12 hotels across NSW vying for best pub grub meals for under $15

FORGET the soggy chips and cold pies — the state’s hotels are stepping it up when it comes to affordable pub meals, with 12 vying for the title of Best Cheap Eats for under $15 in the l Australian Hotel’s Association’s annual awards.

JUST because they are cheap, it doesn’t mean they’re nasty.

The search is on for the state’s best cheap eat under $15 with 12 venues across NSW vying for the Australian Hotels Associations (AHA) NSW Awards’ top honour.

Among the finalists are The Macarthur Tavern at Campbelltown; The Settlers Inn Hotel at Port Macquarie; The Parkview Hotel, Alexandria; and the The Beuna at Mosman.

For $15 diners at The Nags Head Hotel, Adamstown get a burger and beer.

Woolgoolga’s Seaview Tavern is also in the running, with owner Charlie Nalder saying while the meals may be cheap, customers are still getting a good quality product at a valuable price.

“It’s a quality meal that is a significant step up from a fast food or takeaway situation,” Mr Nalder told The Sunday Telegraph.

“We employ quality head chefs to ensure kitchen operations work well and we work closely with suppliers to ensure the best possible product that meets food costs.”

The Seaview Tavern won the category last year for its “parmageddon”, a chicken parmigiana with toppings alternating on a daily basis.

Mosman’s The Buena is hoping it takes out the top Cheap Eats title.

“This year we’ve nominated our tempura seafood platter and then we’ve got our usual cheap eats. That’s anything from fish and chips to pastas, rump steak, chicken schnitzel and ribs,” Mr Nalder said.

Fellow finalist Adam Rummery, from Nags Head Hotel in Adamstown, has entered their $15 burger and beer special for the top prize.

“Customers get a schooner of Iron Jack beer and a choice from five different burgers,” Mr Rummery said.

The Parkview Hotel in Alexandria’s steak sandwich and chips.

Diners are spoiled for choice at the Windsor Castel Hotel, East Maitland.

Mouth-watering meals dished up at Campbelltown’s Macarthur Tavern.

The Bradford, Rutherford is hoping its schnitty is judged the winner.

“The beef burgers are definitely our most popular cheap eat meal. And we also do weekday deals for roasts, pizza, pasta and schnitties.

“We’ve also got a few quirky starters that have become a hit with the locals, the cheeseburger spring rolls and special fried rice arancini,” he said.

AHA NSW CEO John Whelan says the cheap eats category is getting bigger every year.

“With a lot of people doing it tough out there, especially in the bush, it’s great to see so many hotels providing quality meals that won’t break a family budget,” Mr Whelan said.

Finalists have been announced for more than 40 categories including Best Bush Pub, Best Live Music as well as City and Country Hotel of the Year.

Winners will be announced at the 2018 Awards for Excellence on Tuesday, November 20.

Originally published as 12 hotels across NSW vying for best pub grub meals for under $15