The Exchange Hotel in Pinjarra has secured its position as the premier destination for country dining in Western Australia, winning the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) WA Steak Sandwich Championship for the second consecutive year. Chef David Brown’s signature sandwich, priced at $32, earned the title during a live 15-minute cook-off, beating finalists from across the state.
Why Local Sourcing Drives Culinary Awards
The winning formula for the Exchange Hotel centers on a “paddock-to-plate” philosophy. According to the hotel, the core of the sandwich is beef sourced directly from Midway Farm, a local producer in Pinjarra. By keeping the supply chain within the immediate region, the kitchen ensures maximum freshness, a factor that judges cited as critical in their final decision.
The term “fangability” is used by competition judges to measure the ease with which a diner can bite through a steak sandwich. A high score requires the meat to be tender, juicy, and succulent.
How the Championship Highlights Regional Pub Culture
The AHA(WA) Steak Sandwich Championship, now in its 19th year, serves as a platform to highlight the role of regional venues. Premier Roger Cook, who served as a judge for the event, noted that country pubs function as the “modern village square.” According to Mr. Cook, these venues provide essential community spaces that form the “fabric and soul” of rural Western Australian towns.
The competition featured a rigorous format where four finalists were given only 15 minutes to prepare their entries. The field included:
- David Brown: Exchange Hotel, Pinjarra
- Lee Collins: Brugan Brewery, near Harvey
- Adrian Bruche: Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
- Igor Rossi: Spinifex Brewery, Cable Beach
What Happens Next for the Exchange Hotel?
Owner Karl Bullers expects the repeat win to significantly increase foot traffic at the Pinjarra venue. Currently, the hotel moves between 300 and 400 steak sandwiches per week. Mr. Bullers stated that the award serves as a marketing tool to draw visitors to the region, noting that the venue intends to continue building its brand through future competition entries.
Beyond the prestige of the championship belt and trophy, the hotel received a prize package including a $500 voucher for an AHA venue, a Little Creatures food prize, four Julienne knives, 10 boxes of McCain chips, and 10 litres of extra virgin olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AHA(WA) Steak Sandwich Championship?
It is an annual competition that has run for 19 years, pitting regional pub chefs against one another in a timed, live cooking format to determine the best steak sandwich in Western Australia.
What criteria do judges use to evaluate the sandwiches?
Judges evaluate based on “fangability”—a measure of the sandwich’s tenderness and the overall quality of the ingredients, particularly the steak.
Does the location of the pub impact the judging?
Yes, the competition emphasizes the importance of regional venues, with judges often looking for the use of local, high-quality produce as a key component of the entry.
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