Tassie trumps national hospitality awards

Affire and Grape are the words on everybody's lips after the Tasmanian venues took out Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence in Canberra tonight.

Grape Bar and Bottle Shop in Salamanca won the best bar presentation and service in regional Australia and Saffire on the East Coast won best resort-style accommodation in Australia.

The up-market Saffire won the same award last year and the best new resort-style accommodation award the year before.

Saffire general manager Justin King said it was "a real vindication" to be named the best in Australia.

"We are just delighted to be included in that calibre of hotel,'' Mr King said. "It is the word of mouth and repeat guests that have taken us to the awards.''

Tasmanian Hospitality Association general manager Steve Old said Saffire was the standout venue in the country.

"Credit must go to Federal Group for this outstanding venue that helps put Tasmania on the map,'' Mr Old said.

Grape has been described by bar and nightlife blog tailoredtasmania.com as "one of the most enjoyable viticulture experiences in Salamanca".

"Visitors to Grape enjoy a rustic fusion in design elements that capture a charring cross-cavernous cellar experience,'' the blog enthuses.

"Grape Wine Bar stocks some of the finest spirits, ports and liquors in the local area . . . the atmosphere is relaxed and stylish, the type of place that entices you to order another glass and settle in for the evening.''

Grape owner Robert Jubb said the long-standing Salamanca venue had not won a national award before last night.

"It is humbling to be recognised nationally,'' Mr Jubb said.

"The award reflects a lot of hard work by previous and current managers.

"There's not many places like Grape.''

Mr Old said the Grape award was "a big positive for the city and the Salamanca precinct".

Source: The Daily Telegraph, 2 October 2013