The winner of a Chronicle competition to find our readers' favourite local cafe says customers are at the heart of the business's success.

We previously revealed that Gemmell's Garden Centre Coffee Shop, near Stair, had won the most votes from the readers in the competition which ran during April.

More than 20 businesses in the area were nominated to take part in the vote, with Gemmell's beating off some stiff competition from businesses in Cumnock, Auchinleck, Mauchline, Drongan and beyond.

Cumnock Chronicle: Gemmell's Café was crowned the winner of the Cumnock Chronicle Best of Café 2024 winner Gemmell's Café was crowned the winner of the Cumnock Chronicle Best of Café 2024 winner (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

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Cumnock Chronicle: The popular café sell a wide range of homemade cakes and treatsThe popular café sell a wide range of homemade cakes and treats (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Jill McNellie, who works for the business's finance team, said "We are absolutely delighted with the win. It means a lot to us and it shows our hard work is paying off. We are a family-run business so there is more of a personal side to it.

"It is a great boost for the staff team as they have all been working so hard.

"We want to thank all the customers who voted for us and their continued support."

Our runner-up was Auchinleck's newest café, Maggie's, which opened last year under the ownership of Maggie Boyd in the Main Street premises formerly occupied by the Wee Bakers.

READ MORE: New Auchinleck café owner delighted to bring custom to the village

The shop, which opened in February 2023, sells hot and cold pies, filled rolls and breakfasts.

And owner Maggie Boyd revealed that she has plans for the business but credits her staff.

Cumnock Chronicle: Maggie Boyd (centre) and her team have future plans for the businessMaggie Boyd (centre) and her team have future plans for the business (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Cumnock Chronicle: The staff have been welcoming customers since 2023The staff have been welcoming customers since 2023 (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

She said: "A huge thank for the continued support over the past year. It means a lot to me and my team.

"We have some exciting plans for our future, so we are extremely grateful to our customers who come day in and out to support us. 

"I am looking for new suggestions for our menu so anyone with any ideas is more than welcome to give us a message!"