A NORTH Berwick eaterie has been named best Italian restaurant at the Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality Awards.

Osteria, on the town’s High Street, claimed the award at a gala dinner in Glasgow last week.

And the accolade was a source of great pride to owner Angelo Cocchia.

He told the Courier: “We were absolutely delighted.

“We were in Glasgow at the awards last Monday, so there were a few sore heads in the morning morning!”

Osteria beat four rivals from Glasgow, while restaurants from Mid Calder, Dumfries, Airidie and Edinburgh were also in the running.

A “very pleased” Angelo added: “We were the only restaurant nominated from a small town like North Berwick. The way the awards work is that your customers put you forward, so you are shortlisted, and then you get a visit from judges. They must have been pleased for us to have won. We really are over the moon.”

Angelo thanked all his customers for their support.

Meanwhile, Warren Paul, awards founder, said: “The engagement with our 2017 event has been astronomical and witnessing the excitement and pride at our gala final was heartwarming.

“Since launching in 2012, each year we see our winners go from strength to strength and we look to grow alongside them. I am looking forward to the even bigger and better 2018 event.”