The recently renovated venue on Sturt Street cleaned up at Monday night’s Australian Hotels Association Victoria excellence awards, also claiming the best marketed hotel award.

Owner Dan Cronin said he was ecstatic with the accolades, given the pub underwent a major face lift just over three years ago.

“I’m really excited for the team,” Mr Cronin said.

“The judges come through independently – they're mystery shoppers so we don’t know who they are or when they come it.

“That makes it a great result for the team.”

He said the best marketed hotel award was a “big tick” for the venue’s social media and marketing team.

Ballarat had a strong presence at the night, with the Park Hotel a finalist in the family dining category, while the Blue Bell Hotel was a finalist in a gaming category.