AN Alcester coffee shop, which has already been named the best in England twice, is in the running for another award.

Louise Hanks launched The Lounge @ 26 with business partner Elizabeth French in November 2020, just as the second national Covid-19 lockdown began.

It was named Best Café in the country in Englands Business Awards 2021 and won the nation’s Best Eatery a year later, which has seen it automatically entered to compete in this year’s awards, with shortlisting in March and the winner announced later in the year. 

Louise and Elizabeth, who are both from Redditch and also own The Lounge in Astwood Bank, are also looking to expand their offering after receiving business growth support from Project Warwickshire – a free recovery and growth business support programme.

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The Lounge is now adding to its offering by launching bottomless brunch one Sunday every month – starting March 5.

Louise, who was formerly head of Sixth Form at Arrow Vale School, said: “It was really surreal to have won the awards, especially in our first year of business, we still cannot quite believe it.

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“We’ve got a chance to complete the hat trick and hopefully win another award this year so we are keeping our fingers crossed!

“It’s also a really exciting time for us at the moment as we are launching bottomless brunch which is something completely new for Alcester.

“We are always looking at trying new things. Last year we decided to open the coffee shop as a gin and cocktail bar on Friday and Saturday evenings and that has gone down really well.

“It has been great to get to be able to access the free support and it will help us with our plans to grow further.”

Project Warwickshire is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Warwickshire County Council.