Best Outdoor Experience (Regional and Metropolitan)
* Winner is eligible to enter the AHA National Awards (Best Outdoor/Non-enclosed facility)
* Venues nominating in this category will be invoiced to reimburse the cost of judging
This category recognises excellence in hotels which provides an outdoor or non-enclosed facility within the hotel but is not a rooftop offering. Small, large, boutique, innovative, natural and open spaces are all eligible for nomination. Emphasis is placed on the customer experience specific to the execution of the outdoor or non-enclosed facility offer.
Judges will base their assessment on the following:
Please find judging criteria here.
Outdoor Area Specific Criteria
- Optimum solution having regard to challenges faced
- Overall cleanliness of area
- Characteristics (decor, ambience and music)
- Facility complies with tobacco legislation
- Innovation and creativity
- Styled to accommodate patrons who wish to smoke
- Effective signage
- Integrates with the rest of the hotel
- Presentation and appearance
- Adequate heating and cooling
- Adequate safety and security
- Gives regard to noise and amenity issues
- Appropriate receptacles of cigarette butt litter
- Proximity to a service area and amenities
General Criteria
Hotel
- Décor, design, ambience, atmosphere, lighting and comfort
- Quality and appearance of the venue (furniture, table setting, crockery, cutlery, glassware)
- Popularity of venue and alignment to local market
- Pricing relevant to local market, quality of the restaurant and fine dining experience
- Hygiene and cleanliness (all areas including restrooms)
Beverage
- Excellent variety of wines to include regional, Victorian and interstate wines
- A reasonable variety of wines offered by the glass
- A variety of beers local and imported available
- A variety of non-alcoholic beverages offered
- Wine description to enhance menu
Staff and Service
- Excellent customer service
- Staff presentation and quality of interaction
- Staff knowledge of all products is a must with the ability to suggest food and wine pairings
- Efficiency of order taking, meal delivery, table clearing
- Staff efficiency and ability to be discreet
- Staff well-groomed
- Knowledge of Responsible Service of Alcohol
- Telephone technique
Menu
- Presentation
- Seasonal variation
- Value for money
- Integration of specials
Food
- Relative price
- Presentation, innovation, accuracy & composition of dishes
- Originality, selection & variety of menu
- Quality of dish
Categories
Individual Employee Awards - $175 per nomination
- Emerging Leader of the Year
- Chef of the Year
- Excellence in Service
- Local Legend Award
- Apprentice of the Year
- Venue Manager of the Year
Dining Awards – $230 - $250 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
- Best Pub Restaurant - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Casual Dining - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Family Dining
General Awards - $175 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
- Best Pub Bar - Regional & Metropolitan
- Parma of the Year
- Best Specialty Bar
- Best Presented Beer
- Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage Menu
- Best Live Entertainment Venue
- Best Sports Bar - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet
- Best Outdoor Experience - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Rooftop Experience
- Cocktail Menu of the Year
- Bush Pub of the Yea
Accommodation Awards - $250 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
Gaming & Wagering - $175 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
Performance Awards - $175 per nomination
- Best Marketed Hotel
- Outstanding Achievement in Training
- Heart of the Community
- Best Hotel Group Operator
- Best Function & Event Space