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These Are the Best Pubs and Hotels in South Australia Right Now
The winners of the 2026 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence have been revealed, celebrating the best pubs, bars and hotels across South Australia.
South Australia’s pub and hotel scene had plenty to celebrate on October 20, as the 2026 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence recognised the venues raising the bar across the state. From classic country pubs and lively local bars to destination dining rooms and considered regional stays, this year’s winners offer plenty of inspiration for a long lunch, a night out or a weekend escape.
The Best Overall Hotels in South Australia
Hotel Panorama made an impressive entrance at this year’s awards, taking home Overall Hotel, Metropolitan, alongside wins for Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility, Metropolitan and Sporting Entertainment Venue. The newly opened venue in Adelaide’s south brings together contemporary accommodation, dining spaces, a sports bar and rooftop drinks, making it a new option for locals looking to turn a casual catch-up into a longer stay.
In Naracoorte, Kincraig Hotel has given a much-loved country pub a new chapter. Following an extensive redevelopment that brought its Art Deco character back into focus, the Limestone Coast landmark pairs heritage details with refreshed dining spaces and boutique accommodation. It claimed Overall Hotel, Country, alongside awards for Deluxe Pub Accommodation, Bistro Casual Dining, Country and Redeveloped Hotel, Country, cementing its place among the state’s standout regional hotels.
Meanwhile, Mount Lofty House took out Overall Hotel, Accommodation Division, continuing its run as one of South Australia’s leading luxury stays. Set among the Adelaide Hills, the historic estate pairs elegant accommodation with sweeping valley views and destination dining. Its on-site restaurant, Hardy’s Verandah, was recognised in the Accommodation Division, with chef Alessandro Mangione also awarded Chef of the Year, Accommodation Division.
The Award-Winning Restaurants, Bistros and Pub Dining
COLAC Port Adelaide was among the evening’s biggest winners, collecting awards for Draught Beer Quality, Bar Presentation & Experience, Metropolitan and Bistro Casual Dining, Outer Metropolitan. It also shared Redeveloped Hotel, Metropolitan with Lockleys Hotel, while team member Tim Moseley was recognised for Employee Excellence in Service, General Division. Set in Port Adelaide, COLAC has brought fresh energy to the area’s pub scene, combining casual dining, drinks and entertainment. It is the kind of venue that works just as well for a laid-back catch-up as it does for a longer evening with friends.
For a city lunch with a little polish, East End Cellars won Bistro Casual Dining, Inner Metropolitan. The East End favourite brings together a wine-led offering and relaxed dining, making it a natural choice for a long lunch or an easy dinner in one of Adelaide’s most established dining precincts.
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High above the city, 2KW Bar & Restaurant took out Restaurant, General Division (Metropolitan). With its rooftop setting and expansive city views, it remains a natural pick for a special occasion, sunset drinks or dinner with a view.
For a more relaxed pub meal, Payneham Tavern won Family Dining, while Kincraig Hotel claimed the country bistro award. Both highlight the enduring appeal of the neighbourhood pub, whether you’re gathering the family for an easy meal or making a country drive part of the occasion.
Over in the Riverland, Hotel Renmark was recognised for Restaurant, General Division (Country) and the WT Spurr AO Award for Tourism & Regional Promotion. For travellers exploring the Murray River, the double win makes it a name worth keeping in mind.
The Best Bars, Entertainment and Live Music Venues
Noky at The Henty took home Bar Presentation & Experience, Accommodation Division, recognising its place among the state’s hotel bar offerings. For a regional drink, Loxton Hotel won Bar Presentation & Experience, Country and Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility, Country, highlighting the appeal of a country pub with space to settle in.
Back in Adelaide, Arkaba Hotel claimed Entertainment Venue and Meeting & Events Venue, General Division. The Fullarton institution has long been part of the city’s live entertainment circuit, hosting touring musicians, comedy and events alongside its dining and bar spaces.
In Hindmarsh, The Gov won Live Music Venue. A fixture on Adelaide’s gig calendar, the venue is known for its intimate atmosphere and broad programme of local and touring acts. Whether you’re catching an emerging artist or a familiar name, it remains one of the city’s essential live music addresses.
The Best Hotel Accommodation in South Australia
For a city stay, Adelaide Marriott Hotel took out Deluxe Hotel Accommodation, while Marion Hotel won Mid-Range Hotel Accommodation. Both offer options for those looking to make a night of dinner and drinks without worrying about the journey home.
In the Adelaide Hills, Sequoia Lodge claimed Luxury Hotel Accommodation. Set high above the Piccadilly Valley, the intimate retreat is known for its contemporary design, private suites and panoramic views, making it an appealing choice for a special occasion or a slower weekend away.
For a coastal change of scenery, Durham Serviced Apartments in Glenelg won Apartment/Suite Accommodation. Its location near the beach, Jetty Road and the suburb’s dining precinct makes it a practical base for a few days by the coast.
Adelaide Oval and the accompanying Oval Hotel were recognised for Superior Hotel Accommodation and Outstanding Achievement in Training, as well as Meeting & Events Venue, Specialist Division, which included Hall of Fame recognition. Its position within one of Adelaide’s most recognisable landmarks makes for a distinctly local stay, whether you’re visiting for a match, a concert or simply a different perspective on the city.
The South Australian winners will now progress to the AHA National Awards for Excellence on November 30, 2026.
Winners at the 2026 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence
Overall Hotel
Metropolitan: Hotel Panorama
Country: Kincraig Hotel
Accommodation Division: Mount Lofty House
Accommodation
Deluxe Pub Accommodation: Kincraig Hotel
Apartment/Suite Accommodation: Durham Serviced Apartments
Mid-Range Hotel Accommodation: Marion Hotel
Superior Hotel Accommodation: Oval Hotel
Deluxe Hotel Accommodation: Adelaide Marriott Hotel
Luxury Hotel Accommodation: Sequoia Lodge
Dining
Family Dining: Payneham Tavern
Bistro Casual Dining, Country: Kincraig Hotel
Bistro Casual Dining, Inner Metropolitan: East End Cellars
Bistro Casual Dining, Outer Metropolitan: COLAC Port Adelaide
Restaurant, Accommodation Division: Mount Lofty House
Restaurant, General Division (Country): Hotel Renmark
Restaurant, General Division (Metropolitan): 2KW Bar & Restaurant
Bars, Entertainment and Facilities
Draught Beer Quality: COLAC Port Adelaide
Bar Presentation & Experience, Accommodation Division: Noky at The Henty
Bar Presentation & Experience, Country: Loxton Hotel
Bar Presentation & Experience, Metropolitan: COLAC Port Adelaide
Retail Liquor Outlet: Crown Inn Kingston and Hotel Panorama (joint winners)
Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility, Country: Loxton Hotel
Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility, Metropolitan: Hotel Panorama
Sporting Entertainment Venue: Hotel Panorama
Entertainment Venue: Arkaba Hotel
Live Music Venue: The Gov
TAB Licensed Venue: Morphett Arms Hotel
Gaming Venue, Country: Middleton Tavern
Gaming Venue, Metropolitan: Lockleys Hotel
Events and Functions
Meeting & Events Venue, Specialist Division: Adelaide Oval (includes Hall of Fame recognition)
Meeting & Events Venue, Accommodation Division: Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes
Meeting & Events Venue, General Division: Arkaba Hotel
People
Chef of the Year, Accommodation Division: Alessandro Mangione, Mount Lofty House
Chef of the Year, General Division: Matthew Sherriff, Strathmore Hotel
Employee Excellence in Service, Accommodation Division: Ryan Nguyen, Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes
Employee Excellence in Service, General Division: Tim Moseley, COLAC Port Adelaide
Hotel Industry Rising Star, Accommodation Division: Adrian Cerbo, Sofitel Adelaide
Hotel Industry Rising Star, General Division: Taylor Dowd, Marryatville Hotel
Redevelopment, Marketing and Industry Excellence
Redeveloped Hotel, Accommodation Division: Atura Adelaide Airport
Redeveloped Hotel, Country: Kincraig Hotel
Redeveloped Hotel, Metropolitan: COLAC Port Adelaide and Lockleys Hotel (joint winners)
Marketing & Promotion, Accommodation Division: Sofitel Adelaide
Marketing & Promotion, General Division: Warradale Hotel
Innovation, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Practice: Penneshaw Pub
Outstanding Achievement in Training: Adelaide Oval
Community Service & Support: Vine Inn Barossa
WT Spurr AO Award for Tourism & Regional Promotion: Hotel Renmark
Frequently Asked Questions About 2026 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence
The AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence recognise the best pubs, hotels, bars and accommodation venues across South Australia, with categories spanning dining, accommodation, bars, entertainment, events, people and redevelopment. The 2026 winners were announced on October 20, 2026, with Hotel Panorama, Kincraig Hotel and Mount Lofty House named the top overall hotels in the Metropolitan, Country and Accommodation divisions respectively. The awards cover venues across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia alike. South Australian winners now progress to the AHA National Awards for Excellence on November 30, 2026.
At the 2026 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence, Mount Lofty House was named Overall Hotel, Accommodation Division, and also won Restaurant, Accommodation Division, with chef Alessandro Mangione named Chef of the Year, Accommodation Division. The historic Adelaide Hills estate pairs elegant accommodation with sweeping valley views. Also in the Adelaide Hills, Sequoia Lodge won Luxury Hotel Accommodation, and the intimate Piccadilly Valley retreat is known for its contemporary design, private suites and panoramic views. In the city, Adelaide Marriott Hotel took out Deluxe Hotel Accommodation, another strong pick for a special occasion stay.
The Gov in Hindmarsh was named Live Music Venue at the 2026 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence. A fixture on Adelaide’s gig calendar, it is known for its intimate atmosphere and a broad programme of local and touring acts, from emerging artists to familiar names. For a wider entertainment night out, Arkaba Hotel in Fullarton won Entertainment Venue, with a long history of hosting touring musicians and comedy alongside its dining and bar spaces. Hotel Panorama in Adelaide’s south also took out Sporting Entertainment Venue, with a sports bar and rooftop drinks.
For pub dining in Adelaide, the 2026 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence point to three standouts. COLAC Port Adelaide won Bistro Casual Dining, Outer Metropolitan, while East End Cellars in the East End took Bistro Casual Dining, Inner Metropolitan with its wine-led, relaxed offering. Payneham Tavern won Family Dining, making it a reliable pick for an easy meal with kids. For something more polished, 2KW Bar & Restaurant was named Restaurant, General Division (Metropolitan), and its rooftop setting with city views suits a special occasion or sunset drinks.
Kincraig Hotel in Naracoorte was named Overall Hotel, Country at the 2026 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence, making it the state’s top-rated country pub this year. The Limestone Coast landmark also won Deluxe Pub Accommodation, Bistro Casual Dining, Country and Redeveloped Hotel, Country, following an extensive redevelopment that restored its Art Deco character. Alongside refreshed dining spaces, it now offers boutique accommodation, making it a strong base for a regional weekend. In the Riverland, Hotel Renmark and Loxton Hotel were also among the leading country winners.
Hotel Panorama was named Overall Hotel, Metropolitan at the 2026 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence, making it the year’s top metropolitan hotel. The newly opened venue in Adelaide’s south also won Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility, Metropolitan and Sporting Entertainment Venue, and shared Retail Liquor Outlet with Crown Inn Kingston. It brings together contemporary accommodation, dining spaces, a sports bar and rooftop drinks. COLAC Port Adelaide was another standout, winning across draught beer, bar presentation and casual dining, and sharing Redeveloped Hotel, Metropolitan with Lockleys Hotel.
Want more local favourites to add to your list? Explore Sitchu’s edit of the best pubs in Adelaide, then catch up on the winners of the 2026 Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence for another look at South Australia’s standout dining destinations.
