Tasmania’s finest cafes, restaurants, accommodation providers, pubs and tourism operators have been celebrated at the annual Tasmanian Hospitality Association Awards for Excellence overnight.
With a record number of nominations, THA chief executive Steve Old said the event reflects on the sector’s exceptional standards and innovative spirit.
Over 800 industry representatives gathered at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens on Wednesday night to witness the announcement of winners across 40 categories.
“These awards not only recognise individual excellence but also highlight the collective spirit and resilience of our industry,” Old said.
“There was an outstanding array of entrants from right across the state and I know the judging was extremely difficult in multiple categories.”
French-inspired Furneaux Restaurant on the East Coast maintained its dominance as the Regional Restaurant of the Year for the third consecutive year, also winning Best Stand-Alone Restaurant and Best Fine Dining.
Saffire Freycinet and The Tasman were again named Accommodation Venue of the Year in the regional and metro categories respectively and shared the award for Best Deluxe Accommodation.
Hobart’s Peppina Restaurant had a successful night, winning Metro Restaurant of the Year, Best Restaurant in a Hotel or Accommodation Venue, Best Contemporary Dining and Best Wine List of the Year.
Launceston’s The Plough Inn repeated its success from 2023 by securing the Metro Hotel/Pub Tavern of the Year, adding Best Sports Bar, Best Outdoor Experience and Best TAB Wagering Venue to its list of accolades.
In the hotly contested Best Cafe category, which saw 79 nominations, Saint Hugo’s in Montrose came out on top, while Crowne Plaza’s Phoebe Ray was named Hospitality Industry Rising Star.
John Dabner, the driving force behind Tall Timbers in the far north-west, was inducted as the THA’s 16th life member in recognition of his significant contributions to the industry over three decades.
“I have worked closely with John throughout my time at the THA and his passion and dedication for the industry is unparalleled,” Old said.
“Earning life membership is deserved recognition.”
Tasmanian representatives will now turn their attention to the AHA national awards in Brisbane next month, hoping to add national titles to their state cabinet.
