Uralla’s Bolt Inn has had a big week in Sydney, winning two national awards and then sharing the title of Best Steak in a Pub NSW.
The pub took home Gold for Restaurant in a Pub/Club and Silver for Family Dining at the 2026 National Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence on Monday, 26 October. The next day it shared the steak title with Harry’s Hotel Sydney at the Australian Hotel Awards.
The wins follow success at the NSW Restaurant and Catering Awards, where the pub won two regional titles.
The pub reopened in 2024 after extensive renovations. Owners Sally and Peter Strelitz wanted to create a destination that would attract visitors to the wider New England region.
“We always believed that a country pub could deliver exceptional food and service without becoming formal or exclusive. We wanted to create somewhere that locals would feel was their own, while also giving visitors a reason to come to Uralla,” said Peter Strelitz.
The steak award has special meaning for the owners. Milly Hill Meat, which the Strelitzes also own, supplies the steak to the pub.
“A very hotly contested competition as you can imagine; every pub would like to be known as having the best steak!” stated Mr Strelitz.
“So a good combination of high-quality meat and our fabulous team in the kitchen led by Chef Robert Taylor,” stated Mr Strelitz.
Head Chef Robert Taylor’s career includes leading kitchens at Anason and Babylon, as well as working within the Merivale Group.
“Chef Rob Taylor brings enormous talent and experience to our kitchen, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have him leading such a dedicated and talented team. These awards belong to everyone at The Bolt from the kitchen and front-of-house teams to the people working behind the scenes,” said Mr Strelitz.
The pub thanked its team, Mr Taylor and the kitchen crew, and its locals and visitors on Facebook. Community congratulations soon followed.
“Congratulations Bolt team. A great asset to Uralla,” wrote Amanda Williams.
“Congratulations. Always enjoyed the hospitality when visiting the area,” wrote Margaret Esdaile.
“To receive national recognition in two categories, particularly Gold for Restaurant in a Pub/Club, is an extraordinary achievement for our team and something we’re very proud to bring home to Uralla,” said Mr Strelitz.
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