Margaret River’s Settlers Tavern and Yallingup’s Wills Domain have been awarded for their excellence at the WA hospitality industry’s night of nights.
The AHA-Aon Hospitality Awards for Excellence were announced on November 12, acknowledging and celebrating the best WA hotels, bars, dining experiences and employees.
There were 41 award categories including WA’s Best Regional Hospitality Venue, won by Margaret River’s Settlers Tavern.
Settlers Tavern also picked up the Responsible Service of Alcohol Award and Wine List Award.
Kerry Rafferty from Settlers Tavern took out the Front Office and Administration Employee Award.
Wills Domain was named the joint winner of the Restaurant Award with Il Lido Italian Canteen, Cottesloe.
Seth James from Wills Domain shared the Head Chef Award with The Balmoral’s Wendy Miedzinski.
Both venues are no strangers to awards and accolades.
For Settlers Tavern, this is the fifth time they’ve won the Best Regional Hospitality Venue for WA.
Speaking to the Mail previously about their successes in the industry, owner Rob Gough said the accolades were amazing, but could also be a double edged sword.
“We’re very, very happy, but we also know that we’ll need to keep lifting the bar to meet people’s expectations,” he said.
“And that’s a great challenge to have. It keeps us looking forward.
“It’s incredibly hard work, and there is always something to handle or another big event coming up, but I think if you find something that you’re genuinely passionate about and that feeds your soul while you work, it makes it all worthwhile.
“The fact that we have such a solid group of people behind us, working towards the same goals, makes it even sweeter.”
For Wills Domain, the AHA win further reinforces their recent number one placing in the WA Good Food Guide.
“It’s a great accolade and we are really happy to have won,” Wills Domain managing director Darren Haunold said.
“For us, it is a mix of lots of thing that make us stand out, we have the beautiful view, it is a great place to sit, and take time to enjoy experience. The tasting menu is so different, it is a world class presentation of local growers and produce but it is all about the effort and technique. We take such pride in what we do. We don’t do it for recognition, we do it for the love of food, and showing people a good time- that’s why this award is special.
“It comes down to the effort of our team who offer such a great experience to diners.”
Australian Hotels Association WA chief executive officer Bradley Woods said the pace of innovation and evolution of WA’s hospitality industry over the past year had been extraordinary, with the quality of venues, products and service reaching new heights.
“These awards are an opportunity to applaud those in the hospitality industry who are achieving excellence in what is an extremely competitive sector,” he said.
“Hotels, bars, restaurants, pubs, taverns, wineries and breweries across WA are continually exceeding expectations, with new and exciting offerings being complemented by innovation within existing venues.”
“Throughout WA, patrons can enjoy first-class food, beverage, accommodation and service, a demonstration of the level of excellence we now see throughout the state’s hospitality industry.
“The hard working people within these venues continue to be the industry’s greatest asset, with service excellence being driven by dedicated and professional employees.”
