Leith chippy Pierino's named best in south east Scotland

A Leith fish and chip restaurant has been crowned the best in the south east of Scotland.

Staff at Pierino's received the award at the bash in Glasgow.

Family-run Pierino’s, which has been serving up fish and pizza suppers from its premises on Bernard Street since 1983, was crowned the best fish and chips establishment in the region at the Food Awards Scotland ceremony.

The fifth annual Food Awards Scotland welcomed more than 300 guests at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow on Monday evening in a celebration of the Scottish food industry.

Several of the awards were split into local regions to ensure a diverse range of businesses from across Scotland were recognised.

Joining Pierino’s among the Edinburgh victors were Tasty Buns Bakery, which won retail bakery of the year, Kilted Lobster, which scooped best seafood establishment, and Rapid Rolls which lifted the takeaway of the year (south east) gong.

Domenico Crolla, co-owner at the Leith establishment, said: “We were up against the likes of Anstruther, who we thought were the favourites to win. We’re just delighted that all the hard work and long hours have paid off.”

A spokesperson of the Food Awards Scotland, said: “We are very delighted to have welcomed such great finalists and winners at the Food Awards Scotland 2018 and celebrated the food industry with them.

“These awards aimed to thank those that work hard in the Scottish food industry and contribute to making Scotland a great place to visit. It is true that Scotland combines tastes and flavours from all over the world and our visitors can find different restaurants, gastro pubs and bistros.

“These people enhance the country’s reputation nationally and internationally, and we wanted to make sure that the hard work of Scottish food professionals doesn’t go unnoticed.

“It was lovely to be part of this celebration and we would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their achievements.”