IT was a night to remember for Newcastle businessman and restaurateur Neil Slater at the 2016 NSW Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence in Sydney on Monday.
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Slater, of Scratchleys on the Wharf, received the NSW Lifetime Achiever award.
His contribution to the industry was recognised at a gala dinner attended by more than 900 hospitality professionals from the state’s best metropolitan and regional cafes, restaurants, and caterers. The awards recognise the achievements of operators providing great food, exceptional service and value for money.
Major awards were also won by Hobarts by Lesley Taylor, at Wests New Lambton, which was named NSW Regional Restaurant of the Year and Regional Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year, and Merewether’s Table 1 Espresso, which took home the Regional Northern Consumer Vote award.
Pokolbin’s Estate Tuscany was named NSW Regional Caterer of the Year and took home a regional gong for Wedding Caterer of the Year.
But the list of winners didn’t end there.
Regional awards also went to Circa 1876, for Caterer of the Year, The Cottage at Scone for Best Steak House and Grain Store Newcastle for Best Beer Café/Wine Bar, while Canon Food Bar Espresso, Warners Bay, was named Best New Restaurant.
The Best Breakfast Restaurant (Hunter/Central Coast winner) was Nice at Nelson Bay, and Lure, at Wests New Lambton, was named Best Seafood Restaurant – Informal.
Restaurant & Catering Australia chief executive John Hart said the effort it took to run a small business was sometimes underestimated.
“Running a restaurant is never easy – it takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get it right. You need great staff and an enthusiasm for this industry in order for it to work,” he said.
“The Awards for Excellence is the largest consumer-led awards program in Australia. The judging criteria is determined by consumers who rank what is important to them in the dining experience.
“Good food, great service and memorable experiences – that’s what consumers want. Being judged by food critics is constructive, but delivering what customers want makes you successful.”
Mr Hart also paid tribute to the ongoing contribution of Neil Slater to the industry and the development of the dining scene in Newcastle.
“Neil has long been a pioneer of hospitality in Newcastle. He is a passionate advocate for staff training and development, and continues to invest in the local community. He has shaped the dining scene in Newcastle and his contribution should be duly recognised,” he said.
