And the AHA winners for 2015 are...

Canberra’s newest and most popular licensed bars, restaurants, nightclubs and accommodation hotels were applauded at the 2015 Australian Hotels Association (AHA) ACT Hospitality Awards last night.

Following a record number of entries, more than 460 industry, political and hospitality leaders attended the black-tie event to honour the outstanding achievements of ACT hospitality businesses and employees.

More than 35 sponsored awards were presented including Best Deluxe (5-star) Hotel, Best Cocktail Bar and Best Restaurant as well as two new awards including the Best Tourism Initiative, won by Jamala Wildlife Lodge.

Hosted by Sky News Political Reporter Laura Jayes, the AHA ACT’s ‘Night of Nights’ recognised local hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, bars, cafés and their employees for outstanding hospitality achievements, success and service.

AHA ACT General Manager Brad Watts said this year’s event once again celebrated innovative newcomers in new entertainment precincts as well as well-established venues:

• East Hotel – Best Suite Apartment Hotel, Best Superior Accommodation (4.5 star) and Member of the Year (Mr Todd Handy)
• Hotel Hotel – Best Deluxe Accommodation (5 Star), Best Bar in a Hotel and a Commendation for Best Hotel Restaurant for Monster Kitchen & Bar
• Hopscotch – Best Bar Presentation and Service, Pub Bistro and a Commendation in Best New/Redeveloped Venue.

“From a popular Braddon gastro-pub to a unique, five-star hotel and a world-class wildlife retreat, this year’s winners showcased innovation and progression across the ACT’s growing hospitality sector,” Mr Watts said.

The hotel, hospitality and tourism sector is vital to the ACT’s economy with the latest figures showing the industry generates more than $1.6 billion a year for the economy and employs around 14,700 people. The hospitality industry is an important long-term growth sector.

Two major awards were also bestowed on talented industry leaders: AHA ACT’s John Press Award was won by David Quinn from The Duxton while Todd Handy from East Hotel was crowned 2015 Member of the Year.

“AHA ACT sincerely thanked all key sponsors and event partners including the NCC for their generous support and making the 2015 Awards night such a memorable success,” Mr Watts said. To read more about the Awards, visit www.actaha.org.au

See below for the full list of 2015 AHA ACT Hospitality Award winners: