By Sacha Delfosse
The leading venues and bar teams in the on-premise were recognised and rewarded in front of a crowd of 760 people at the 18th Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA).
Guests from all sides of the Australian liquor industry gathered at Luna Park’s Big Top to celebrate the best of 2011 with the majority of attendees embracing the Music theme of this year’s ALIA and donning a variety of entertaining costumes.
Melbourne’s Black Pearl bar lived up to their reputation as one of Australia’s best bars by winning four different categories in the Hotel, Bar and Club Awards section.
“We are very honoured to be held in the same category as such a highly esteemed bunch of bars. It’s just a pleasure to be working in an industry where everyone is pushing themselves to the limit,” Black Pearl bar manager, Chris Hysted, said.
Hotel, Bar and Club Awards winners
Best Sports Bar of the year
Winner: Chalk Hotel, QLD
Highly Commended: York 75, NSW
Best Gaming Venue of the year
Winner: Coolangatta Sands Hotel, QLD
Highly Commended: The Sugarmill Hotel, NSW
Cocktail Sprit/Liqueur
Winner: Hendrick’s Gin
Highly Commended: Ron Zacapa
Tap Beer
Winner: Coopers
Highly Commended: Little Creatures
Bar Team of the year
Winner: Black Pearl
Highly Commended: Eau-de-Vie
Bar Manager of the year
Winner: Luke Redington, Eau-de-Vie NSW
Highly Commended: Jason Williams, Keystone Group, NSW
Brand Ambassador of the year
Winner: Jared Plummer, Beam Global
Highly Commended: Hugh Payten-Smith, Sailor Jerry
On-Premise Training Program of the year
Winner: Mixxit
Highly Commended: Alchemy
Venue Renovation of the year
Winner: Black Pearl (The Attic), VIC
Highly Commended: The Brisbane Hotel, WA
Best Hotel/Bar Food of the year
Winner: Golden Monkey, VIC
Highly Commended: Gardel's Bar @ Porteño, NSW
New Venue of the year
Winner: Kodiak Club, VIC
Highly Commended: Canvas Club, QLD
Nightclub of the year
Winner: Hugo's Lounge, NSW
Highly Commended: Goldfish Kings Cross, NSW
Major Awards
Hotel of the year
Winner: The Beresford, NSW
Highly Commended: The Brisbane Hotel, WA
Bar of the year
Winner: Black Pearl, VIC
Highly Commended: Shady Pines Saloon, NSW
Publican of the year
Winner: Bruce Solomon, Solotel
Highly Commended: Justin Hemmes, Merivale
Bartender of the year
Winner: Chris Hysted, Black Pearl, VIC
Highly Commended: Tim Phillips, ivy, NSW
Group Operator of year
Winner: Merivale
Highly Commended: Hugos Group
Liquor Supplier of the year
Winner: Pernod Ricard Australia
Highly Commended: Diageo Australia
