PERFECT POUR COMPETITION FINALE
• Commonwealth Bank • Hostplus • Keno • Now Book It • PFD • Supagas • TAB • Tanda • Treasury Wines • United Refrigeration • Worksmith A huge thank you to CUB for their attendance, assistance and advice throughout the year! The vibe of the night was great, bringing together our supplier and member network for a festive celebration featuring CUB beverages, Treasury Wine and some delicious food from PFD Food Service and Patties Foods The PPP Christmas Party is also the home of the Perfect Pour Final The perfect pour finalists this year were: Kira Jordan – The Churchill Hotel Steve Phelen – Flowerdale Hotel Alysha Fiumara – The Grand Hotel Warrandyte
Greg Bywater – The Grand Hotel Warrandyte Jordan King – The Whalers Hotel Andrea Wilson – Wallace Hotel What a final it was! The quality of the Perfect Pour was the best we have seen in years and the winner of the night was Kira Jordan from the Churchill Hotel. Kira was presented with the winner’s plaque by non-other than AHA (Vic) Life Member in Bill Bell who was instrumental in initiating the first Pubs Pots and Profits event. Kira also wins a Summer Community Party at The Churchill Hotel valued up to $5k thanks to CUB. A huge shout out also to Coca Cola Europacific Partners for being recognised as the PPP partner of the year by the AHA (Vic) team. A well-deserved acknowledgment for the outstanding contribution to the 2023 Pubs Pots and Profits program. The award was accepted by Julian Gambaro, Justin McKenzie and Simon Hill. We at the AHA (Vic) look forward to rolling out another PPP program in 2024 and wish everyone a fantastic holiday season and trading period ahead.
PFD AND PATTIES FOOD ACTIVATION AT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY
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casual and relaxed space, complete with a full-sized pool table, dartboard, and a private bar, catering to the community's need for a laid-back social environment,” said Emily. The introduction of a pub truck during the COVID era added a new dimension to the hotel's offerings, providing a commercial kitchen on wheels for casual and takeaway food, making it a hit in the evenings. The concept of a portable bar and pub truck for private hire has proven to be a hit, catering to various events and occasions. Now, it stands within the newly refurbished beer garden, with full-time employees dedicated to running the truck on weekends, with the hope that the locals accept it with open arms so it can run throughout the week (when it is not hired as a function space). “Our beer garden and truck also serve as a backup during regional blackouts, and that is part of our commitment to flexibility when the electricity in our small town runs out,” said Emily with a smile. Christmas Day Lunch Tradition The Victoria Hotel's Christmas Day lunch has become a local tradition over the years, offering a stress-free and generous holiday dining experience. Co-founder Carl Middleton, a seasoned chef, ensures a diverse menu catering to both meat lovers and those with vegan/vegetarian preferences. The Christmas lunch has become a popular choice for various demographics, including small families, friendship groups, and those seeking a more affordable and relaxed celebration. The hotel's unique decorations, including a 3-meter Christmas tree and 45 meters of festive lights, add to the magical ambiance.
Rock and Wombat Bar: A Distinctive Venue Feature The Rock and Wombat Bar is a distinctive feature of the Victoria Hotel, designed to accommodate various events and gatherings. The venue hosts Christmas carols featuring the local choir, the Wooden Warblers, on the eve of Christmas, creating a charming and festive atmosphere for guests of all ages. The tradition has grown over the years, with four generations of attendees, showcasing the hotel's commitment to building a sense of community. Supporting Local Artists and Quirky Hotel Features The Victoria Hotel goes beyond traditional hospitality by supporting local artists, displaying their artwork throughout the venue. The hotel's quirky features, including a jar of Christmas goodies for a guessing competition and a paranormal investigation once a month, contribute to the unique and engaging atmosphere. Excited about this year’s festivities, Emily says, “This time around we have the beautiful Natalie from Chalky Sign Writing. She is
just amazing, and we are doing a Wombat themed maze on the outside for the kids to find all the wombats on the windows around the pub. We try to do something new every year.” The hotel's commitment to local causes is evident in initiatives like the Chooka Raffle, supporting the SES, and a two-course Christmas menu available every day until the 24th of December. In conversation with Co-owner and Head Chef, Carl Middleton The one thing that is evident besides his very English accent, is Head Chef Carl’s dedication to local sourcing and a commitment to consistency in menu offerings. "You see these grey hairs?" Carl responds when questioned about the young talent that surrounds him in the kitchen daily. They look eager to learn a thing or two about the various cooking techniques from him. Carl, who brings his expertise from working at multi hatted kitchens and the likes of Hilton in England, emphasises the importance of supporting local businesses and maintaining menu consistency. "Creating a menu is not
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Wickens at the Royal Mail Hotel A Culinary Journey Through Dunkeld's Microclimate The hallmark experience of the Royal Mail Hotel, Executive Chef Robin Wickens’ critically-acclaimed tasting menu offers an unbuttoned approach to fine dining, celebrating produce grown just metres away in their organic Kitchen Garden. Reflecting on its success, Chef Robin Wickens expresses gratitude for the recognition, attributing the success to the entire team. He emphasised, "It’s great recognition for the entire team, from our gardens team to our front of house and the kitchen team." Wickens highlighted the unique aspect of their culinary style, saying, "It’s different from a city restaurant – we’re not limited [in our produce] so we can get our flavours super intense." He adds, "We simply work towards giving guests the best dining experience we can." Speaking on guest experiences, Wickens notes, "Our team is incredibly dedicated to providing a memorable fine-dining experience to our guests. We foster a culture where everyone constantly strives to improve and innovate." Wickens believes that the kitchen garden tour sets the stage for the guest experience, stating, "Guests who do the tour always make mention of how impressed they are by the scale of our operation. We take guests on a journey through Dunkeld’s microclimate and pride ourselves on up to 80% of the produce being served having been harvested from our 1.2-hectare organic kitchen garden, with beef and lamb ethically-reared on-site. Our internationally recognised wine cellar also sets us apart and our in-house sommeliers take great pride in creating the winematches or helping diners find the perfect bottle of wine from our enormous 3,700 bottle wine-list.” Wickens foresees an increasing interest in their non-alcoholic offerings and mentions that they are introducing an afternoon kitchen garden tour for the warmer months. This is in addition to their usual 10.00am morning tour, allowing guests who might only be dining with them and not staying at the property, the opportunity to see and experience the garden at 4.00pm with a garden cocktail in hand.
Audreys at the Continental Balancing Tradition and Innovation by the Bay An homage to the grandmother who instilled his passion for cooking, Scott Pickett’s Audrey’s brings an elevated and authentic dining experience to the Peninsula. Expect to revel in old-world elegance, taste the flavours of the nearby sea and enjoy views over stunning Sorrento. CEO Duncan Thomson reflected on the Chefs Hat awards, noting, "To receive consecutive Chefs Hat awards highlights all the hard work from the team, and shows that we’re achieving our goal.” He describes the restaurant's ambiance, stating, "The room always gets the wow factor, beautifully designed, with soft and elegant colours washing out to ocean views." Pickett emphasises the balance between innovation and tradition, stating, “At Audrey’s, we are very conscious of balancing innovation with traditional flavours to reflect the concept of an homage to my grandmother and Head Chef Nico’s cultural heritage. It begins with a respect for the fundamentals of traditional flavours and a commitment to using high-quality, authentic ingredients. We use traditional and modern cooking techniques, creating a beautiful blend that preserves the essence of the dish while introducing contemporary elements.” It is evident that the venue’s focus on creative presentation does not compromise the taste of food served. Thomson acknowledges the dedication of the team, saying, "The success of Audrey’s and the Continental is inherently tied to the dedication of our exceptional team." From the culinary experts crafting exquisite dishes to the front-of-house staff providing attentive and personalised service, Duncan claims that each member at Audreys plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall dining experience. Thomson envisions an increased focus on sustainability and plans to continue exploring cooking techniques and flavour combinations. He added, "Interactive and immersive dining experiences, such as chef's table events and winemaker lunches, are anticipated to engage our patrons on a deeper level." As Victoria's culinary scene continues to evolve, these award-winning restaurants stand as beacons of creativity, innovation, and dedication to providing unparalleled dining experiences.
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PARTNERS
UNFAIR DISMISSAL - ARE YOU PROTECTED? Unfair dismissal is a significant exposure for businesses today. If employees believe their termination from their job was harsh, unjust or unreasonable, they can put in an application to the Fair Work Commission. This can result in employers providing monetary or non-monetary compensation and even reinstatement of the employee. The Fair Work Commission uses the following to consider whether a dismissal is harsh, unjust or unreasonable: • Was there a valid reason for the dismissal related to the employee’s capacity or conduct? • Was the employee notified of that reason and given an opportunity to respond? • If the employer didn’t allow the employee to have a support person present at any discussions about the dismissal, was that unreasonable? • Whether the employee had been previously warned that their performance was unsatisfactory. • If the size of the business, or lack of dedicated human resource management specialists or expertise impacted on the procedures that the employer followed when they dismissed the employee.
EXAMPLES OF CLAIMS SCENARIOS: Business Details: • Type Licenced Club • Staff:
33
• Turnover:
$25m
Background: A claim was made by four former hotel staff against certain directors, managers and supervisors of the Insured Licensed Club for bullying, harassment, abuse and sexual harassment. Claims were made against the entity alleging that it failed to respond to those allegations. Outcome: It was deemed that the insuring clause was triggered. After protracted litigation, the matter settled for payment by the company of $20,000 per claimant.
• Any other matters that the Fair Work Commission considers relevant.
Payment: Total cost of the claim was $230,000, consisting of $80,000 in damages and $150,000 in legal costs.
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS?
Source: Dual Australia
The most important thing is to follow Fair Work’s guideline’s for terminating employees. There are rules to follow about dismissal, notice periods and final pay. There are also different rights and obligations when it comes to redundancies or your business becoming bankrupt. In addition, small businesses also have a different set of rules when it comes to ending the employment of their employees. The Small Business Fair Dismissal Code provides protection for small businesses against unfair dismissal claims, provided the employer follows the code. Make sure to check the code to see if your business constitutes a small business by Fair Work’s standards. An important part of your risk management plan should include an Employee Practices and Management Liability insurance policy which can provide financial protection for your business and the directors or managers if any incorrect processes were followed in the termination of an employee. A mistake in this area can be costly and interrupt the day-to-day operations of your business. Legal costs alone associated with defending such complex cases can be eye watering, and remember you don’t have to be at fault, but you may need to defend allegations in court. Source: Fair Work website
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MANAGEMENT LIABILITY INSURANCE Management liability insurance is designed to protect the business, the Directors and Managers for valid claims with regards to allegations of: • • • • • •
Wrongful dismissal Failure to promote Failure to employ Harassment Discrimination Bullying
The policy will cover legal costs to defend the action as well as damages, for a valid claim under the policy coverage. Every Pub should have a management liability policy in place to protect the personal liability of directors and managers, and the liability of the business. For your obligation free insurance review, contact us today: Daniel Gilbert | Partnership Manager e: danielg@adroit.com.au | m: 0467 690 450 adroit.com.au
MERITON SUITES
FINALLY ARRIVES IN THE NATION’S EVENT CAPITAL! It was an obvious move for iconic hotel group, Meriton Suites, to expand into Melbourne with doors officially opening late September. It marks the first Victorian venture for the renowned hotel chain, arriving in Australia’s event capital to meet the increasing demands of luxury apartment style hotels. In a $400 million dollar expansion across three new locations, Mr. Harry Triguboff was delighted to expand his offering into Melbourne, bringing 298 brand-new luxury apartment-style suites to the city. “We’re very pleased to bring Meriton Suites Melbourne to Victoria, expanding our offering to cater to this market was important to
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us,” says Mr Harry Triguboff, Founder and Managing Director Meriton Group. Whether visiting Melbourne for work or pleasure; Meriton Suites offers apartment style accommodation in the heart of the CBD. Guests have the choice in, two- or threebedroom suites, ideal for families or groups.
There are also a variety of studios and onebedroom apartments available for couples and solo travellers. The hotel was designed by renowned architects and interior design company Rothelowman and built by the experienced local Melbourne construction company Hickory. A key design point is the intentional
Arena, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (AAMI Park), Melbourne Cricket Ground, Hisense Arena, Margaret Court Arena and Melbourne Park Precinct.
detail Rothelowman weaved into the outside of the building. King Street was the centre of the woollen trade and Meriton Suites Melbourne site a former wool exchange. The design on the facade pays homage to its heritage. For those seeking a truly high-flying Melbourne experience, Meriton Suites Melbourne offers two exclusive top-floor Penthouse Collection Suites on Level 56. Both afford unparalleled views, guests can enjoy city or ocean views. The King Street address is within walking distance or a short commute to Melbourne’s best sporting facilities; including Rod Laver
Meriton Suites has a reputation for delivering exceptional quality and service, and is proud to offer luxury oversized suites across all properties. Each suite features generous kingsized beds, fully equipped kitchen, internal laundry, contemporary bathroom stocked with rejuvenating KEVIN.MURPHY Repair-Me products, and GHD styling tools on request and friendly Guest Services team available 24 hours. As per all Meriton Suites properties, Meriton Suites Melbourne features state-of-the-art facilities including an all-hours fitness centre, an indoor heated swimming pool, spa and sauna.
Meriton Suites Melbourne 140 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000 www.meritonsuites.com.au/our-hotels/victoria/melbourne-cbd/melbourne/ T: 1800 214 822
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HARMONIOUSLY COMBINING SERENITY AND REFINEMENT: BALGOWNIE ESTATE YARRA VALLEY REVEALS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR ROOM REFURBISHMENT Nestled in Victoria's picturesque Yarra Valley, Balgownie Estate is excited to unveil the successful completion of the initial phase of a comprehensive $7 million accommodation refurbishment. Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley is redefining the concept of premium regional accommodation in Victoria’s premiere wine region - with a major transformation that introduces 32 new suites, each embodying a commitment to nurturing both body and mind. The stunning transformation marks a major upgrade to the leading Yarra Valley property,
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a pivotal step forward after a devastating fire engulfed the restaurant and cellar door in 2020. This completion raises the accommodation to the esteemed status of the new onsite restaurant Restaurant 1309 - and establishes Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley as the ultimate wellness destination.
An all-encompassing Yarra Valley escape, the property offers stunning new accommodation, Restaurant 1309, a cellar door, extensive conferencing facilities and an onsite endota Day Spa. Designed by renowned Melbourne architects Bayley Ward, and built by Chroma Group, these spacious new suites are designed to
promote comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation at every turn. Grant Flack, Head of Operations at Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley, stated: "Every aspect of the refurbishment has been thoughtfully crafted to offer our guests a complete escape. “From the moment they step through our doors, they are greeted by an environment that not only soothes the senses but also nurtures the body and mind, and the completed refurbishment seamlessly blends minimalistic design with earthy interiors. “Our 32 spacious suites have been meticulously designed to provide a sense of sanctuary, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Yarra Valley" he added. All suites feature serene and restful colour schemes with earthy interiors that draw inspiration from the surrounding Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges landscape. The hotel's rich interiors feature a minimalistic design that radiates comfort and tranquillity while organic textures and tones create an atmosphere of understated opulence. The phase one refurbishment includes: 28 x One-Bedroom Suites: These suites, adorned with natural eucalyptus and terracotta tones, comprise a separate bedroom with king-size bed, spacious lounge, balcony and bathroom with walkin shower. Wheelchairaccessible option available. 2 x Premier Corner Suites: These suites create a luxurious atmosphere with rich, earthy tones. Each suite offers a separate bedroom with king-size bed, spacious lounge and balcony with stunning views of the Yarra Valley. Luxurious bathrooms feature a walk-in shower and separate bath for added indulgence.
1 x Two-Bedroom Suite: Richness and warmth define this suite, encouraging relaxation and surrender. It features two large bedrooms with king-size beds, spacious lounge area with private courtyard and one bathroom with a walk-in shower. This suite is wheelchair accessible.
Holistic Guest Experience: Balgownie Estate’s commitment to holistic well-being is at the heart of the refurbishment. Each new suite has been designed to create a nurturing environment that fosters relaxation and rejuvenation, and complements the onsite endota Spa facility at the resort.
1 x The Director’s Suite: This apartment-style suite is the epitome of luxury and style. Ideal for bridal parties, families or those looking for the ultimate indulgence. It features two bedrooms with kingsize beds, each with an ensuite with walk-in shower. The master bedroom boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Yarra Valley as well as an iconic circular bath in the main ensuite. The suite also offers a spacious separate lounge area with fireplace, open kitchen, bar area and balcony. With high-end walnut and timber interior design, the executive residence exudes opulence at every turn.
Captivating Views: Situated in the stunning Yarra Valley, the property offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain range, providing guests with a natural and aweinspiring backdrop for their stay.
Other key themes of the first stage of redevelopment include:
Balgownie Estate’s holistic approach to accommodation invites guests to embrace well-being as the core of their experience, whether seeking a serene retreat or an adventurous escape in the heart of Victoria’s Yarra Valley. Guests can book and stay in the new suites at Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley now, by visiting www.balgownie.com
Balgownie Yarra Valley 1309 Melba Highway Yarra Glen VIC 3775 T: (03) 9730 0700 E: hello@balgownie.com www.balgownie.com
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PARTNERS
HOSTPLUS INTRODUCES NEW INVESTMENT OPTIONS Hostplus has over 1.7 million members, each with unique goals when it comes to their super. While the majority of members invest in our award-winning Balanced (MySuper) option, we also offer other investment options to suit our members’ preferences.
For members who would like to take less risk, we’ve developed the Defensive investment option. This option invests mainly in fixed interest and cash and focuses on delivering the best possible net return for its level of risk.
These investment options have the ability to give members greater control of their super. They can invest in one option or spread their investment across multiple options. And they can switch into or out of these options at any time at no cost.
Some members want to keep costs as low as possible. Others want access to socially responsible investments. Many just want the highest possible net investment returns for their super.
For those who like to minimise investment fees and costs, we have two new options. Indexed High Growth invests only in shares, and is therefore higher risk, while aiming for higher long-term returns. Indexed Defensive is a lower-risk option which invests predominately in defensive assets like fixed interest and cash.
Anyone can invest in these options as long as they’re a Hostplus member! They just log in to their Hostplus Member Online account and select to manage their investments.
That’s why we’ve created these new options, providing members with an even greater range of choice. What are the new investment options? We’ve added six new pre-mixed options, each designed to focus on one of these areas: net returns, low cost, or socially responsible investing. The first new option is called High Growth. It invests in all growth assets. While it’s a higher-risk investment, its focus is on delivering the best net return over the long term. We’ve designed this option for members who have a medium to long-term investment time frame, and who are seeking the best net return possible.
Finally, we’ve also launched two new options that focus on socially responsible investing, known as ‘SRI’. Both options aim to reduce exposure to fossil fuels and some other sectors like tobacco production and gambling. SRI – High Growth invests in growth assets and is higher risk, while our SRI – Defensive option invests in a portfolio with a strong bias to defensive assets such as fixed interest and cash.
Advice for members who need it Best of all, our members don’t have to make investment decisions on their own. Hostplus members have access to financial advice – online, over the phone and face to face. Members can call our dedicated Hostplus advice number on 1300 303 188 or visit hostplus.com.au/financial-planning and one of our superannuation advisers can help them work out which investment option may be right for them. That’s a plus.
These six new options add more choice to our existing range of pre-mixed investment options. Now members can choose the level of risk they’re comfortable with, and the investment style they prefer.
This information is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if this information is appropriate for you in light of your circumstances before acting on it. Please read the relevant Hostplus Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), available at hostplus.com.au before making a decision about Hostplus. For a description of the target market, please read the Target Market Determination (TMD), available at hostplus.com.au. Net investment returns represent the rate of return on investments after investment-related fees, costs and taxes have been deducted. Other fees and costs may apply. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and should never be the sole factor considered when selecting a superannuation fund. Hostplus has engaged Industry Fund Services Limited (IFS) ABN 54 007 016 195, AFSL 232514 to facilitate the provision of personal financial advice to members of Hostplus. Advice is provided by Hostplus financial planners who are Authorised Representatives of IFS. Fees may apply for personal financial advice; for further information about the cost of personal advice, you can speak with your Hostplus financial planner or visit our website www.hostplus. com.au. Information to help you decide whether you want to use personal financial advice services being offered is set out in the relevant IFS Financial Services Guide, a copy of which is available from your Hostplus financial planner. Hostplus has engaged Link Advice Pty Ltd ABN 36 105 811 836, ASFL 258145 to facilitate the provision of limited personal financial advice to members of Hostplus via the web-based product SuperAdviser. Issued by Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704, AFSL 244392 as trustee for the Hostplus Superannuation Fund (the Fund) ABN 68 657 495 890, MySuper No 68 657 495 890 198.
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WINNER SIX SIX YEARS YEARS IN IN A A ROW ROW A win for us is a win for our members. Judged on strong performance, A win for us is aand wina for our members. Judged on strong performance, competitive fees wide range of product features, Hostplus has earned competitive fees and aValue wide Superannuation range of productAward features, Hostplus has earned Canstar’s Outstanding for the sixth year in a row. Canstar’s Outstanding Value Superannuation Award for the sixth year in a row.
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Canstar 5 Star Rating for Outstanding Value Superannuation awarded March 2023 for the Balanced (MySuper) option. Visit canstar.com.au for awards criteria. Awards ratings one factor to consider. Past performance is not a reliable future performance. General advice for only. Consider the Canstar and 5 Star Ratingare foronly Outstanding Value Superannuation awarded March 2023 for theindicator Balancedof (MySuper) option. Visit canstar.com.au awards criteria. relevant Hostplus PDS TMD hostplus.com.au your objectives, is financial situation and needs, which performance. have not been General accounted for. Issued by Host-Plus Awards and ratings areand only oneatfactor to consider.and Past performance not a reliable indicator of future advice only. Consider the Pty Limited ABN 79PDS 008and 634TMD 704,at AFSL 244392 as trustee for the HostplusfiSuperannuation (the Fund) ABN 68not 657been 495 890. HP2396 relevant Hostplus hostplus.com.au and your objectives, nancial situationFund and needs, which have accounted for. Issued by Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704, AFSL 244392 as trustee for the Hostplus Superannuation Fund (the Fund) ABN 68 657 495 890. HP2396
COLLINS KITCHEN REIMAGINING THE
CLASSIC AUSTRALIAN BARBECUE By Alysa Witmitz
Deluxe Accommodation Hotel of the Year, Grand Hyatt Melbourne is home to Collins Kitchen. A jewel in Melbourne’s iconic culinary scene, Collins Kitchen recently transformed their menu to reimagine the classic Australian barbecue. Guided by the philosophy, ‘Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served’ guests are met with a unique dining experience that is centred around a spectacular menu.
STEVEN BEAUMONT EXECUTIVE CHEF COLLINS KITCHEN
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I wouldn’t say it changed significantly, but it was a slow process where we tweaked things until we were completely happy with them and ensured the whole menu could be rolled out smoothly. We opted for a soft launch so we could trial everything and make improvements, it was a lot of new cooking processes that we knew would work we just needed to give ourselves time to do so.
THE COLLINS KITCHEN EXPERIENCE Heading into Collins Kitchen you’re met by the grandeur of one of Melbourne's most iconic hotels. Walking past the chic Ru-Co Bar and ornate lobby finishings, you know you’ve made it to the right place when you spot the playful neon cow signalling the entrance of Collins Kitchen.
Was it just food that was changed, or were aspects of the dining experience altered too?
Nestled inside Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Collins Kitchen boasts an open plan layout that provides refuge from Melbourne’s bustling city streets. Luxury from the hotel extends into the restaurant with beautiful furnishings that set an intimate and relaxed tone. Executive Chef Steven Beaumont has curated an environment and menu that sets Collins Kitchen apart. Chef Steven led the reimagination of the menu with a focus on what was missing from the top end of Collins Street. Although a lengthy process to fine-tune and balance the menu, the result is undoubtedly worth it. A twist on classic barbecuing, Collins Kitchen takes initial inspiration from American style smoked ribs and meat. This vision has been developed and nuanced to include perfectly roasted fish and vegetables, wood fired breads, playful desserts and complimentary cocktails. We caught up with Chef Steven to better understand Collins Kitchen’s reimagination and how this was brought to life by the team. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Chef Steven. Congratulations on the launch of your new menu, can you share some thoughts on the initial inspiration for changing the Collins Kitchen menu? I’m always working on new ideas trying different things in the kitchen, eventually I knew I wanted to rehaul the menu and move away from a traditional hotel restaurant menu. Looking at what’s in the area, it’s clear that there’s a gap in the market for really well done steak and barbecue experiences. Combine this with our previous Burn City Smokers residencies that were a hit, I knew I wanted to offer a menu that incorporated smoked foods and try something we haven’t done before.
We decided to refresh quite a few things, changing the menu affects the whole customer experience. We had to look at the cocktails served at Ru-Co Bar, uniforms for staff, glassware and crockery and all those things that happen behind the scenes that impact the dining experience. We’re lucky to have a well experienced and tenured team, and we need to provide them with the right tools to showcase the offering that’s been curated. Have you got a favourite dish? Or is this like asking you to pick a favourite child? Now this is a hard question! It really depends on what you’re feeling. Are you having a bunch of plates to share? Are you keen for the full smoked experience with brisket and short ribs? Are you just having a bite with a matching cocktail? I have lots of favourites but I can’t narrow it down to one. So much has gone into the new menu and curating a completely different experience. If you could leave people with one last thing to think about keep front of mind when at Collins Kitchen, what would it be? We all love that special dining experience. Collins Kitchen offers that and more. It is the perfect medium between a great culinary experience in a relaxed, casual and fun setting.
Smiling staff get you settled and excitedly walk you through the various drinks and food on offer. Cocktails are created to compliment and utilise elements of the menu, as well as a variety of wines that suit all preferences. The tantalizing food menu can be tailored to suit your party, enjoying simple share plates or a full-blow fire cooked feast. Chef Steven and his team have taken care to ensure the classics are still featured, indulge in beef tartare, oysters, housecured salmon and more. For those that want to try some of the reimagined barbecue items, you can’t go past the hay smoked chicken wings, 12-hour smoked brisket, and smoked pork ribs. The attention to detail becomes clear when the sides are as show-stopping as the mains. The fresh slaw with buttermilk and dill dressing perfectly balances the larger plates. We've done the important research for everyone, and can confirm our top picks are the wood fire roasted cauliflower, fish baked in buttermilk and 12-hour smoked Black Angus brisket. COLLINS KITCHEN IS LOCATED ON 123 COLLINS STREET, VISIT THEIR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO MAKE A BOOKING WWW.COLLINSKITCHEN.COM
As you began to trial dishes and the wider team became involved, did your vision for the menu change significantly?
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TAPPING INTO TECH: HOW THE ASCOT VALE HOTEL HAS RAISED THE BAR ON PAYMENTS From splitting payments to surcharging, tipping and sending digital receipts: the functionality of the modern EFTPOS terminal goes above and beyond just settling the bill.
Today, financial services providers such as Zeller are harnessing new technology to address pain points for Australian businesses as more and more consumers go cashless. Zeller’s Director of Growth, Josh McNicol spoke to Bradley Olsson, owner of the Ascot Vale Hotel and Mona Castle Hotel about using Zeller EFTPOS Terminal, and what specific features have changed the game when it comes to processing payments at speed, improving customer experience, and tracking sales. Payment technology has come a long way over the last ten years. How has your current payment terminal made your experience better than what you’ve used in the past? When we started, we were just using the EFTPOS terminal provided by our bank. We were having to deal with a lot of paper dockets, which meant constantly keeping
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track of them and storing them. We did that for the first 6-12 months, but after a while it just got too hard. When we moved to Zeller the whole process became a lot more streamlined. We were able to send receipts via SMS or email, while still having the option of printing them if a customer wanted one. It meant we only had to have about 10 rolls on site. That was definitely one of the biggest improvements on our old system. How does tracking sales via the payment terminal help you run your business day to day? With such fast-paced venues, especially the Ascot Vale Hotel, our staff don’t always have time to put orders through the POS. We have six or seven Terminals, and when it gets really busy, they just get passed around, it’s like hot potatoes. So, it’s crazy how big the discrepancy can be; sometimes, at the end of the night the EFTPOS terminal will have
recorded upwards of $6000 more than what has been processed through the POS system. Being able to track the sales through Zeller allows us to reconcile them against those that have been put through the POS, which helps a lot with our P&L at the end of the month. In what ways does Zeller Terminal help you deliver a better customer experience? The interface is a lot clearer for the customers. They can see what they're paying for, including the surcharge that's involved. Our bank terminal had such a small screen, plus you’d always have to plug it in, whereas Zeller Terminal is just much more approachable. Zeller has recently introduced a ‘Split Payments’ feature, how has this improved the payment process in your pubs?
In our dining room which seats about 60-70 people, it really helps. If things are busy, the last thing you want to do is start adding things up in your head. With [Zeller Terminal’s] Split Payments you're just able to offer your customers the option to split it evenly, and away you go. It just helps with processing the payment efficiently, and accurately. Why is it important that your merchant services provider is an Australian company? At our venues, we really pride ourselves on that personal approach and knowing someone when they come into the pub. So, I guess it's pretty similar with Zeller. I have personally met a lot of the people who work there. It’s nice to always be dealing with the same people. There’s a personal side to it, and that aligns with what we want to achieve in our business too.
Finally, how easy was it for you to get set up with Zeller? It was really easy. Someone came in and helped us with the implementation, and the Terminal is pretty self-explanatory. The maintenance looks after itself and when we do need something replaced it's easily done. The app is also very approachable.
With one low flat fee of 1.4% per transaction for all card types, including American Express, Zeller is not only helping businesses streamline their payment process, but is also softening the blow of rising overheads. To learn more about Zeller’s all-in-one payments solution, visit www.myzeller.com or contact sales@myzeller.com to negotiate an even lower custom transaction fee, if your business is processing over $250K annually in card payments.
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PARTNERS
KENO CUSTOMER CULTURE INSPIRES DESIGN Considering how to incorporate Keno during the design stage of your hotel’s refurbishment or renovation, small or large, is a gateway to creating a more satisfying customer experience.
Picture this. A plush-carpeted area with bright LED lighting, a Keno four-in-one vision screen prominently mounted on a freshly painted wall, wrapped with a vibrant Keno decal. Nestled beside it are padded, tub chairs grouped around tables – all with freshly stocked Keno caddies sitting alongside table toppers promoting a tempting meal deal – and a Keno Touch terminal is just a few paces away.
convenience when playing Keno than ever before. And it’s what proactive hotels are doing to please their customers and maximise product revenue.
it’s worth considering how you can create a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment that your customers will enjoy playing in,” suggests Malek.
Hotels need to continuously evolve to meet the desires of their customers, including when it comes to the way in which they offer Keno, reveals Paul Malek, Keno’s General Manager of Licenced Venue Operations.
“Your venue can create a seamless and more enjoyable customer experience for players through integration of Keno in the right areas, ideally a lounge, where there is room to accommodate one.”
This is as close as it gets to ‘Keno heaven’ for customers who are seeking greater comfort, more upmarket décor, and better
“Whether your hotel is planning a largescale renovation, undertaking an extension, or simply doing a low-cost refurbishment,
Malek explains that while a dedicated Keno lounge is ‘the gold standard’, it’s not essential to creating spaces where customers want to
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FINDING MEANINGFUL, HIGH-VISIBILITY LOCATIONS TO INSTALL THE LATEST DIGITAL, VIDEO SCREENS IS PIVOTAL.
relax and play. However, having enhanced Keno visual points, convenience, and comfort are highly desirable. “Finding meaningful, high-visibility locations to install the latest digital, video screens is pivotal to creating optimal customer vision, while erecting prominent signage and branding, such as a Keno decal wall wrap, will help customers find their way to Keno and make the location stand out,” he says. “Convenience can be greatly improved through the thoughtful placement of Keno Touch Terminals around your venue, so customers don’t have to walk too far, but still have privacy. “And they need to have surrounds that are conducive to playing while enjoying a drink or meal, which is achievable through a variety of seating types, from tub chairs and low tables to high stools and tables.” Keno’s reno checklist and planning tips Malek recommends doing a room by room assessment of how customers can interact with Keno in your hotel, including factoring in: 1. Vision – can they see the ball draw and the latest digital marketing?
2. Sales and service – how convenient is it for them to buy or check their ticket? 3. Comfort – how content will they be to remain in that location and play? “The ideal time to think about how your customers can get the most out of their Keno experience is when your hotel is designing its various spaces,” Malek implores. “This allows you to look at how vision and self-service points can best be integrated into the fit out of your dining, bar, lounge, and gaming precincts, as well as how your hotel’s facilities stack up to their desires. “If you would like Keno’s input into this process, your Keno Sales Executive can conduct a Keno audit and provide advice on solutions that will suit your hotel’s needs.” Making sure your hotel utilises the latest digital assets, available from the Tool Kit on Keno Connect, across venue and bank screens, EGM assets, social media, and the hotel web site, is the icing on the cake says Malek. “In addition to providing relevant and interesting marketing content, Keno is also responding to what our venue partners tell us their customers need,” he says.
“We’re working to make the ball draw as prominent as possible, showing the game results for longer so that customers can follow, and presenting more content between games, such as jackpot winners and number trends.” Contact your Keno Sales Executive today to get the ball rolling on your hotel’s Keno upgrade and visit Keno Connect to download the latest digital and EGM assets, social media, and signage.
To stay in touch with all things Keno, visit kenoconnect.com.au.
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