A WEST FIFE pub was served a national food award last month as they beat competition from across Scotland.

The Carnock Inn won the South East Gastro Pub of the Year before being chosen as the overall Scottish Gastro Pub of the Year at the Food Awards Scotland 2016.

The awards celebrated and rewarded the very best in the Scottish food industry and, based on public votes, 27 awards were dished out to individuals and businesses delivering the highest-quality food and service across Scotland.

Owner Osman Ersoy said: "Being shortlisted was good enough for me. So when our name came up we were all very delighted. It was pretty special for me and our head chef was so chuffed as well. Everyone here is excited.

"When I took over in March 2013, we didn't have the best scores and reviews online. But we've worked very hard and consistency has kept us going, with the same faces coming in every week.

"It's a difficult industry as you're dealing with the public every day and some people can be very hard to please. We went back to basics with quality food and fresh products – that's the key for us. We're going to continue exactly as we've been doing, going forward."

More than 300 guests attended the award ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow on August 15, hosted by radio personality Gina McKie.

A delighted Osman added: "It's a tremendous achievement. Not only to win one award but to win two. A dream is how I would describe it. It really was the best thank you ever. Since the Awards, it's been tremendous seeing new customers come through the doors as they've either seen or heard about the award wins online. It's already made a huge difference."

The Mercat Bar & Grill in Edinburgh won Restaurant of the Year, the biggest prize on offer on the night.