Lifestyle & Entertainment
14 July, 2026
The battle for the Golden Mug is back
THE search is on for the region’s best brew. The Greater Ararat Business Network’s Grampians Golden Mug competition has returned for 2026 with locals and visitors asked to nominate the region’s best hot beverage.
Last year was a tight race between Ararat’s Foragers Café and Halls Gap’s Kerrie’s Creations, with Foragers winning by just one vote.
Sixteen businesses are participating in this year’s competition where people will be encouraged to use the QR code and vote for the best coffee, tea, hot chocolate or other hot beverage.
The competition is an initiative of the Greater Ararat Business Network to encourage people into local cafes, restaurants and eateries over the slow cold winter months.
“It’s about getting people out of their homes, away from their fires and out into the local businesses because many of them have had
tough times,” GABN committee member Pep Atchison said.
“It’s about backing our local hospitality businesses,” she said.
This year’s participants include: Ararat RSL, Astor Cinema, Barney’s Bar and Bistro, Chalambar Golf Club, Foragers Café, Fred & Bets. Grampians Estate, Grampians General Store Pomonal, Halls Gap Hotel, Iris by Block & Cleaver, Maroona Hotel, McDonalds Ararat, Mess & Barracks, Moyston General Store, WAMA and Willaura Bakers.
Votes for the prestigious Golden Mug will be tallied in October with the winner to be announced at the East Grampians Business Awards on October 28.
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