JUST hours after winning the honour of best family restaurant in the country, the owners of Bar Aldo’s in Alloa have dedicated the award to their customers.

Fiorinda Pia, who runs the thriving restaurant with her husband, Aldo, was full of praise for their clientele after giving them seven years of support in the town.

The duo edged out a number of prestigious city centre restaurants as they picked up the award in Glasgow on Sunday night.

And with the award now taking pride of place in the Coalgate restaurant, Fiorinda feels the win was for the community as much as the business.

“We are really chuffed for Alloa,” she said. “We’re just so delighted to win the award and bring it home for everyone who gave us their support over the years.

“It’s so great because ever since we opened we have been made to feel part of Alloa. We have a sense of belonging here and feel welcome in the town.

“We came here from Edinburgh seven years ago and everyone who comes in here have been so supportive.

“It’s always been down to the customers and we’re just so chuffed to bring the award home for them.” Bar Aldo’s was up against some other big name restaurants on the night, such as Anatolia in Glasgow, Gigi’s in Bonnyrigg, Rigatoni’s in Edinburgh, and Room in Largs.

Fiorinda said: “Getting into the top five was excellent but this is something else.

“I really couldn’t believe it when we found out, we were over the moon. The judges said we had ‘passion’ and that’s something we are very proud of.

“They also loved our food, the service and the place itself.” Sunday was not the first time the Bar Aldo’s team had picked up an award for their business, having picked up the best family restaurant at the Scottish Italian awards, along with a nomination for best team at the same event.

Organisers of this year’s Scottish Entertainment Awards paid special mention to the Alloa restaurant, with one insider saying they won the prize ‘hands down’.

Michael Macfarlane, press and events coordinator, said: “We are delighted Bar Aldo’s has walked away with another Best Family Restaurant award.

“It is in our opinion a hidden gem in Alloa, and Aldo, Fiorinda and the whole team have firmly placed themselves as the place to go in Clackmannanshire.”