THE TOWN'S best coffee shop is hoping to retain its crown at this year's Reading Retail Awards.

Boswells Coffee Company, based in the Broad Street Mall, was named the Best Café in Reading in 2016 and manager Adam Agirbas is confident his team can hold onto top spot.

Nominated in the Cafés, Coffee and Lunch category, Boswells has been a fixture of the town centre for nearly 15 years.

With 15 branches scattered around the south of England, the family-run chain of coffee shops has also been serving hungry shoppers in Oxford, Newbury and Didcot since 1972.

Adam said: "We have been working really hard to become the best Café. We have been nominated a number of times and it was a big relief after coming second in previous years.

"Last year we had a lot of experience and we want to keep maintaining our title. Hard work and patience is important and we have a lovely team.

"It is special to be considered the best café in town and I do think it gives people the extra incentive to work harder knowing how much of a reputation we have gained.

"I cannot describe how I felt last year. I put a lot of effort into making it a success and it was all worthwhile."

Adam, who has 16 years of experience working in catering, joined Boswells six years ago as a member of the kitchen staff and worked hard to become manager two years ago.

Under his leadership, the Café continued to climb in the estimations of the town to become the number one spot for a caffeine fix or hot lunch.

He added: "We do have a lot of loyal customers and we get a lot of elderly people come in.

"We are always really happy to get good feedback for our service.

"To win again this year would be phenomenal praise for my team, who have worked so hard to be the best they can be."

Entry forms for the Reading Retail Awards are available at Broad Street Mall and The Oracle. Nominations close on Monday, July 10.

Visit: readingretailawards.co.uk for more information.