The John Press Award for the most outstanding industry leader in the licensed bar scene went to Robert Ingram, pictured with partner partner Melissa Munro, of Muddle Bar in Civic. Photo: Melissa Adams

Canberra's hospitality industry celebrated the end of what it said had been a difficult year at the 2014 ACT Australian Hotel Association Awards on Monday night.

More than 35 awards were presented to businesses from across the ACT hospitality sector, at a large ceremony held at the newly opened QT Canberra in New Acton.

The ACT's Hyatt Hotel took home the largest haul of prizes by winning four categories, including best hotel restaurant and best deluxe accommodation (five-star).

A number of new and emerging venues won awards, including Hotel Hotel in New Acton,  which took home three awards, including best new/redeveloped venue in the accommodation division.

Meanwhile, the John Press Award for the most outstanding industry leader in the licensed bar scene, which could include a restaurant, pub or nightclub, went to Robert Ingram of Muddle Bar in Civic.

Australian Hotels Association ACT general manager Brad Watts said it had been a difficult 12 months for Canberra's hotel and hospital sector, and it was good to celebrate success in what was still a tough business environment.

"I think there's been a downturn after the election, and the economy has obviously been doing it tough. However, there are some positive signs for the industry ... especially with a lot of new licensed venues and hotels opening up in Canberra," he said.

Mr Watts said the New Acton precinct had performed particularly well in the 2014 awards, and holding the event at QT Canberra had been a celebration of what the precinct had to offer.

Apart from Hotel Hotel, other winners in New Acton included QT Canberra itself, which won two awards:  for best meetings and events hotel, and best cocktail bar in the accommodation division.

Premier Hotel and Apartments took home three awards, including member of the year for Belconnen Premier Inn's general manager, Murray Emerton, as did the Hotel Realm in Barton.

Among Canberra's bars and nightclubs, Knightsbridge Penthouse and Molly were the big winners. The former won best cocktail bar and the latter best new/redeveloped venue, both in the general division.

The Brassey of Canberra's general manager Mark Sproat won the Australian Hotel Association ACT's life member award.

Source: The Canberra Times - 22nd July 2014