By Vanessa Cavasinni, editor Australian Hotelier
Solotel has taken the record for most on-premise nominations at the Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA), with 15 nominations this year.
The hospitality group based in Sydney and Brisbane is nominated for several major categories, including Hotel of the Year, Publican of the Year (twice), Bartender of the Year (twice) and Hotel and Bar Group Operator of the Year.
Amanda Verratti, who was licensee at Public House Petersham before taking over the reins at Marlborough Hotel – one of Solotel’s most recent pub acquisitions – is nominated for the publican gong, and is happy to see that three other women are also nominated for the award.
“I’m honoured to be included in this year’s list of nominees for the Publican Of The Year award. I’m passionate about women in leadership roles in hospitality and I look forward to seeing greater representation of women across all categories in the years to come.”
Joining her as a nominee is colleague Anne Kessler, licensee of The Erko, who commends the team at the inner-Sydney pub.
“It’s an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness and pride. The proud feeling of leading a team of legends, knowing that you couldn’t have done it without their support and determination and being able to be part of a venue with so much character at the heart of a beautiful community. I feel humbled by the nomination and hope that I can be the leader that my team and community deserve.”
Solotel’s nominations are:
Best Renovation: The Paddo Inn
Best Sports Venue: The Sheaf
Best Gaming Venue: Albion Hotel
Best Gaming Venue: The Sheaf
Best Beer List: Uncle Hops, The Bank Hotel
Best Food Menu: The Erko
Best Hotel Accommodation: Darlo Bar
Bar Team of the Year: Opera Bar
Bartender of the Year: Drue Stevens, Marlborough Hotel
Bartender of the Year: Sam Levy, Opera Bar
Publican of the Year: Amanda Veratti, Public House Petersham/Marlborough Hotel
Publican of the Year: Anne Kessler, The Erko
Hotel of the Year: Clock Hotel
Hotel Operator of the Year: Solotel
Bar Group Operator of the Year: Solotel
COO Justine Baker was delighted that Solotel had taken the record, and pointed to the group’s dynamism in attaining such results.
“We’re incredibly proud to hold the ALIA record for on-premise award nominations at Solotel. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of our amazing staff that we have been recognised by our industry peers.
“The last twelve months have involved growth and change in our business as we have moved through a company merger and acquired three new venues. During this time, our diverse and authentic teams of people have stayed focused on delivering meaningful and fun customer experiences. To receive nominations such as the ALIAS that recognise high levels of professionalism and commitment is a true credit to them.”
The 2017 ALIAs will be held on Wednesday 18 October at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney. Tickets to the event can be purchased here.