News An Award-Winning Pub-Grub Trail

Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional

Best Pub Bar – Regional

Best PubTAB - Regional

Established in 1884, this heritage hotel won several awards, including Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional. The Crown Hotel has a mouthwatering menu, including giant salted pretzels, pork belly burnt ends and butternut pumpkin gnocchi. The perfect indulgent meal while you’re escaping the daily grind. Follow your meal with a pint of unpasteurised Carlton Draught tank beer, pulled from copper barrels that hang from the ceiling. The Crown Hotel is best in class when it comes to country hotel dining.

Best Pub Restaurant - Regional

Apprentice of the Year: Quinn Jacobs

This charming establishment won Best Pub Restaurant (Regional), and if you step inside you’ll understand why. Renowned from its award-winning food, including locally sourced produce, the Tinamba Hotel is a destination restaurant. The mood lighting and elegant interiors match the first-class menu, which includes delights like chicken roulade with pomme puree and pan seared swordfish with moghrabieh.

The Tinamba Hotel is also home to the Amba Bar, where you can enjoy fresh twists on classic pub fare – think a porterhouse steak with chimichurri, or a chicken schnitzel with jus. Take a bite and you will see why they have won so many awards over the years.

Heart of the Community

This beloved institution won the award for the Heart of the Community. This is the place to stay if you are visiting Phillip Island, and want to stay somewhere that offers sea views, delicious food and a warm atmosphere. The menu includes freshly caught seafood, schnitzels and steaks, as well as vegetarian and vegan options for our animal loving friends.

The San Remo Hotel has been in the same family for over 70 years, and has become a pillar of the local community. Book a room or just stop by for a hearty meal – either way, the team will make you feel welcome.

Parma of the Year - Regional

The Star Hotel has won a particularly beloved award, shining a light on the hero of the pub menu – the humble parmigiana. The Parma of the Year (Regional) goes to this cheerful hotel, built in 1861 and still going strong. The Star Hotel is the place in Sale to enjoy an award-winning dish while listening to some live music. The hotel holds several concerts a month, in addition to their festive weekly specials. There are schnitzel nights, burger nights and nights when kids eat for free. The Star Hotel knows what the people want, and it has been serving it to them for over 160 years.

Best Sports Bar - Regional

A good sports bar is a classic for a reason, and the Grand Junction Hotel just won an award for theirs. This is the spot for any diehard footy fans or cricket lovers, where they can watch the game and enjoy a stellar meal at the same time. The bistro has all the usual faves, from parmas to pasta to porterhouse, but they also hold daily specials – think Burger Wednesday or Steak Thursdays. And seniors are always looked after, with a daily three-course special.

Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage Menu

The Middle Hotel took home an unusual award this year, for the Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage Menu. Not only do they make incredible drinks for our non-drinking friends, but they offer menus for various diets and ages. There are menus for coeliacs or gluten-free diners, vegetarians, vegans, kids and seniors.

Their extensive menu also includes a long list of mouthwatering desserts and pub classics like steak, burgers and a range of parmigianas. This is the place to bring the whole family – you know that everyone will be taken care of, no matter any dietary complications.