The iconic Olims Hotel which has been entertaining Canberrans for over 80 years, made a triple win at the Australian Hotels Association awards held last month.
AHA General Manager Steven Fanner offered congratulations to all winners, but made particular note of Olims, being one of two most awarded venues.
“Olims has shown the value of refurbishing an existing venue by taking out not only the Best Redeveloped Venue award but also the Best Outdoor Entertainment Area and Best Sporting & Gaming Entertainment,” he said.
The management and staff at Olims are stoked about their achievement and have displayed their awards to show everybody the venue is excelling.
“I was very proud of the team and of Daniel, my assistant who put in a lot of work and of course grateful to the owner. It really motivates you and the team,” said Olims General Manager, Brook Pulka.
Since completion of the Ainslie Bar, which is part of the Olims development, staff have received very positive responses from patrons and also seen a shift in clientele with the renovations creating a new atmosphere and experience.
“We have the regular tradies coming in, but now house guests are coming down, as well as female corporates who like to use the lounge area. Now it’s a venue for everybody,” said Mr Pulka.
The hotel is also making changes to its bistro to open up the floorspace and include a kids room so children can enjoy themselves while parents relax, making the venue family friendly.
“The food is still going to be bistro style, but we’re going to do some more specials for those that want something different. We also have a new executive chef starting soon. He’s got passion and really brings something different to the table. I’m excited and he’s excited,” said Mr Pulka.
The next stage of the Olims transformation will be the installation of a new pool, set to start in the next 3-4 months, a fitness centre to go underneath the conference room along with a luxurious day spa.
“The owner’s really keen to push the property forward. We’re looking at increasing room numbers, now that I’m really excited about. We’re looking at building another 120 next year,” he said.
If that isn’t enough news, the property, located on Limestone Avenue, is set to house the first major brewery in the region, the Schwartz Brewery.
“It’s going to be a focal point, the owner really wants people to come and enjoy the property,” said Mr Pulka.
Being one of the first hotels in Canberra, Olims has great historical significance for its role in the development of the city.
“It’s an exciting place to be and the future’s looking really good,” he said.
Olims Hotel is holding the Craft Beer Festival in September where specialty beers will be on show, with brewers from around the country attending.
The event will be open to the public to taste the brews on offer and enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere. Stay tuned to your OutInCanberra Insight for more information on the Craft Beer Festival.
