Debate will be raging in the coming weeks as to who serves the best Parma in the district with four local pubs nominated for the best regional "Pub Parma" in Victoria at the Australian Hotels Association 2025 awards for excellence.
The prestigious awards will be held in May at the Palladium at Crown. Recognised as Victoria's most prestigious celebration of pub and hotel excellence, the evening will honour outstanding venues, individuals, and teams across the industry.
In the running for the coveted best Parma award are The Drouin Family Hotel, The Royal Hotel Drouin, Bank Hotel in Warragul and the Poowong Hotel.
With 41 award categories spanning dining, accommodation, gaming, service, and individual performance, the awards honour the Victorian hotel industry.
Award assessments are managed by an independent third-party organisation. Judging processes include anonymous venue inspections, written submissions, and interviews depending on the category. Every entrant receives feedback, benchmarking their performance against industry leaders.
As well as the Parma award local hotels are nominated for the following awards:
Best casual dining - regional; The Royal Hotel Drouin
Best pub restaurant - regional; Bank Hotel Warragul
Best pub bar - regional; Drouin Family Hotel, Royal Hotel Drouin and Poowong Hotel
Best retail liquor outlet; Royal Hotel Drouin
Best sports bar - regional; Drouin Family Hotel
Outstanding achievement in training; Drouin Family Hotel
Best bush pub; Noojee Toolshed
"The state awards for excellence are a celebration of the incredible people and venues that make Victoria's hospitality scene one of the best in the country," said AHA (Vic) chief executive officer Paddy O'Sullivan. "From high-quality food and beverage offerings to exceptional customer service and innovative venue design, this night recognises the hard work, creativity, and resilience of our members."
Winners across 41 award categories will be announced at the gala dinner on May 19.