Deloraine’s hospitality and tourism businesses have had a strong showing across two major state award programs, with the Bush Inn Brewhouse and Little Green Men Brewing among this year’s big winners.
The Bush Inn Brewhouse, operated by Belinda and Mike Sheehan, won Gold in the ‘Best Casual Dining’ category at the 2025 Hospitality Tasmania Awards for Excellence. The recognition puts the venue among Tasmania’s top hospitality destinations, chosen from a field of 44 competitors.
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“We feel pretty happy about that,” Belinda says. “I think it’s because we’ve just got that really nice atmosphere, really lovely food, and our nice bar with a huge selection. I think whoever came and judged it just really got what we were trying to portray in our business.”
The Sheehans have spent the past five years reshaping the historic venue into a small-batch brewery and family-friendly restaurant. “Especially because that is what we were trying to aim for, that nice casual, relaxed atmosphere, kid friendly, where anyone can come along and just feel welcomed, I was pretty happy to receive that this year,” she says.
Even with a simplified menu and limited opening hours, The Bush Inn stood out to judges for its commitment to quality and local sourcing. “I wasn’t really sure if we’d be up to match with some of the other amazing places around Tasmania. And when they called out our name, I was very shocked, but very happy about it!”
The venue brews its own craft beer on-site and supports a wide range of Tasmanian wines and spirits. Mike, who brews in a 100-litre setup out the back, said the goal was always to offer full-flavoured, characterful beer that can’t be easily found elsewhere. “Rather than trying to find [the beers I wanted], I just started brewing them.”
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The couple also operate the Thirsty Camel Bottle Shop in Deloraine, and credit their small team and loyal community for the venue’s continued success. “We’ve got a small but skilled crew. We’ve got a few juniors as well who have been working with us for a few years. I think it just makes it a really nice atmosphere,” Belinda says.
Little Green Men Brewing, also based in Deloraine, was another standout on the night, winning the People’s Choice award for ‘Tasmania’s Best Bar’ at the same Hospitality Tasmania Awards for Excellence.
Meanwhile, the Visit Northern Tasmania Champions of Tourism Awards recognised other Meander Valley operators, with nominations for Little Marney’s Gifts for Town and Country and Love Lucy Boots in Westbury. Both were finalists but did not take out a win on the night this year.
The Bush Inn Brewhouse is now planning to expand its brewing facilities and create more function space for events. “Deloraine’s really lacking a function space and a meeting space in general as well,” Mike says. “We’re hoping to have a really lovely atmosphere and great food and offer an all in one package.”
For the Sheehans, the recognition is a sign that their vision is having an impact. “We just love it here,” Belinda says. “We feel pretty lucky to be where we are.”
