IF YOU were to ask my better half about my life’s passions, the chances are that she’d reply instantly with two things – football and food.

And she’s not wrong.

Try as I might, I can’t seem to keep the football chat down and poor Gemma, who is a self-confessed non-football fan, has to hear me drone on about anything to do with the Pars and the Scottish national team.

Often, that means I am moaning – not uncommon, as many people, including my colleagues, will tell you – but food is something to turn all of that around.

Happily for me, Gemma is also not averse to going out for a meal, so when I suggested we try The Shore Grill and Fish House at North Queensferry’s DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh – Queensferry Crossing, she seemed pleased. Or shocked I’d said I was taking her out.

Either way, the opportunity to visit a restaurant that has benefitted from a £15 million investment in the hotel in the shadow of the stunning Queensferry Crossing was one that we were both looking forward to.

And, by the end of our delicious three-course meal, we were eagerly anticipating a return.

Upon our arrival, where we were greeted warmly by friendly, attentive staff, we were shown to our seats that offered quite breathtaking views across the Forth through the expansive, open-plan eatery’s massive picture windows.

It was an immediate tick in the box, which was added to by the offer of bread – freshly-baked and deliciously warm on arrival – and water for the table.

It was a nice touch and was a positive start to our dining experience, which would only improve as the evening went on.

The Shore’s seasonally-changing, all-day menu features simple, carefully-crafted dishes, using inventive techniques and excellent local produce, which is evident as soon as you indulge in your first taste.

To start, Gemma went for chicken liver pate, served with toasted brioche, plum and apple chutney, while I decided to try something new in the seared Hebridean scallops, which were accompanied with a curried apple puree, black pudding, yoghurt and a garam masala crackling dust.

After providing a “10 out of 10” score, my other half declared her starter to have a good depth of flavour – with a sprinkling of rock salt “a nice touch” – while the brioche was described as “fluffy but crunchy on the outside”.

My beautifully-cooked scallops also went down a treat, with the unsung hero of the dish for me being the curried apple puree. I wasn’t sure what to expect but all I can tell you is that I scoffed the lot. Delicious.

We moved on to our main courses – with the time taken to serve on point – and it was seared salmon and Ayrshire pork that made their way to our table.

Gemma’s salmon arrived with chorizo, smoked squash and potato dumplings, with a hint of chilli, sage and fennel, and was labelled “a triumph” that she “could eat again”.

High praise indeed, which continued with her assertion that, not only was the fish “cooked to perfection”, “the chorizo was succulent, the potato dumpling was so good and the butternut squash puree was ‘delish’”.

My choice came with small, braised cheeks, which melted in the mouth, crispy belly and potato puffs – which were incredibly light – a burnt apple sauce and an extremely tasty pickled red onion, all of which combined to create a plate of food I’d have happily had more of.

We were both satisfied by this point but it’s impossible to resist dessert isn’t it?

While I went for a selection of ice cream, which never disappoints, Gemma ordered creme brulee, which arrived with two different flavours – peanut butter and strawberry – with a soft but chewy white chocolate cookie alongside. At £6, an absolute snip.

With the majority of main courses ranging between £10-£15, Sunday lunch and afternoon tea menus, and a ‘Thursday Surf ‘n’ Turf offer with wine for £19.95, you can enjoy great food at value-for-money prices.

In Gemma’s words, The Shore is definitely a triumph.

For your chance to win a delicious dinner for two at The Shore, simply send your name and address to The Shore Competition, Dunfermline Press, Forsyth House, Pitreavie Drive, Dunfermline, KY11 8US.

You can also enjoy an Afternoon Tea at The Shore for just £14.50 per person, including a complimentary glass of fizz, by calling 01383 427201, quoting DPAT.

The offer is valid until August 31 2018, and advance booking is required.