The George Tavern, Green Hills has proven yet again it is one of the best in the business, taking the gong for Best Traditional Hotel Bar - Country at this year's Australian Hotels Association NSW Awards for Excellence.
In the past seven years, the team at The George has been the recipient of multiple industry awards, including Best Liquor Retail and Country Hotel of the Year in 2012, and Hotel Operator of the Year and Heart of the Community awards in 2016 and nationally in the same category in 2017.
In the past seven years, the team at The George has been the recipient of multiple industry awards, including Best Liquor Retail and Country Hotel of the Year in 2012, and Hotel Operator of the Year and Heart of the Community awards in 2016 and nationally in the same category in 2017...
The hotel's now Executive Assistant/Bottleshop and Purchasing Manager Kylee Smith was also awarded NSW Rising Star back in 2011 and went on to be named national recipient in the same category in 2012.
"We are thrilled to have won Best Traditional Hotel Bar – Country in this year's AHA Awards for Excellence," Hotelier Janine Redman said.
"It’s wonderful recognition for our team and our venue. We have many long-term employees and this award is theirs. We are making sure they are receiving the recognition they deserve."
According to Janine, this year's win was the result of providing outstanding customer service and creating a great atmosphere for those who visit the hotel.
"At the end of the day, many pubs have incredible setups and offerings, but if customers feel like they can engage with the team behind the bar, and they feel comfortable and safe in their surrounds, it will seal the deal for a great experience," she said.
"At the end of the day, many pubs have incredible setups and offerings, but if customers feel like they can engage with the team behind the bar, and they feel comfortable and safe in their surrounds, it will seal the deal for a great experience..."
"This award, and those that came before it, comes down to the outstanding level of commitment and dedication of our team here at The George. A great example of this is Kylee. She joined us here at the George in 2008 wanting to make a mark in this industry. Starting as a Bar Attendant, she has continued her journey of growth across many departments to become our Executive Assistant and an important part of our Management Group. She is a great example that with the right attitude, drive and work ethic you can achieve your dreams and that is what our industry is really all about. There is so much opportunity and room to grow if you want to succeed."
The George Tavern was also in good company this year with nearby hotels The Bradford and Windsor Castle also receiving award recognition in the categories of gaming and dining.
"It was awesome to see several of our local hotels as finalists in the awards this year," Janine said.
"Maitland’s growth has been incredible over the past five to 10 years. You can see that with the extension of Stockland Green Hills and other businesses around the area, and as far as hotels are concerned, well the people of Maitland are certainly spoiled or choice."
Janine said while having The George continually recognised as an award-winning hotel was fantastic for the team, there was also a great deal of value in shining the spotlight on the area and the industry as a whole.
"This award and those that came before it are a great outcome for our team and our venue, but they also bring to light just how much pubs have to offer their local communities. There's fantastic food, live entertainment, it's a place for friends to catch up, but it's also more than that.
Through the provision of charity events and fundraisers we have been able to directly provide funding to those who need it, but I think it's even more important that we have been able to provide a way for local people to help each other and that's what community is really all about..."
"Hotels provide an incredible amount of support to our local community. They engage and involve the people who live here and often provide a platform that allows individuals and organisations to connect with, and assist, each other. Through the provision of charity events and fundraisers we have been able to directly provide funding to those who need it, but I think it's even more important that we have been able to provide a way for local people to help each other and that's what community is really all about."