Canberra's top bars and restaurants announced at the 2019 AHA Awards

Mooseheads opened in September 1990, making it one of the city's longest running nightclubs, and now, 29 years later, it has been voted Canberra's Best traditional pub, inn or tavern in Monday night's Australian Hotels Association ACT Hospitality Awards.

It also placed second behind Kokomo's in the Late night entertainment category.

Thirty-three awards were presented for the top hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and industry workers from across Canberra.

Among the winners were Buvette (Best wine list), Ducks Nuts Bar and Grill (Best TAB venue), The Dock (Best sporting entertainment venue) and Molly (Best cocktail, lounge or small bar).

Michael Nguyen from Molly won Bartender of the Year, Francesco Balestrieri from Agostini's won Chef of the year.

Best restaurant went to Raku, Best burger to Young and Frisky, Best steak to The Duxton and 1882 Bar & Grill won Best pub eatery.

Industry workers who were recognised included Patrick Vance from Badger and Co (Best food and beverage talent, general division), Vincent Maulio from QT (Best food and beverage talent, accommodation division), Brooke Ivins from 88mph (Best sales and marketing talent), Anh Rutherford from QT (Best finance talent, accommodation division), Katie Smith from QT (Best revenue talent, accommodation division), Refat Bin Jahangir from the Hyatt Hotel (AICR receptionist of the year, accommodation division) and James Lightbody from Hotel Realm (Industry rising stars, accommodation).

Accommodation venues to win awards included Hotel Realm (Best conferences and events venue and Best new or redeveloped venue, accommodation division), Brassey Hotel (Mid-range hotel), East Hotel (Superior hotel and Apartment/suite hotel) and Jamala Wildlife Lodge (Deluxe hotel). Little National Hotel won Best environmental practices

Also recognised were The Durham Castle Arms Pub (Best beer quality - draught), Bentspoke Brewing Co (Best beer quality - craft/local), Fenway Public House (Best new or redeveloped venue, general division), The District (Best casual dining venue) and Molto Italian (Best Italian restaurant).

AHA ACT general manager Anthony Brierley said Best traditional pub was a new category this year.

"It really got the entrants excited," he said. "That Mooseheads won and at the same time could perform so strongly in the Late night entertainment shows that venue's diversity."

He said that diversity was replicated across the industry.

"It's the same theme that meant it was natural and fitting our most prestigious award, the John Press Award, went to Lala Hospitality Group. Across each varying venue, Lala consistently nail the offering that they provide their target customer. As a collective across their six venues, Lala have something exceptional for everyone."

Molly, Highball Express, Bleachers Sports, 88mph and the new Amici Deli and Wine Bar are in the Lala stable.

Brierly said Doma Hotels had done the same thing.

"They've created a precinct in Barton which has the capacity to provide everything a guest will ever need, but they've done it in a way that each offering is paired to the particular targeted segment of international or domestic visitors.

"It's entirely deserving that they won six awards, including industry doyen Pat Lonergan for Member of Year."

He was proud of the genuine strength in diversity across the industry.

"Our member venues truly have something for everyone, whether it's Best TAB, Best cocktail lounge, Best conferences and events venue or Best burger."

The winners were announced at a ceremony at Hotel Realm on Monday night.

The AHA is a member organisation representing hospitality businesses across the country.