COFFEE lovers have been telling us their favourite places in Dorset to grab ‘a cup of Joe’.

Following on from last week’s tips for the best Sunday roast, we invited readers to tell us their top coffee shops in the area.

We’ve whittled down their nominations to create a shortlist and here we run down the crème de la crème:

1. Wistmans, Wimborne Road, Winton

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture via Google Street View

Wistmans came highly recommended for its “great” customer service and was described as serving “consistently excellent” coffee by James Paterson, coming top with scores of reader nominations.

Magda Sikora-Nowak said: “The only cafe that provides unique atmosphere and actually cares about their customers. Homemade cakes are always fabulous.”

2. Coffee Saloon, various locations

Bournemouth Echo:

On a mission to serve “awesome coffee” wherever they can, Coffee Saloon is clearly delivering with cafes in Westbourne, Wareham, Canford Cliffs, Poole and Weymouth.

Mark Goddard said: “By far the best coffee in Dorset and served by friendly staff who know how to brew a decent cup, take pride in what they do and try and make a coffee stop the best part of your day.”

3. The Coffee House, Adastral Square, Canford Heath

This venue says it is “passionate about great food, coffee and tea prepared freshly at an affordable price” and readers clearly agree.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture via Google Street View

Louise Maidment said: “It just the little touches that are the best here, from handknitted tea pot cosies (everyone different) to the community feel of pottery painting on Wednesday mornings and the smiley faces of Beth and Andy who run The Coffee House. They are so helpful and friendly they are an asset to the shop.”

4. Naked Coffee, Christchurch Road, Bournemouth

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture via Google Street View

With the mantra, "live free. live naked. coffee for humankind", Naked Coffee is clearly making a good impression.

Hannah Kimber said: "All of their coffee is roasted at the shop, and all of the food prepared there too. The drinks are really well priced and it's the best coffee I've had to date."

5. Coast Coffee, High Street, Christchurch

Bournemouth Echo:

Could this be the best coffee shop in Christchurch? This cafe was described as a "must for coffee lovers."

One reader said: "Best coffee shop around with a really warm and inviting feel. Great coffee and some indulgent special treats which includes milkshakes and cakes."

Other coffee shops that readers rated included Espresso Lounge in The Triangle, Bajan Brew Bros in Bournemouth and Patisserie Mark Bennett in Poole.