Flower Hotels named finalists in 2026 Award Season

Flower Hotels is celebrating recognition across both the 2026 Australian Hotels Association (AHA) NSW Awards for Excellence and the Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA), with finalist places recognising its venues, people and contribution to the hospitality industry.

Flower Hotels has secured 28 finalist places across five venues in the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence. The awards celebrate the breadth of the state’s hotel industry, recognising outstanding teams, exceptional service, dining, entertainment and memorable experiences for guests. Depending on the category, independent judges assess entries through anonymous venue visits, written submissions and interviews.

From quality pub meals and casual dining to welcoming local venues and entertainment, the finalist places highlight the creativity, care and passion of Flower Hotels’ teams. Of particular significance is Flower Hotels’ nomination as finalist for Group Hotel Operator of the Year, recognising the collective efforts of its people and their commitment to delivering quality hospitality across the Hastings region.

Alistair Flower, Managing Director of Flower Hotels, said: “These finalist places reflect our teams’ commitment to excellence in our venues and the warm, welcoming service they deliver every day. The recognition across our food categories is a credit to our kitchen teams, who put care into serving quality pub meals that keep our locals coming back. We’re especially proud to see Fernhill Tavern’s Kristy Lockery named a finalist for Regional Chef of the Year, recognising her dedication, leadership and the contribution she makes to the Ferny.”

Winners will be announced at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence celebration at the WINX Stand, Royal Randwick Racecourse, on Tuesday 27 October. Flower Hotels looks forward to joining the wider hotel community to celebrate this year’s finalists and wishes everyone the best of luck.

The recognition continues nationally through ALIA, which has celebrated Australia’s liquor and hospitality industry for more than three decades. Presented annually by The Intermedia Group’s hotel and liquor publications, the awards recognise people, venues, retailers and brands through a two-stage process: industry voting determines the finalists, followed by assessment by a panel of more than 50 industry experts, with winners externally audited.

Flower Hotels has been named a finalist for Best Hotel Group, while Settlers Inn is recognised across four categories, including Best Publican for Zoe Archer.

Alistair said: “We’re incredibly proud to see the Settlers team recognised for the welcoming atmosphere they create and the strong connections they’ve built with their local community. Zoe’s nomination for Best Publican is particularly special and reflects the care, energy and leadership she brings to the pub every day. She and the team give locals plenty of reasons to come together, and this recognition is a credit to their hard work.”

The Flower Hotels team will also attend the ALIA awards night at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney on Wednesday 28 October, joining industry peers to celebrate and cheer on the group’s finalists.

Explore Flower Hotels’ full list of AHA NSW and ALIA finalist categories below.