AN independent coffee shop has scooped a gold award for the fourth year on the trot.

Aroma Cafe in Lyme Regis has been named a winner of a Taste of the West gold award - keeping up the business owners' 100 per cent record.

Since taking over the Bridge Street business four years ago, owner John Kellas and his team have won the Taste of the West gold award every year they have been open. Aroma was also named best Dorset cafe last year.

Mr Kellas has put his continued success down to Aroma's "inclusive menu".

He said: "We have always catered for as many dietary requirements as possible, with an emphasis on commitment to quality and value.

"We have a very flexible and inclusive menu and aim to cater for all diets so everyone can eat together without worry.”

Mr Kellas also paid tribute to his members of staff for contributing to the success of the business.

He added: "It is this great bunch who provide such a lovely atmosphere and great experience which keeps people coming back again and again.”

Aroma's second cafe, which opened in Bridport six months ago, was also been named a winner of a gold medal in the Taste of the West awards.

When opening up their second cafe, the owners hoped their extensive list of locally-sourced produce would help Aroma to stand out from the crowd - despite national chain Coffee#1 opening up a new cafe two doors down from the East Street coffee shop.

As well as coffee from The Coffee Factory in Axminster, Aroma sells produce from more than 20 local sources.

The Bridport café also features a large amount of seating and a children’s play area – based on Aroma’s boat-inspired play zone in Lyme Regis.

Aroma partner Dewi Lambert said he was proud of both teams in Bridport and Lyme Regis.

He said: "It is a great thing to have won gold in our first year.

"It has been a very full on year working in Lyme, whilst totally gutting and rebuilding the Bridport site during every free opportunity. But this has made it worthwhile.

"We are very proud of our teams both in Bridport and Lyme for having kept up the quality and great customer service, whilst we have been completing the DIY."

Aroma's cafe in Bridport has began opening during the evening on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tapas style dishes will be served between 5pm and 9pm, as well as a Spanish hour between 5pm and 6.30pm.

For more information, please visit aromacafe.co.uk