French-inspired Furneaux Restaurant crowned once again at THA Awards

Tasmania’s best hospitality venues were crowned at the THA Awards on Wednesday night, which included an impressive haul for Peppina Restaurant. Check out the full list of winners here.

Chef Massimo Mele at Peppina in Hobart with gnocchi. Delicious 100 best pasta. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The usual suspects in Furneaux and Peppina dominated the major restaurant categories at the Tasmanian Hospitality Associations Awards for Excellence.

More than 800 industry representatives and dignitaries celebrated the occasion at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens on Wednesday night.

Competition was at a record high with more than 200 venues around the state submitting more than 600 overall entries.

The East Coast’s Furneaux Restaurant continued its reign as restaurant of the year — regional for a third consecutive year.

Furneaux Restaurant in Tasmania. Source: Supplied

The French-inspired gem also made it a hat-trick of wins in the best stand-alone restaurant category and snapped up the best fine dining award.

Peppina Restaurant also toasted success with four awards, including restaurant of the year — metro.

Two standouts, Saffire Freycinet and The Tasman, couldn’t be split for the best deluxe accommodation category.

While, Launceston’s The Plough Inn repeated last year’s success to secure the hotel/pub tavern of the year — metro.

The hotly contested best cafe category received 79 nominations. Saint Hugo’s in Montrose rose to the top, while Crowne Plaza’s Phoebe Ray was named the hospitality industry rising star.

The evening included a special moment to recognised the profound contribution John Dabner has made to the Tasmanian hospitality landscape when he was inducted as the THA’s 16th life member.

Image of John Dabner of Smithton's Tall Timbers Hotel from 2016. Picture: Chris Crerar

The North-West Coaster was a driving force behind Tall Timbers, has been a THA board member and accommodation division president since 1994.

On Wednesday night, THA chief executive Steve Old congratulated the former national accommodation division president.

“I have worked closely with John throughout my time at the THA and his passion and dedication for the industry is unparalleled. Earning life membership is deserved recognition for John,” Mr Old said.

He said the strength and vibrancy of Tasmania’s hospitality sector were clearly showcased through the accomplishments of tonight’s winners.

“These awards not only recognise individual excellence but also highlight the collective spirit and resilience of our industry,” he said.

“Each year our Awards for Excellence grow bigger and bigger. There was an outstanding array of entrants from right across the state and I know the judging was extremely difficult in multiple categories.”

The national hospitality association awards will be held in Brisbane on November 25.

THA CEO Steve Old. Picture: Chris Kidd

Major award winners

* Restaurant of the Year – Regional: Furneaux Restaurant

*Restaurant of the Year – Metro: Peppina

*Accommodation Venue of the Year – Regional: Saffire Freycinet

*Accommodation Venue of the Year – Metro: The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel

*Hotel/Pub Tavern of the Year- Regional: Longley International

*Hotel/Pub Tavern of the Year – Metro: The Plough Inn

*Premier’s Award for Contribution to the Community: Georgena Roland (Grand Hotel Huonville)

*Hospitality Minister’s Award for Contribution to the Industry: Julian & Tracey Jacobs (Stanley Hotel)

*Bertie Tucceri Award: Craig Farrer (Ball & Chain Grill)

*Life Membership: John Dabner (Tall Timbers Tasmania)

*Hospitality Industry Rising Star: Phoebe Ray (Crowne Plaza)

*Outstanding Achievement in Training & Workforce Development: Cataract on Paterson

*Outstanding Contribution to your Local Community: The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel

*Best Meeting and Events: Peppermint Bay

*Best Marketed Business: The Cove Tasmania

*Veolia Best Environment & Recycling Practice: The Cove Tasmania

*Excellence in Innovation, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Practices: Crowne Plaza Hobart

*Best Unique Bar Experience: Manky Sally’s by Moo Brew

*Best Bar Experience: Mary Mary

*Best Retail Liquor Outlet: Porters Liquor Sandy Bay

*Best Live Music or Entertainment Venue (Pubs/Taverns): Longley International

*Best Live Music or Entertainment Venue (Large Capacity): Wrest Point Hotel Casino

*Best Tourism Initiative: Devonport Tenpin Bowl

*Best Hospitality Experience: Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures

*Best Draught Beer Quality: Beach Hotel Burnie

*Best Sports Bar: The Plough Inn

*Best Outdoor Experience: The Rooftop by the Plough Inn

*Best new or Redeveloped Hospitality Venue: Callington Mill Distillery

*Best Gaming Venue: Claremont Hotel

*Best RSL, Sporting or Community Club: Hobart Workers Club

*Best TAB Wagering Venue – Sponsored by TAB: The Plough Inn

*Wine List of the Year: Peppina

*Disability & Inclusion Access Award (Hospitality Venue): Rupert & Hound

*Hospo Health Business Award: Freycinet Lodge

*Hospo Health Individual Award: Maria Laverde (Iron Creek Bay Estate)

*Women in Leadership Diversity and Inclusion Award: RACV Hobart Hotel

*Best Budget Style Accommodation (up to 3 stars): Iron Creek Bay Estate

*Best Mid-Range Style Accommodation (3-3.5 stars): Ibis Styles Hotel

*Best Superior Accommodation (4-4.5 stars): The Cove Tasmania

*Best Deluxe Accommodation (5+ stars): Saffire Freycinet & The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel

*Best Self-Contained Apartments or Suites: Ship Inn Stanley

*Disability & Inclusion Access Award (Accommodation Venue): MACq01 Hotel

*Best Casual Dining: Cataract on Paterson

*Best Contemporary Dining: Peppina

*Best Cafe: Saint Hugos

*Best Restaurant (Stand Alone): Furneaux Restaurant

*Best Restaurant (In a Hotel or Accommodation Venue): Peppina

*Best Fine Dining: Furneaux Restaurant

*Best International or Speciality Cuisine: Bar Wa Izakaya

*Best Pub/Tavern Dining: Shipwrights Arms