The finalists for the 2021 AHA-Aon Hospitality Awards for Excellence can be revealed, following a record number of nominations being received from WA’s bars, pubs, hotels, taverns and restaurants.

AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said the awards had generated intense interest from across the state, with over 800 nominations being submitted across 40 award categories.

“Despite hospitality operators continuing to grapple with the challenges posed by COVID-19, we have seen exceptionally high-quality nominations, reflecting the strengthand resilience of the sector,” Mr Woods said.

“Over the past year venues have continued to navigate lockdowns and associated restrictions, yet they have maintained a focus on hospitality excellence.”

“Despite facing enormous challenges, venues have continued to excel, delivering extraordinary service, food and beverage offerings – the Awards for Excellence are an important way of acknowledging this effort.”

The 2021 AHA-Aon Hospitality Awards for Excellence will be presented at Crown Perth on Monday 8 November at the Little Creatures Gala Ball, with 1,300 guests expected to attend.

Shelter Brewing Co, General Manager, Paul Maley:

“We’re thrilled to be a finalist in seven categories in the AHA-Aon Hospitality Awards for Excellence and be listed alongside other great venue operators. Shelter opened its doors not quite 12 months ago, in the middle of the pandemic, and we’ve been so humbled by the support and custom from the local community. In the short space of a year, we’ve built not only a locally-owned brewery for locals and visitors, but beer that people love to drink and a brand that people have embraced. I’m really proud of our entire team of 140 staff – running a venue doesn’t happen without a great team in place.”

See the list of General Awards below.

GENERAL AWARDS

Community Service Award

Finalists

Chakra Restaurant, InglewoodFinlay’s KalbarriOnslow Beach ResortBobby’s BBQ Truck – Pan Pacific PerthParkerville TavernRambla Bar & Bistro, WickhamSettlers Tavern, Margaret RiverSeven Sins Perth Hills, RoleystoneThe Beach House, Eden BeachThe Marina MindarieThe Rose Hotel, BunburyWhite Salt, Sorrento

Training Initiative Award

Finalists

Beerfarm, MetricupCapitol CorpGrand Central Tavern, KarrathaOnslow Beach ResortPan Pacific PerthSettlers Tavern, Margaret RiverVarsity Group

Retail Bottleshop Award

Finalists

Eaton TavernThe Ashby Bar & BistroThe Gate Bar & Bistro, SuccessByford TavernTreendale Farm Hotel, Australind

Aon Risk Solutions Responsible Service of Alcohol Award

Finalists

Bailey Brewing Co., Henley BrookConvenients, NorthbridgeFitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy CrossingLast Drop Elizabethan, BedfordaleSettlers Tavern, Margaret RiverSubiaco HotelTreendale Farm Hotel, Australind

Draught Beer Quality Award

Finalists

Bailey Brewing Co., Henley Brookfunk 2.0 by funk cider, Henley Brookfunk cider, CavershamGrand Central Tavern, KarrathaLong Neck Brewery, East PerthThe Galway Hooker, ScarboroughThe Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, PerthThe Boat – The Marina MindarieTreendale Farm Hotel, Australind

The Lion Beer Australia Bar Presentation and Service Award

Finalists

Bailey Brewing Co., Henley Brookfunk 2.0 by funk cider, Henley BrookGrand Central Tavern, KarrathaThe Queens Tavern, HighgateThe Amberton, EglintonThe Ashby Bar & BistroThe Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, PerthThe Boat – The Marina MindarieThe Old Synagogue, FremantleThe Sandbar Scarborough BeachTreendale Farm Hotel, Australind.

Small Bar Award

Finalists

Beerpourium, FremantleCaballitos, PerthFiorita Deli, KarrathaNeon Palms, NorthbridgeRepublic of FremantleThe Claisebrook Bar, East PerthTiki As FK, NorthbridgeVarnish On King, PerthVincent Wine, PerthYonder Bar, Margaret RiverYour Local, Subiaco

Cocktail Bar Award

Finalists

La Vie – Crown PerthFiorita Deli, KarrathaHadiqa, PerthRepublic of FremantleLong Chim – State Buildings, PerthThe Peninsula Bar & Restaurant, MandurahSong Bird – The Ritz-Carlton, PerthTiki As FK, Northbridge

Late Night Venue Award

Finalists

Brighton Hotel, MandurahMarket Grounds, PerthNiche Bar, LeedervillePooles Temple – State Buildings, PerthTiki As FK, NorthbridgeUniversal Bar, Perth

Tourism Initiative Award

Finalists

Blanche Bar, KarrathaThe Breakwater, HillarysFinlay’s KalbarriOnslow Beach ResortThe Exchange Hotel, KalgoorlieTreendale Farm Hotel, Australind

Conference and Functions Award

Finalists

Aloft PerthANZAC Club, PerthPan Pacific PerthState Buildings, PerthThe Pavilion – The Marina MindarieThe Ritz-Carlton, Perth

Outdoor Area Award

Finalists

Bailey Brewing Co., Henley BrookBlack Swan Winery, Henley BrookFinlay’s Kalbarrifunk cider, CavershamLast Drop Elizabethan, BedfordaleThe Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, PerthCabana Pool Bar – The Marina MindarieThe Lookout Bar Bowling Bites, ScarboroughThe Old Synagogue, FremantleThe Raft PerthTreendale Farm Hotel, AustralindEmily Taylor – Warders Hotel, Fremantle

Boutique Brewery Award

Finalists

Bailey Brewing Co., Henley BrookBeerfarm, MetricupBlack Brewing Co., WilyabrupBlasta Brewing Company, BurswoodFinlay’s KalbarriFroth Craft Brewery, Exmouthfunk 2.0 by funk cider, Henley BrookLast Drop Elizabethan, BedfordaleLong Neck Brewery, East PerthNorth West Brewing Company, KarrathaShelter Brewing Co., BusseltonIndian Ocean Brewing Company – The Marina Mindarie

Redeveloped Venue Award

Finalists

Blanche Bar, KarrathaThe Breakwater, HillarysClarences Company Store, Mount LawleyFiorita Deli, KarrathaNeon Palms, NorthbridgeNiche Bar, LeedervilleTen Acre Block – Pan Pacific PerthPetition Wine Bar Merchant – State Buildings, PerthSubiaco HotelThe Brook Bar & Bistro, EllenbrookThe Como HotelThe Hampden Hotel, NedlandsYour Local, Subiaco

New Venue Award

Finalists

Veteran Central – ANZAC Club, PerthBailey Brewing Co., Henley BrookConvenients, NorthbridgeEl Peruvian Food Co., Subiacofunk 2.0 by funk cider, Henley BrookGrand Central Tavern, KarrathaHar Bar DunsboroughShelter Brewing Co., BusseltonSeven Sins Perth Hills, RoleystoneThe B bar, BaldivisTreendale Farm Hotel, AustralindVincent Wine, PerthEmily Taylor – Warders Hotel, Fremantle

Social Media Activity Award

Finalists

Aloft PerthBailey Brewing Co., Henley BrookBeerfarm, MetricupThe Breakwater, Hillarysfunk cider, CavershamGrand Central Tavern, KarrathaMayfair Lane Pub & Dining Room, West PerthParkerville TavernShelter Brewing Co., BusseltonSneakers & JeansState Buildings, PerthThe Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, PerthThe Marina MindarieThe Peach Pit, ScarboroughVarsity Group