A restaurant that's put fresh food and live music inspired by the blues scene on the menu in the centre of Dubbo will vie for top honours this month.
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In its first year of operation Old Bank Restaurant has hosted international artists, added a music shop and developed a wide range of craft beers.
Still with a month to go before the first anniversary of opening, owners Michael and Gloria Picton have another reason to smile.
Old Bank Restaurant was named a finalist in the 'best restaurant - country' category of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) NSW Awards for Excellence.
It will compete with five others from across country NSW for the title, which will be announced on November 24.
Old Bank Restaurant was nominated by its devoted owners and was then secretly assessed by a judge across different criteria in two rounds.
"Our food is generous and it's fresh and where possible it's sourced from within 160km," Mrs Picton said.
She said her favourite item on the current menu was moisture-infused pork with apricot, while her husband had two - the Old Bank's burger and the salmon.
Staff members were excited it had become a finalist because it was a "big team effort".
The venture that developed from a long-held dream has grown in the past 11 months, a period the Pictons said had exceeded their expectations.
They hosted Eugene Hideaway Bridge, an artist born in New Orleans, built up live music four to five nights a week and added a range of 40 to 50 craft beers, including the Old Bank Lager.
"The community support has been overwhelming," Mrs Picton said.
"That inspires us to keep doing what we're doing."
Mr Picton, a musician inspired by the blues scene of Chicago, established the restaurant in the heritage-listed property, said they wanted to offer something different.
"Eugene Hideaway Bridges loves coming here, the local and international artists say it has a good feel," he said.
