Every day, Victoria's pubs and hotels are the backdrop to life's most important moments, the milestone birthdays, the anniversaries, the celebrations big and small, the nights that become memories. For one night a year, it's their turn to be celebrated.
The AHA Vic State Awards for Excellence recognise the best of the best in an industry that gives so much to so many. To every finalist who made it to that room, thank you for what you do. And to every winner, this night is yours.
We'd also like to extend a special congratulations to the Bepoz venue family represented last night. It wasn't lost on us that more than half of the evening's winners were venues powered by Bepoz and we are very proud to be supporting these iconic venues in their journey. That's a reflection on the incredible operators, their teams, and the standards they hold themselves to every single day.
The Winners You Need to Visit
Overall Hotels of the Year
Two venues stood as the night's ultimate champions:
-
Regional: Macedon Village Hotel, Macedon, also taking out Best Redeveloped Hotel - Regional
-
Metropolitan: The Grand Hotel Warrandyte, bringing warmth and community spirit to the city fringe
Chef of the Year
A huge congratulations to Tony Twitchett of Taxi Kitchen, Melbourne. A well-deserved recognition of exceptional culinary talent.
Best Outdoor Experiences
Victoria knows how to do alfresco:
-
Regional: San Remo Hotel with fresh sea air and spectacular views.
-
Metropolitan: Notting Hill Hotel is proof that Melbourne's beer gardens deserve their own category.
-
Best Rooftop: Corner Hotel, Richmond is one of Melbourne's most iconic venues living up to its legendary status.
Nikakis Award 2026: Congratulations Rob Pitt
The Nikakis Award is the highest individual honour in Victorian hospitality, recognising a lifetime of extraordinary contribution to the industry. This year, it was awarded to Rob Pitt.
This one is special. On behalf of everyone in the industry, thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and everything you have given to Victorian hospitality. A truly deserved and deeply respected recognition.
Community & People Awards
The heart of Victorian hospitality lies in its people:
-
Local Legends Award: Jim & Anne McIlroy, The Caledonian Inn, Port Fairy
-
Venue Manager of the Year: Rachel Grisold, Sir Henry Barkly Hotel, Heidelberg
-
Excellence in Service: Gina Cimarosti, London Tavern Hotel, Richmond
-
Peter Burnett AM Emerging Leader: Ellie Searle, Cherry Hill Hotel, Doncaster
-
More Category Winners to Celebrate
-
Best Sports Bar (Metro): Rosstown Hotel, Carnegie
-
Best Gaming Venue (Metro): Lower Plenty Hotel, Lower Plenty
-
Best Live Entertainment: The Fifth Province, St Kilda
-
Best Casual Dining (Regional): Western Hotel Ballarat
-
Best Pub Restaurant (Metro): St Andrews Hotel, Fitzroy
-
Best PubTAB (Metro): Kealba Hotel
-
Best Marketed Hotel: Transport Hotel
-
Best Rooftop Experience: Corner Hotel, Richmond
-
People's Choice: The Oxford Scholar, Melbourne
The Great Parma Debate: It's a Three-Way Tie!
Parma or parmi? The debate continues! In what might be the most delicious outcome of the night, Parma of the Year ended in a three-way tie. That means there's really only one thing to do: visit all three. To view the full list of winners and finalists, go to AHA VIC.
Congratulations to every winner, every finalist, and every team member who works tirelessly to make Victorian hospitality the best in the country. We'll see you at the bar, or at the Parma counter.