On Monday, August 5, the Bar Awards honoured the winner of Hotel (Pub) of the Year – the pub that is at the heart of its community, with welcoming vibes, great food, and perfectly poured drinks.

A huge congratulations to this year's winner: The Prince of Merewether.

Since undergoing significant renovations in 2019, The Prince of Merewether has cemented itself as a favourite local pub – a nostalgic space that stays true to its roots, all while pushing the boundaries of pub fare with its exceptional menu.

Find out more about the Hotel (Pub) of the Year award below.

Hotel (Pub) of the Year

Newcastle has a fascinating hotel history – in fact, the city’s pubs are woven into its history, stories and social fabric. Hotel (Pub) of the Year champions those who have been paving the way, alongside those who are new to the industry. 

It’s an ode to your local boozer – the one that always gets it right, whether it’s a well-poured cold one, a hearty pub feed, or simply a friendly chat with the bartender.

The finalists for Hotel of the Year cover it all – visiting these pubs is a complete experience, from the decor to the menu, right down to the welcoming feeling you get when you walk through the door.

This year's finalists were:

- The Beach Hotel
- The Bennett Hotel
- The Hamilton Station Hotel
- The Prince of Merewether
- The Ship Inn

And here's the full list of nominees:

- The Beach Hotel
- The Bennett Hotel
- Clarendon Hotel
- The Commonwealth Hotel
- The Cricketer's Arms Hotel
- Customs House Hotel
- Duke of Wellington
- The Exchange Hotel
- General Roberts Hotel
- The Grand Hotel
- Great Northern Hotel
- The Hamilton Station Hotel
- Hotel Delany
- Hotel Jesmond
- The Junction Hotel
- The Lass O'Gowrie Hotel
- The Lucky Hotel
- Nags Head Hotel
- Northern Star Hotel
- The Oriental Hotel
- Premier Hotel
- The Prince of Merewether
- Queens Wharf Hotel
- The Royal Oak Hotel
- The Ship Inn
- The Stag & Hunter Hotel
- Sunnyside Tavern
- Sydney Junction Hotel
- The Young Street Hotel

* This award is open to hotels located within the Newcastle LGA.

Thank you to our category sponsor Samuel Smith & Son for their support.