Caves House Hotel confirmed as Western Australia’s Best Regional Venue

Efforts made by the proprietors and staff of the Grand Old Lady of the South West have paid off with Caves House Hotel in Yallingup being named as Western Australia’s Best Regional Venue at the AHA Aon Hotel and Hospitality Awards for Excellence last night.

The Best Regional Venue award is judged on how the venue caters for its specific local area, tourism appeal, natural ambience, popularity, atmosphere, food and beverage, staff, entertainment and community contribution.

The award win was significant for Seashells Hospitality Group, manager of Caves House Hotel for the past five years.

In accepting the award, Seashells Managing Director and Tourism Council President Paul King said the award was ironic and bittersweet given the Group had been managing the Hotel for receivers for the past two years. He made special acknowledgement of General Manager Stephen Sheridan and his team who will continue to run the pub from early December 2011 on the behalf of the receivers. Seashells will continue to run its award winning properties throughout the state.

The win was particularly important for the organisation and recognition for the skills of both the Seashells head office team and the Caves House Hotel team in managing regional properties in difficult times.

“Whilst the Hotel has been in the hands of receivers for approximately two years, our team at Caves House has proactively worked to sustain and grow the Hotel’s business and reputation.

“The focus over the past 12 months has been on the local community and the team has strived to create a new family-friendly dining style in keeping with Caves’ historic reputation as a great pub.

“This has succeeded and the Hotel has grown its local patronage as well as continuing to enjoy hosting people from across Western Australia celebrating weddings and special occasions, plus people visiting the region on holiday.

“I am so proud of our team at Yallingup and this award is a huge acknowledgement of their determination, pride and positive attitude over this time,” Paul said.

Amandah Ellis, Functions and Events Co-ordinator at Caves House Hotel, was a finalist for the AHA – HGT Hotel Industry Rising Star Award.

Seashells has been in the Tourism and Hospitality industry since 1989 and launched the Seashells brand in 1994, with the opening of the first Seashells Resort Apartments in Scarborough.

Seashells Scarborough is now complimented by properties in Yallingup, Mandurah and Broome.