A NEW Oxford cafe promising guilt-free treats made from 'superfoods' is celebrating a top food hygiene rating.

Como Bem opened in the Clarendon Centre this summer and has been busy ever since thanks to its unusual selection of gluten and dairy free snacks made from coconut milk, fresh fruit and nuts.

Charcoal ice cream and acai berry bowls are among the most popular items on the menu according to manager Nathan Bicalho.

He said: "When people see the black ice cream that is one thing they really want to try as it is so different.

"Acai berries are also something that are gaining in popularity."

The 24-year-old is originally from Brazil where the berry is grown and said it was already well known in America for its health benefits.

Como Bem translates into ‘I Eat Well’ in Portuguese, which is used as a guiding principle for the brand’s value of 'we are what we eat'.

The business aim is to provide customers with 'guilt-free indulgence' by offering nutrients loaded superfood toppings and ingredients.

It is an offshoot of a Singapore company called Gain Brands, with Oxford chosen as the first UK branch of the new venture.

Mr Bicalho said: "We are already looking at opening in Manchester or London next but this city was picked over them due to its high student population and the fact it is a place where people take the time to try new things."

He said the vegan-friendly cafe was proving a hit with customers and this had been helped by a top rating from the food hygiene team at Oxford City Council.

When inspectors from the authority visited the new business at the end of August they gave the shop a full five stars.

Mr Bicalho said staff were proud of the score but that it was 'somewhat expected' given the high standards the cafe sets for itself.

He added: "We are a new business so it is good that we are starting as we mean to go on."

To help people get a taste of the unusual offerings the shop will be holding a three-day event from October 19-21 with free ice-cream and discounts for customers.

Mr Bicalho said: "We had a lot of tourists visit over the summer but now with the students back we wanted to do something to make sure they know we are here.

"As what we offer is unusual for a lot of people and not something they've tried before it is also a good chance for people to see what it tastes like for free."

For more information about the cafe search Facebook for Como Bem UK.