A RECESSION-BUSTING coffee house where the staff have become like a close-knit family is today’s contender for The Press Shop Of The Year award.

Circles Café, situated in East Lodge, adjacent to Lendal Bridge in Museum Street, was nominated by a member of staff, Heather Wolfe, as a surprise for proprietor Rose Donaghy.

Heather said: “From the outside, this historic building may appear small but makes up for this with character, river views and a petit rose garden.”

She said the café offered a warm and friendly atmosphere and service, and a guaranteed smile. “Our dedicated staff have become a close-knit family over the past two years, providing an excellent service which has been the key to surviving the current recession.

“It’s a recession which has not meant compromised quality, with locally sourced produce delivered daily to complement our freshly ground fair-trade coffee. We here at Circles do shine…so make us shop of the year 09!”

The Shop Of The Year contest was launched last month as part of The Press York Means Business campaign, which aims to support and promote local businesses through the global recession.

We have been asking readers to nominate their favourite shop – and also shopkeepers to nominate their own business – because of their exceptional quality of service.

The winners will be given a luxury night for two at York’s Dean Court Hotel, followed by a champagne breakfast. This will be followed by a stretch limo trip to York Racecourse with White Stretch Limousines to attend The Press Family Raceday on Sunday, September 6, where the shop owners can be joined by members of their staff.

* Readers have only two days left in which to nominate their favourite shop for our contest, with application forms needing to arrive at The Press by Friday. Both customers and shop owners can nominate shops for the award.