Delicious food, excellent service

FRIENDLY welcoming staff, delicious food and excellent service resulted in the Middle Korumburra Hotel being nominated for a stunning 14 categories prior to the Australian Hotels Association Victoria’s recent State Awards for Excellence night, also being voted the People’s Choice winner.

With over 700,000 total votes for venues statewide, coming out on top was an impressive achievement, made all the sweeter by the fact the Middle Hotel was also the People’s Choice in 2021.

“Our staff have a good vibe with the locals and whoever comes in, and we create a warm atmosphere with good service,” co-manager and part owner Ben (Fish) Fisher said.

The Middle Korumburra Hotel was announced at the awards night as a finalist for Hotel of the Year (Regional).

The pub’s food received strong endorsement, with nominations for Parma of the Year, and Best Casual Dining (Regional).

Head chef Mark Smith ensures a wide variety and high standard of food, making sure special dietary needs are catered for.

He was selected as a finalist in the Chef of The Year category for the second year in a row.

While Mark works his magic leading the kitchen team, bar manager Ash Harper and Jai Rapson, front of house, ensure staff are well trained, motivated and supported.

Jai received a nomination in the Emerging Leader of the Year category.

The Middle Hotel’s bar service was also recognised, being nominated for Best Presented Beer.

Thirteen staff were rewarded for their hard work and hospitality with a night in Melbourne to enjoy the awards at Crown Casino’s Palladium Ballroom.

Fish and Elyse Fisher take a hands-on approach to hospitality, with Fish busy pulling beers when the Sentinel-Times arrived.

Apart from Fish and Elyse, the venue’s other owners are San Remo Hotel’s Peter and Colleen Williams.

Fish said the Melbourne awards night was an awesome experience with over 1300 attendees.

He thanked the hotel’s loyal and enthusiastic staff and customers for creating a great local vibe that makes everyone, including tourists, feel welcome.

As well as being the People’s Choice, getting nominated in so many categories is a glowing endorsement of the Middle Korumburra Hotel, with mystery shoppers and judges impressed with what they experienced during anonymous visits.