Whether it’s a cosy coffee shop or a warm and welcoming tearoom, Kent is bursting with lots of fantastic cafes - and you’ve been nominating your favourites.

We recently launched the first Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards, sponsored by Café Nucleus, to celebrate the area’s rising stars, industry trendsetters and unsung food heroes, and were inundated with nominations from our readers.

You have been sending in your favourite places to eat and drink across the county and, before we reveal the finalists in each category next week, we can share the shortlist for Tearoom/Coffee Shop of the Year, sponsored by Gullands Solicitors and judged by Paul Mannering.

It’s been one of our most voted-for categories, but we’ve whittled it down to your top 10 tearooms and coffee shops that you’ve picked for their tasty sweet treats, comforting tea and coffee and first-rate service.

We’ve already shared the shortlists for Restaurant of the Year and Pub/Bar of the Year, so you can take a look and see if any of your nominations came out on top.

TEAROOM/COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR: SHORTLIST

Bethany's, Westgate-on-Sea

“The food is always gorgeous. Always willing to accommodate your needs.”

“Great friendly atmosphere with good food and yummy drinks.”

Coffee Corner, Ashford

“The staff here go above and beyond, nothing is too much trouble. The fact they know my coffee order before I even ask is brilliant customer service!”

“I would say this is the heart of our community, always a warm welcome whether you are with friends or on your own.”

Hathats, Reculver

“Staff are always lovely when we go in, plus the coffee is fantastic!”

“Lovely coffee, lovely people and a community hub.”

Heart of Higham

“A welcome smile and the best breakfast or lunch freshly cooked, or just a tea or coffee and a cake.”

“Staff are always polite and helpful. The owner asks the villagers what they want to see on the menu and adapt to the demand.”

Lower Ladysden Farm, Goudhurst

“Absolutely lovely coffee shop set in beautiful surroundings, such a unique offering.”

“Fabulous farm shop on a family run farm with PYO and a coffee shop.”

Mood Lift Cafe, Snodland

“The food and drink is always delicious at Mood Lift Cafe, especially their cakes, paninis, cheese and Marmite scones and generous pots of tea.”

“There are books to read, a piano to play, comfortable seating, the perfect space to sit either alone and watch the world go by or in the company of friends.”

Queen of Bakes, Gillingham

“Louise at Queen of Bakes makes the most amazing cakes and delicious afternoon teas, she is so welcoming and friendly.”

“This hidden gem in Gillingham provides beautiful surroundings to enjoy extremely tasty afternoon teas, fresh pastries, soup and cakes. It has become a safe space for many to meet and have a cuppa.”

Roses Tearoom at Dillywood Garden Centre, Rochester

“Nothing is ever too much trouble, always helping people, cakes are amazing and beautifully designed.”

“The staff are amazing, always polite and helpful.”

Steep Street Coffee House, Folkestone

“It is the best coffee shop in Folkestone. Always busy, often queues outside the door.”

“The cakes are amazing, coffee is delicious and it is always served with a smile.”

The Cavendish, Bearsted

“Honestly a wonderful little gem. Excellent service, always friendly and full of smiles.”

“The staff are amazing and the food is sensational.”

We will announce each category's three finalists online from Wednesday, January 17, so keep an eye out to see if your foodie favourite is in with a chance of winning at the first Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards.