Best Metropolitan Local
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 best suited to venues with a dedicated area in the hotel focused on a strong local bar trade. Venues must be situated in a regional location. Click here to refer to metropolitan boundaries.
GENERAL CRITERIA
- Décor and design characteristics
- Condition of furniture, fittings and electrical
- Popularity of the establishment
- Community and local trade focus
- Entertainment on offer (background music, live entertainment, promotions, and events e.g., Trivia night)
- Local community engagement and activities
- Rewards/loyalty program for locals
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
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
MARKETING CRITERIA
- In-house promotions on offer
- Website – ease of search, use and finding information
- Engagement with locals and community through social media
2024 WINNER – The Governor Hotel, Macquarie Park
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