A CHARD cafe is currently on track to be crowned the king of coffee in a national competition.

Eleos, based in Fore Street, is leading the way in the voting in SIG Roofing’s search for Britain’s Best Cafe.

It is beating competition from more than 400 other cafes nationwide.

Nat Thomson, owner of Eleos, said: “When we found out that we were in the top 10 we were very excited, but then we found out that that meant second place nationally and first regionally we were amazed.

“The following day we then heard from a regular customer that we had hit the top spot nationally and it hit us that Britain’s Best Cafe might actually be in Chard, Somerset.

“It is such an exciting time right now for the whole community of Chard and surrounding. This will be such an awesome title to bring to the area. We have until October 28 to keep getting those votes in.

“Eleos Café in Chard has been at the number one spot on Tripadvisor locally for the past three years so we decided to have a go at the national title of Britain’s Best Café.

“The only way that this title can come to Chard is if everyone takes just two minutes to vote for us via the main website.

“Here at Eleos we are very proud of the amount we put back into our local community both directly and indirectly.

“We currently employ nine local staff and have been in business now since 2012.

“We sponsor the Chard under 13 girls rugby squad, a local cycling club, majorette troop and so many local charity events to boot.

“Achieving this title would help to put Chard back on the map so to speak but can only happen with your help and lots of local support.”

To vote for your favourite café, visit britainsbestcafe.co.uk. Votes can also be cast at local SIG Roofing branches.

When the votes are counted at the end of October this year, 14 regional winners will be announced.

Café owners and their guests will then be invited to a celebratory lunch in London in November.

There the national winner will be announced and presented with a trip for two to New York City for four nights, including a meal at the Famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner.

For more information on Eleos Café, visit the website: eleos.org.uk or telephone 01460 239994.