A HELENSBURGH restaurant is celebrating the sweet taste of success after being named Scotland's best at a national awards ceremony.

Sugar Boat came out on top at the AA hospitality awards following a glamour event in London on Monday.

The popular bistro in Colquhoun Square received a coveted Bib Gourmand from Michelin last year and owner Will Smith was understandably delighted to add another string to his - and indeed the town's, culinary bow.

"I'm so thrilled, it's just amazing," he told the Advertiser.

"It's all about the team and my staff have been so loyal and hardworking.

READ MORE: Restaurant celebrates sweet taste of success in new Michelin guide

"It puts us on the national map and this broadens our reputation. It's brilliant for us and great for Helensburgh too."

Will hopes that the latest award recognition encourages more food fans to visit the restaurant and support other businesses in the local area as well.

He said: "The restaurant industry is a tough business and you don't go into it to win awards, you are in it because it's a passion, but this is a stamp of approval for what we do and it helps the business grow and develop.

"Helensburgh is an amazing town with so many brilliant things going on under the radar.

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"We are very blessed in our little bubble here and I hope it gets better, I hope we can fight the challenges of the high street and keep people coming in."

A spokesman for the Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce said: “The success of the Sugar Boat in these awards shows that Helensburgh’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving.

“Will’s success shows that with the right offering, business can not only survive here, but can thrive and excel.

“This latest award adds to the previous successes of La Barca, Masala Twist and the Wee Kelpie, amply demonstrating Helensburgh’s strength in these sectors.

READ MORE: Restaurant owner delighted at top food critic's glowing praise for Sugar Boat

“Such a reputation has a great spin-off effect for other businesses in the town by bringing people here to eat and shop.”