TOOLEYBUC Country Club Hotel finished as a finalist in five categories of the Australian Hotels Association NSW Awards for Excellence 2024.
Publican Laurene McKenzie said she and the team are very proud of getting the recognition above all pubs in the state.
“Tooleybuc definitely punches well above its weight, considering our population,” she said.
“My staff are amazing, they’re unbelievable. I’ve got a great mix of backpackers and locals, and they’ve bought into the vision I have for the pub. Their different personalities is what makes Country Club Hotel unique.
“It’s a little bit hard to compete with some of the larger city hotels, but between the coffee shop, general store and the pub we’re creating something great.”
They were finalists in the categories Best Parmi, Best Burger, Best Innovative Refurbishment, Heart of the Community and Hotel Operator of the Year.
Ms McKenzie feels she is achieving the vision she had when she took on the Country Club Hotel 18 months ago.
“It has become a community hub for both locals to come and for travellers passing through from cities, and people are really impressed to find something like this in the country,” she said.
“I’m really happy with the consistency with our menu and meals, we’re keeping a high standard, and we’ll continue to do that.
“The new beer garden is a really cool space and wouldn’t look out of place in a city pub,. It’s definitely something to be proud of.”
