The Marina, Mindarie named WA's best venue

The Marina, Mindarie was named Perth’s best hospitality venue at last night’s Western Australian Hospitality Awards for Excellence, joining the State Buildings and Print Hall as the most recent winners of the prestigious award.

Hosted by the Australian Hotels Association and Aon Risk Solutions, the annual event celebrates the best of the state’s hospitality industry, with 42 awards presented at a gala ball at Crown Perth.

The Marina, Mindarie houses The Indian Ocean Brewing Co, The Boat, as well as Cabana Poolside Bar & BBQ, and took the title from the State Buildings, which won in 2016 after Print Hall had scooped the field for the previous three years.

Other winners included Margaret River's Settlers Tavern, which was named WA’s best regional hospitality venue as well as WA's best regional casual pub dining, and Colonial Leisure Group, which won WA’s best group venue operator for the second successive year.

Colonial Leisure Group also won an AHA national award as Australia’s best hotel group operator earlier this year.

Additional notable winners included: Northbridge’s Mechanics Institute, which received the accolades for WA’s best small bar and WA’s best bar team; the State Buildings' Petition Kitchen, a joint-winner of the best restaurant category with Ria Malay Kitchen in Leederville; and Nobu Perth at Crown, which was awarded WA’s best premium restaurant.

AHA WA chief executive Bradley Woods said it had been a challenging year for some in the hospitality industry, but the dedication of owners, managers and staff was unwavering.

“WA’s hospitality leaders and employees who attended the gala ball all know what it means to work hard, to put in long hours and to go above and beyond delivering first-class food and beverage, accommodation and service,” he said.

“WA’s vibrant hospitality industry is a reality thanks to the courage and entrepreneurship of small to large business owners who have made significant investments in the future of our state.

“The hotel and hospitality industry supports our state not only at a macro level but right down to the grassroots – where businesses support local communities, the economy and jobs.”

Katie McDonald was at the award ceremony last night as a guest of AHA.