The Stirling Hotel in the Adelaide Hills has been awarded the honour of being named South Australia’s Best Overall Hotel in 2015 at this year’s AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence.

Since its renovation in 2008, The Stirling Hotel has taken out a total of nine awards across all of its major departments, including its accommodation, bistro, retail outlet, functions and restaurant. This year is no exception,
with The Stirling Hotel winning the category of Best Restaurant (joint winner with 2KW).

“The Stirling Hotel has proven yet again that they are well ahead of the game in terms of presentation, innovation, food, beverage and service excellence,” said AHA|SA General Manager Ian Horne.

“The Stirling Hotel is constantly evolving to suit the needs of the consumer. An outstanding and very popular venue with a very high standard across all of its major facets, it is a clear standout and very worthy of this important recognition”.

“Whether it is a casual meal of pizza from the pizza oven in the bistro, or an 8 course degustation in The Grill restaurant, you can be confident you will receive a great experience, every time.”

This year saw the introduction of a new category for Best Small Venue, which acknowledges the quality and popularity of this growing venue type. Clever Little Tailor on Peel Street has won this award, being recognized for
its stylish interiors and charming atmosphere, knowledgeable and friendly bar staff, and impressive range of wines, beer and spirits.

It was a successful night for the RD Jones Group with their recently redeveloped hotels, The Moseley and The Gully Public House & Garden, both winning multiple awards. Highlighting the value in being progressive and
evolving to meet changing customer needs, these venues are stunning examples of contemporary venues which take advantage of their surrounding environments.

But it’s not only just the newest most contemporary venues that were acknowledged at tonight’s awards. The 150 year old Victoria Hotel in Strathalbyn has taken out the award for the Best Bistro Causal Dining – Country. The
judges were impressed with the large menu choice and use of many local products, and also its outstanding customer service. Steeped in history and charm, the Victoria Hotel embodies all that is great about country pubs
and hospitality.

The 2015 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence was held on Tuesday, July 28, in The Arena, at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Over 800 people attended this premier industry event, with entertainment
provided by Anthony Callea, and hosted by Hamish McLachlan.

All winners from the AHA|SA Awards will now go on to compete in the National AHA Awards to be held in Brisbane on September 14, 2015.

WINNERS

2015 AHA|SA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

1. Mid-Range Accommodation
   Sundowner Hotel Motel, Whyalla
2. Apartment/Suite Accommodation
   Miller Apartments Adelaide
3. Superior Hotel Accommodation
   Crowne Plaza Adelaide
4. Deluxe Hotel Accommodation
   The Playford Adelaide
5. Bistro /Casual Dining – Country
   Victoria Hotel, Strathalbyn (Hotel Victor, received a Judges commendation)
6. Bistro /Casual Dining – Metropolitan
   The Moseley Bar & Kitchen, Glenelg Joint Winner
   The Highway Joint Winner
7. Restaurant – Accommodation Division
   The Playford Adelaide
8. Restaurant – General Division
   2KW Bar & Restaurant Joint winner
   The Stirling Hotel Joint winner
9. Bar Presentation & Experience – Country
   Port Lincoln Hotel
10. Bar Presentation & Experience – Metropolitan
    Publishers Hotel (Apothecary 1878 received a Judges commendation)
11. Best Outdoor or non-enclosed facility
    The Gully Public House and Garden, Tea Tree Gully
12. Live Music Venue
    Governor Hindmarsh Hotel
    HALL OF FAME for the 2nd time
13. Entertainment Venue
    The Moseley Bar & Kitchen, Glenelg
14. Sporting Entertainment Venue
    The Highway
15. Community Service & Support
    Vine Inn Barossa, Nuriootpa
16. Marketing & Promotion – Accommodation Division
    Lakes Resort Hotel
17. Marketing & Promotion – General Division
    The Gully Public House & Garden, Tea Tree Gully
18. Tourism & Regional Promotion
    National Wine Centre
19. Environmental Practice & Energy Efficiency
    Crowne Plaza Adelaide
20. Gaming Venue – Country
    Eyre Hotel, Whyalla
21. Gaming Venue – Metropolitan
    Royal Oak Hotel, North Adelaide
22. Function Operation/Facility – Specialist & Accommodation Division
    Adelaide Oval
23. Function Operation/Facility – General Division
    Lion Hotel, North Adelaide
24. Retail Outlet
    East End Cellars (The Stirling Hotel received a Judges Commendation)
25. Small Venue
    Clever Little Tailor
26. Redeveloped Hotel – Accommodation Division
    Miller Apartments
27. Redeveloped Hotel – Country
    Pretoria Hotel, Mannum
28. Redeveloped Hotel – Metropolitan
    The Moseley Bar & Kitchen, Glenelg
29. Staff Development & Training – under 100
    Strathmore Hotel
30. Staff Development & Training – over 100
    Stamford Plaza Adelaide
31. Apprentice Development & Training
    Warradale Hotel
32. Hotel Industry Rising Star Award
    James Alexander, Port Lincoln Hotel
33. Best Overall Hotel
    Stirling Hotel