Village restaurant wins top praise
The Minishant keeps it in the family
Sarah Jane McDonald A Minishant family business was flying the flag for the town’s eateries as they were nominated for the prestigious ‘ Restaurant of the Year’ category at the Food Awards Scotland.
The Minishant was shortlisted to represent the South West and were hailed at the glittering awards for their high standards of service and food.
Head chef and owner, Ryan Beattie told the Post: “We were absolutely overjoyed to be shortlisted for this category, we’ve come from humble beginnings since my family bought over the property.
“There are a wealth of restaurants throughout Ayr that hold a high prestige of service and quality food so it’s a real compliment to be shortlisted.
“My family and the team have been so instrumental in our success, my dad Mark runs the front of house whilst my little sister Ayeisha is now managing the restaurant alongside my mum Rhona who puts the personal touch on our business.
“We are so thankful for all of our regulars and have noticed that people that come out of their way to come here and are sometimes dubbed the ‘ village’s biggest employer’ as we started off with three employees and now hire a staff force of twenty.”
The 32- year- old, who trained in Costley kitchens since the age of 15, now looks to continue expanding his business and looks to the future. He added: “The most important thing about running a successful restaurant is holding a high standard and to provide quality service, we use as much of our produce as possible from Ayrshire as it is so important to support our community.
“And we now provide a healthy eating plan company from our kitchen called Fresh Fuel Ayrshire and looking to the future, the team are always thinking of different ways to continue growing the Minishant which was once just a wee village pub.”
Other businesses shortlisted for the annual awards included the Lido, Troon, The Sorn Inn restaurant in Mauchline, Elliot’s bar and restaurant in Prestwick, and Braidwoods in Dalry.
Irfan Younis of event organisers Creative Oceanic added: “This is the third time that this ceremony has taken place in Scotland and it was amazing to see so many people come out to support the nominees, the food industry really is showing amazing signs of growth in Scotland the finalists and winners from the past and this year’s Food Awards Scotland are great ambassadors and I am confident they will continue to be so.”