Readers are now being asked to vote to help us to find the best cafe in Oxford.

Cafes across the city are competing to win the title Oxford Mail Best Cafe 2022.

A shortlist of 10 cafes across the city has been drawn up and readers are now being asked to nominate their favourite cafe.

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People can nominate their favourite on a coupon in the paper and send it in.

The closing date for postal entries is Sunday, June 26, and the winner will be announced on Thursday, June 30.

Restore’s Garden Cafe in Manzil Way and the Common Ground Cafe and Workspace in Little Clarendon Street are two of the cafes on the shortlist.

Mental health charity Restore and its staff celebrated 10 years of the popular cafe in 2018.

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The cafe aims to offer a friendly, welcoming place for people to relax within its gardens as well as providing invaluable training for those who use its services.

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Manager Christine McDermott said staff were delighted Restore’s cafe had been shortlisted.

She added: “It’s a very relaxing space off the beaten track of the Cowley Road.

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“We have lots of regulars who love to come here and enjoy our cakes and lunches.

“About 80 per cent of the food we use is surplus food from Oxford Food Hub in Botley which redistributes food to different charities and organisations.

“We provide very affordable coffees and lunches, and Restore members can work in the cafe to build their skills and confidence.

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“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for Oxford Mail Best Cafe 2022.”

Also shortlisted is Common Ground Cafe and Workspace, which opened over four years ago.

Manager Piotr Drabik said the cafe was very popular with students, who liked to meet there.

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He added: “Of course we want to include everybody but we focus on providing a nice environment for students, to help reduce any stress and anxiety.

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“They can hang out here in a friendly space for free and they can buy a coffee, use the wifi and stay here as long as they like.”

As well as coffee at a competitive prices - black coffee £2.20 - there are cakes, including vegan banana bread and vegan pumpkin loaf for £3 a slice.

Mr Drabik added: “We try to be friendly to everybody - including the homeless.

“We’re very pleased to be on the shortlist for Oxford Mail Best Cafe 2022.”

The cafe also runs events, including stand-up comedy sessions on Saturday, and life drawing sessions on Tuesday.

Following the pandemic, businesses in the city are getting back to normal and eateries are thriving as people, including office workers, residents and tourists call in.

Oxford Mail editor Andrew Colley said: “There are lots of excellent cafes across the city.

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“Cafes are at the heart of our community and we want to recognise cafes and their staff for the work they do.”

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF