Tasmania’s club sector has once again proven its strength on the state’s biggest hospitality stage, with standout wins at the 2025 Hospitality Tasmania Awards for Excellence.
The headline accolade went to Hobart Workers Club, which cemented its status as a community favourite after taking out Best RSL, Sporting or Community Club for the second year in a row. It triumphed over fellow finalists Claremont RSL Club, Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania and The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, with Claremont RSL and Motor Yacht Club sharing silver. Hobart Workers also added another trophy to its cabinet with Silver for Best TAB Wagering Venue.
“What an incredible night… we’re not just a club; we’re a community,” the club said, praising its committee, staff, members and visitors. “To be recognised year after year for doing what we love is something truly special.”
Another major win for the club sector came from Country Club Tasmania’s The Range, which was awarded Best Outdoor Hospitality Experience. Other contenders for the category were Longley International Hotel and Lost Captain Restaurant and Taphouse.
Their wins came on a record-breaking night for the awards, held Wednesday 15 October at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. More than 850 attendees celebrated excellence across 44 categories, with a record 213 venues submitting 625 nominations, demonstrating the strength and innovation of Tasmania’s hospitality and community clubs.
While pubs, restaurants and accommodation venues dominated the broader categories, clubs held their own among the state’s biggest names. Launceston’s The Plough Inn continued its winning streak with four golds, while Longley International Hotel and Frogmore Creek also achieved back-to-back honours in their respective fields.
In the accommodation categories, The Cove Tasmania took out Accommodation Venue of the Year – Metro for the first time
For the first time a ‘People’s Choice Award” category was introduced, in partnership with Pulse Media. Little Green Men Brewing won for Best Bar as part of people’s choice, while Food for Dudes was recognised for having the Best Burger, and Bruce’s Coffee for Best Coffee.
A defining moment of the night came with the presentation of Life Membership, bestowed not on an individual this year but on the Mure family, honouring their five decades-long contribution to Tasmanian dining, seafood, and tourism.
Hospitality Tasmania chief executive Steve Old said the night showcased the industry’s spirit of excellence and community.
“Every year, these awards remind us just how creative, resilient and community-minded our hospitality professionals are. Whether it’s a regional gem or a bustling metro favourite, Tasmania continues to punch above its weight,” he said.
“It’s particularly special to celebrate the Mure family’s induction and the outstanding calibre of this year’s winners. They represent everything our industry stands for – excellence, innovation, and generosity of spirit.
“The energy and camaraderie at the gardens tonight reflected the strength of Tasmania’s hospitality community. These businesses don’t just serve food or provide a bed, they create experiences that put our state on the map.”