Dedication pays off

When Boyanup residents Stephen and Ellen Lilly took over the Bull and Bush Tavern in mid-2010 it had been closed for three months and was in desperate need of a fresh start.

Picture by Jordan McArdle: The Bull and Bush Tavern head chef Mark Palumbo, left, owner Stephen Lilly and cellar master Cowan Hogarth show off their latest award.

The couple put their heart and soul into the 126-year-old venue and were rewarded recently for their efforts.

The Bull and Bush was honoured at the Australian Hotels Association WA awards night, winning the best pub/hotel accommodation award and narrowly missing out on best regional venue and best casual dining awards.

Mr Lilly was delighted with the award, crediting his staff on doing such a great job.

‘‘We were nominated for three different categories and ended upwinning the first one—it was just amazing,’’ he said.

‘‘To get an award like this is a recognition to all the hard work that the staff have done.’’

For Mr Lilly it was a big change from looking after his children full-time the previous six years.

‘‘Our greatest honour was actually trying to run the place aswe have never been involved in the industry before,’’ he said.

‘‘That was a big achievement to get started and still be here now.’’

The Lillys are hoping to have another crack at the award next year and are aiming to add to the numerous Gold Plate awards won by previous owner Patricia New.

Other South West venues who made the finals of the AHA WA awards include the Rose Hotel and Mash Brewing.