State's best pubs named at AHA NSW Awards
Oran Park Hotel and Settlers Inn Hotel in Port Macquarie have been named the 2026 Metropolitan and Regional Hotels of the Year at today’s AHA NSW Awards for Excellence.
The two venues took out top honours at a gala awards ceremony at Randwick Racecourse today in front of a crowd of about 1400 industry, political and business leaders.
The sought-after People’s Choice Award was won by Oatley Hotel, Best Family Friendly Hotel was Bradford Hotel in Rutherford, Heart of the Community was jointly won by Settlers Inn Hotel and North Coast Hotel Group Grafton and Best Bush Pub was awarded to the Country Club Hotel Tooleybuc.
The food categories were once again highly competitive. Best Burger went to Oran Park Hotel, Best Parmi was won by Tourist Hotel in Queanbeyan, Best Sunday Roast was Bushrangers Bar & Brasserie in Largs, Best Steak was awarded to Harrys in Surry Hills and The Bolt Inn Uralla, Best Steak Sandwich was The Winston and Best Chip was taken out by Moonee Beach Hotel.
Group Hotel Operator of the Year was North Coast Hotel Group, Individual Hotel Operator award went to Tathra Hotel and Mudgee hoteliers Des and Carol Kennedy received a standing ovation when they were inducted into the AHA NSW Hall of Fame.
More than 850 nominations were received for awards across 47 categories and AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said the winners represented the best and brightest in the industry.
“These hotels range from mum and dad operations in the most remote parts of the state to multi-level entertainment precincts in our nation’s greatest city,” Mr Whelan said.
“They directly employ 72,000 people, raise millions of dollars for charity each and every year and add $6.8 billion in value to the NSW economy.
“I would like to congratulate all our hotels for their work throughout the year, particularly todays award winners,” he said.
A full list of finalists for this year’s AHA NSW Awards for Excellence can be found at www.ahaawardsnsw.com.au
Australian Hotels Association New South Wales (AHA NSW), 27th October 2026
