Berry Springs Tavern, Cazalys Palmerston Club named the NT’s top operators

A popular rural pub has been named among the Territory’s best hospitality venues. Read the list of all the winners.

The Territory’s hospitality providers flocked to Mindil Beach Casino on Tuesday for the 2023 Hospitality NT Aristocrat Technologies Awards for Excellence.

More than 500 people descended on the lush casino lawns to see Berry Springs Tavern named Best Overall Pub.

Cazalys Palmerston Club won Best Overall Large Club, Walkabout Lodge and Tavern won Best Overall Regional Pub, Darwin Trailer Boat Club was named Best Overall Small Club and Hilton Darwin was Best Overall Accommodation Hotel.

Berry Springs Tavern owner Ian Sloan. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said it was important to acknowledge the venues and hardworking staff across the Territory striving to deliver excellence in their field.

“From your friendly local hotel and club, through to five-star accommodation properties, signature restaurants, bars and breweries and the vital network of wayside inns and roadhouses, our venues work day and night to ensure Territorians and visitors enjoy their time with us,” Mr Bruce said.

Mindil Beach Casino Resort

“The Territory is chockers with great venues and I encourage people to sample them all and see if they agree with the judges’ picks.”

Service excellence awards went to Doreen Prasad from Hilton Darwin for the accommodation division and Declan Coffey from Hanky Panky Lounge in the general division.

Hayle Wynn from Charlie’s of Darwin won marketing, sales, events employee and Dakota Bondareff from Willing Distillery was named hospitality industry rising star.

“All of the staff nominated do an amazing job for our industry, many going the extra mile to ensure Territorians and tourists get a great experience,” Mr Bruce said.

“Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients who last night proved the strength, resilience and excellence of our local industry.”

ALL THE WINNERS

Outstanding Club Community Service & Achievement: Nightcliff Sport & Social Club

Outstanding Accommodation Hotel Community Service & Achievement: Hilton Darwin

Outstanding Pub/Tavern Community Service & Achievement: Noonamah Tavern

Best Tourism Initiative: Nitmiluk Tours

Service Excellence Front of House – Accommodation: Doreen Prasad – Hilton Darwin

Service Excellence Front of House – General: Declan Coffey – Hanky Panky Lounge

Best Marketing/Sales/Events Employee: Hayley Wynn – Charlie’s of Darwin

Hospitality Industry Rising Star Award: Dakota Bondareff – Willing Distillery

Sales Representative of the Year – Beverage: Brooke Bentley – LION

Sales Representative of the Year – Industry: Nathan Jury – Reward Hospitality

Outstanding Achievement in Training: Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport

Best Pub/Tavern Gaming Venue: Walkabout Lodge & Tavern

Best Club Gaming Venue: Cazalys Palmerston Club

Best TAB Licensed Venue: Lasseters

Best NT Keno Venue: Cazalys Palmerston Club

Best Draught Beer Quality – Regional: Katherine Club

Best Draught Beer Quality – Metro: Breezes Bar & Bistro

Best Public Bar Presentation & Service: Hotel Darwin

Best Club Bar Presentation & Service: Casuarina All Sports Club

Best All Abilities Venue: Darwin Trailer Boat Club

Best Backpacker Accommodation: Daly Waters Pub

Best Pub Style Accommodation: The Cavenagh Hotel

Best Mid Range Accommodation: Contour Hotel Katherine

Best Superior Accommodation: Mindil Beach Casino Resort

Best Late Night Venue: Shenannigans

Best Outdoor Area – Club: Palmerston Golf & Country Club

Best Outdoor Area – General: Darwin FreeSpirit Resort

Best Live Music Venue: Mayberry

Best Family Friendly Venue – Club: Gillen Club

Best Family Friendly Venue – Pub/Tavern: Breezes Bar & Bistro

Best Sporting Entertainment Venue: Landmark @ Gateway

Best Redeveloped Pub/Tavern: The Midway Berrimah

Best Redeveloped Accommodation: Hotel Rydges Palmerston

Best Marketed Pub/Tavern: Berry Springs Tavern

Best Marketed Club Darwin: Trailer Boat Club

Best Marketed Accommodation Hotel: Crab Claw Island Resort

Best Retail Liquor Outlet Cellarbrations: Katherine Hotel

Best New Venue Breezes: Bar & Bistro

Best Craft Brewery: Alice Springs Brewing Co.

Best Craft Distillery: Darwin Distilling Co.

Best Small Bar: Hanky Panky Lounge

Best Wayside Inn: Adelaide River Inn

Best Overall Accommodation: Hotel Hilton Darwin

Best Overall Small Club Darwin: Trailer Boat Club

Best Overall Regional Pub/Tavern: Walkabout Lodge & Tavern

Best Overall Large Club: Cazalys Palmerston Club

Best Overall Pub/Tavern: Berry Springs Tavern