THE Argus is searching for the best café or tea room in the area to take home the winner’s trophy in our Café of the Year competition.

We understand the importance of having your own special place to enjoy a cup of coffee or a slice of cake.

Whether you prefer a cup of freshly roasted coffee, a full English breakfast or tasting artisan products made from local produce, there are plenty of cafés in Brighton and Hove to choose from.

Fabricio Torres, owner of Wheat and Beans in St James’s Street, Brighton, said: “It has never been as competitive as it is now for cafés in the area.

“It is not easy. We have been here for almost four years now and are more comfortable in some ways but you can never be too comfortable.

“You have to try new things and reach new people.

“I think people here love drinking coffee, getting together with friends and just having a good time.

“Coffee shops are a really popular place to eat and I think coffee culture has evolved massively over the last ten to 15 years.

“There are some really good places where you can have some nice artisan coffee, such as ourselves.

“We take care of everything during the process.”

The aim of the competition is to find out which cafés should be in our top ten list and ultimately choose a winner.

The café which is voted number one will win a trophy and the chance to feature in The Argus.

To enter, all you need to do is nominate your favourite café and post the coupon, which will be in Friday’s edition of The Argus, to Lorraine Bennett, The Argus, Dolphin House, 2/5 Manchester Street, Brighton BN2 1TF.

Entrants will need to include your name, your favourite café and your email address.