Jacksons on George in Sydney (above) and The Beach Hotel in Merewether (below) have been named the 2024 Metropolitan and Regional Hotels of the Year at today’s AHA NSW Awards for Excellence.

The two venues took out top honours at a gala awards ceremony at Royal Randwick Racecourse today in front of a crowd of about 1350 industry, political and business leaders.

The sought-after People’s Choice Award was won by Terrigal Beach House on the Central Coast, Best Family Friendly Hotel was Lakeside Village Tavern in Raymond Terrace, Best Live Music venue was taken out by Finnian’s Tavern in Port Macquarie, Heart of the Community was won by Coogee Bay Hotel and Best Bush Pub was awarded to the White
Cliffs Hotel in remote central NSW.

The food categories were once again highly competitive; with Best Burger won by Lakeside Village Tavern, Best Parmi, The Marsden Brewhouse, Best Sunday Roast, The Toxteth Hotel Glebe, Best Steak, Lake George Hotel in Bungendore and brand new category Best Chip was taken out by Public House Petersham in Sydney’s Inner West.

Group Hotel Operator of the year was O’Hara Hotels while Individual Hotel Operator award went to Nicholas Clark of The Shortland Hotel.

Popular Central Coast hoteliers, Peter and Jane Harris and Gary and Kerry Narvo received a standing ovation when they were inducted into the AHA NSW Hall of Fame and received the Cyril Maloney Medal. It was the first time in AHA NSW history that two married couples were inducted.

More than 950 nominations were received for awards across 48 categories and AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said the winners represented the best and brightest in the NSW hotel industry.

“These hotels range from mum and dad operations in the most remote parts of the state to multi-level entertainment precincts in our nation’s greatest city,” Mr Whelan said.

“These hotels provide tens of thousands of jobs, raise millions of dollars for charity each and every year and drive the NSW tourism and hospitality economy. I would like to congratulate all award winners.”

Other winners include:

  • Disability Inclusion and Access Award - Toormina Hotel, Toormina
  • Best Regional Local - Settlers Inn Hotel, Port Macquarie
  • Best Metropolitan Local - The Governor Hotel, Macquarie Park
  • Best Outdoor Experience - Terrigal Hotel, Terrigal
  • Best Late Night Venue - Goros, Surry Hills
  • Best Sporting Entertainment Venue - Australian Hotel and Brewery, Rouse Hill
  • Best Draught Beer Quality - The Entrance Social Club, The Entrance
  • Best Wine List - Shell House, Sydney
  • Best Cocktail list - Nags Head Hotel, Adamstown
  • Best Unique Bar Experience - The Underground, The Grand Hotel, Newcastle
  • Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20) - Five Islands Hotel, Cringila
  • Industry Rising Star - Molly L’huede - Greenwood Hotel, North Sydney
  • Employee Excellence in Service - Cristian Montarulo - Sarino’s, Mullane’s Hotel
  • Regional Chef of the Year - Shane Clark - Holbrook Hotel, Holbrook
  • Metropolitan Chef of the Year - Scott Greves - Humphrey’s Hotel, Hurstville and Scott Mills - Sinclair’s, The Log Cabin, Penrith

A full list of winners for this year’s AHA NSW Awards for Excellence can be found here.