Geelong’s Woolstore restaurant crowned state’s best at Golden Plate Awards
A Newtown restaurant has claimed the top prize at Victoria’s Golden Plate Awards, with Geelong region venues sweeping multiple categories at Monday’s gala dinner.
A Newtown restaurant has taken out top gong at a prestigious statewide dining awards night, with Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine well represented.
The Hamilton Group’s Woolstore restaurant was awarded restaurant of the year at the Golden Plate Awards Gala Dinner, held in Geelong on Monday evening.
The venue was dubbed by the judges as “a standout, with modern cooking techniques and a strong focus on local products”.
“The kitchen delivers refined dishes that show both a high level of creativity and skill,” they said.
“The drinks list is well curated and all this is backed by a highly skilled and friendly team.”
The restaurant also took out the contemporary dining award.
Head chef Eli Grubb said the recognition was a “testament to our entire team, who have worked together to maintain high standards and deliver exceptional quality”.
“Achieving so much in just nine months is something we’re incredibly proud of,” he said.
The Geelong region dominated the awards, with a number of establishments taking out numerous categories.
French-influenced Claribeaux, located at Curlewis Golf Club, took out the award for relaxed dining, with Queenscliff’s Tarra highly commended in the category.
Tarra chef Michael Jaques was awarded chef of the year, and the restaurant was awarded best value.
The Meredith Farm Store was deemed best unlicensed cafe, while Daylesford Brewing Co highly commended in the licensed category.
The cocktail bar section was dominated by Geelong establishments, 18th Amendment Bar winning, while Daisy Bar and Non Disclosure Bar were both highly commended.
Other venues winning awards were Hounds of the Vine (cellar door and best ambience), Q Train (best menu of local food and best customer service), Cafe Go (best coffee) and Meredith Hotel (people’s choice).
The Retreat Geelong’s Adam Peucker was awarded apprentice of the year.
Golden Plate awards director Pamela Jewson said the awards display a “remarkable level of creativity, resilience, and innovation” across the state.
“Victoria’s hospitality sector has never been stronger,” Ms Jewson said.
“This year’s finalists demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to quality — from the paddock to the plate, from warm service to world-class food.
“The gala dinner is our chance to celebrate the people who make regional Victoria one of Australia’s premier dining destinations.”
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Originally published as Geelong’s Woolstore restaurant crowned state’s best at Golden Plate Awards
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