20 September 2013

The University of Queensland, known for educational excellence, has proven its merit in another area, winning four top honours in the Queensland Savour Australia Restaurant and Catering HOSTPLUS Awards for Excellence.

UQ’s Customs House was named Wedding Caterer, Function/Convention Centre Caterer and South East Queensland Caterer of the Year.

Scolarest (Australia) Pty Ltd at UQ’sGatton Campus Halls of Residence won the Industrial and Institutional Catering category.

The Restaurant and Catering Australia awards program is the authoritative guide to Australia’s best restaurants and caterers and has set the national benchmark for objectively recognising and promoting best practice.

UQ Director of Corporate Operations Jeremy Crowley congratulated the staff at both venues on achieving such high distinctions in the hospitality industry.

“Customs House is an excellent ambassador for the University in the city’s business and tourism centre, and these awards are yet further testament to the contribution it makes to the cultural life of Brisbane,” Mr Crowley said.

“We are also proud of the catering service at our Gatton campus, which is providing meals for more than 400 students each day during semesters as well as catering for staff and special functions.”

Customs House caters for more than 65,000 guests at about 60 weddings and 680 other events each year. Its restaurant also serves 22,000 diners each year.

The UQ winners were among 1500 entrants judged on the entire dining experience rather than a single food or service dimension.

Both will now compete with other region finalists in the national finals in Sydney on 28 October.

To celebrate its success, Customs House is offering a $200 gift voucher for one lucky subscriber to its newsletter.

Media: Customs House Director Brian Roberts (07) 3365 8909; Gatton Campus Marketing Coordinator Erin Pearl (07) 5460 1229