The ultimate pub debate has finally been settled, but it took an unprecedented three-way tie to crown Victoria\u2019s best parma \u2014 and you\u2019ll have to hit the road to regional Victoria to try them.<\/p>\n
Victoria\u2019s hospitality sector was honoured at the Australian Hotels Association Victoria State Awards for Excellence on Monday night, revealing the best pubs and hotels in 2026.<\/p>\n
The \u2018Parma of the Year\u2019 category produced an unprecedented result with three regional heavyweights achieving a flawless score of 100 to share the crown in the fiercely contested category.<\/p>\n
The Creekside Hotel in Warracknabeal, the Lindenow Farmers Home Hotel, and the Newborough Hotel simply could not be split by judges, proving country pubs still rule when it comes to the crumbed classic.<\/p>\n
About 150 pubs went neck-to-neck for the coveted People\u2019s Choice Award \u2014 voted by the general public \u2014 with The Oxford Scholar in Melbourne emerging as the fan-favourite winner.<\/p>\n
The Oxford Scholar won punters\u2019 hearts for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse entertainment schedule and unwavering focus on delivering a stellar pub experience in the heart of the city.<\/p>\n
The intensely contested Chef of the Year title was awarded to Tony Twitchett of Taxi Kitchen in Melbourne for his commitment to celebrating seasonal produce, bold flavours<\/p>\n
and contemporary pub dining.<\/p>\n
The Yackandandah Hotel won the Cocktail Menu of the Year award for its \u201cthoughtful, well-balanced list that champions quality ingredients, creativity and an elevated drinking experience\u201d while remaining true to the character of a country pub.<\/p>\n
The coveted Bush Pub of the Year title was awarded to Victoria Hotel in Dimboola.<\/p>\n
Macedon Village Hotel was named Overall Hotel of the Year Regional and The Grand Warrandyte Hotel won the Overall Hotel of the Year in metropolitan.<\/p>\n
Best Live Entertainment Venue went to Fifth Province in St Kilda and Best Rooftop Experience was awarded to Corner Hotel Richmond.<\/p>\n
The Heart of the Community award was jointly awarded to Dargo Hotel and Grand<\/p>\n
Warrandyte Hotel, in recognition of \u201ctheir deep and genuine commitment to the people they<\/p>\n
serve\u201d.<\/p>\n
Rob Pitt from Hotel Sorrento took home the Nikakis Benchmark Award, named in memory of industry icon Nick Nikakis, while the Emerging Leader of the Year award went to Ellie Searle from Cherry Hill Hotel in Doncaster.<\/p>\n
AHA Victoria\u2019s chief executive Paddy O\u2019Sullivan said the hotels and pub industry \u201csimply could not be successful without the significant contributions of our people\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cYoung professionals are evolving their careers in hospitality, building skills and<\/p>\n
stepping into leadership roles, and it is their passion, professionalism and dedication that<\/p>\n
creates the best possible customer experience in pubs and hotels right across Victoria<\/p>\n
every day,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cA night like the State Awards for Excellence showcases the full spectrum of what makes<\/p>\n
Victoria\u2019s pubs and hotels so special. <\/p>\n
\u201cFrom inspiring leaders and innovative chefs to community champions and destination venues that locals are proud to call their own.\u201d<\/p>\n
See the full list of winning pubs (and runners up) below.<\/p>\n
FULL LIST OF WINNERSThe 2026 Nikakis Benchmark Award \u2014 Rob Pitt<\/p>\n
Rob Pitt from Hotel Sorrento has won the coveted Nikakis Benchmark Award.<\/p>\n
People\u2019s Choice Award \u2014 The Oxford Scholar<\/p>\n
The Oxford Scholar in Melbourne took out the People\u2019s Choice Award for 2026.<\/p>\n
Overall Hotel of the Year (Metro) \u2014 The Grand Hotel Warrandyte<\/p>\n
The Grand Hotel Warrandyte has won 2026 Overall Hotel of the Year in the metropolitan category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Cherry Hill Hotel, Doncaster<\/p>\n
The Clifton Hill Hotel, Clifton Hill<\/p>\n
The Continental Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
The Doutta Galla Hotel, Kensington<\/p>\n
The Fifth Province, St Kilda<\/p>\n
Hotel Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
London Tavern Hotel, Richmond<\/p>\n
All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo, Strathdale<\/p>\n
Grovedale Hotel, Grovedale<\/p>\n
Hogans Hotel, Wallan<\/p>\n
Macedon Village Hotel, Macedon<\/p>\n
The Middle Hotel Korumburra, Korumburra<\/p>\n
Lower Plenty Hotel, Lower Plenty<\/p>\n
Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
Rosstown Hotel, Carnegie<\/p>\n
Taxi Kitchen, Melbourne<\/p>\n
The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
The Waterside Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
WestWaters Hotel & Entertainment Complex, Caroline Springs<\/p>\n
Overall Hotel of the Year (Regional) \u2014 Macedon Village Hotel<\/p>\n
Macedon Village Hotel has been named the best Overall Hotel of the Year in the regional category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo, Strathdale<\/p>\n
Grovedale Hotel, Grovedale<\/p>\n
Hogans Hotel, Wallan<\/p>\n
The Middle Hotel Korumburra, Korumburra<\/p>\n
Lower Plenty Hotel, Lower Plenty<\/p>\n
Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
Rosstown Hotel, Carnegie<\/p>\n
Taxi Kitchen, Melbourne<\/p>\n
The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
The Waterside Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
WestWaters Hotel & Entertainment Complex, Caroline Springs<\/p>\n
Old Faithfulls Brew Bar, Wangaratta<\/p>\n
San Remo Hotel, San Remo<\/p>\n
Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool<\/p>\n
The Yackandandah Hotel, Yackandandah<\/p>\n
Best Casual Dining (Metro) \u2014 Alpine Hotel, Warburton<\/p>\n
Alpine Hotel in Warburton has won Best Casual Dining title in the metropolitan category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
The Clifton Hill Hotel, Clifton Hill<\/p>\n
The Continental Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
Epping Plaza Hotel, Epping<\/p>\n
The Fox Hotel, Collingwood<\/p>\n
The Heritage Balnarring, Balnarring<\/p>\n
Launching Place Home Hotel, Launching Place<\/p>\n
London Tavern Hotel, Richmond<\/p>\n
Malvern Hotel, Toorak <\/p>\n
Nixon Hotel, Docklands<\/p>\n
Palace Hotel, Camberwell<\/p>\n
Rosstown Hotel, Carnegie<\/p>\n
Sir Henry Barkly Hotel, Heidelberg<\/p>\n
St Andrews Hotel, Fitzroy<\/p>\n
Teller, Brunswick East<\/p>\n
The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
The Wild Geese Hotel, Brunswick<\/p>\n
WestWaters Hotel & Entertainment Complex, Caroline Springs <\/p>\n
Best Casual Dining (Regional) \u2014 Western Hotel (Ballarat) and Five Flags Hotel (Campbells Creek)<\/p>\n
Best Casual Dining award in the regional category has been tied between Western Hotel in Ballarat and Five Flags Hotel in Campbells Creek.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Barmah Hotel, Barmah<\/p>\n
The Buninyong Hotel, Buninyong<\/p>\n
Erica Hotel Motel, Erica<\/p>\n
Esplanade Hotel \u2013 Inverloch, Inverloch<\/p>\n
Five Flags Hotel, Campbells Creek<\/p>\n
Grovedale Hotel, Grovedale<\/p>\n
Hogans Hotel, Wallan<\/p>\n
Lockington Community Hotel, Lockington<\/p>\n
The Mansfield Hotel, Mansfield<\/p>\n
The Middle Hotel Korumburra, Korumburra<\/p>\n
Poowong Hotel, Poowong<\/p>\n
The Social Bar & Eating House, Bendigo<\/p>\n
The Star Hotel Bright, Bright<\/p>\n
Western Hotel, Ballarat<\/p>\n
Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool <\/p>\n
Best Family Dining \u2014 Castello\u2019s Victorian Tavern, Gisborne<\/p>\n
Castello\u2019s Victorian Tavern in Gisborne has been named Best Family Dining.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Castello\u2019s Croydon Hotel, Croydon<\/p>\n
Castello\u2019s Victorian Tavern, Gisborne<\/p>\n
The Drouin Family Hotel, Drouin<\/p>\n
Lower Plenty Hotel, Lower Plenty<\/p>\n
Orbost Club Hotel, Orbost<\/p>\n
Panton Hill Hotel, Panton Hill<\/p>\n
The Sphinx Hotel, North Geelong<\/p>\n
The Star Hotel Sale, Sale<\/p>\n
Sugar Gum Hotel, Hillside<\/p>\n
The Old Town \u2018N\u2019 Country Tavern, Wangaratta<\/p>\n
WestWaters Hotel & Entertainment Complex, Caroline Springs<\/p>\n
Best Pub Restaurant (METRO) \u2014 St Andrews Hotel, Fitzroy<\/p>\n
St Andrews Hotel in Fitzroy has been named the Best Pub Restaurant in the metropolitan category. <\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Signor Fox, Boundary Hotel, Bentleigh East<\/p>\n
The Camden Hotel, Caulfield South<\/p>\n
Ember, The Continental Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
Hofbr\u00e4uhaus Melbourne, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Hotel Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
London Tavern Hotel, Richmond<\/p>\n
Mr McCracken, Essendon Fields<\/p>\n
Steakhouse, Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
St Andrews Hotel, Fitzroy<\/p>\n
Cinder, The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
True South, Black Rock<\/p>\n
The Wild Geese Hotel, Brunswick<\/p>\n
Best Pub Restaurant (Regional) \u2014 The Victoria Rutherglen<\/p>\n
The Victoria Rutherglen has been named Best Pub Restaurant in the regional category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Two Noble, Sawyers Arms Tavern, Newtown<\/p>\n
The Yackandandah Hotel, Yackandandah<\/p>\n
Bush Pub of the Year \u2014 Victoria Hotel, Dimboola<\/p>\n
Victoria Hotel in Dimboola has won the coveted Bush Pub of the Year award.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Barmah Hotel, Barmah<\/p>\n
Commercial Hotel Woods Point, Woods Point<\/p>\n
The Dederang Hotel, Dederang<\/p>\n
Lindenow Farmers Home Hotel, Lindenow<\/p>\n
Lockington Community Hotel, Lockington<\/p>\n
Noojee Toolshed Bar, Bistro & Cabins, Noojee<\/p>\n
Victoria Hotel, Dimboola <\/p>\n
Cocktail Menu of the Year \u2014 The Yackandandah Hotel<\/p>\n
The Yackandandah Hotel has won Cocktail Menu of the Year.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
3 Social, Sunbury<\/p>\n
American Hotel Echuca, Echuca<\/p>\n
Central Hotel Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield<\/p>\n
The Continental Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
Cookie, Melbourne<\/p>\n
The Grand Hotel Warrandyte, Warrandyte<\/p>\n
Hogans Hotel, Wallan<\/p>\n
Macedon Village Hotel, Macedon<\/p>\n
The Middle Hotel Korumburra, Korumburra<\/p>\n
Old Faithfulls Brew Bar, Wangaratta<\/p>\n
Panton Hill Hotel, Panton Hill<\/p>\n
The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
The Waterside Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
The Yackandandah Hotel, Yackandandah <\/p>\n
Best Function and Event Space (Metro) \u2014 The Continental Sorrento<\/p>\n
The Continental Sorrento has won Best Function and Event Space in metro.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
The Continental Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
The Doutta Galla Hotel, Kensington<\/p>\n
The Grand Hotel Warrandyte, Warrandyte<\/p>\n
Hotel Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
Ludlow Bar, Southbank<\/p>\n
Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
Panton Hill Hotel, Panton Hill<\/p>\n
Republica St Kilda, St Kilda<\/p>\n
Taxi Kitchen, Melbourne<\/p>\n
The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
Transit Rooftop Bar, Melbourne<\/p>\n
The Waterside Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Best Function and Event Space (Regional) \u2014 The Middle Hotel Korumburra<\/p>\n
The Middle Hotel in Korumburra has been named the Best Function and Event Space in the regional category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
1915 Restaurant and Bar, North Geelong<\/p>\n
All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo, Strathdale<\/p>\n
Alpine Hotel Bright, Bright<\/p>\n
The Middle Hotel Korumburra, Korumburra<\/p>\n
The Victoria Hotel, Woodend<\/p>\n
Best Live Entertainment Venue \u2014 THe Fifth Province, St Kilda<\/p>\n
St Kilda\u2019s The Fifth Province has been named Best Live Entertainment Venue of 2026.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads<\/p>\n
The Continental Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
Corner Hotel, Richmond<\/p>\n
Croxton Park Hotel, Thornbury<\/p>\n
The Doutta Galla Hotel, Kensington<\/p>\n
Elephant and Wheelbarrow, Melbourne<\/p>\n
The Fifth Province, St Kilda<\/p>\n
Republica St Kilda, St Kilda<\/p>\n
Riverview Hotel, Tarwin Lower<\/p>\n
Torquay Hotel, Torquay<\/p>\n
Transport Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool<\/p>\n
Best Outdoor Experience (Metro) \u2014 Notting Hill Hotel<\/p>\n
Notting Hill Hotel has won Best Outdoor Experience in the metropolitan category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Alpine Hotel Warburton, Warburton<\/p>\n
Bridie O\u2019Reilly\u2019s, South Yarra<\/p>\n
The Grand Hotel Warrandyte, Warrandyte<\/p>\n
The Heritage Balnarring, Balnarring<\/p>\n
London Tavern Hotel, Richmond<\/p>\n
Lower Plenty Hotel, Lower Plenty<\/p>\n
Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
Panton Hill Hotel, Panton Hill<\/p>\n
Platform 28, Docklands<\/p>\n
Railway Hotel Pakenham, Pakenham<\/p>\n
Republica St Kilda, St Kilda<\/p>\n
Rosstown Hotel, Carnegie<\/p>\n
Best Outdoor Experience (Regional) \u2014 San Remo Hotel<\/p>\n
San Remo Hotel has won the Best Outdoor Experience in the regional category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
The 1860 Hotel, Romsey<\/p>\n
American Hotel Echuca, Echuca<\/p>\n
Botanical Hotel Bendigo, White Hills<\/p>\n
The Caledonian Inn, Port Fairy<\/p>\n
The Commercial Hotel \u2013 Glengarry, Glengarry<\/p>\n
Grand Pacific Hotel, Lorne<\/p>\n
Macedon Village Hotel, Macedon<\/p>\n
The Middle Hotel Korumburra, Korumburra<\/p>\n
The One Tree Hill Hotel, Spring Gully<\/p>\n
San Remo Hotel, San Remo<\/p>\n
Western Hotel, Ballarat <\/p>\n
Best Presented Beer \u2014 The Terminus North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
The Terminus North Fitzroy has won the award for Best Presented Beer.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo, Strathdale<\/p>\n
American Hotel Echuca, Echuca<\/p>\n
The Bay Hotel Mornington, Mornington<\/p>\n
Belgian Beer Caf\u00e9 Melbourne, Southbank<\/p>\n
Botanical Hotel Bendigo, White Hills<\/p>\n
Bridie O\u2019Reilly\u2019s, South Yarra<\/p>\n
Central Hotel Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield<\/p>\n
The Clifton Hill Hotel, Clifton Hill<\/p>\n
Cookie, Melbourne<\/p>\n
The Doutta Galla Hotel, Kensington<\/p>\n
The Fifth Province, St Kilda<\/p>\n
Five Flags Hotel, Campbells Creek<\/p>\n
Macedon Village Hotel, Macedon<\/p>\n
Mail Exchange Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
The Middle Hotel Korumburra, Korumburra<\/p>\n
Railway Hotel Pakenham, Pakenham<\/p>\n
The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
Best Pub Bar (Metro) \u2014 The Clifton Hill Hotel<\/p>\n
The Cliffton Hill Hotel has won the Best Pub Bar in the metropolitan category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Central Hotel Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield<\/p>\n
The Clifton Hill Hotel, Clifton Hill<\/p>\n
The Doutta Galla Hotel, Kensington<\/p>\n
The Fifth Province, St Kilda<\/p>\n
The Fox Hotel, Collingwood<\/p>\n
Lower Plenty Hotel, Lower Plenty<\/p>\n
Mail Exchange Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Network Sports Bar, Docklands<\/p>\n
Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
Platform 28, Docklands<\/p>\n
Railway Hotel Pakenham, Pakenham<\/p>\n
St Andrews Hotel, Fitzroy<\/p>\n
Temperance Hotel, South Yarra<\/p>\n
Transport Hotel, Melbourne <\/p>\n
Best Pub Bar (Regional) \u2014 Old Faithfulls Brew Bar (Wangaratta)<\/p>\n
Old Faitfulls Brew Bar in Wangaratta has taken out Best Pub Bar (regional) award.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Barmah Hotel, Barmah<\/p>\n
Brougham Arms Hotel, Bendigo<\/p>\n
Crown Hotel, Traralgon<\/p>\n
Esplanade Hotel \u2013 Inverloch, Inverloch<\/p>\n
Old Faithfulls Brew Bar, Wangaratta<\/p>\n
Poowong Hotel, Poowong<\/p>\n
Royal Hotel Drouin, Drouin<\/p>\n
Royal Oak Hotel, Ballarat Central<\/p>\n
The Rosey Pub, Rosedale<\/p>\n
The Star Hotel Bright, Bright<\/p>\n
Tinamba Hotel, Tinamba<\/p>\n
The Yackandandah Hotel, Yackandandah<\/p>\n
Best Retail Liquor Outlet \u2014 Notting Hill Hotel<\/p>\n
Notting Hill Hotel has been named Best Retail Liqour Outlet.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Central Hotel Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield<\/p>\n
Lower Plenty Hotel, Lower Plenty<\/p>\n
Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
Old England Hotel, Heidelberg<\/p>\n
Roxburgh Park Hotel, Coolaroo <\/p>\n
Best Rooftop Experience \u2014 Corner Hotel, Richmond<\/p>\n
Corner Hotel in Richmond has won Best Rooftop Experience award.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
American Hotel Echuca, Echuca<\/p>\n
Corner Hotel, Richmond<\/p>\n
Hotel Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
Best Specialty Bar \u2014 The Social Bar & Eating House (Bendigo)<\/p>\n
The Social Bar and Eating House in Bendigo has won Best Specialty Bar.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Belgian Beer Caf\u00e9 Melbourne, Southbank<\/p>\n
Bridie O\u2019Reilly\u2019s, South Yarra<\/p>\n
The Cross, St Kilda<\/p>\n
Elephant and Wheelbarrow, Melbourne<\/p>\n
The Fifth Province, St Kilda<\/p>\n
Hofbr\u00e4uhaus Melbourne, Melbourne <\/p>\n
Hogans Hotel, Wallan<\/p>\n
Mexicams Restaurant and Fiesta, North Geelong<\/p>\n
P. J. O\u2019Brien\u2019s Irish Pub, Southbank<\/p>\n
The Social Bar & Eating House, Bendigo<\/p>\n
The Wild Geese Hotel, Brunswick <\/p>\n
Best Sports Bar (Metro) \u2014 Rosstown Hotel, Carnegie<\/p>\n
Rosstown Hotel in Carnegie has won Best Sports Bar (Metro).<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Berwick Springs Hotel, Berwick<\/p>\n
Bridge Inn Hotel, Mernda<\/p>\n
Caulfield Glasshouse, Caulfield East<\/p>\n
Harvey\u2019s Sports Bar & Grill, St Kilda <\/p>\n
The King Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
Rosstown Hotel, Carnegie<\/p>\n
Best Sports Bar (Regional) \u2014 Grovedale Hotel<\/p>\n
Grovedale Hotel has won Best Sports Bar in the regional category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo, Strathdale<\/p>\n
Esplanade Hotel \u2013 Inverloch, Inverloch<\/p>\n
Grand Junction Hotel, Traralgon<\/p>\n
Grovedale Hotel, Grovedale <\/p>\n
The One Tree Hill Hotel, Spring Gully<\/p>\n
San Remo Hotel, San Remo<\/p>\n
Western Hotel, Ballarat<\/p>\n
Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool<\/p>\n
Parma of the Year \u2014 Lindenow Farmers Home Hotel, Newborough Hotel & The Creekside Hotel, Warracknabeal<\/p>\n
The coveted Parma of the Year has been awarded to three hotels; Lindenow Farmers Home Hotel, Newborough Hotel and The Creekside Hotel in Warracknabeal.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
The Albion Hotel, Kyneton<\/p>\n
All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo, Strathdale<\/p>\n
Bank Hotel Warragul, Warragul<\/p>\n
Barmah Hotel, Barmah<\/p>\n
The Bay Hotel Mornington, Mornington<\/p>\n
Botanical Hotel Bendigo, White Hills<\/p>\n
The Buninyong Hotel, Buninyong<\/p>\n
The Creekside Hotel, Warracknabeal<\/p>\n
Hogans Hotel, Wallan<\/p>\n
Lindenow Farmers Home Hotel, Lindenow<\/p>\n
Newborough Hotel, Newborough<\/p>\n
The One Tree Hill Hotel, Spring Gully<\/p>\n
The Oxford Scholar, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Poowong Hotel, Poowong<\/p>\n
Railway Hotel Pakenham, Pakenham<\/p>\n
San Remo Hotel, San Remo<\/p>\n
Sawyers Arms Tavern, Newtown<\/p>\n
The Star Hotel Bright, Bright<\/p>\n
The Star Hotel Sale, Sale<\/p>\n
The Windsor Alehouse, Windsor<\/p>\n
Best Hotel Accommodation \u2014 Hotel Sorrento<\/p>\n
Hotel Sorrento has been named Best Hotel Accomodation of 2026.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo, Strathdale<\/p>\n
Glenferrie Hotel, Hawthorn<\/p>\n
Hotel Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
Royal Oak Hotel, Ballarat Central<\/p>\n
The Victoria Rutherglen, Rutherglen<\/p>\n
Best Gaming Venue (Metro) \u2014 Lower Plenty Hotel<\/p>\n
Lower Plenty Hotel has won Best Gaming Venue (metro).<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
The Camden Hotel, Caulfield South<\/p>\n
Caulfield Hotel, Caulfield East<\/p>\n
Cherry Hill Hotel, Doncaster<\/p>\n
The Cove, Pattersons Lakes<\/p>\n
Epping Plaza Hotel, Epping<\/p>\n
Grosvenor Hotel, St Kilda East<\/p>\n
Lower Plenty Hotel, Lower Plenty<\/p>\n
Mail Exchange Hotel, Melbourne <\/p>\n
Old England Hotel, Heidelberg<\/p>\n
Plough Hotel, Mill Park<\/p>\n
Rosstown Hotel, Carnegie<\/p>\n
Sir Henry Barkly Hotel, Heidelberg<\/p>\n
Skyways Hotel, Airport West<\/p>\n
Welcome Stranger Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
WestWaters Hotel & Entertainment Complex, Caroline Springs<\/p>\n
Best Gaming Venue (Regional) \u2014 Hogans Hotel, Wallan<\/p>\n
Hogans Hotel in Wallan has been named Best Gaming Venue in the regional category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo, Strathdale<\/p>\n
The Drouin Family Hotel, Drouin<\/p>\n
Grand Junction Hotel, Traralgon<\/p>\n
Grovedale Hotel, Grovedale<\/p>\n
Hogans Hotel, Wallan<\/p>\n
The Middle Hotel Korumburra, Korumburra<\/p>\n
Torquay Hotel, Torquay<\/p>\n
Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool<\/p>\n
Best Pubtab (Metro) \u2014 Kealba Hotel<\/p>\n
Kealba Hotel has won Best PUBTAB in the metropolitan category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Berwick Springs Hotel, Berwick<\/p>\n
Caulfield Hotel, Caulfield East<\/p>\n
Kealba Hotel, Kealba<\/p>\n
The King Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Mail Exchange Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Nixon Hotel, Docklands<\/p>\n
Rosstown Hotel, Carnegie<\/p>\n
WestWaters Hotel & Entertainment Complex, Caroline Springs<\/p>\n
Best Pubtab (Regional) \u2014 All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo<\/p>\n
All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo has been named Best PUBTAB in the regional category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
All Seasons Resort Hotel Bendigo, Strathdale<\/p>\n
Grand Junction Hotel, Traralgon<\/p>\n
Grovedale Hotel, Grovedale <\/p>\n
The Middle Hotel Korumburra, Korumburra<\/p>\n
The Sphinx Hotel, North Geelong <\/p>\n
Apprentice of the Year \u2014 Olivia Hansen, The Victoria Hotel, (Woodend)<\/p>\n
Olivia Hansen from The Victoria Hotel in Woodend has been named the Apprentice of the Year.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Alexander D\u2019Amelio, A Cut Above \u2013 Bar & Grill, Berwick<\/p>\n
Anthony Pappas, Taxi Kitchen, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Chef of the Year \u2014 Tony Twitchett, Taxi Kitchen<\/p>\n
Tony Twitchett from Taxi Kitchen in Melbourne has been named Chef of the Year.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Dulan Mudalige, The 1860 Hotel, Romsey<\/p>\n
Con Derlis, The Camden Hotel, Caulfield South<\/p>\n
Benjiman Lewis, A Cut Above \u2013 Bar & Grill, Berwick<\/p>\n
Sunny Ghotra, The Doutta Galla Hotel, Kensington<\/p>\n
Rory Brown, Five Flags Hotel, Campbells Creek<\/p>\n
Sudeep Khanal, Glenferrie Hotel, Hawthorn<\/p>\n
David Maclean, Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel, Kilcunda<\/p>\n
Simon Poynting, Lockington Community Hotel, Lockington<\/p>\n
Mark Smith, The Middle Hotel Korumburra, Korumburra<\/p>\n
Andy Tsai, Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
Damien Jayasuriya, Roxburgh Park Hotel, Coolaroo<\/p>\n
Nick Anthony, The Social Bar & Eating House, Bendigo<\/p>\n
Adam Jackson, The Star Hotel Sale, Sale<\/p>\n
Tony Twitchett, Taxi Kitchen, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Marius Daniulaitis, The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
Sarah Chan, The Waterside Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Jonathan Laureyssens,<\/p>\n
WestWaters Hotel & Entertainment Complex, Caroline Springs<\/p>\n
Cameron O\u2019Flaherty, Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool<\/p>\n
Chris Hudich, Wharf Shed, Geelong<\/p>\n
Ryan Philippe, The Wooli Tavern, Cape Woolamai<\/p>\n
Emerging Leader of the Year \u2014 Ellie Searle, Cherry Hill Hotel (Doncaster)<\/p>\n
Ellie Searle from Cherry Hill Hotel in Doncaster has won Emerging Leader of the Year.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Brayden Davis, The 1860 Hotel, Romsey<\/p>\n
Shelby Clarkson, Berwick Springs Hotel, Berwick<\/p>\n
Ellie Searle, Cherry Hill Hotel, Doncaster<\/p>\n
Kari Brown, The Club Hotel, Ferntree Gully<\/p>\n
Zenna Mann, Esplanade Hotel \u2013 Inverloch, Inverloch<\/p>\n
Tom Rolton, London Tavern Hotel, Richmond<\/p>\n
Cody Gebert, Macedon Village Hotel, Macedon<\/p>\n
Charlie Hall, Poowong Hotel, Poowong<\/p>\n
Lauren Ward, Royal Hotel Koo Wee Rup, Koo Wee Rup<\/p>\n
Erin Ladson, The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
Jesse Lloyd, Western Hotel, Ballarat<\/p>\n
Excellence in Service \u2014 Gina Cimarosti, London Tavern Hotel (Richmond)<\/p>\n
Gina Cimarosti from London Tavern Hotel in Richmond has won the 2026 Excellence in Service award.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Alexis Melissa, Cherry Hill Hotel, Doncaster<\/p>\n
Gina Cimarosti, London Tavern Hotel, Richmond<\/p>\n
Debbie Etheve, Macedon Village Hotel, Macedon<\/p>\n
Paras Chopra, The Middle Hotel Korumburra, Korumburra<\/p>\n
Runcha Jivaanan, Mail Exchange Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Danielle Du Bois, Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
Shae Wells, Royal Hotel Koo Wee Rup, Koo Wee Rup<\/p>\n
Ines Stuer, Taxi Kitchen, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Lauren Webster, The Waterside Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Skye Dubignon, Welshpool Hotel, Welshpoo<\/p>\n
Local Legends Award \u2014 Jim & Anne McIlroy, The Caledonian Inn (Port Fairy)<\/p>\n
Jim and Annie Mcilroy from The Caledonian Inn, Port Fairy have been awarded the Local Legends title.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Jim & Anne McIIroy, The Caledonian Inn, Port Fairy<\/p>\n
Beverly Joy Hurley, Dargo Hotel, Dargo<\/p>\n
Dean Belle, The Delatite Hotel, Mansfield<\/p>\n
Tanya McAlpin, Old Faithfulls Brew Bar, Wangaratta<\/p>\n
Barry & Veronica Williams, San Remo Hotel, San Remo<\/p>\n
Venue Manager of the Year \u2014 Rachael Grisold, Sir Henry Barkly Hotel (Heidelberg)<\/p>\n
Rachael Grisold from Sir Henry Barkly Hotel in Heidelberg has won Venue Manager of the Year.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Shannon Winbank, Boronia Hotel, Boronia<\/p>\n
Christopher O\u2019Brien, Botanical Hotel Bendigo, White Hills<\/p>\n
Ben Lougoon, The Doutta Galla Hotel, Kensington<\/p>\n
Darren Freestone, Hogans Hotel, Wallan<\/p>\n
Gina Cimarosti, London Tavern Hotel, Richmond<\/p>\n
Kris Chapman, Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
Neil O\u2019Connor, Palace Hotel, Camberwell<\/p>\n
Rachael Grisold, Sir Henry Barkly Hotel, Heidelberg<\/p>\n
Nic Rhodes, The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
Brett Thompson, The Wooli Tavern, Cape Woolamai<\/p>\n
Imran Nicholls, Transport Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Best Hotel Group Operator \u2014 Kickon Group<\/p>\n
Kickon Group has won Best Hotel Group Operator 2026.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
ALH Hotels<\/p>\n
Deegan Hotel Group<\/p>\n
Francis Venues<\/p>\n
JBS Hospitality Group<\/p>\n
Kickon Group<\/p>\n
Pegasus Leisure Group<\/p>\n
Best Marketed Hotel \u2014 Transport Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Transport Hotel in Melbourne has won the 2026 award for Best Marketed Hotel.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
The Albion Hotel, Kyneton<\/p>\n
Alpine Hotel Warburton, Warburton<\/p>\n
Central Hotel Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield<\/p>\n
The Clifton Hill Hotel, Clifton Hill<\/p>\n
The Continental Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
The Doutta Galla Hotel, Kensington<\/p>\n
The Grand Hotel Warrandyte, Warrandyte<\/p>\n
Harvey\u2019s Sports Bar & Grill, St Kilda<\/p>\n
London Tavern Hotel, Richmond<\/p>\n
Macedon Village Hotel, Macedon<\/p>\n
Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
The Old Town \u2018N\u2019 Country Tavern, Wangaratta<\/p>\n
The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
Transport Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
WestWaters Hotel & Entertainment Complex, Caroline Springs <\/p>\n
Outstanding Achievement in Training \u2014 The Old Town \u2018n\u2019 Country Tavern (Wangaratta)<\/p>\n
The Old Town \u2018N\u2019 Country Tavern in Wangaratta has been awarded Outstanding Achievement in Training.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
The Grand Hotel Warrandyte, Warrandyte<\/p>\n
Junction Hotel, Newport <\/p>\n
The Old Town \u2018N\u2019 Country Tavern, Wangaratta<\/p>\n
The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy <\/p>\n
Best Redeveloped Hotel \u2014 The Waterside Hotel and Macedon Village Hotel<\/p>\n
The Waterside Hotel in Melbourne wins Best Redeveloped Hotel (Metro) and Macedon Village Hotel wins the regional category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
The Buninyong Hotel, Buninyong<\/p>\n
Cherry Hill Hotel, Doncaster<\/p>\n
The Dederang Hotel, Dederang<\/p>\n
The Doutta Galla Hotel, Kensington<\/p>\n
Grand Pacific Hotel, Lorne<\/p>\n
Hotel Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
Macedon Village Hotel, Macedon<\/p>\n
Palace Hotel, Camberwell<\/p>\n
Royal FTG Hotel, Ferntree Gully<\/p>\n
The Waterside Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
The Yackandandah Hotel, Yackandandah <\/p>\n
Best Refurbished Venue Space \u2014 The Terminus North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
The Terminus North Fitzroy has won Best Refurbished Venue Space.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Boundary Hotel, Bentleigh East<\/p>\n
London Tavern Hotel, Richmond<\/p>\n
Mexicams Restaurant and Fiesta, North Geelong<\/p>\n
Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
Old England Hotel, Heidelberg<\/p>\n
Skyways Hotel, Airport West<\/p>\n
The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
Transport Hotel, Melbourne<\/p>\n
Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool <\/p>\n
Heart of the Community \u2014 The Grand Hotel Warrandyte (Metro) and Dargo Hotel (Regional) <\/p>\n
Heart of the Community award 2026 has gone to The Grand Hotel Warrandyte in the metro category and Dargo Hotel in the regional category.<\/p>\n
2026 Finalists<\/p>\n
Barmah Hotel, Barmah<\/p>\n
The Caledonian Inn, Port Fairy<\/p>\n
The Commercial Hotel \u2013 Glengarry, Glengarry<\/p>\n
The Continental Sorrento, Sorrento<\/p>\n
Dargo Hotel, Dargo<\/p>\n
The Delatite Hotel, Mansfield<\/p>\n
The Grand Hotel Warrandyte, Warrandyte<\/p>\n
The Lancefield Hotel, Lancefield<\/p>\n
Launching Place Home Hotel, Launching Place<\/p>\n
Lindenow Farmers Home Hotel, Lindenow<\/p>\n
The Middle Hotel Korumburra, Korumburra<\/p>\n
Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill<\/p>\n
Old Faithfulls Brew Bar, Wangaratta<\/p>\n
San Remo Hotel, San Remo<\/p>\n
The Terminus North Fitzroy, North Fitzroy<\/p>\n
Victoria Hotel, Dimboola<\/p>\n
Welshpool Hotel, Welshpool <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The ultimate pub debate has finally been settled, but it took an unprecedented three-way tie to crown 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