People’s choice: Matt Connell and Andrew Steere with their Golden Plate awards.
SIX MONTHS of re-invention has won a pair of young business partners the backing of customers in the region’s premier hospitality awards.
Matt Connell, 25, and Andrew Steere, 30, claimed the Golden Plate Awards’ People’s Choice prize on Monday night after taking over Newtown’s Winter’s Cafe in May.
Mr Connell said being part of the Golden Plate Awards was important for the cafe’s re-branding.
“When we took over we didn’t change the name but we changed the logo, did a complete refit of the interior and modernised the menu,” he said.
The People’s Choice award attracted more than 5000 restaurant reviews from the public after the Independent came on board as the prize sponsor this year.
Awards organiser Pam Jewson said the response was stunning.
The Golden Plates fielded less than 800 reviews in 2010, she said.
Independent managing editor Tony Galpin was thrilled with the “outstanding result”.
“As the region’s highest-circulating newspaper, promoting the People’s Choice category was a great fit for the Independent.
“Any local event that can draw 5000 reviews or comments has obviously connected with the community in a big way. The Independent is proud to have helped drive the incredible growth of public participation in the Golden Plate Awards.
“The people have spoken – congratulations to Winter’s Cafe.”
The People’s Choice award featured a $2000 advertising package with the Independent.
The overall winner of the Golden Plate Awards was Queenscliff’s Vue Grand Hotel.
