In an effort to find the best that the Mudgee region has to offer, from best place to go for a walk to best hangover breakfast, the Mudgee Guardian is asking the community to nominate the best of the best.

A change in menu has proved to be the right decision for the Cooyal Hotel with the team being awarded the Mudgee Guardian's top place to grab a schnitty, as voted by readers.

For the team, the news of their success in the weekly community poll comes as a 'pleasant surprise'.

"Because we don't have the customer base like the other places in town. We didn't think there was much chance for us so it was a very pleasant surprise and we're all really stoked," Cooyal Hotel owner, David Miller, said.

"Over the last couple of months we've put a lot of effort into our menu. We've got new schnitzels now, we've moved from a processed frozen schnitzel to a fresh, locally sourced chicken breast. The quality of our food has really improved.

"Often we have customers come out and say 'wow, that's the best schnitzel we've ever had'. It's a great confirmation and real boost that our effort in improving our menu and meeting the needs of our customers are being appreciated and recognised.

"For us, it's been a real team effort. It's all of us sitting down and talking about what we can do."

The 'best schnitty' claim is not only the result of the hard work and dedication displayed by the Cooyal Hotel, but also a nod at the produce supplied by S & S meats, and two butchers in particular.

"Shopping locally is really important to us, we get all our meat off S & S. There are two butchers in particular, Ron and Arnie, who work very closely with us so in accepting the award, we also need to acknowledge them and the business," David said.

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