An Ayr man has been nominated for the title of ‘Scotland’s Best Chef’.

Pushpinder Singh of Aldente Ayr is a contender for the category at this year’s Scottish Italian Awards through a public vote.

With the restaurant being open for less than a year, this is chef Pushpinder’s first award nomination – but he’s confident he can win.

Pushpinder said: “This is my very first business and within the first six months I’m able to be nominated for this award with the help of the public.”

“I really really appreciate the public’s response. I was quite emotional seeing all those people [on Facebook] have supported me.

“It’s the first award in my life so it’s very nice [to be nominated].”

Commenters on the restaurant’s Facebook post sang their praises of the establishment and congratulated Pushpinder.

One commenter said “Great work team Aldente keep it up” whilst another added “Well done and deserve it! So proud of you!”

Pushpinder will find out if he’s won the title of best chef at the award ceremony on November 27, 2022.

The Scottish Italian Awards first started in 2013 and are seen as a prestigious marker of Italian cuisine in the country.