The Exchange hotel owner Damian McGee was proud to receive the award for ‘best bar presentation and experience’ in metropolitan South Australia for the second year running.
THE Exchange Hotel in Gawler has jointly been named as having the best bar presentation and experience in metropolitan South Australia for the second year in a row.
The pub shared the accolade – judged by the Australian Hotels Association and presented at the SA Hotel Industry Awards last week – with the Crafers hotel, which was named Hotel of The Year, after splitting it with the Uraidla hotel in 2018.
The Exchange owner Damian McGee said the award acknowledged the hard work everyone at the local pub had put in to make the venue a popular destination in Gawler.
“To win an award is really, really hard, and to do it two years in a row, we’re really humbled,” he said.
“It’s a great vindication for our staff, it lets them know their owner is heading in the right direction as well.
“We’re constantly reinvesting into the business, and we really want to thank the community for coming and supporting us.”
Mr McGee said it was positive for Gawler that the pub was doing well, adding he’d received well wishes
from other local publicans after receiving the award last week.
“While sometimes we’re a little bit competitive, we’re all very friendly and lean on each other, and a couple of the hoteliers were the first to message and congratulate me,” he said.
“I think all the hotels in Gawler are doing a great job.”
According to the judges, “The Exchange in Gawler offers a satisfying bar experience across two renovated areas”.
“With exceptional customer service at its core, The Exchange is well-presented and very popular with locals,” they stated.
“Saturday night cocktails are a feature and being on the Barossa’s doorstep, SA wines are well represented.
“Carlton Draught tank beer offers a unique brewery direct product ensuring freshness and quality.
“A terrific venue all round.”
Australian Hotels Association, South Australia general manager Ian Horne commended all the award winners for their efforts.
“The South Australian hotel industry is a diverse and high-quality industry that offers something for everyone,” he said.
“All winners should be very proud of their achievements, and for what they contribute to the community in SA.”
