General News
13 August, 2025
Who serves Ararat’s best brew?
THE search is on to find the Ararat region’s best hot drink. The Greater Ararat Business Network has kicked off its inaugural ‘Grampians Golden Mug’ competition where local residents are asked to nominate Ararat’s best brew.
Across our region, 16 local businesses are participating in the Grampians Golden Mug competition where customers can nominate a great coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
The Grampians Golden Mug Competition will run through to the 7th of October.
A lucky customer will be drawn each month to receive a $150 coffee voucher.
In October, the votes will be tallied and the business serving the best hot drink – be it coffee, tea or hot chocolate – will receive a $4,000 advertising package to promote their business with the Ararat Advocate and ACE Radio.
GABN committee member Luck Black said 16 venues are competing to take the inaugural trophy.
“This is the start of what we hope will be an annual award for the best hot beverage in the region and the public is invited to vote for their favourite business and all voters are eligible to receive a price at the end of each month.
“At the end of the period one local café or hospitality venue will be crowned the winner with a giant golden mug trophy,” she said.
Local manufacturing firm Gason has been set the task of making a giant Golden Mug which will be presented to the winner.
GABN Committee member Pep Atchison said the competition is about getting people to support the local hospitality industry.
“It’s about getting people out of their homes, away from their fires and out into the local businesses because many of them have had tough times so this was an idea to get people out and about and experiencing what is in our area,” she said.
Over 16 local venues from Halls Gap to Ararat are competing for votes.
Patrons are encouraged to visit a participating venue, scan the QR code and vote for their favourite hot beverage.
The winner of the Grampians Golden Mug will be announced at the East Grampians Business Awards in October.
Participants include Ararat RSL, the Mess and Barracks, Astor Cinema, Barney’s Bar and Bistro, Chalambar Golf Club, Foragers Café, Fred and Bet’s Café, Grampians General Store Pomonal, Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap Zoo, Kerrie’s Creations Halls Gap, McDonald’s Ararat, Moyston General Store, Pomonal Estate, WAMA and Willaura Bakery.
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