Whether you’re dining out with friends or grabbing a bite on a road trip, pub food can often be a hit or miss affair. The cheese on your parmi might not be grilled enough, your steak could be too dry, or wedges might replace your beloved fries. In a bid to ensure a positive dining experience for pub-goers, the Australian Hotel Association (AHA) NSW has announced the winners of its annual awards, spotlighting the best pubs across the state, including the venue serving the best burger.
Aussies seeking the best pub burger in New South Wales will need to travel to the Southern Highlands to visit the Robertson Public House and Kitchen. The establishment’s hot honey fried chicken burger, priced at $26, features southern fried chicken, hot honey, iceberg lettuce, dill pickle, and Kewpie mayo.
Judges’ Delight: A Unique Burger Experience
The accolade was awarded by an anonymous panel of judges, one of whom shared with Yahoo Lifestyle that the Robertson burger was “well structured” and “certainly not your run-of-the-mill chicken burger.”
“I was delightfully surprised at how delicious it was,” the judge remarked. “The mix of flavors really complemented the delicious, juicy fried chicken. The taste was incredibly good, nothing was too overpowering, a perfect mix of flavors.”
This development follows a growing trend in the culinary world where traditional pub fare is being elevated to new heights with innovative recipes and high-quality ingredients.
Best Beef Burger: A Newcastle Gem
Meanwhile, the George Darby Hotel in Newcastle received high praise for its double cheeseburger. According to another judge, it was “truly the best beef burger [they] have ever eaten.”
“Every element showcased exceptional quality from the premium Wagyu beef from hand-selected cattle raised on natural grasslands off the Gulf of Queensland,” they explained. “The crisp cos, tangy pickle, and delicious triple cheese are all perfectly balanced with the hand-cut chips. The burger is crafted with care using the finest ingredients.”
This recognition highlights the importance of sourcing quality ingredients and the skill involved in creating a standout burger that resonates with both judges and patrons alike.
Award-Winning Pub Fare Across NSW
In addition to the best burger, the AHA NSW Awards also celebrated other culinary delights, including the best parmi, Sunday roast, steak, steak sandwich, and chips. The winners in these categories reflect the diverse and rich pub culture across New South Wales.
- Best Restaurant: Dry Dock Public House & Dining Room, Balmain
- Best Burger: Robertson Public House and Kitchen
- Best Parmi: Railway Hotel in Temora
- Best Sunday Roast: The Royal Hotel Paddington
- Best Steak: The Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay
- Best Steak Sandwich: Coramba Hotel
- Best Chip: Lakeside Village Tavern in Raymond Terrace
The announcement comes as the AHA NSW received over 881 nominations for awards across 47 categories, underscoring the competitive nature of the hospitality industry in the region.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
AHA NSW CEO John Whelan emphasized the significance of these awards in promoting excellence within the industry. “The quality of NSW hotels has never been higher,” he stated. “From the mum and dad operations in the most remote parts of the state to multi-level entertainment precincts in Sydney, NSW hotels directly employ 72,000 people, raise millions of dollars for charity, and drive the NSW tourism and hospitality economy.”
This move represents a broader trend within the hospitality sector, where establishments are increasingly focusing on quality and innovation to attract discerning customers. The recognition of these venues not only boosts their reputation but also sets a benchmark for others to aspire to.
As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, patrons can look forward to more exciting and delicious experiences at pubs across New South Wales. The full list of finalists and their respective categories can be found on the AHA NSW website, offering a comprehensive guide for food enthusiasts eager to explore the state’s best offerings.
