Hotels in the towns of Nyngan, Baradine and Coonabarabran have scored nominations in this years Australian Hotels Award in 13 different categories to the delight of their owners and workers. 

Owners and operators say the awards are a great opportunity to let the wider world know that bush pubs can deliver an experience that matches many of the urban counterparts.

After months of hard yakka renovating an old pub in Nyngan, James and Emily Stanton, opened only three months ago to rave reviews and it seems they have been noticed by not just the public but also the Australian Hotels Association, who informed the couple they have been nominated for eight awards in the 2024 event. 

The Awards will be held be held Tuesday 29 October at the Winx Stand Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney and the couple and their team are super excited. 

“We are beyond proud to announce that the Nyngan has made it as a finalist in not only one, but several categories for the AHA awards,” said Emily Stanton of The Nyngan Hotel. 

• Best regional local 
• Best outdoor Experience 
• Best Marketing Activity  
• Best Deluxe Pub Accommodation 
• Best Regional Development 
• Individual Hotel Operator of the Year 
• Regional Hotel of the year  
• People’s Choice Awards 

The Nyngan Hotel beer garden is a year-round destination. IMAGE: The Nyngan Hotel

“The AHA Awards are prestigious awards in the hospitality industry that recognize excellence in various categories such as accommodation, dining, entertainment, marketing, social media, community service, and talented employees,” said Mrs Stanton. 

“The National AHA Awards specifically honor individuals who have provided exceptional service to their community and the Australian licensed hospitality industry.  

“This recognition means the world to us, and we couldn’t have done it without our amazing Nyngan team,” said Mrs Stanton. 

“We are honored to be finalists in so many categories, and we are proud of what we have created! Hard work pays off,” she said. 

There's no hiding a pub that's doing a great job.

The Imperial Hotel, Coonabarabran. IMAGE: Tripadvisor

The Imperial Hotel in Coonabarabran (dubbed Coona’s favourite meeting place) is no stranger to the awards and is a contender in a total of 4 categories this year. 

• Best Traditional Pub Accommodation (under $150) 
• Best Steak 
• Best Cheap meal (under $20) 
• Best Regional Casual Dining (Western) which they took away the win for in 2023. 

Manager of The Imperial Hotel Samuel Brown says the management and staff are thrilled to have been nominated once again this year. 

“We are happy to have made the finals this year for four nominations for 2024. We won the award last year for best regional casual dining, and this year we have gotten into a few more categories which is great. 

“We are really happy for the nominations as we try to keep on improving, so it is a testimony to our staff and their hard work,” said Mr. Brown. 

“We have a great team here and it is a good reward for effort,” he said. 

Baradine’s The Thirsty Farmer also scored nominations in the ‘Best traditional Pub Accommodation (under $150), Best Steak and Best Regional Casual Dining (Western). 

“We are beyond excited to have received these nominations," said a staff member from the Thirsty Farmer. "We are a dedicated team who works hard, so this is very pleasing for us."