Best Bar Presentation & Service
JUDGING (100% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION)
*ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS
VOUCHER OR JUDGING FUNDS REQUIRED: to fund drinks and bar snacks for two adults to cover the cost of judging.
OVERVIEW
This category is best suited to venues with a dedicated area in the hotel focused on a strong local bar trade.
GENERAL CRITERIA
- Décor and design characteristics
- Condition of furniture, fittings and electrical
- Popularity of the establishment
- Community and local trade focus
- Entertainment on offer (background music, live entertainment, promotions, and events e.g., Trivia night)
- Local community engagement and activities
- Rewards/loyalty program for locals
BAR CRITERIA
- Professionalism and outstanding customer service
- Staff neat, clean attired and well groomed
- Bar presentation to be of the highest standard
- Availability of a selection of food
- Comfortable and positive experience for customers
- Beverage experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety, and quality)
- Hygiene and cleanliness
EXPERIENCE CRITERIA
- Ambience – audio visual, lighting, music
- Staff friendliness and knowledge
- Knowledge and implementation of Responsible Serving of Alcohol
- Efficiency of operations throughout the experience
MARKETING CRITERIA
- In-house promotions on offer
- Website – ease of search, use and finding information
- Engagement with locals and community through social media
Categories
PROPERTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
The following categories are judged by written submission. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
PEOPLE AWARDS
The following categories are judged firstly by written submission, and then by an interview. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category.
Applicants are awarded on their performance with the nominating property, over the qualifying period 1 January 2024 – 2 May 2025. The candidate must be available to appear for an interview via zoom between 2 June - 25 July 2025. Applicants require a minimum of 6 months employment with the nominating property.
EXPERIENCE AWARDS
The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection some which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
Judging voucher information guidelines
Best Live Music Venue is judged 25% written submission, 25% interview & 50% site visit) . Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
FOOD AWARDS
The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
Judging voucher information guidelines
ACCOMMODATION AWARDS
The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
Judging voucher information guidelines
OVERALL HOTEL AWARDS - nominations are not required
- People’s Choice - NEW
- Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division
- Hotel of the Year - General Division