14 of Lewisham’s best businesses crowned at record-breaking awards
The annual awards celebrate the brilliant businesses at the heart of Lewisham, supporting local growth and creating opportunities for our communities.
The awards continue to grow in popularity, this year, the Council received a record-breaking 9430 public votes, 1000 more than in 2025, and from more than 2,000 nomination entries earlier in 2026.
Winners were chosen by public vote from a shortlist of 96 finalists across 12 public vote categories.
Finalists included businesses that showcase the breadth of diversity across the borough from independent cafés and retailers, innovative start-ups, to creative businesses and social enterprises.
Among this year's winners were two former award recipients, Gurkha's, winner of Best Restaurant in 2024 and Blythe Hill Tavern, winner of Best Bar, Pub or Nighttime Economy in 2024.
A special Lewisham Legacy Award, chosen by the Mayor of Lewisham was given to Kirkdale Bookshop for their long-standing contribution to the local area.
Mayor of Lewisham, Liam Shrivastava said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the businesses, employers, and innovators that contribute to our borough. Whether established, growing or just starting up, they shape our economy and communities, creating places for connection. The awards recognise and celebrate their tenacity, hard-work and the positive impact Lewisham businesses make every day.”
Cllr Shireen Asaw, Cabinet Member for Workers, Business and Skills said: “Lewisham is a borough dripping with vim and vigour, and all our brilliant entrepreneurs reflect that. From businesses that have served local families for generations to ambitious new ventures, all create jobs, drive opportunities and help shape our future. These awards are about celebrating Lewisham’s ambition and recognising the drive and tenacity necessary to make a business thrive. Huge congratulations to every nominee and winner.”
Full list of the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2026 Winners
Best Restaurant: Gurkha’s
This award-winning Sydenham restaurant is inspired by the history of the Gurkha's and prioritises exceptional service and offers excellent Nepalese and Indian Cuisine.
Best Sustainable Business: Lewisham Good Food Network
A passionate network transforming Lewisham’s food landscape. Working to provide locally grown and produced food to a diverse community, to aid local economy and food culture.
Best Online Business: Natty’s Saturday Kitchen
A home-based, halal Trinidadian food business operating out of Sydenham. It serves authentic Caribbean items like doubles, roti and aloo pie, fresh on Saturdays
Best New Business: The Jerk Shac
Caribbean Fusion with recipes passed down generations. Available for dine in, takeaway or Sunday brunch events
Best in the Creative Sector: Lewisham Youth Theatre
Changing many young lives in Lewisham through theatre since 1987. It’s an inclusive organisation with inspiring projects for ages 3 to 24 years old. There’s no auditions and no fees access for all to theatre.
Best Café: Arlo and Moe
Neighbourhood cafés in Crofton Park and Hither Green with family-friendly atmosphere, serving proper coffee, homemade food and great cakes.
Best Bar or Pub: 2 winners
Award winning classic corner pub with a choice of real ales and draught ciders. Family friendly beer garden.
A favourite South London boozer and community hub. Regular live music, open mic night, pub quiz, poetry and more with homemade burgers, pies & Sunday roasts from in-house kitchen Bang Bang.
Best High Street Business: Sundae Gelato
A Taste award winning independent gelato shop. All the gelato is hand made in house, in small batches, using the finest ingredients that is sourced locally where possible.
Best Hair and Beauty Business: Aqua Hair Salon
Aqua Hair Salon is an award-winning independent salon that has been styling the Brockley community since 2001. The salon built a loyal clientele and earned a coveted 5-star rating from the Good Salon Guide for its quality service.
Best Independent Business: Ben’s Bicycles
Bicycle fixed on your doorstep, quick and easy to book from a local business. Keeping cyclists moving through Lewisham Ben arrives with tools and knowledge to keep your bike in shape.
Best Community Contribution: Lewisham Donation Hub
Our direct support to those in hardship covers a wide array of donation types including food, clothing and electrical goods. All redistributed at no cost supported by our team of volunteers.
Best Market Trader: Van Dough Pizza
Beautiful pizza baked in a wood fired oven, all in the back of a handsome van. Van Dough is a family business and love cooking, love eating, love sharing food.
Lewisham Legacy Award: Kirkdale Bookshop
One of South East London's longest-standing independent bookshops, promoting literacy, culture and community connection. Kirkdale Bookshop provides a diverse and inclusive range of books with a programme of author events, book groups and cultural activities that bring people together.