Major gong served up to restaurateur at Tasmanian Hospitality Association and Drysdale Awards for Excellence

MORE than 700 of the state’s biggest names in hospitality have gathered for the Tasmanian Hospitality Association and Drysdale Awards for Excellence. SEE ALL THE WINNERS

TASMANIAN restaurateur Karen Burbury has received the state’s highest hospitality honour at the annual industry awards.

Ms Burbury, managing director of Cataract on Paterson, which she opened in Launceston in 2013, received the Premier’s Award for Contribution to the Community at last night’s Tasmanian Hospitality Association and Drysdale Awards for Excellence.

More than 700 of the state’s biggest names in hospitality gathered at Wrest Point last night to see Ms Burbury collect her award.

Robert Dutton took home the Hospitality Minister’s Award for Contribution to the Industry and Willie Smiths Apple Shed’s Cara McEwen won the Ambassador of the Year. Lauderdale eatery Driftwood was named the regional restaurant of the year, while Hobart’s The Lounge by Frogmore Creek received the metro prize.

Frogmore Creek also won best Specialty Restaurant and Best Stand Alone Restaurant.

And the Port Arthur Historic Site was celebrated with the Great Customer Experience Award.

The ruins of the old jail hospital at the Port Arthur Historic Site. Picture: ISTOCK

Premier and Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Will Hodgman congratulated all winners and acknowledged the state’s “wonderful” hospitality operators for providing high-quality experiences to visitors from all over the world.

Karen Burbury, managing director of Cataract on Paterson, which she opened in 2013.

“It’s the people in the industry who showcase these experiences and make our guests feel welcome that have made Tasmania one of the hottest destinations in the world,” he said.

“Tasmania is now a better place to live than ever before,” he said.

“No industry has contributed more to this turnaround than the tourism and hospitality industry.”

Mr Hodgman paid tribute to the Tasmanian Hospitality Association for ensuring the state’s hospitality sector was viable and profitable now and in the future.

2018 AWARD WINNERS

Premier’s Award for Contribution to the Community: Karen Burbury

Hospitality Minister’s Award for Contribution to the Industry: Robert Dutton

Great Customer Experience Award: Port Arthur Historic Site

Ambassador of the Year: Cara McEwen - Willie Smiths Apple Shed

Outstanding Achievement in Training and Workforce Development: Vantage Group

Best Marketed Establishment: Tall Timbers Tasmania

Outstanding Community Service and Achievement: The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel

Veolia Best Environmental and Recycling Practice: Willie Smiths Apple Shed

Best Outdoor/Non-enclosed Facility: Shoreline Hotel

Best Bottle Shop: Bevvies Bottleshop Sandy Bay

Best RSL, Sporting or Community Club: The Bridport Bunker Club

Best Meeting and Events Venue: Country Club Tasmania

Best Bar Presentation and Service: MACq01 Hotel

Best Sports Bar: Tall Timbers Tasmania

Draught Beer Quality Award: Country Club Tasmania

Best Music Venue: Wrest Point Hotel

Best Gaming Venue: River Arms Hotel

Best Wagering Initiative: Beltana Hotel

Best Guided Tour Experience: Strahan Village - Gordon River Cruise

Best New Tourism Initiative: MACq01 Hotel

Best Specialty Bar: Rude Boy

Best Café: Three Little Ducks

Best Breakfast Venue: Harbour Lights Café

Best Steak Restaurant: Black Cow Bistro

Best Seafood Restaurant: Bay Restaurant - Freycinet Lodge

Best Italian Restaurant: Maldini Restaurant

Best Asian Restaurant: Mr Good Guy - Ibis Styles Hobart

Best Indian Restaurant: Annapurna Salamanca

Best Specialty Restaurant: The Lounge by Frogmore Creek

Best Bistro Dining: Formby Hotel

Best Restaurant in a Hotel or Accommodation Venue: MACq01 Hotel

Best Stand Alone Restaurant: Frogmore Creek

Best Fine Dining: The Lounge by Frogmore Creek

Best Accessible Accommodation: Ibis Styles Hotel

Best Pub-Style Accommodation: The Richmond Arms Hotel

Best Mid-Range Accommodation: RACV/RACT Hobart Apartment Hotel

Best Apartment Suite Hotel: Zero Davey Boutique Apartments

Best Superior Hotel Accommodation: MACq01 Hotel

Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation: Saffire Freycinet

Restaurant of the Year - Regional: Driftwood Restaurant

Restaurant of the Year - Metro: The Lounge by Frogmore Creek

Hotel/Pub Tavern of the Year - Regional: The Richmond Arms Hotel

Hotel/Pub Tavern of the Year - Metro: Formby Hotel

Accommodation Venue of the Year - Regional: Saffire Freycinet

Accommodation Venue of the Year - Metro: MACq01 Hotel