The hotel is one of 14 across the state chosen through a rigorous selection process by the AHA NSW.

Among the hotels The Ox is competing against include the Central Hotel, Shellharbour, Gregory Hills Hotel, Gregory Hills and Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff.

In addition to being a finalist in the main category, The Ox was also named as a finalist in Best Retail Liquor Outlet and best Social Media Activity categories.

Other Bathurst pubs to make the list include The George Hotel, in Best New or Redeveloped Hotel Country and Best Restaurant Country and the Family Hotel and Jack Duggan’s both of which are finalists in Best Casual Dining Venue Country Western.

Jack Duggan’s is also a finalist in Best Steak Venue, while The Family was also a finalist in Best Cheap Eat Meal Under $15.

With a record-breaking 600 plus nominations in 42 categories to be chosen as a finalist is a major feat.

The hotly contested awards range from the popular food categories like best burger and best steak through to employee awards like best chef and new categories like best outdoor experience, best rooftop bar, best live music venue and best cheap eat meal (under $15).

AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said the Awards for Excellence are about honouring the best in the business right across the state.

“Our hotels are world-class and that is acknowledged again this year in the high calibre of finalists in the running for the 2016 Awards for Excellence,” he said.

“To put it simply, the finalists list is a “who’s who” of the hotel industry in NSW – it honours the best in the business, as well as the hard work that goes into running a quality venue each and every day.

“Regional hotels are the heart and soul of their communities and it is great to see so many nominated in this year’s finalists list.

“All venues on the list have been assessed by a team of independent judges over the last few months.”

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at The Star, Sydney on Tuesday, November 29.