AN OLD Town café has been named the region’s best.

Dotty’s Café was the South West winner at the Britain’s Best Café awards – although it missed out on the top spot.

Owners Graham Rowcliffe and Lizzie Baylis hosted a special event for family, friends and loyal customers – thanking them for their support.

Opened two years ago, Dotty’s Café has fast become an Old Town favourite – famed for its fry-ups and traditional favourites like cottage pie and liver and onions.

“Self-taught” chef and former plant hire director Graham, 59, said: “We didn’t take the top spot, but it was still superb.

“We’re very grateful to our customers for their support. We just love to see them all.

“It’s been incredibly hard work. There’s been blood, there’s been tears, but it’s been worth it.”

Couple Graham and Lizzie bought a burger van online for a whim a decade ago – while holidaying in Spain. After running a café business in Newbury for seven years, they moved to Swindon in 2015.

Lizzie, 52, who swapped a career in nursing for running the café’s front of house, said: “It’s all worked out. I think things happen for a reason.”

She said the couple planned a slight refurbishment of the café – and would introduce a new menu in January.

But the café would remain true to its roots of offering hearty food.

He said: “There’s an old saying – if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Graham’s brother Paul Rowcliffe, 61, of Old Walcot, said he was pleased for his younger sibling: “I think it’s brilliant. He’s put a lot of hard work into it, so he deserves it.”

Loyal customers June and Norman Doughty come in “up to twice a week”, usually choosing the fried breakfast. Old Town pensioner Norman said: “Graham and Lizzie are such lovely people and the food is absolutely marvellous.”