Best Late-Night Venue
JUDGING (100% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION)
*ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS
JUDGING FUNDS REQUIRED: Funds for drinks and bar snacks for two adults must be provided to cover the cost of judging.
OVERVIEW
This category is open to any venue that offers late night entertainment, in the form of live music, acts, DJ’s, dance. Venues must attract a late-night trade on a weekly, regular basis and promote days, times and dates that the venue is at its best.
GENERAL CRITERIA
- Décor and design characteristics
- Condition of furniture, fittings and electrical
- Popularity of the establishment
BAR CRITERIA
- Professionalism and outstanding customer service
- Staff neat, clean attired and well groomed
- Bar presentation to be of the highest standard
- Availability of a selection of food
- Comfortable and positive experience for customers
- Beverage experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety, and quality)
- Hygiene and cleanliness
ENTERTAINMENT CRITERIA
- Knowledge and promotion of performances/acts
- Telephone technique
- Quality of lighting, sound, stage, and dance floor facilities
- Variety of entertainment on offer
MARKETING CRITERIA
- In-house promotions on offer
- Website – ease of search, use and finding information
- Social Media presence
- Promotional material/posters up to date and relevant within venue
- Active promotion of upcoming events via social media and other channels
LATE NIGHT EXPERIENCE CRITERIA
- Ambience – audio visual, lighting, music
- Staff friendliness and knowledge
- Knowledge and implementation of Responsible Serving of Alcohol
- Efficiency of operations throughout the experience
- Design/layout of the venue which creates a unique atmosphere
- Technology related to purchasing of tickets if cover charge is applicable (ease of booking etc)
- Quality of in-house audio-visual production (PA system, sound stage, lighting and dance floor facilities)
- Is it evident the venue provides a late-night experience on a regular basis
- Quality of entertainment that was observed
- Popularity of venue and suitability to clientele, relevant to the night of the week attended
- Pricing relevant to local market, quality of the venue (i.e., ambience, service, drink prices, hospitality, cleanliness)
- Possesses adequate crowd control techniques, safety, and security
2024 WINNER – Goros, Surry Hills
Categories
Experience Awards
- Best Family Friendly
- Best Regional Local
- Best Metropolitan Local
- Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars)
- Best Late-Night Venue
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue
- Best Wagering Venue
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet
- Best Draught Beer Quality
- Best Wine List
- Best Cocktail List
- Best Regional Gaming Venue
- Best Metropolitan Gaming Venue
- Best Unique Bar Experience (Including small, cocktail, lounge or themed bars)
- Disability Inclusion & Access Award - Nominations Not Required
The following categories are judged by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
- Best Live Music Venue
- Heart of the Community
- Best Environmental/Sustainability Practices
- Best Bush Pub
- Best Marketing Activity
Property Awards
Food Awards
FOOD AWARDS OVERVIEW- Best Steak
- Best Parmi
- Best Steak Sandwich
- Best Burger
- Best Sunday Roast
- Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20)
- Best Regional Casual Dining (Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Metropolitan Casual Dining (CBD & Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Restaurant
People Awards
Overall Hotel Awards - nominations are not required
- Individual Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - Group Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - Regional & Metropolitan Hotel of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - People’s Choice Award
Note: Every AHA NSW member venue is eligible to win this award