Out of the 18 businesses nominated for our Service with a Smile Award, the cafe came out on top with the most votes.

Cafe owner Julie McCutcheon was shocked but excited when she found out she had won the award, which was launched in March in partnership with the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society to recognise businesses which go that extra mile and offer outstanding service to customers.

Julie, 47, who lives in Wilsthorpe, said: “I am so pleased. Thanks to all my staff and family for helping me win this award.

“I am fortunate to be doing a job I love and although the hours can be long and hard it is always worthwhile. To be nominated was wonderful, but to win it is absolutely amazing.

“But we couldn’t have won the award without all the support and votes from our wonderful customers. So a big thanks to everyone who took the time to vote.”

This is an extra special win for Julie, who said it comes as an anniversary present too.

She said: “On May 1 it was 15 years since I started working at the cafe. I bought the business about three years ago.”

In second place is Deeping Travel, also in the Burghley Centre.

Owner John Lawrance, 42, said: “This is also good for the Burghley Centre to get first and second places.

“Voters have proved that service is important to them and the key to good service is good staff who will listen to clients’ needs and advise accordingly.”

In joint third place is Ambition hair salon in Abbey Road, Cafe Peapod in West Street, and Beanbag Coffee Shop in the Angel Precinct.

Hair salon owner Debbie Sheehan, 37, of Recreation Road, Bourne, said her team is “over the moon” with the news.

She said: “It is really nice to get this far. Thanks to everyone who voted for us.”

Cafe Peapod owner Amir Ali, 35, of Windle Drive, Bourne, was surprised to get so far in the contest having only opened in February.

He said: “It is pretty cool.”

Beanbag Coffee Shop owner Carol Schofield, of Temple Road, Aslackby, was also pleased. She said: “It is nice to have any of our customers recognise that we try to go that extra mile and give service with a smile.”

Mandy Chatham, manager at N&P’s Bourne branch, said it was brilliant so many people showed their support for local businesses.

“I would like to congratulate the staff of Julie’s Cafe for their success in winning the competition, and also the runners-up,” she said.

“Staff at the cafe should feel extremely proud of their achievement, as friendly service is invaluable.

“I think that this has been a brilliant competition and has highlighted the fantastic level of service that can be found in Bourne’s business community.

“We have long championed the fact that good service makes a difference to customers’ lives, and it is clear there are other organisations that understand this too.”