IT’S a hat-trick for the Dorset Burger Company (DBCo) as it scooped a third consecutive golden accolade from the Taste of the West Awards.

DBCo is celebrating its third win since opening in 2012 on St Mary’s Street in Weymouth.

Judges from the Taste of the West Hospitality Awards have acknowledged their high standards of food made from locally sourced ingredients, as well as the high standards of their staff and restaurant atmosphere.

The establishment has been awarded gold in the Casual Dining category of the awards, which determine the finest food and drink in the West of the country.

Partners Emma Cogan and Ross Kay moved from their previous establishment to new premises in King Street, which seats approximately 170 people, last year.

Emma Cogan, said that the team are pleased with the award and that the business has been going from strength to strength since they opened.

She said: “In the last place we had 42 seats and we outgrew that place and moved to Kings Street last July, this award is quite a nice birthday present really.”

A chalk board upon entrance to the restaurant boasts of their use of local produce and their support for local producers.

DBCo select their meats from farms such as Grimstone in Dorchester and Sea Spring Farm in West Bexington, as well as their cheese from places such as Craig’s Dairy Farm in Osmington.

They also have a selection of Dorset brewed wines, ales and ciders as well as Dorset Tea and Dorset Coffee on offer.

Emma said: “People in Dorset are very proud of our heritage and what we produce locally and that’s what we want to do.

“It seems crazy to get ingredients from other areas when we can get them from Dorset- they’re not the cheapest ingredients but they are quality ingredients.”

Judges from Taste of the West said: “The range of burgers was extensive and varied and we were spoilt for choice.

“They were cooked to perfection and were succulent and extremely tasty.”