Matamata cafe best in New Zealand

Workman's Cafe in Matamata has been judged the best in the country in the annual Best Cafe Awards.

Cafe awards convenor Michael Guy said cafes were judged anonymously, on everything from the standard of preparation and presentation of their coffee, to surroundings, service and food.

The runner-up was The Sticky Beak Cafe in Otatara, Southland.

Meanwhile, the lower North Island regional event in the National Barista Awards will be judged at Te Papa in Wellington next Monday.

The national champion will go to the World Barista Championships next year.