A CAFE bistro has cemented Rhuddlan’s reputation as foodie hotspot.

Despite only celebrating its third birthday last October, Java Square is the only eaterie in Denbighshire to place amongst the best in Britain after earning a prestigious Good Food Award.

Their second award, which is decided on customer feedback, follows a Food Awards Wales win in April 2018.

Jackie Burnham, Java Square’s co-owner, said: "After the first award, I had to start reminding our regulars that they needed to start booking tables, it's difficult to comprehend at the moment how this award will change things."

Owner of the nearby Rejuva beauty salon and a Rhuddlan Town councillor, Jackie and her sister Gill Jarvis first found out about their nomination in September via a letter, which then allowed them to invite customers to vote for them in the national competition until November.

As well as Java Square, two businesses in Conwy, three in Gwynedd and one in Anglesey received awards.

Jackie added:"I'm a bit lost for words to be honest, it's quite overwhelming. It wasn't until I discovered that we were the only business in Denbigshire that I realised the magnitude of what we've won. I was a bit emotional when it started to sink in, I'm so very proud of what we have achieved, and especially my team for all of their hard work."

Owner of the nearby Rejuva beauty salon and a Rhuddlan Town councillor, Jackie set up the business in the Rear Fondella Buildings on the High Street with her sister Gill Jarvis, getting it up and running while still working full-time in other jobs.

The sisters focus on working with other Rhuddlan and North Wales businesses in their recipes to help champion the region's produce.

Since opening Java Square, the sisters have worked closely with other Rhuddlan businesses and strived to use locally sourced produce – from as far way as Llandudno – in their recipes.

Jackie said: "Not only does this show we're doing our job here, but it also confirms that we've become a bit of a hub in Rhuddlan and that our regulars really appreciate what we're doing, so it's a community effort.

"It's not just us setting the benchmark, it proves that Rhuddlan is becoming a real destination."

Far from maintaining course, Jackie will be building on her success by moving into fine dining this year. Her first foray, a 'secret menu' dining Valentine's experience on Friday, February 15 is already fully booked.

The bistro has also been informed on Friday, January 11 that they are finalists for the Food Awards Wales this year, which take place in Cardiff on May 13. To vote for Java Square click here.