Rustlers Steakhouse & Grill nabs best regional restaurant title at Australian Hotels Association WA Awards

An Albany steakhouse received a top honour for its “exceptional hospitality” earlier this month, with the owners hoping the State award will lift the profile of the entire city. Rustlers Steakhouse & Grill was named best regional restaurant by the Australian Hotels Association WA in its 2024 AHA and Coca-Cola Hospitality Awards for Excellence on November 11 at Crown Perth. Rustlers owner Les Palmer said though the win was thrilling for the team, it is evidence of Albany’s rising star in industry awards. “Albany has been winning gold and kicking goals lately,” he said. “Lime 303 recently got their gold plate award, the Discovery Centre just got gold and few others and now us. “You can’t call (Albany) a backwater hole anymore. “I think we’re doing really, really well, considering we’re getting these accolades.” Mr Palmer took over the restaurant with his wife Susie in 2016, a decade after the couple first came on board as staff of the popular eatery. Though it specialises in steak, Mr Palmer said he tries to cultivate a menu that suits everyone, with an “Albany first, WA second and Australia third” approach to sourcing quality products. “We’ve switched to Stirling Range beef and try and utilise all our local growers here as that’s a small thing that makes a big difference,” he said. “As Marco Pierre White says, it’s a lot of little things done well that make a good restaurant and we really try and focus on each detail. “We’ve been tweaking the menu for last 18 months now to try and listen to what our locals want, listen to what our tourists are wanting, trying to get a good balance of both of those and make it affordable, helping out with the community wherever we can. “It was a big achievement, to be able to beat all these big businesses in places like Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River. “So, yeah, it’s a good feeling to win and know those details are adding up.” AHA WA chief executive Bradley Woods said the winners of the 43 categories “represent the pinnacle of our State’s vibrant hospitality scene”, who were selected from 530 nominations. “Recipients include small bars, casual pubs, boutique breweries, elevated dining restaurants — and everything in between — as well as hardworking staff who create memorable experiences that keep guests returning again and again,” he said. “By honouring the achievements of venues and employees, the awards aim to inspire the entire sector, encouraging a commitment to exceptional hospitality that drives tourism, strengthens our economy and positions our State as a must-visit destination.”