A ONE-OF-A-KIND cafe has been named Echo Cafe of the Year – after being voted for by its customers.

The GlassHouse cafe in Warrior Square, Southend, came out on top after receiving thousands of votes.

The cafe is a small family business, run by Steve Cole, 56, Liz Cole, 57 and Brian Rand, 58, which prides itself on building a relationship with its customers.

It offers something different, with live performances from local bands on Saturday and Sunday’s through the summer.

Mrs Cole said: “We are all over the moon.

“It shows that hard work does pay off, we are a small team of just three so it is great when you are recognised.

“It feels even better knowing that it was our customers who voted for us.

“We do have quite a large group of loyal people who love it here, there are about 100 we can guarantee will be in at least once a week.

“And we have all kinds of people come in, from a woman in her 90s in her mobility scooter, bopping along to the music, to children and their parents.”

The owners insist it is all about creating an atmosphere that suits the customers.

Mrs Cole added: “They come for the food and drinks, but they feel like they can relax and all customers are made to feel welcome.

“We get to know them, and in turn our customers get to know us, so we are all happy.”

As well as becoming a popular business, the owners claim they are having a positive effect on the community – with the park previously suffering with problems with homeless people.

Mrs Cole said: “I do think we are having a a positive effect on the area too.

“The square and the park has quite a bad reputation but by having the cafe, more people are spending time in the park and it reduces those aspects. Both the police and the council have told us we are having a positive impact, so it is really pleasing to hear.”

The cafe is also looking into expansion plans, and is exploring a number of options.