Frankston’s reputation as a centre of hospitality excellence has proved well deserved after a sterling showing in the 2017 Australian Hotels Association (Vic) State Awards for Excellence.

Somerville Hotel won Best Regional Pub Bar and Kings Creek Hotel in Hastings took out Best Regional Gaming Venue With 50 Machines or Less at the November 21 awards.  On top of that, The Cheeky Squire’s Dale Payne was a finalist for Chef of the Year, Somerville Hotel was a finalist in the Best Regional PubTAB, Best Regional Pub Bar and Best Regional Gaming Venue With 50 Machines or Less categories, while Kings Creek Hotel made the finals of the Best Regional Family Dining and Best Regional PubTAB categories.

It was a stellar  night all round for the Peninsula, with Rye Hotel winning the Best Environmental Initiative award and a host of other venues and staff members making the finals in a range of categories.  They included Narelle Lougoon from The Dava Hotel in Mount Martha for Excellence in Service; Steeples Mornington and Rosebud Hotel for Best Regional Casual Dining; Steeples Mornington for Best Regional PubTAB and Best Regional Gaming Venue With 51 Machines or More; the Dava Hotel for Best Redeveloped Hotel – Gaming and Best Marketed Hotel; and Rye Hotel for Heart Of The Community and Best Hotel Accommodation.

Kelly’s Motor Club Hotel in Cranbourne won the Overall Regional Hotel of the Year award, while The Garden State Hotel was named Overall Metropolitan Hotel of the Year.  The People’s Choice Award went to The Flying Horse Bar and Brewery in Warrnambool.