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Ayrshire eateries dominate shortlists for the Food Awards Scotland 2025

Ayrshire eateries dominate shortlists for the Food Awards Scotland 2025

Daily Record20 hours ago
It's another impressive showing from Ayrshire as a host of businesses have been shortlisted by the event organisers.
Businesses the length and breadth of Ayrshire have been shortlisted across various categories in the 11th Food Awards Scotland 2025.

For the last decade these awards have been an annual celebration of Scotland's top culinary hotspots.

And once again, a host of Ayrshire eateries are in with a chance of landing top prizes.

Zain's Curry House (Dalry) and Viking cafe takeaway (Saltcoats) are both shortlisted in the Takeaway of the Year category.
The Balgarth Pines Bar & Restaurant (Ayr) and The Dumfries Arms Hotel (Cumnock) will fight it out with nine others for the main prize in the Hotel Restaurant of the Year category.
And the The Principal Cafe (Galston) and The Fish Works (Largs) are Ayrshire's two representative in the Best Fish N' Chips Establishment.

Kilmarnock-based Artisan Weddings have been shortlisted in the Caterer of the Year category, while Ayr's Vegan Earth is on the Best Vegetarian / Vegan Establishment shortlist.
And the Glasshouse Restaurant (Kilmarnock) has been shortlisted for the chance to win the Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year accolade.

In terms of the Dessert Outlet of the Year, Nanny Marys (Ayr) is in the running, while Home Cook School (Kirkoswald) has been nominated in the Cookery School of the Year category.
And Mr Basrai's World Cuisine (Ayr) has been included in the Buffet Restaurant of the Year category.
Another Ayr business, The Drunken Coo, has made the Burger Bar of the Year shortlist, as well as Oceans 11 (Kilmarnock).

In the Best Bistro/Diner category, Arranview Cafe Bistro (Galston) is on the shortlist, while Tattie Shack Farm Shop (Monkton), Nanny Marys (Ayr), and Puffers Café (Irvine) made the Deli of the Year shortlist.
And Scotts Bar & Restaurant (Largs) has made the Bar & Grill of the Year category.
These awards shine a spotlight on the dedication, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit of restaurant owners and teams across the country who work tirelessly to deliver exceptional service and experiences to their communities.

Oceanic Awards finalists are selected in a few different ways. There is no fee and anyone can enter as long they fit the criteria of the awards including being operational for a minimum of 12 months.
Nominations opened to the public via online platforms and social media, allowing customers and communities to put forward the establishments they love most.
Voting will remain open until one week prior to the event.

This prestigious final event will take place on Monday, August 25 at the Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central and will see top professionals come together to celebrate their achievements.
Irfan Younis, spokesperson for The 11th Food Awards Scotland, said: 'We're honoured to once again spotlight the country's top food establishments and businesses.
'This year's finalists have all been distinguished as the real masters in their field due to their hard work and dedication to customer satisfaction.
'These finalists reflect the resilience and creativity of the entrepreneurs, employees and managers who always ensure the best possible experience for their customers.
'We would like to congratulate all of our finalists and wish them the best of luck.'
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