Canberra's best steak, burger and wine list were named this week, as the best in the business came together for the Australian Hotels Association ACT Hospitality & Accommodation Awards for Excellence.
Bar Beirut and East Hotel walked away with the most gongs for the night, as more than 300 people celebrated hospitality excellence across 34 categories - with all nominations judged by independent experts.
Bar Beirut owner Soumi Tannous was named Local Legend in Hospitality and Tourism, and the venue won multiple categories including Best Cocktail Bar, Employee Excellence in Service and shared the Best Casual Dining Venue award with Kingston's Molto Italian.
Meanwhile, East Hotel took out Superior Hotel of the Year, while Dion Bisa, Polly Foley and Lucas Wiggers respectively won Accommodation Member of the Year, Best Sales & Marketing Talent and Bartender of the Year for the Kingston venue.
Australian Hotels Association ACT general manager Chris Gatfield said the awards were a chance for the industry to celebrate its incredible achievements against the backdrop of a difficult economic environment.
"The Australian Hotels Association ACT Awards for Excellence allow us to come together and acknowledge the best in our business," he said.
"In what have been tough times for hospitality, these Awards show our members continue to provide the highest possible levels of service and customer experience.
"Congratulations to all the finalists - and to all Canberrans, I say get out there and support these incredible venues."
When it came to the hospitality side of things, Capitol Bar & Grill took out the Best Wine List, the Best Burger was awarded to Caribou Kingston and The District in Crace won Best Steak. Gerry Sanfrancesco from The District and Chicken Gourmet also took out the John Press Award, which recognises outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry and Canberra community.
Luna Bar took out Best Bar (Presentation & Service) and Best Late-Night Entertainment Venue, while The Dock, in Kingston, won Best Pub Eatery and Best Sporting Entertainment Venue.
Best New/Redeveloped Venue went to Palomas, Best Outdoor Dining Experience was won by King O'Malleys and Best Traditional Pub, Inn or Tavern was taken out by the Lighthouse Pub.
Pomegranate won Best Restaurant (General) and Louis was named the Best Restaurant (Accommodation).
Meanwhile Bentspoke Brewing was awarded Best Draught Beer Quality and Best Work Health and Safety Venue, while Jodie Johnson won Chef of the Year for the brewpub.
"Nothing compares to being out in Canberra surrounded by good people, good service, good food and great drinks - these finalists deliver all that in spades," Australian Hotels Association ACT President Michael Capezio said.
"Our industry and its 16,000 hard-working people give so much to the communities we serve and we all should be proud of that - my congratulations to all finalists."
In hospitality, Jamala Wildlife Lodge and Ovolo Nishi were named joint winners of the prestigious Deluxe Hotel of the Year and Apartment/Suite Hotel of the Year went to Meriton Suites Canberra.
Housekeeper of the Year was award to Emma Serle from QT Canberra, and Human Resources Talent was taken out by Eden Hellman of DOMA Hotels.
Edward Peterson of Hotel Realm was named Employee Excellence in Service (Accommodation) while Excellence in Innovation, Sustainability and Environmental Practice was won by Little National Hotel.
Mid-Range Hotel of the Year was won by Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra, Casino Canberra took out Best Wagering Venue and Best Conference and Functions Venue was given to Hotel Realm.
