IT'S full steam ahead at Carriages in Kilmacolm after the bar was named best gastro pub in Scotland.

The popular venue took home the top prize in the 'gastro pub of the year' category at Food Awards Scotland's annual bash.

The prize comes just two years after owner Karen Finnie reopened the pub, which had faced the prospect of closure and job losses due to the pandemic.

Chef Ronnie McAdam, who heads up the bar's kitchen team, told the Telegraph: "It's absolutely fantastic to win this.

"Covid was a rollercoaster, but we got through it and now we're full steam ahead.

"I was blown away when I found out we'd won.

"It's great for the team and for Carriages, such an honour and I'm so proud of everyone that works here.

"We've got a great atmosphere here and we get to cook the food we want to cook."

The 50-year-old industry veteran says that the atmosphere in Carriages' kitchen couldn't be more different from the places he started out in 35 years ago.

He added: "When I started at 16 the kitchen was a scary place.

"Everything's evolved now, it's a much more chilled place to work.

"I feel lucky to work here and be part of such a great team."

Owner Karen says the award is a testament to how hard Ronnie and the rest of her staff have worked to make the pub a success.

She said: "It's really exciting and I'm so proud of all the staff.

"Customer service was a big part of this award too, but if you don't have good food you won't get anywhere.

"The staff pull out all the stops day after day.

"Ronnie's nurtured our younger staff and brought them along, we've got a fantastic team.

"Everything he makes is from scratch and locally sourced, people can tell when they come in that none of it's been frozen.

"The quality we have for a bar and restaurant is incredible.

"We've worked very hard to get a team that's passionate about hospitality, they want to be here.

"It shows in everything - from the way they treat the customers, to the food, to the service."

Karen says the team are already turning their attention towards fresh challenges.

She said: "We've got a host of events planned for later in the year, including holding a Christmas market here later in the year.

"It's fantastic to win this award, but if there's one thing I've learned in this business it's that you can't sit still."