THE Hive Beach Café won two more major accolades at the recent Taste of Dorset Awards.

Steve Attrill’s Café scooped Seafood Café/Fish and Chips Café and Best Seafood Business.

Over the summer months customers throughout the county voted for their favourite Dorset eateries. Final judging at the event was then led by Charles Lotter of Summer Lodge, Evershot’s five-star Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa.

The Hive’s marketing manager Graham Wiffen and head chef Tim Attrill attended the awards dinner.

Mr Wiffen said: “We were over the moon when the results were announced. Charles Lotter commented on how fresh and delicious the fish and seafood was, especially the crab. He praised the knowledge of the staff who knew the source of the fish and whether it came from sustainable stock.”

Tim Attrill added: “I’m passionate about my job. And because I live and work by the sea I’m constantly in touch with the fishing industry, developing a cooking style that works brilliantly at the Hive.

“The menus change daily and I add creative touches using different batters, such as tempura, so that fish and chips go up a notch and become a gourmet experience.”

Mr Attrill has developed the business over the past 19 years.

The Hive will host a special champagne and seafood café at the Eat Dorset Festival to be held at Parnham House, Beaminster, on October 16 and 17.