A NORTH Berwick business is celebrating after being named Scotland’s best Italian restaurant.

Osteria, on the town’s High Street, claimed the accolade at the inaugural Food Awards Scotland in Glasgow last Monday.

Angelo Cocchia, who owns the restaurant, told the Courier: “It was fantastic – we did not expect it so when they announced our name, it was a huge shock.

“To be voted the best Italian restaurant, we were over the moon.

“Because they presented our award second, it meant we could enjoy our dinner and relax.

We were trying to let it sink in.” The owner attended the awards ceremony with wife Jo.

He added: “A few friends knew about the awards, but people in the restaurant on the night were asking ‘where’s Angelo?’ and they’ve been phoning up this morning to find out if we had won or not.

“It’s not just about me, though, it’s about all the staff and everyone involved.” Accolades were given after months of public nominations which received thousands of votes.

Some of the awards handed out on the night included the coveted Restaurant of the Year, won by The Adamson in St. Andrews.

Food Awards Scotland recognises and rewards some of Scotland’s top servers, specialists and suppliers.

Yasmin Mahmood, of event organisers Creative Oceanic, said: “It was a fantastic evening and was a great pleasure to be amongst the top restaurants, takeaways, pubs, bars, hotels and many more who were all representing their businesses on the evening. Congratulations to all the winners and the finalists.” Other East Lothian food and drink businesses up for awards were S Luca ice cream makers of Musselburgh and Belhaven Fruit Farm, but neither came top of their category.