Two Wagga pubs have scaled the industry’s top level for excellence after being named as finalists for this year’s NSW Australian Hotels Association awards.
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Kooringal Hotel is a finalist for the highly sought after title of Country Hotel of the Year, plus being named as a finalist in seven other categories: Best Gaming Venue Country, Heart of the Community, Best Casual Dining Venue Country Southern, Best Steak Venue, Best Burger Country and Best Cheap Eat Meal Under $15.
Kooringal Hotel owner Sean O’Hara said reaching the finals in so many categories is a sweet reward.
“It’s a fantastic honour just to be named in the top eight for NSW Country,” Mr O’Hara said.
Kooringal Hotel’s general manager Amy Fealy said having great staff is their key to success.
“We’ve literally had a great team for the last five years,” Ms Fealy said.
“It’s really good. The staff are really excited. It’s great recognition for all their hard work over the past 12 months.”
Patron Tim Logan has been coming to the Kooringal Hotel since 1980.
“I like the service and it’s great since they’ve done the renovations. It’s handy as its my local and the staff are friendly,” Mr Logan said.
Peter Cheney also calls The Kooringal his local, and enjoys a quiet non-alcoholic drink with other regulars.
“It’s close. It’s convenient. The staff are friendly and the drinks are cold,” Mr Cheney said.
The Sportsmens Club Hotel on the corner of Kincaid and Beckwith streets has attracted two prestigious nominations – Best Casual Dining Venue Country Southern, while Wagga born-and-bred Hayley Crouch is a Chef of the Year finalist for the Country division.
“It was a bit of a shock … Probably my dedication and passion,” Ms Crouch said.
Sporties owner Tom Stratton said Hayley’s nomination is a big deal as the Chef of the Year category is hotly contested across the state.
With two food nominations, Mr Stratton said it’s clear patrons welcome the effort that goes in to make the pub an enjoyable venue.
“I think people enjoy getting down to the Sporties for a bit of good old-fashioned hospitality,” he said.
“Over the last three to four years the Wagga hotels have been over-represented in the awards which is a really good thing for Wagga.”
AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said 600 nominations were received across the state.
“This is a night to celebrate innovation and quality in the hotel industry,” Mr Whelan said.
The winners will be announced at a gala function at The Star Casino in Sydney on November 21.
