Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2023 finalists
We received over 2,000 nominations for this year’s Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards. It’s a phenomenal amount and just goes to show how important our businesses are to the local community.
Our panel has revealed the shortlist but now it’s back over to you! We need your votes to decide the overall winners.
We have 14 awards categories and you’re welcome to vote in as many as you like. Just make sure you have your say before the closing date - Sunday 15 October.
1. Best visitor attraction
Lewisham is full of great places to while away a few hours or an entire day. Which one gets your vote? Here are our finalists.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens
A local family-friendly, free museum and gardens which recently won Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022.
Catford Mews
Independent entertainment venue with a focus on community. Three cinema screens, a café, a bar, five local food vendors and space for hire.
The Migration Museum
The Migration Museum explores how the movement of people to and from Britain across the ages has made us who we are as a community.
Beckenham Place Park Mansion
Beckenham Place Park has London's first purpose-built swimming lake. This includes water sports, lessons and facilities provided by PTP coaching. The park is the largest green space in the borough one of 23 Lewisham green flag parks. Regular farm, culture and vintage markets and music festivals.
Millwall Football Club
Founded in 1885 from 1910-1993 the club played at The Old Den in New Cross before moving to its current stadium nearby, The Den. The club engages in lots of community work and attracts 10,000+ fans weekly.
Creekside Discovery Centre
Creekside Discovery Centre works to support biodiversity and provide education in Deptford with a nature park and Creekside. Working with local schools, people and companies through river and wildflower walks and talks, sharing our knowledge and know-how. Supports urban wildlife and natural habitats for everyone.
Vote for your favourite visitor attraction.
2. Best sustainable business
Let’s celebrate those businesses in Lewisham that are doing their bit to tackle climate change. Which, of our finalists, will you vote for?
Nonki Store
Shop for parents and carers find great products for children locally with safe space where kids can stay without a care in the world. Products are curated with the aim to use sustainable products.
Müll Brockley
New recycling scheme making it easier to reduce environmental impact and stop your waste heading into landfill. Repurposed bespoke products created from waste. Refill store with recycling workshops and hub.
Mont58 Coffee
Everything we do is through a sustainability lens: Recyclable and compostable packaging, delivery by bicycle, fair trade and sustainable supply chain, Living wage employer.
Invest 4 Energy
Working on sourcing sustainable energy and investment for green solutions to Lewisham and beyond.
Good Food
Good Food is a modern grocery store prioritising local, organic and artisan foods. A social enterprise crowd-funded by over 350 local residents and businesses.
Marvellous Greens and Beans
Premium quality produce from British farms delivered to your door. Customisable boxes. We tailor every individual box to each of our customer's specific needs.
Vote for your favourite sustainable business.
3. Best online business
Support all those brilliant local businesses that only operate through digital channels. These are our finalists.
Bottle Bar and Shop
Handmade award winning bottled cocktail specialist. Bottled cocktails and infusions are all handmade from start to finish.
Artist Cake Studio
Handmade customised cakes, freshly baked in Brockley, offering Celebration Cakes for all occasions.
Aaja Digital Community Radio
AAJA Music is a grassroots music space and digital platform DIY broadcasting powerhouse.
Pat and Pinky’s
Award Winning Guyanese Hot Sauces & Condiments. Check Out Our Full Range of Sauces, Oils, Seasonings & Marinades Here. Gift Sets Available.
Catford Rhum Arrange
Delicious fruit flavoured spirit-based drink from the French West Indies. Handmade locally by slowly infusing fruits, herbs, and spices in white rum. 100% fresh natural ingredients.
SweetDoughThings
SweetDoughThings, is a confectionery business selling delicious sweets and baked treats. Our mission is to provide customers with an accessible alternative to traditional sweeteners by providing healthier options that taste amazing.
Vote for your favourite online business.
4. Best community contribution
This is a chance to thank the many businesses across the borough that go that bit further to support the local community in achieving great things. These are our finalists.
Successful Mums Career Academy
Jane founded Successful Mums with a mission to support members of the community no matter their circumstances; delivering hope there is a new career or a new business. Working with mums, dads and carers to develop and find employment opportunities and solutions that work around their caring responsibilities.
Basking Babies
Award winning classes supporting & empowering parents through their early parenting journey offering pregnancy relaxation, baby massage, baby reflexology, social time and baby yoga classes.
Cre8Coffee.com
Cre8 Coffee is a social enterprise that provides free barista training, development and new career opportunities for young people aged 15-25 who live or study in Lewisham.
Millwall FC Community Trust
Founded in 1885 from 1910-1993 the club played at The Old Den in New Cross before moving to its current stadium nearby, The Den. The club engages in lots of community work and attracts 10,000+ fans weekly.
360 Lifestyle
The 360 community aims to make healthcare more accessible for Black African / Black Caribbean individuals. We do this by sharing resources and knowledge regarding holistic health and wellness from industry professionals. Created 360 network.
Ignition Brewery
A social enterprise at the heart of the Sydenham community. Creating meaningful London Living Wage employment for people with learning disabilities and brewing great beer.
Vote for your favourite community-minded business.
5. Best new business
Celebrating all those new business in Lewisham that are so good, you have no idea how you lived without them before? Who’s your winner? These are our finalists:
On The Heath
Local person Rachel Dawson started first a pop up shop in Blackheath and then opened her own shop ‘On The Heath’ selling quirky items backing the customers in Blackheath.
Amrutha
Amrutha a great new vegan restaurant, has a pay what you feel policy, incredible food, one of the best restaurants I’ve been to in my life, has bright lots of people to Honor Oak which helps local businesses.
Nonki Store
Shop for parents and carers find great products for children locally with safe space where kids can stay without a care in the world. Products are curated with the aim to use sustainable products.
Klose & Soan
Specialising in small plates and sharers where with sustainable and seasonal ingredients of the highest quality from small, local producers, which in turn are responsible for an ever spontaneously changing menu.
Break The Fast London
Serving delicious breakfast & brunch inspired by the chef’s love of global flavours. From French toast to ackee & saltfish it’s a culinary journey around the world.
Snuffle Dog Cafe
Best doggy café in town! Rain or shine, you can bring your pooches for FREE to play whilst we wine and dine you. With doggy day care service too.
Vote for your favourite new business
6. Best in creative sector
Lewisham is the London Borough of Culture 2022 which makes it all the more important we celebrate our growing creative sector. Who wins? You decide. These are our finalists.
Blackheath Creative Pop-Up
A female-owned Pop up space used by several local artists to sell their bespoke goods including art, furniture, jewellery and more. Brings all ages together to support local artists and reduce empty local shops. Female owned.
Midi Music Company
An innovative music education and talent development organisation founded in ‘95. Champion excellence through programmes and nurturing local musical talent specialising in working with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.
Brockley Jack Theatre Studio
Local theatre with an inclusive programme of plays and film viewings, focused on promoting new writing.
Irie Dance Theatre
IRIE! Dance theatre has a very comprehensive education programme. The company provides African and Caribbean dance and drumming workshops and classes for children as young as 5 years old through to adults. Accredited by University Of Roehampton.
Studio 101
Studio 101 is offering affordable space available for photo and video shoots, auditions, business meetings, training courses, seminars, workshops, and events bringing new creative entities to the area.
The Collective Makers
Striving to improve diversity within the art sector to raise artist profiles and to seek new platforms and partnerships in the art industry by organising exhibitions and commissions work to members.
Vote for your creative business.
7. Best independent high street
Lewisham is blessed with a cornucopia of businesses which bring something unique to our high streets. What’s your favourite? Here are our finalists:
On The Heath
Local person Rachel Dawson started first a pop up shop in Blackheath and then opened her own shop ‘ On The Heath ‘ selling quirky items backing the customers in Blackheath.
Crimson and Clover/Three Sisters
A nostalgic but design lead little shop - cosy, quirky and thoughtfully curated offering a homeware, plants and a good dose of vintage too.
H Hirst & Sons Bakery
Traditional family bakery producing a large range of bread, rolls & cakes which we supply to many local shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs. Located next to the Lewisham hospital with a in store sandwich bar often serving patients and visitors.
Crumble Mania
Serving delicious freshly made crumble and treats in a vibrant setting offering opportunities for young people to work and develop skills.
Petit Village
Exotic fruit, veg and coffee. Dedicated to raising equality for people of the global majority spearheading international projects with local suppliers.
Supreme Animal Foods
Much-loved and long-established pet shop on Lewisham High Street. One of the country’s largest independent pet shop retailers.
Vote for your favourite independent high street business.
8. Best café
Where do you grab your morning coffee or a sandwich for lunch? Let’s celebrate Lewisham’s cafés. Here are our finalists.
Dolce Dessert and Café
Coffee, desserts and cafe. International coffees, bagels, waffles, paninis and more. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.
Two Spoons
Day time coffee and café in Honor Oak Park. Service with a smile.
The Waiting Room
Cool cafe with local art and book exchange, offering artisan coffee, cakes and veggie food.
Good As Gold
A specialty coffee shop located in Brockley. Offering freshly made food and drink. Dinner service Thursdays and Fridays.
Maggie’s
Relaxed haunt serving bubble and squeak breakfasts, big day-time menu in cosy setting, plus Wi-Fi.
Corner
Corner is an LGBTQ+ led neighbourhood coffee shop and creative space in New Cross. Great coffee, art exhibitions, bakes and cakes, somewhere lovely to meet.
Vote for your favourite local café.
9. Best restaurant
We are lucky to have a huge number of fantastic restaurants in Lewisham, serving incredible food that represents the vibrant mix of cultures in the borough. Which do you think deserves to win? Here are the finalists:
Bella Roma
Family run business Italian Restaurant based perfect for Italian dishes, pizzas and social occasions.
Bar Beach Grill
The Bar Beach offers great comfort food in a traditional bar style atmosphere, complete with refreshing cocktails and juicy grilled food.
Babur
Gourmet Indian restaurant and takeaway in a contemporary dining room with modern art. The Dishoom of South East London.
Fera
Aromatic Mediterranean cuisine serving chef specials made with the finest ingredients and cooked to the highest standards.
Parlez
Casual eatery with patio dining serving all-day breakfast & Indian dinners, plus cocktails & wine. Exciting Summer events in Brockley.
La Pizzeria Italiana
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Catford this hidden dining gem La Pizzeria Italiana is passionate about food and has been since first opening doors in 1986, serving locals incredible authentic Italian food.
Vegan Flavours
Caribbean plant-based meals, juices, smoothies and gluten-free baked goods.
Vote for your favourite local restaurant.
10. Best bar or pub
Which of Lewisham's brilliant bars and pubs gets your vote? Here are the finalists.
Badger Badger
A welcoming café, pub and kitchen in the heart of Deptford, serving up Japanese street food, drinks, board gaming and affordable workspace.
Blythe Hill Tavern
Award winning classic corner pub with a choice of real ales and draught ciders. Family friendly beer garden.
Buster Mantis
Industrial-chic creative cocktail bar, Jamaican restaurant, event and gallery space in Deptford, south London. Art exhibitions, screenings, art classes and workshops.
Fox and Firkin
Home for live underground music with an extended beer garden and 2 local food vendors. Pro LGBTQ+ venue.
Joyce
Good place for social drinks in Brockley - beer, wine, cider & spirits from their favourite makers.
Perry Hill Pub
Cosy pub serving classic plates, BBQ & wine in a wood-panelled space, beer garden and Sunday roasts.
Elements Bar
Providing the best in cocktails, entertainment, live music and nightlife. Somewhere you can go out and enjoy your day or night.
Vote for your favourite local bar or pub.
11. Best hair and beauty
We’re fortunate to have so many businesses in Lewisham that are dedicated to helping us look our best. Who do you think should win? These are our finalists.
The Nail Bar Honor Oak
Friendly, professional nail bar with great customer service.
Locstafari
Friendly salon on Brownhill Road specialising in natural hair and dreadlocks.
Aiko
Skilled stylists, great at colour, helps local schools with work experience.
The Bohemians
Providing expert hair styling services in a modern and stylish setting in the heart of Deptford.
Geddes Hair and Beauty
Geddes is an independent family owned hair and beauty salon.
Tomboys
Hairdresser with a friendly and supportive environment as well as providing work placements for school students. True asset to the Brockley community.
Vote for your favourite hair and beauty business.
12. Best independent food retailer
Lewisham is a foodie borough with a huge number of independent food stores selling a delicious range of produce to inspire home cooks. Which is your winner? These are our finalists:
Good Food
Good Food grocery store prioritises local, organic and artisan foods.
Ed the Baker
Artisan bakery in Hither Green selling to retail and wholesale customers. Our products include sourdough bread, pastries, pasties, quiches, pies and desserts.
Antonio’s Delicatessen
Authentic Italian Delicatessen in the heart of Lewisham.
Marvellous Greens and Beans
Premium quality produce from British farms delivered to your door. Customisable boxes. We tailor every individual box to each of our customer's specific needs.
Polish Shop Klos Deli
Klos Deli provides huge range of high quality products, all at an affordable price. You will find polish ham, meat, authentic bread and fresh vegetables.
The Proud Sow
The Proud Sow is a historic local butcher based in Crofton Park. Having been operating as a butchers since 1908, it is one of South-East London’s oldest operating butcher premises still trading.
Vote for your favourite food retailer.
13. Best independent business
Is there a brilliant local person delivering an individual service that you'd highly recommend? From personal trainers to plumbers, from yoga teachers to builders, from mechanics to gardeners and beyond – vote now.
Amaze Associates
Specialising in career, business and leadership coaching. A transformative company that empowers individuals and business achieve their goals.
Eddie‘s Dog Shop
A well-established Pet Shop & Dog Grooming Parlour located within Beckenham Place Park. Sells a range of dog food and accessories.
Bayo Igoh
Bayo has supported so many businesses across London as well as local entrepreneurs through Strategic partnerships, BIPC Lewisham & KINARAA programmes. FSB Inner-South London voluntary rep.
Yoga House
A wide range of classes across two studios in Lee and Catford with highly experienced teachers delivering sessions seven days-a-week.
H.E OLBY & Co
A family-owned independent Builders Merchants trading in Lewisham since 1912. Top quality building products at competitive prices. Employment opportunities for local people.
Gennys Emporium
Your go to shop for haberdashery in South East London selling a range of quality garments, soft furnishings, fabric, trimmings, and much more for dressmakers, professionals and individuals. Wedding dresses and alterations.
Vote for your favourite independent business.
14. Best market
Lewisham’s markets provide an important service to the borough’s residents and visitors, supplying a wide range of products and strengthening community ties. Which is your favourite? Here are our finalists.
Brockley Market
Bustling Saturday market for local fresh produce, artisan breads and pastries, plants and flowers.
Catford Food Market
Visit Catford Food Market for an authentic mix of local street food traders, live music and good vibes. Held on the last Sunday of every month.
Lewisham market began in 1906 and is today one of a handful of six-day markets in London. Situated in the centre of Lewisham, in front of Lewisham Shopping Centre, the market is within easy reach of transport links. Selling a wide range of goods.
Deptford Market
The market takes place every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from around 7am until 4pm, in Deptford High Street, Douglas Way and the junction with Giffin Street.
Arty Farty Makers Market
Exciting new makers market curated by local LGBTQ+ creative and hosted regularly at Catford Mews, in addition to collaborating on Catford Pride.
Queens Culture Market
Afro-Caribbean centric pop up markets attracting hundreds of visitors to the borough in venues such as Beckenham Place Park Mansion and Lewisham Shopping Centre. Next event is Black History Month two-day special at Jubilee ground.