The Fiddler Rouse Hill crowned Sydney’s hotel of the year
This western Sydney watering hole has dropped the ‘mean’ from more than just its name and taken out the coveted title of Sydney’s best pub.
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The battle for Sydney’s best pub has found a winner in popular Rouse Hill watering hole The Fiddler.
The classic Irish pub took out the award for Metropolitan Hotel of the Year for 2019 at the recent Australian Hotels Association (AHA) NSW’s Awards for Excellence.
It’s been a big five years for the venue, after a rebrand and revamp saw the pub drop the ‘mean’ from ‘The Mean Fiddler’ and become more family friendly
Brad Jenkins, head of leisure at Lewis Land Group, which runs The Fiddler, said the title capped off a significant time in the pub’s almost 200-year history.
“It’s been a five-year journey for us since we changed from ‘The Mean Fiddler’ to ‘The Fiddler’ and changed our direction,” Mr Jenkins said.
“It’s great recognition for us, especially our staff.”
In recent years, the pub has undergone a multimillion-dollar revamp, with a security boost and new dining and entertainment spaces seeing it removed from the state’s most violent venues list.
Mr Jenkins said the business reset had played a big role in its success.
“We have so many different experiences at the venue – we have accommodation now, function facilities, dance space, the lounge and our phenomenal food service,” he said
“I think it’s a combination of this and the everyday service and friendly nature that helped us win.
“Our main priority was to look at our food side of the business, which has grown six- or seven-time what it used to be.
“We’ve been working with local people and community groups and really focusing on the local area – we have some great locals around here.”
The award comes just a few days after the pub celebrated the official opening of its new 78-room Mercure Hotel, with a swimming pool, gym and event space.
Mr Jenkins said the recent opening was an example of the pub’s continual evolution.
“It adds another dimension to the business,” he said.
“From our corporate side, we believe these assets are not stagnant. You have to keep adding new experiences for customers and keep upgrading facilities, which we will continue to do.”
Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne said the new hotel had added to the cultural diversity of the northwest region with its Sydney Metro and Pioneer Theatre.
“It is wonderful to see big businesses taking steps to call The Hills Shire home,” Dr Byrne said.
“Welcoming businesses such as Mercure to the Sydney Hills has a very positive impact on our community, resulting in an uplift in tourism, a boost to our local economy and more jobs for our residents.”
The Fiddler also took home the award for Best Metropolitan Local Hotel, while The Marsden Brewhouse won Best New Metropolitan Venue.