Celebrating the best of Victoria’s pub and hotel industry.
From the people behind the bar to the teams in the kitchen, the venue leaders, the community champions and the pubs and hotels themselves — the AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence recognises the people and businesses raising the bar for Victorian hospitality.
Across 39 categories, we will celebrate exceptional service, outstanding venues, innovation, leadership and the experiences that keep Victoria’s pub industry thriving.
The 2027 winners will be revealed at a spectacular gala celebration at Melbourne’s Iconic Palladium at Crown on Monday, 24 May 2027
IMPORTANT DATES
NOMINATIONS OPEN
Monday, 26 October 2026
NOMINATIONS CLOSE
Monday, 30 November 2026
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS DUE
Monday, 14 December 2026
JUDGING PERIOD
Monday, 11 January 2026 – Friday, 5 March 2027
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – PUBLIC VOTING
Monday, 1 February 2027 – Monday, 1 March 2027
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Week beginning Monday, 5 April 2027
TICKETS ON SALE
Week beginning Monday, 235April 2027
TICKET SALES CLOSE
Friday, 30 April 2027
AHA (VIC) STATE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Monday, 24 May 2027
PRESENTATION CEREMONY
VENUE
Palladium at Crown
Level 1 Crown Towers, Crown Melbourne,
8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
DATE AND TIME
Monday, 24 May 2027
6:00 pm - Late
DRESS
Cocktail
Judging Process
Depending on the category, awards are judged via anonymous site inspections, written submissions, or Zoom interviews. All judging is conducted by an independent third-party organisation with no affiliation to AHA (Vic).
Every entrant will receive feedback detailing how they or their property performed relative to winners. Non-finalists will receive their feedback following the announcement of finalists and non-finalists, while finalists will receive theirs after the awards ceremony is completed.
Judging Methods by Category
Dining, General, Accommodation, Gaming, and Wagering Awards: Evaluated through an anonymous property visit.
· Note on Best Function and Event Space: Involves an anonymous visit where judges pose as potential clients requesting a venue tour. Entrants wishing to progress to the National Awards for Excellence will also need to complete a written submission.
Performance Awards: Evaluated solely on written submissions.
Employee Category Awards: Venues must nominate their employee and submit the nominee’s CV and headshot at entry. AHA (Vic) will contact each nominee via email prior to the judging period to schedule a Zoom interview.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Individual Employee Awards - $200 per nomination
- Emerging Leader of the Year
- Chef of the Year
- Excellence in Service
- Local Legend Award
- Apprentice of the Year
- Venue Manager of the Year
Dining Awards – $250 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
- Best Pub Restaurant - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Casual Dining - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Family Dining
General Awards - $200 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
- Best Pub Bar - Regional & Metropolitan
- Parma of the Year
- Best Specialty Bar
- Best Presented Beer
- Best Live Entertainment Venue
- Best Sports Bar - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet
- Best Outdoor Experience - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Rooftop Experience
- Cocktail Menu of the Year
- Best Function & Event Space
Accommodation Awards - $260 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
Gaming & Wagering - $200 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
Performance Awards - $200 per nomination
- Best Marketed Hotel
- Outstanding Achievement in Training
- Heart of the Community
- Best Hotel Group Operator
- Best Refurbished Venue Space
- Bush Pub of the Year
OUR PARTNERS
The presentation of the AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence would not be possible without our event partners. We acknowledge their invaluable contribution to our industry and thank them for their ongoing support.
