THE proprietors of a Dorset restaurant are in the running to scoop a coveted Successful Women in Business Award.

Sally Poole and Lou Condie of Bliss Food Co. in Swanage have reached the final round of the prestigious national competition's Independent Food & Drink Award category.

The food-loving pair set up the restaurant in 2017 at Swanage's Kings Road East, having previously worked together for 14 years running a catering business.

After three years of hard work the restaurant is fantastically popular, with many customers from around the world returning to Swanage year on year to dine there. Their reputation has also earned them a loyal customer base in Swanage and the Purbecks.

Sally and Lou were overjoyed at reaching the finals for the Independent Food & Drink award this year.

Commenting on the positive news, Lou Condie - who is the head chef - said: “Being notified we were finalists felt like such a lovely compliment - and to think that the reason we set up Bliss Food Co in the first place was because we hated seeing beige food at parties... All we ever wanted was to give people colourful, tasty food. Beige food or beige taste is just not the Bliss way.”

Sally Poole, who takes care of things front-of-house, added: “After the year we have just endured - having to close for lockdown then preparing PPE and social distancing measures for reopening, experiencing a very busy August and then shutting the doors once more - this is a welcome recognition of our achievements."

The determined business partners are looking forward to reopening after lockdown 2.0 and restarting their take-away and collection service alongside hopefully opening their doors to the public once more.

The Successful Women in Business awards was set up nearly four years ago by Dorchester-based Gill Donnell MBE.

All hopes are now pinned on the awards ceremony which is set to take place online this year on December 9. On the judging panel will be Ros Nelmes of Fordington Gin, who is sponsoring the category.

To find out more about the restaurant visit blissfoodco.co.uk