A HAMPSHIRE cafe that lives up to its name has won a regional award for the second year running.

The Lovely Little Cafe in Dibden Purlieu has again been crowned Best Cafe in the South East in a national competition organised by SIG Roofing after receiving the most public votes in the area.

The former sandwich bar now goes through to the final of Britain’s Best Cafe, with the winner being announced in London on November 9.

Owner Martin Smith said: “We’re absolutely over the moon - it just shows what a loyal customer base we have.

“We have an exceptional team and great local suppliers.

“We also have an open kitchen - people love seeing their meals created and being part of the atmosphere.”

Martin, a 35-year-old father of two from nearby Dibden, added: “We really enjoy working with each other and that shines through to the customers.

“Even when it's chaotic we’re still laughing and joking and getting the job done.

“We use locally-sourced food as much as possible. Sargents, the only local butcher in the area, is two doors away and Blackfield Bakery is just down the road.

“When people come into our cafe they’re supporting three or four local independent businesses as well.”

Martin runs the business with the help of two colleagues, Lucy Scott and Andrew Shepherd.

Asked about the cafe’s unusual title he said: “Everyone mentions the name, which is something I made up about a month after we opened in 2013.

“We’re not huge - there are only 24 seats inside - and everything we do is simple but well done. The name just seemed to fit the ethos.”

SIG Roofing has outlets across the country, including one in Southampton.

Branch manager Adam Isaacs said: “The public has really taken the search for Britain’s Best Cafe to its heart and we’re delighted to see The Lovely Little Cafe making the final.

“They will now go to a celebration lunch in London with the other 13 regional winners to see who is crowned with the national title.”

SIG Roofing’s marketing manager, Janine Brady, said the company’s customers were among the most loyal users of Britain’s cafes.

She added: “It seemed only right that we should support the local cafes that help them through the working day with great food and cheerful service. The Lovely Little Cafe is one of the nation’s very best and we wish them luck when the national winner is announced.”

She added: "It seemed only right that we should support the local cafes that help them through the working day with great food and cheerful service.

"The Lovely Little Cafe is one of the nation’s very best and we wish them luck when the national winner is announced."