Uralla’s beloved The Bolt Inn is lighting up local spirits yet again, and with good reason.
Recently, the historic pub has been officially named a finalist in the 2025 AHA NSW People’s Choice Best Pub awards, placing it among just ten contenders across NSW vying for the state title.
Launched in 2022, the People’s Choice category is a public-voted honour from the Australian Hotels Association NSW, offering communities the chance to back their local pubs and crown them the state’s favourite. The Bolt Inn now stands proudly alongside well-known names like The Dry Dock in Balmain and Terrigal Beach House.
“We’re absolutely ecstatic about the nomination,” said owner, Peter Strelitz.
“The other nominees are all really fantastic pubs, so it’s an honour to be nominated alongside them.”
Though just shy of its first anniversary, The Bolt Inn has made a remarkable impression on the New England hospitality scene.
The lovingly restored century-old pub offers “rustic yet refined” accommodation, award-winning food, and a warm welcome that blends heritage charm with modern comfort. Its commitment to local flavours has already earned it recognition as both Best Restaurant and Best Pub in the New England for 2025 – an extraordinary feat for such a new entrant.
Reviews speak volumes, and in our recent Best in the New England Promotion, the comments from loyal customers were absolutely glowing, with one voter saying, “The Bolt Inn is what the New England was missing.”
“It’s consistently high-quality food that you can’t get anywhere else. The steaks are incredible and the diverse menu keeps everyone happy and coming back time after time. The atmosphere they have created is also amazing and makes the whole experience feel like you aren’t just at a country restaurant/pub. It’s so great for the area to have The Bolt Inn.”
Many locals echo that sentiment. Regular visits, trivia nights, fundraising events, and Loyal “Bolt Inn legends” like Frankie the pub dog reflect the strong community spirit fostered within its walls.
Now, the pub’s community-driven ethos has brought it to the threshold of even greater recognition. As voting continues, The Bolt Inn urges supporters to cast their ballots – every vote matters in this People’s Choice contest – and, as an added incentive, all votes go in the draw to win a $500 TCN Pub and Bar Gift Card to use towards dining at your favourite pub!
“We’re very grateful to our wonderful staff and our head chef for the brilliant work that they do,” said Mr Strelitz.
“And also to our community – they seem to all love what we’re doing, and we wouldn’t be here without their support.”
With nominations now closed and a statewide competition underway, the next steps are in the public’s hands. Votes must be in by next Thursday, 18 September.
Whether The Bolt Inn wins or not, its nomination is a remarkable achievement and a heartfelt nod to Uralla’s resilience, hospitality, and pride.
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