Restaurant Guru is an app that uses customer reviews to help its users to decide which bars, cafes, and restaurants to visit.

Desi Swag opened in mid-December 2019 and within a few months had to close its doors due to COVID-19.

Sania Sarin, who owns and operates the restaurant with her husband Gurvir Singh Gill, said while it was a difficult time for the business, they had been heartened by the support they had received.

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"We had just started when things really started to get bad," she said.

"But the community here, the council, the people, and even the tourists, are so supportive and have helped us through that time.

"All our hard work was rewarded by the community and it was because of them we got through COVID and were able to get this award, so we'd like to thank them."

Desi Swag is currently listed as the best of 58 places to eat and drink in Ararat.

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Ms Sarin said she was encouraged by the recognition the business had received.

"It's really nice and gives us the motivation to try and do better things," she said.

Blue Duck Hotel was listed as the second-best place in Ararat to eat and drink, and also the best steakhouse in town, while Fred & Bets was listed third and named the best cafe and coffee house in Ararat.

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