A TILSTON-based artisan coffee producer has picked up the prizes at this year's Great Taste Awards.

The Lost Barn Coffee Roasters, run by husband and wife team Blair and Jo McKerchar along with business partner Martyn Moloney, was set up in 2018 and has built a strong reputation for their speciality coffee.

After just two years in business they have have scooped the top level prize at one of the food and drink industry’s most coveted awards, receiving a three-star Great Taste award for their Bloomsbury Blend.

This accolade, which places their coffee among the very best in the country, is the result of hours of blind tasting from industry greats, including food critics, chefs and restaurateurs.

The Great Taste judges praised the coffee's 'rich and well-rounded' flavour and balanced acidity.

"There are chocolate and caramel notes with a hint of Biscoff biscuit flavour and a lovely nuttiness which develops into a bright and fresh acidity," they said.

"Full-bodied, smooth, long finish – absolutely delicious."

Jo said she was delighted with the award, with the company building on previous successes.

“We are absolutely overjoyed to have built on the two-stars we were awarded in 2019, to now take out the highest level, three-stars in the 2020 Great Taste Awards," she said.

"We’re immensely proud of the precision, skill and care that goes into every batch of coffee we roast.

"However, the story begins with the farmers, and the skill and care that has gone into growing, harvesting and processing the coffee cherry and beans within, before they even reach our shores.

"Of the beans within our Bloomsbury Blend, 60 per cent are purchased directly from the family of coffee growers in Brazil.

"Not only does a direct-trade relationship ensure the growers achieve fair pricing, but as roasters we benefit from the consistent quality, communication and knowledge sharing that goes with it.

"Our awards success is credit to everyone involved in bringing this speciality coffee from field to cup.”