The Balldale Hotel is fighting for the top spot of the best pub in NSW so if you have called in for a drink or feed, been part of a function and enjoyed your visit, help your local claim the coveted prize.
Quaint small-town pub, the Balldale Hotel is vying for the honour of being named NSW’s Best Pub as part of the 2025 AHA NSW People’s Choice awards.
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The 115-year-old pub on Railway Road in Balldale is about 15km north-east of Corowa and 18 kilometres west of Brocklesby, and full of history.
Owned by two brothers, Glenn and Leigh Booth and their partners Michele Booth and Jo Monger, the Balldale Hotel is known to locals as one of the great pubs in the Riverina where the community and visitors come to enjoy a cold beer, have a laugh and a good feed.
Manager Manny Plesa said with the hotel’s rich history and to be open once again, in a township of 168 people, the Balldale Hotel deserved recognition as the Best Pub in NSW.
“Balldale was once known as Carnsdale, and the Carnsdale Hotel was opened in 1905,” Mr Plesa said.
“The ownership passed through many hands and remained the Carnsdale Hotel for many decades before the town become known as Balldale in the early 1900s.”
The pub was closed in 2011 after 106 years of trade before being purchased in 2019 in an almost derelict condition.
It underwent significant renovations to modernise the facilities and to restore the pub to its former glory, before reopening in November 2019, just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world.
In the early days, the hotel played a vital role in the Balldale community as the town was again thriving with passenger trains running through until 1975.
The small township had 13 shops including two garages, butcher, bakers, cafe, blacksmith, Bank of NSW, hospital, police station, primary school, post office, general store and two active churches.
Now, the township itself is not as busy as it was a century ago, but the Balldale Hotel remains the heart and soul of the town.
“The locals love it, their kids love it, their family loves it,” Mr Plesa said.
“It’s loved by everyone as we are a clean, safe, family friendly environment where kids can play in the sandpit and the adults can chill in the beer garden and listen to live music every weekend.”
Providing a place to eat, drink and be merry for locals and visitors, the Booth brothers and their partners are passionate about providing a place where everyone is welcome.
Owner Leigh Booth said it’s the people that make it great out at the Balldale Pub.
“When we first opened the pub five or so years ago, we didn’t realise just how much support we would have from the community out here,” Mr Booth said.
“We've had a few people shed a tear when it opened again because once pubs shut, they very seldom reopen.”
Mr Booth is a strong believer that pubs play an important role in a community’s mental health but says there’s been some tough times over the years.
“We're just far enough out of town to make it feel country and feel like a little bit of the bush; the town is nice and quiet but we like it busy inside,” he said.
“It's a really good atmosphere in the pub, it has a really good feel to it.
“We cater for everyone; a lot of people who travel from Albury, Yarrawonga and Rutherglen and come out here for the experience.”
The Balldale Hotel offers good food, cold drinks and classic pub fare with a bit of flare that was enjoyed by previous Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh on a visit. Pictured here with owner Leigh Booth.
Mr Booth said several famous people had passed through Balldale, sharing an ale and passing on their endorsements.
“We’ve had Boonie (David Boon) out here and Steve Waugh, so, two cricketing legends I was fortunate enough to spend some time in the bar with,” he said.
“Obviously there's a few sporting families up here.
“There's a lot of other personalities that come through, but everyone gets treated the same.”
While country pubs are often the heart of small towns, there are several factors that contribute to the success of the business.
“Good pubs are not too shiny, they are raw and provide good service,” Mr Booth said.
“There are a lot of stories within these walls and we are very well supported within the community; the people make it right so hopefully we can win for them also.”
The sentiments of endorsement were also conveyed by CDHBU netballer Tamara Lavis who said that as a frequent visitor to Balldale, she would say the Balldale Hotel has the best pub meals in the area.
“It has a beautiful, cosy atmosphere especially in winter with the fires going,” Tamara said.
“The owners, manager and staff are so lovely and personable. The outdoor area is spacious and gorgeous – I have been to many functions there.
Leigh Booth with David ‘Boonie’ Boon at the Balldale Hotel in 2023.
“And the live music is unreal. You can always guarantee there will be live music over the weekend all year round."
The pub awarded the People’s Choice Award will be announced at the 2025 AHA NSW Awards for Excellence on Tuesday, October 28.
By voting for your favourite pub, you automatically go into the draw to win one TCN Pub and Bar Gift Card valued at $250 to dine at your favourite pub.
Finalists will be determined based on the total of all collated online entries received. The People’s Choice Award finalists will be announced on Friday, September 19.
“Vote as much as you can, when you can and help us get the top spot. You have the whole month of August to get as many votes in,” Mr Booth said.
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