Bargara Lakes Tavern voted Bundaberg’s Best Pub 2024

Hundreds of NewsMail readers have voted on Bundaberg’s Best Pub of 2024, and in a tight race to the finish, Bargara Lakes Tavern has taken the crown, with 22 per cent of the total vote.

Hundreds of NewsMail readers have voted on Bundaberg’s Best Pub of 2024, and in a tight race to the finish, Bargara Lakes Tavern has come out on top, with 22 per cent of the total vote.

Hundreds of NewsMail readers have voted on Bundaberg’s Best Pub of 2024, and in a tight race to the finish, Bargara Lakes Tavern has come out on top, with 22 per cent of the total vote.

Venue manager Ryan Gilbert said this week the win was a testament to the hard work put in every day by each member of his staff.

“It’s amazing to see and I think it’s a real testament to the work that the team puts in every day,” he said.

Speaking on what he believed to be the key ingredient behind the pub’s success, Mr Gilbert said its welcoming atmosphere was always a priority for staff.

“We’ve got such a friendly team, the level of service is top notch and I think that is a real sticking point for customers,” he said.

Bargara Lakes Tavern has been voted Bundaberg's Best Pub 2024 by readers.

He said he believed the welcoming atmosphere came from a top down approach to management, with even the top bosses helping out the floor staff during peak periods.

“We’ve got a real focus of having management staff present during those busy hours, and just leading from the front,” he said.

“Why would you ask a staff member to do something you wouldn’t do yourself?”

Mr Gilbert said this priority for customer focus had developed an incredibly positive relationship with pub regulars, who have become more than just patrons.

“We really do have an amazing base of customers, they’re just lovely and we think of them as part of the family,” he said.

While Bargara Lakes Tavern came out on top, it was a close race with The Club Hotel coming in second with 18 per cent of the vote and the Spotted Dog Tavern in third with 14 per cent.

Congratulations to all our nominees and the top three!

Bargara Lakes Tavern manager Ryan Gilbert said he was proud of his team and the recognition of their hard work.

Originally published as Bargara Lakes Tavern voted Bundaberg’s Best Pub 2024