Neutral Bay pub The Oaks declared Sydney hotel of the year

Neutral Bay hotel The Oaks has taken out 13 of the city’s best-known venues to claim the title as Sydney overall hotel of the year.

The Oaks is best known for its signature oak tree sitting in the middle of the beer garden.

The 2014 AHA NSW Awards were held on Monday night in Darling Harbour, with more than 1200 businesses and industry leaders attending.

The Oaks picked up the final award of the night — overall hotel of the year award city.

The Oaks team after winning Sydney hotel of the year at the AHA NSW Awards on Monday night. Photo: Facebook.

The Oaks group operations manager Jennie Pickett said it was the pub’s “hands on” approach that made them stand out.

“We really value our customers, love the area and are proud of our great food service.”

Owners Andrew Thomas and David Thomas could be found there every day mingling with customers and cleaning ashtrays, she said.

The Oaks attracted a large crowd for Melbourne Cup Day this year.

“The Oaks caters to everyone too — we have families, people just turned 18 and people in their 40s and 50s.”

“We are a really approachable venue for everyone to feel welcome.”

“It is just nice to be recognised for the hard work that we have done.”

Owner Andrew Thomas when The Oaks received a $4 million revamp last year.

Ms Pickett said last year’s upgrade was an added credit to the facility, she said.

“Definitely, the new bar and grill, a more extensive menu and we have got some really great chefs in there.”

The significant achievement comes the year after the iconic hotel underwent a $4 million revamp to attract a younger, savvier crowd.

Many of the employees had been with the company for more than 10 years, she said.

AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said the finalists list was the ultimate “best of” when it came to hotels across the state.

“For the state’s hotel industry nothing comes near to the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence in terms of quality and prestige,” he said.

The iconic hotel was purchased by the Thomas family 40 years ago.

The Oaks is best known for the signature oak tree, which sits in the middle of the outdoor beer garden.

The pub is owned and run by the Thomas family, who purchased it 40 years ago.

Source : The Daily Telegraph   Jessica Rapana    November 26th 2014