WA raises glass to best in bar business
A suburban pub servicing WA’s fast-growing north-west corridor and a Northbridge microbrewery have been named the State’s best new places to eat and drink.
Duke Bar and Bistro and the Northbridge Brewing Company jointly shared the title of best new venue at last night’s Australian Hotels Association of WA’s annual awards.
Best small bar was another joint winner: Lot 20 and Varnish on King.
MORE WINING AND DINING
North Perth’s The Classroom was named best cocktail bar, with Bar Lafayette picking up a commendation, and the Laneway Lounge best late night venue.
Print Hall took out the top award for best hospitality venue for the third year in a row. It was also named best premium restaurant and recognised for having the best wine list in the State.
Suburban pubs, bars and restaurants were better represented in other categories.
Hotel Rottnest was named best tourism initiative and Crown Perth’s sports bar won best re-developed venue. Whistling Kite in Secret Harbour lost out to Print Hall for best bar presentation and service.
Duke co-owner Adam Kapinkoff said the response to the Carramar restaurant and sports bar, which opened four months ago, had been positive.
He said the venue, years in the making, represented something new for the region and something locals wanted.
“I think they were looking for a food and beverage offering and more of a pub offering,” he said.
“There’s not actually a whole lot of quality offerings in the north-west corridor.
“It’s been doing really well and the local community has really responded well.”
The group behind the Duke is also behind The Generous Squire and Squire’s Fortune.
Further afield, Broome’s Mangrove Hotel was recognised as WA’s best regional hospitality venue and Margaret River’s Colonial Brewing Company was named best boutique brewery.
AHA WA chief executive Bradley Woods said it had been a great year for hospitality in the State.
“Our venues and food and beverage offerings have been recognised nationally and internationally as among the best of the best,” he said.
“Tonight we have celebrated the venues and staff who have shaped the industry into what it is today, as well as the rising stars of the future.”
AHA AWARD WINNERS
Cocktail Bartender: Andrew Bennett, The Classroom
Small Bar: Lot 20 and Varnish on King
Environmental Practice: Perth Arena
Cocktail Bar: The Classroom
New Venue: Duke Bar and Bistro and Northbridge Brewing Company
Rising Star: Michael Strom, The Gate Bar and Bistro
Sporting Entertainment: Crown Sports Bar and Greenwood Hotel
Live Entertainment: Settlers Tavern
Themed venue: Lucky Chan’s Laundry and Noodlebar
Steak Sandwich: The Merrywell, Crown Perth
Source: The West Australian, Kate Emery, 17th November 2015
Originally published as: WA raises glass to best in bar business
