Best Specialty Bar

Minimum Entrants
A minimum of three entrants is required for the category to progress to judging.

National Awards Eligibility
The winner is eligible to enter the AHA National Awards.

Judging Costs
Venues progressing to the judging phase will be invoiced for the actual cost of the judging process.

About the Award
This category recognises Victoria’s best specialty bar.

The award celebrates venues with a clearly defined concept or style, with consideration given to uniqueness, relevance to the target market and consistency throughout the venue. Quality and authenticity of fixtures, fittings and presentation are also key considerations.

Judging Process
Judges will assess the venue across the following areas:

Specialty Bar

• Clearly defined style, concept or theme
• Relevance of the concept to the target market
• Consistency of the theme throughout the venue
• Quality and variety of fixtures and fittings
• Marketing and promotion
• Overall presentation of the bar
• Hygiene and cleanliness
• Popularity and patronage
• Comfort and atmosphere
• Lighting, music and ambience
• Range and presentation of promotional products

Beverage

• Variety of wines, including regional, Victorian and interstate wines
• Variety of wines available by the glass
• Variety of local and imported beers
• Range of non-alcoholic beverages
• Quality and usefulness of wine descriptions on the menu

Staff & Service

• Customer service
• Staff presentation and quality of interactions
• Product knowledge, including the ability to recommend food and wine pairings
• Efficiency of order taking, meal delivery and table clearing
• Staff efficiency, attentiveness and discretion
• Professional grooming and presentation
• Knowledge of Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements
• Telephone technique

Menu

• Presentation and layout
• Seasonal variation
• Value for money
• Integration and presentation of specials

Food

• Pricing relative to the overall offering
• Presentation, innovation, accuracy and composition of dishes
• Originality, selection and variety of the menu
• Quality and consistency of dishes