Bistro picks up top food gong
Auld Raes beats celeb chef’s places
A Village bistro proved to be a tasty proposition when it picked up a gong at the Scottish Food Awards – beating a top celebrity chef.
The glittering ceremony was held in Glasgow recently and Auld Raes was in the running for the Best Scottish Cuisine award after being nominated by its loyal customers.
Up against the likes of celebrity and Michelinstar chef Tom Kitchin for his Edinburgh restaurant and top Glasgow eateries The Sisters and Number 16, Auld Raes came out on top in their category.
Owned by Darren Thomson and run with mum Janice, the restaurant opened in 2014.
Named after Darren’s gran, it has gone from strength to strength and its traditional Scottish cuisine is a hit with customers.
But the nomination and news that they had reached the finals of the prestigious food awards came as a total surprise to both Darren and his mum.
Janice, who is front-ofhouse manager, told the News: “We had been on holiday and came back to the surprise news that we had reached the finals of the Scottish Food Awards.
“To be honest, we didn’t even realise we were in it as it was our customers who nominated us. When we saw we were up against the likes of Tom Kitchin, we were absolutely amazed.”
Janice went on: “It was a fantastic night and we were all gobsmacked when we were announced as winners in our category.
“To beat who we did was just unbelievable – and it’s all down to our fantastic customers in East Kilbride and beyond, which makes it all the more special. The whole team was just overjoyed.”
Janice added: “The restaurant has just taken off since we opened and the award is testament not only to the hard work of Darren, who owns the business, but everyone here.
“We would like to thank all our team for their hard work and dedication as not everyone could make it along to the awards ceremony.”
To beat who we did was just unbelievable...