Best Specialty Bar
* Winner is eligible to enter the AHA National Awards
* Venues nominating in this category will be invoiced to reimburse the cost of judging
This category is designed to find Victoria's best specialty bar. Extra points will be awarded for uniqueness, relevance and consistency throughout the venue assisted by the quality and authenticity of fixtures and fittings
Judges will base their assessment on the following:
Please find judging criteria here.
Bar Specialty Criteria
- Bar is designed and marketed in a particular style
- Theme of the bar relative to the market; Consistency of theme throughout entire venue
- Quality and variety of fixtures and fittings
- Marketing
- Bar presentation of a high standard
- Hygiene and cleanliness of premises
- Popularly patronised
- Comfortable atmosphere for customers
- Atmosphere (lighting, music, ambience)
- Range of promotional products
General Criteria
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