City gets a taste for success

TOURISM chiefs today hailed the standard of the Capital's food and drink sector following a series of awards for city firms.

VisitScotland regional director Sinead Feltoe said that Edinburgh's bars and restaurants offer visitors a "first class dining experience".

Her comments came after three firms in the Lothians scooped awards at the AA Hospitality Awards.

Ms Feltoe said: "The quality of food and drink plays an enormous part in the visitor experience to Edinburgh and the Lothians and I am delighted the region's restaurants and hotels have been recognised in this way, particularly during Scotland's Year of Food & Drink, helping to cement the Capital and surrounds position as a world-class attraction offering visitors a first-class dining experience."

The Sun Inn in Esbank was named pub of the year, while The Kitchin in Leith was given the award for best wine and Edinburgh-based Apex Hotels was named top small hotel group of the year. Tom Kitchin also scooped the chef's chef of the year honour.