Bayview Hotel Woy Woy finalist in AHA best country pub

A Central Coast hotel that completed a major renovation just a year ago is already in the running to take out the top gong in the Australian Hotel Association’s Country Hotel of the Year Awards.

Bayview after: View of the Garden Bar.

A Central Coast hotel that completed a major renovation just a year ago is already in the running to take out the top gong in the Australian Hotel Association’s Country Hotel of the Year Awards.

Woy Woy’s historic Bayview Hotel was transformed from a pub with a reputation for being a bit rough to a stylish dining and music destination with a funky rooftop bar thrown in for good measure.

Bayview before: View of the old water side before the renovation.

Bayview after: Exterior of the beer garden area

Licensee Shane Turner said he was “very excited” to have made the County Hotel of the Year finals.

“A lot of time, effort and money has gone into this transformation,” Mr Turner said.

He said the hotel owners Gary and Kerry Narvo were heavily involved in the renovation, introducing a cool industrial feel but also preserving and uncovering the hotel’s 1920s heritage.

He said a distinctive tiled “turret” was added which paid homage to the area’s railway past, representing a water tank that stood on the spot during the steam train era.

“We are all very proud of the way its come up and the locals have come to love it as much as we do,” Mr Turner said.

Bayview before: Here's the old Bayview public bar.

Bayview after: Bayview's new Garden Bar.

“Pubs these days are far more than beer and pokies and we have focused heavily on great food and beverage, great service and excellent entertainment,” he said,

“We are big on live music and we are trying to support up and coming local artists.

“We’ve become a hub for the local community.”

The new-look hotel holds one of the best locations on the Central Coast, overlooking picturesque Woy Woy Bay and has already given the Woy Woy CBD a much-needed boost.

“We are trying to work closely with other businesses — we are trying to lift each other up and turn Woy Woy into a unique destination — a food and entertainment hub.”

Bayview before: An older view of the beer garden before the renovation.

Bayview after: Inside Frankies Rooftop Bar.

The Bayview is also in up for some other awards including Best Traditional Hotel Bar (Country), Best Live Music Venue and Best Cocktail, Lounge or Themed Bar for Frankie’s Rooftop Bar.

A number of other local pubs are in the running for specific awards including: The Lakes Hotel (The Entrance) for Best Draught Beer Quality and Best Retail Liquor Outlet; Florida Beach Bar at Terrigal for Best Live Music Venue; and Tahir Akim at The Terrigal Hotel is up for Chef of the Year (Country).

Bayview before: Here's what the old Bayview lounge area used to look like.

Bayview after Here's what you see first as you enter the Bayview.

A dozen country NSW hotels are vying for the pub of the year crown.

AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said hundreds of nominations were received for this year’s Awards ceremony which honours the best hotels in the business.

“We had a record 630 nominations from right across NSW which really shows the quality of our hotels in regional areas,” he said.

Bayview historic: Bayview Hotel around 1986 . Picture: Gostalgia Central Coast Libraries.

Bayview historic: The original Bayview during the 1920s.

“Pubs in regional and rural NSW really are the backbone of their communities and it is pleasing to see so many great country pubs nominated across a range of categories.

“I wish all finalists the best of luck and congratulate them on running terrific venues.”

The 2018 AHA NSW Awards for Excellence will be held at The Star Event Centre, Sydney on Tuesday, 20 November 2018.