A CAFE owner has shared her joy of receiving an elite award for her St Helens business. 

Victoria Smith-Latham was over the moon about her cafe receiving a five-star food hygiene rating following a challenging year that led to a "difficult situation."

The business on Park Road received the elite award for three consecutive top scores from Scores on the Doors. 

Despite efforts to keep the business afloat, the cafe owner admitted that the cost-of-living crisis has put them in a difficult position as they try to keep prices affordable to customers.

However, business has been busy, with Victoria hopeful of the new year.

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Victoria said: "It makes me very proud that my business has been awarded an elite award. 

"From the day I opened I said it had to be five star and maintained and my staff, especially my managers Shaz and Alice at the cafe, have helped in keeping it - I’m incredibly proud of them. 

"2022 has been busy, but with the costs rising it puts us in a difficult situation as there is only so much that can be charged for a drink or a sandwich. We try to keep our prices reasonable for our customers, but every customer that steps through our door is very much appreciated.

"We try and have new things going on to encourage new custom, and we like to help out in the community as much as we can by doing our charity events and donating food to local warm hubs and food banks.

"Looking forward to 2023, I’m hoping for it to be a positive year for Park Road Cafe."