Best Country Dining in SA for AHA SA Awards 2025

The Sevenhill Hotel has once again been recognised among South Australia’s best, taking home the 2025 Best Country Dining Award at the South Australian Hotel Awards. This marks the sixth win for the family-owned venue in this highly competitive category, a testament to its continued excellence and dedication to delivering outstanding regional dining.

Owners Paul and Kate, now in their 12th year of running the Sevenhill Hotel, attribute their success to a simple but consistent philosophy—fresh, house-made food, friendly and professional table service, and a focus on pairing great meals with exceptional Clare Valley wines.

“We make everything fresh onsite, offer consistent and delicious meals, and design a seasonal menu that complements our local wines. Our goal has always been to create a relaxed, welcoming experience where guests can sit back and enjoy their time with us,” says Kate.

Unlike many country pubs, guests at the Sevenhill Hotel enjoy full table service, allowing them to relax while the professional team takes care of everything. Staff are trained to anticipate guests’ needs and provide knowledgeable recommendations on menu items, beverages, and local wine pairings.

Adding to the venue’s charm, guests are invited to visit the walk-in wine cellar to personally handpick a bottle of wine to enjoy with their meal. This interactive touch highlights the Hotel’s warm hospitality and passion for creating memorable dining experiences.

The seasonal menu showcases the best of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with dishes crafted to reflect the region’s produce and the kitchen team’s creativity. Regular updates keep the menu exciting for returning guests, while strong relationships with local suppliers—such as Rohde’s Free-Range Eggs, Corner Patch Fruit & Veg, and Remarkable Meats—underscore the Hotel’s commitment to supporting South Australian producers.

Catering to a wide range of dietary needs, the menu features clear indicators for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and plant-based dishes, as well as options that can be customised to suit specific dietary preferences. Individualised menus are also available on request, and a dedicated gluten-free fryer ensures safe preparation in the kitchen.

A true standout feature is the walk-in wine cellar, where guests can not only choose from hundreds of bottles but also opt to dine in the cellar itself—an immersive experience surrounded by premium wines from the Clare Valley, broader Australia, and select international regions. “Wines of the Month” are displayed throughout the bar and restaurant, and all wines are available for takeaway purchase. The Sevenhill Hotel proudly boasts the largest wine bottle shop in the Clare Valley, often recommended by cellar doors across the region for its extensive selection.

From the first warm welcome to the final bite of dessert, the Sevenhill Hotel team shares a unified commitment to delivering exceptional regional dining. Every visit reflects their passion for fresh food, fine wine, and heartfelt hospitality—a combination that has earned them recognition once again as South Australia’s Best Country Dining venue and a place in the 2025 National Awards.

From sky-high rooftops to farm tables, SA’s best regional and city restaurant has been crowned