FIVE East Lothian businesses are celebrating success after scooping top awards.

Leading food and drink professionals were toasted at the Midlothian and East Lothian Food and Drink Awards.

The competition, now in its third year, celebrates the best of local produce and drink, recognising excellence within the county’s dining venues and rewarding the hard work of those in the culinary sector.

Nine prizes were handed out at Eskmills Venue in Musselburgh.

Each winner received trophies designed by Glenrothes glass artist Kathryn Neale, and bottles of NB Distillery’s low-alcohol and low-carbon gin ‘School Night’.

All 28 finalists also received mini trophies and gift bags courtesy of Ross’s of Edinburgh, Aye Pickled and the Marine in North Berwick.

The Best Eatery prize went to Haddington’s The Victoria Inn/La Terraza, while the nearby Waterside Bistro claimed the Pub/Bistro of the Year award, with The Castle Inn in Dirleton missing out.

Purely Scottish (Bottlers) Ltd, which is based near Oldhamstocks, won the Most Innovative New Product prize in a category which also featured NB Distillery Ltd, based to the south of North Berwick.

Hickory, which is based at Eskmills, won the Excellence in Catering and Events award, defeating Queen Margaret University Conference and Events, and The Seton Garden.

Finally, Whitekirk Hill Ltd won the Sustainability Award ahead of the East Lothian trio of Hickory, Purely Scottish (Bottlers) Ltd and Macmerry-based Buck & Birch.

Elsewhere, The Goblin Ha in Gifford lost out in the Restaurant of the Year category to The Radhuni.

Bistro at The Brunton was among the finalists in the Excellence in Customer Service category, which was won by Rosslyn Chapel Cafe/Saltire Hospitality.

Meanwhile, The Brand Family, based near East Fortune, were in the running for Local Producer of the Year, which went to Ross’s of Edinburgh Ltd.

Finally, Bostock Bakery, based in North Berwick, and Musselburgh’s East Coast lost out to The Cavaliere in the Best Takeaway category.