A POPULAR local restaurant has been praised in the Scottish and UK parliaments after it was nominated for a national award.

Miller & Carter, in Newton Mearns, beat fierce competition to be named as East Renfrewshire’s finest in the National Pub and Bar Awards – and could be crowned the nation’s best when the grand final takes place in London.

Now the restaurant has been officially recognised at both Holyrood and Westminster after local politicians lodged motions praising the work being done by its staff.

Mark Thomson, general manager of Miller & Carter Newton Mearns, said it was an honour for the restaurant to have been chosen as the best in the area.

He added: “It is fantastic to have been nominated and to be so popular in the area is a nice achievement for the staff.

“It is a wonderful achievement and a pat on the back for a year of hard work from the whole team. It’s great that has been acknowledged.

“We have a great team here, they are the ones who have put in all the hard work, and are a great bunch to manage.

“It was a real surprise to be nominated, especially seeing as we aren’t even really a pub, but what an honour to have been mentioned in parliament. It’s a wonderful achievement and something we are all very proud of.”

The restaurant, which employs 35 staff, has become well-known in the area for its steaks and friendly service.

Speaking in praise of Miller & Carter, East Renfrewshire MP Paul Masterton said: “Congratulations to Mark and all the team on winning this prestigious award.

“It is thoroughly deserved and is a recognition of their tireless work.

“I wish them the very best of luck on the national stage, when they can hopefully bring back the prize for East Renfrewshire.”

His thoughts were mirrored by Eastwood MSP Jackson Carlaw, who said: “It is fantastic to see Eastwood continue to excel in food and drink.

“The award for Miller & Carter will come as no surprise to anyone who has visited the restaurant and is a credit to the whole team.

“I wish them all the very best for the coming year as they continue to be a landmark on the west of Scotland hospitality scene.”

The grand final takes place today, with Miller & Carter hoping to beat 93 other finalists to be named as the UK’s best.
Run by Pub & Bar magazine, the London ceremony will welcome nominees to London from across the country.

On the night Miller & Carter will also come up against competitors from each local authority in Scotland in the hope of claiming the regional pub and bar title.

For more information on the awards and for details of the winners see: nationalpubandbarawards.co.uk