Kyneton’s premier foodie reputation has been confirmed with several local venues claiming honours at the 2023 Golden Plate Awards.
The Kyneton Hotel was awarded Best Hotel Dining and Miss M’s Lounge named Best Cocktail Bar in the awards, in which regional Victorian hospitality venues are judged.
Other local venues were Highly Commended including Fook Shing (Best Menu: Local Drinks List, Best Value Venue, Best Casual Dining, Best Chef: Danielle Rensonnet), Five Flags Hotel (Best Hotel Dining) and Maldon Bakery (Best Unlicensed Cafe).
Kyneton Hotel owners Alison Coe and Sam Fielke said their plan was always to be known for good quality food above standard pub fare, together with excellent wine, beer and service.
“I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short time,” Alison said.
“It wasn’t easy coming out of covid and but we’re really thankful to (chef) Tim and the kitchen team, and proud of our front of house, because all the comments that we get are that it’s not just the food but also that warm welcome they get when they come in the door.”
“It’s also been about building up Kyneton as a destination itself and the region that is Macedon Ranges overall,” Sam said.
“So we’re thankful for Miss M’s and Fook Shing and all the other participants, for them to get a few awards as well is great.
“If we can do something the way we want to do it and draw a crowd, and if they’re doing something different to us and it’s working as well it just adds to the whole township, which is fantastic.”
Miss M’s owners Heather and Michael Allen said they were equally thrilled with their accolade.
“To be recognised for something that you pour your heart and soul into is always nice,” Heather said.
“And to be in the Macedon Ranges, which was so highly and very well represented, was really, really good, so we’re in a good place,” Michael said.
