The shortlisted businesses competing for this year’s Midlothian Food & Drink Awards have been announced by Midlothian Council.
Three local businesses will contend each of the eight categories in the awards which are a partnership venture between the Midlothian Tourism Forum and the council with support from local businesses.
The Food & Drink Awards are designed to recognise excellence amongst food producers and caterers in Midlothian.
Around 2,500 public votes were received across the eight award categories. Each category will now be considered by an independent panel of judges.
Hospitality students from Edinburgh College are also undertaking mystery shopper visits to the businesses nominated in the customer service category, with the results used to help determine the winner.
Provost Joe Wallace said: “People have responded magnificently to our request for them to help us recognise the quality of food and drink we have in Midlothian and tell us where, and what is special about, their favourite places are to eat and drink.
“I look forward to welcoming representatives from all the shortlisted businesses to the award ceremony in May.”
The winners will be announced on Wednesday 22 May 2013 at the Midlothian Food & Drink Awards Ceremony & Dinner being held at Newbattle Abbey.
The full list of shortlisted businesses in each category is:
Best Place for a Coffee (Sponsored by Arthur Mackay)
- Cafe Troy, Dalkeith
- Little Italy, Penicuik
- Orchard Cafe at Mayshade, Dalkeith
Best Place for a Pint (Sponsored by Graphic Impressions)
(Four shortlisted as the public votes were tied)
- Black Bull, Dalkeith
- The Old Crown Inn, Penicuik
- Dean Tavern, Newtongrange
- The Papermill, Lasswade
Best Place for Lunch (Sponsored by BSS Gas)
- Cafe Troy, Dalkeith
- Gigi’s, Bonnyrigg
- Orchard Cafe at Mayshade, Dalkeith
Best Place for Dinner (Sponsored by Flowers by Lamb)
- Bombay Lounge, Dalkeith
- Clippers, Penicuik
- Itihaas, Dalkeith
Best Customer Service (Sponsored by Edinburgh College)
- Cafe Troy, Dalkeith
- Clippers, Penicuik
- Itihaas, Dalkeith
Best Outside Caterer (Sponsored by IKEA)
- Clan Caterers, Dalkeith
- Deli-licious Catering, Loanhead
- Roberts Butcher & Deli, Loanhead
Best Local Food/Drink Producer (Sponsored by Springfords Chartered Accountants)
- Cosmo Products, Bonnyrigg
- Macsween, Loanhead
- Stewart Brewing, Loanhead
Best Place for a Takeaway (Sponsored by Costco)
- Dinos, Loanhead
- Kebab Mahal, Dalkeith
- L’Aurora, Pathead
