Tavern’s chips recognised as state’s best

RAYMOND TERRACE’S Lakeside Village Tavern has taken out the prestigious “Best Chip” title at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence.

The honour was announced at a gala awards ceremony last week at Royal Randwick in front of a crowd of about 1400 industry, political and business leaders.

More than 881 nominations were received for awards across 47 categories and AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said the winners represented the best and brightest in the NSW hotel industry.

“The quality of NSW hotels has never been higher,” Mr Whelan said.

Elsewhere, Parc Pavilion Cronulla and The Oxford Bathurst were named the 2025 Metropolitan and Regional Hotels of the Year.

In an industry first, The Dry Dock, Balmain and The Red Lion Hotel, Rozelle were also awarded Distinction Awards as judges determined the quality of venues nominated for Hotel of the Year in 2025 was exceptionally high.

The much sought-after People’s Choice Award was won by the Gerogery Hotel, Best Family Friendly Hotel was won by the Bellbird Hotel and the Marsden Brewhouse (joint winners), Heart of the Community was won by Coogee Bay Hotel – for the second year in a row – and Best Bush Pub was awarded to the 115-year-old Balldale Hotel in the Riverina.

The food categories were once again highly competitive.

Best Restaurant was the Dry Dock Public House & Dining Room, Balmain.

Best Burger went to Robertson Public House and Kitchen, Best Parmi was won by the Railway Hotel in Temora, Best Sunday Roast was The Royal Hotel Paddington, Best Steak was awarded to The Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay, and Best Steak Sandwich went to the Coramba Hotel.

Group Hotel Operator of the year was Tilley & Wills Hotels while the Individual Hotel Operator award went to Steven Speed of The Fortune of War in the Rocks.

Popular Newcastle hoteliers Rolly and Helen De With received a standing ovation when they were inducted into the AHA NSW Hall of Fame – it’s only the second time in AHA NSW history that a married couple has been inducted.