IT'S the cycling cafe on the edge of the New Forest named the best in England.

Café Velo in Ringwood received the recognition from Cycling UK in its first few months of trading and has been going from strength to strength in the nearly four years since.

The family-run independent business, in Star Lane, was named Cyclist Café of the Year in England following a public vote and assessment from a judging panel.

The quirky cafe is adorned with sporting memorabilia, signed jerseys, and bicycle images and even has a regular date with champion racer Jens Voigt, who has worn the famous yellow jersey at the Tour de France on two occasions and comes to Ringwood for a Q and A session every year.

Café Velo attracts club cyclists and individuals from near and far who enjoy a stopover for coffee and cake or something more substantial during a ride.

It was launched at Easter 2018 by Peter Moore, an electrician by trade, and Vicky Richards, who had previously worked in the care and retail industries. They fancied a change and took the plunge when they found a great premises in the market town, close to the Forest but also offering fast journeys to and from Southampton, Salisbury and Bournemouth.

Peter told the Daily Echo: "We took a bit of a gamble, but it seems to have paid off.

"The position couldn't be any more perfect really. We're at a travel crossroads that means that within five or ten minutes, you can be on some of the best rides around.

"We're not just for cyclists, we are very much a community cafe and we welcome everyone.

"As owners, we know our clientele very well. They're not just customers, they're friends. We take time to get to know people by name and sit down and talk to them and have a drink."

Alongside the café, which provides freshly cooked and locally sourced breakfasts and the likes of paninis, jacket potatoes and nachos for lunch, the business has a maintenance workshop for taking on everything from gear and brake tweaks to rebuilds and even custom built bikes.

Each weekend, there are several ride outs across the New Forest and beyond for groups of varying standards - from social to elite riders.

Café Velo also offers indoor cycle storage, a children's area, indoor and outdoor seating and a water bottle filling station.

Charity fundraisers, mental health and wellbeing gatherings and live music events are also held regularly.