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, Inglewood Finlay’s Kalbarri Onslow Beach Resort Bobby’s BBQ Truck – Pan Pacific Perth Parkerville Tavern Rambla Bar & Bistro, Wickham Settlers Tavern, Margaret River Seven Sins Perth Hills, Roleystone The Beach House, Eden Beach The Marina Mindarie The Rose Hotel, Bunbury White Salt, Sorrento

Training Initiative Award

Finalists

Beerfarm, Metricup Capitol Corp Grand Central Tavern, Karratha Onslow Beach Resort Pan Pacific Perth Settlers Tavern, Margaret River Varsity Group

Retail Bottleshop Award

Finalists

Eaton Tavern The Ashby Bar & Bistro The Gate Bar & Bistro, Success Byford Tavern Treendale Farm Hotel, Australind

Aon Risk Solutions Responsible Service of Alcohol Award

Finalists

Bailey Brewing Co., Henley Brook Convenients, Northbridge Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing Last Drop Elizabethan, Bedfordale Settlers Tavern, Margaret River Subiaco Hotel Treendale Farm Hotel, Australind

Draught Beer Quality Award

Finalists

Bailey Brewing Co., Henley Brook funk 2.0 by funk cider, Henley Brook funk cider, Caversham Grand Central Tavern, Karratha Long Neck Brewery, East Perth The Galway Hooker, Scarborough The Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, Perth The Boat – The Marina Mindarie Treendale Farm Hotel, Australind

The Lion Beer Australia Bar Presentation and Service Award

Finalists

Bailey Brewing Co., Henley Brook funk 2.0 by funk cider, Henley Brook Grand Central Tavern, Karratha The Queens Tavern, Highgate The Amberton, Eglinton The Ashby Bar & Bistro The Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, Perth The Boat – The Marina Mindarie The Old Synagogue, Fremantle The Sandbar Scarborough Beach Treendale Farm Hotel, Australind.

Small Bar Award

Finalists

Beerpourium, Fremantle Caballitos, Perth Fiorita Deli, Karratha Neon Palms, Northbridge Republic of Fremantle The Claisebrook Bar, East Perth Tiki As FK, Northbridge Varnish On King, Perth Vincent Wine, Perth Yonder Bar, Margaret River Your Local, Subiaco

Cocktail Bar Award

Finalists

La Vie – Crown Perth Fiorita Deli, Karratha Hadiqa, Perth Republic of Fremantle Long Chim – State Buildings, Perth The Peninsula Bar & Restaurant, Mandurah Song Bird – The Ritz-Carlton, Perth Tiki As FK, Northbridge

Late Night Venue Award

Finalists

Brighton Hotel, Mandurah Market Grounds, Perth Niche Bar, Leederville Pooles Temple – State Buildings, Perth Tiki As FK, Northbridge Universal Bar, Perth

Tourism Initiative Award

Finalists

Blanche Bar, Karratha The Breakwater, Hillarys Finlay’s Kalbarri Onslow Beach Resort The Exchange Hotel, Kalgoorlie Treendale Farm Hotel, Australind

Conference and Functions Award

Finalists

Aloft Perth ANZAC Club, Perth Pan Pacific Perth State Buildings, Perth The Pavilion – The Marina Mindarie The Ritz-Carlton, Perth

Outdoor Area Award

Finalists

Bailey Brewing Co., Henley Brook Black Swan Winery, Henley Brook Finlay’s Kalbarri funk cider, Caversham Last Drop Elizabethan, Bedfordale The Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, Perth Cabana Pool Bar – The Marina Mindarie The Lookout Bar Bowling Bites, Scarborough The Old Synagogue, Fremantle The Raft Perth Treendale Farm Hotel, Australind Emily Taylor – Warders Hotel, Fremantle

Boutique Brewery Award

Finalists

Bailey Brewing Co., Henley Brook Beerfarm, Metricup Black Brewing Co., Wilyabrup Blasta Brewing Company, Burswood Finlay’s Kalbarri Froth Craft Brewery, Exmouth funk 2.0 by funk cider, Henley Brook Last Drop Elizabethan, Bedfordale Long Neck Brewery, East Perth North West Brewing Company, Karratha Shelter Brewing Co., Busselton Indian Ocean Brewing Company – The Marina Mindarie

Redeveloped Venue Award

Finalists

Blanche Bar, Karratha The Breakwater, Hillarys Clarences Company Store, Mount Lawley Fiorita Deli, Karratha Neon Palms, Northbridge Niche Bar, Leederville Ten Acre Block – Pan Pacific Perth Petition Wine Bar Merchant – State Buildings, Perth Subiaco Hotel The Brook Bar & Bistro, Ellenbrook The Como Hotel The Hampden Hotel, Nedlands Your Local, Subiaco

New Venue Award

Finalists

Veteran Central – ANZAC Club, Perth Bailey Brewing Co., Henley Brook Convenients, Northbridge El Peruvian Food Co., Subiaco funk 2.0 by funk cider, Henley Brook Grand Central Tavern, Karratha Har Bar Dunsborough Shelter Brewing Co., Busselton Seven Sins Perth Hills, Roleystone The B bar, Baldivis Treendale Farm Hotel, Australind Vincent Wine, Perth Emily Taylor – Warders Hotel, Fremantle

Social Media Activity Award

Finalists

Aloft Perth Bailey Brewing Co., Henley Brook Beerfarm, Metricup The Breakwater, Hillarys funk cider, Caversham Grand Central Tavern, Karratha Mayfair Lane Pub & Dining Room, West Perth Parkerville Tavern Shelter Brewing Co., Busselton Sneakers & Jeans State Buildings, Perth The Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, Perth The Marina Mindarie The Peach Pit, Scarborough Varsity Group