A café owned by brothers who used to frequent it as children has been named the best business in Enfield.

Claud W. Dennis Coffee, near Southgate station, has won the Enfield Business of the Year Award 2016, awarded by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) at a ceremony on Thursday (July 28).

Two years ago Joseph Tzouvanni, who runs the shop with his brother Franco, took over the greasy spoon they used to visit when returning home from Southgate school, without any experience of running a café.

Joseph, 30, said they are delighted to win their first major business award.

Mr Tzouvanni, from Winchmore Hill, said: “I did a business and IT degree and Franco did sports therapy, but when we saw this place was up for sale, we went for it.

“Our mum used to own a café in Cyprus, but lost it in the war in 1974. We always said she should open another one. She never did, but she helped so much, backed us up. We owe her, definitely.

“There is a lot of competition around here, McDonalds, Greggs, Wetherspoons do terrible coffee but you can get it for 99p. We knew we had to be fearless, and do it properly.”

The shop is named after the architect Claud W. Dennis, who designed the building in which the shop is located back in 1933, and Joseph said they had been lucky to find a lot of his old designs in the attic, including a stained glass window which now adorns the front of the café.

He said: “We were lucky to come across so many great antiques in the refurbishment. It gives this place its own feel.

“This is a great place, there are a lot of positive things happening, it’s a good time to be an entrepreneur, independent shops are doing really well.

“High streets 10 years ago were struggling, but now there’s an independent spirit, and it’s great to be part of that in our home town.”

The brothers have also received endorsement from Enfield Council.

Cllr Alan Sitkin, cabinet member for economic regeneration and business, said: “Claud W. Dennis is a fantastic fair trade coffee bar that not only serves great coffee, teas and wonderful home-made treats but is also is a delight to visit.

“This is a totally original place to with wonderful restored architectural features and friendly staff – it is a great asset to the local community and to the borough.”