third consecutive year. The French-inspired gem on the East Coast also made it a hat-trick of wins in the Best Stand-Alone Restaurant category, and capped the evening by taking out Best Fine Dining. Saffire Freycinet and The Tasman stood out as Accommodation Venue of the Year – Regional and Metro respectively again, and in a thrilling accolade split, the pair were unable to be separated by judges for the Best Deluxe Accommodation category. Peppina Restaurant capped an impressive evening with four awards, including Restaurant of the Year – Metro. Its other wins were Best Restaurant in a Hotel or Accommodation Venue, Best Contemporary Dining, and Best Wine List of the Year, showcasing their diverse culinary excellence. Launceston’s The Plough Inn repeated its success from 2023 in securing the Hotel/Pub Tavern of the Year – Metro title, and also retained its titles for Best Sports Bar and Best Outdoor Experience while adding Best TAB Wagering Venue to its accolades. The Longley International Hotel marked a first-time win as Hotel Pub/Tavern of the Year – Regional and maintained its title as Best Live Music or Entertainment Venue (Pubs/Taverns). A special moment of the evening saw the induction of the THA’s newest life member, John Dabner. John has made a profound contribution to the industry for over 30 years, being a strong and passionate advocate for the state at national level. The other annual perpetual award recipients were Grand Hotel Huonville’s Georgena Roland (Premier’s Award for Contribution to the Community), Julian and Tracey Jacobs from the Stanley Hotel were recognised with the Hospitality Minister’s Award for Contribution to the Industry while the Bertie Tucceri Award, which recognises the restaurant sector, went to Craig Farrer from Ball & Chain Grill.
31 Tasmanian Hospitality Review Aug/Sep Edition 31 Tasmanian Hospitality Review Oct/Nov Edition
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