Lewisham’s best businesses announced at Mayoral awards

On Wednesday 19 November, winners were announced across ten award categories for the annual and highly anticipated Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards held at Catford’s iconic Broadway Theatre.

This year’s award series received exceptional public support, with a record-breaking 2,000 nominations (double last year’s total), nearly 9,000 votes and over 450 attendees at the ceremony, an additional 150 from the 2024.

Lewisham is home to a vibrant business community – one that is proudly independent, diverse and forward-thinking. The Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards celebrate organisations that go the extra mile to drive local economic growth and create opportunities that benefit both their communities and the wider borough. From outstanding restaurants to leaders in the creative sector, these awards showcase the depth and breadth of talent and innovation across Lewisham.

Winning an award has opened remarkable opportunities for local businesses, with previous recipients proudly featured in the Council’s acclaimed Discover Lewisham campaign series since 2022.

The ceremony was hosted by Robbie Gee and Eddie Nestor MBE, who brought their signature flair and energy to the event. To make the evening even more memorable – the audience was treated to captivating performances by D&B Academy, Troy the magician and violinist Rebekah Reid.

This event was proudly supported by Better, Landsec, Lewisham College, Goldsmiths University of London and Blue Garage UK.  

Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres OBE said:

“Tonight is all about celebrating the businesses that are the heartbeat of Lewisham. Your resilience and creativity brings life to our streets, jobs to residents and opportunities for everyone. With bold plans like the London Growth Plan and Lewisham’s inclusive economic strategy underway, we’re here to back you every step of the way. Congratulations to all winners, finalists and nominees – this is your night, and it’s a privilege to celebrate you.”

Councillor Ese Erheriene, Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Skills said: 

“Over the past year, we’ve worked hard to champion a resilient, inclusive and authentic local economy – one that reflects the creativity and diversity that make Lewisham so special. Tonight, we celebrate the businesses at the heart of our community. Whether you’re just starting out or have been serving Lewisham for generations, your energy, passion and commitment to your customers deserve the spotlight. The Council remains firmly committed to helping businesses start, grow and thrive.” 

The Winners

Best sustainable business

Good Food

Good Food is a modern grocery store prioritising local, organic and artisan foods with sustainability at the core of the business values. A social enterprise crowd-funded by over 350 local residents and businesses. Our vision is to see our home become a diverse and lively community that connects people to healthy, sustainable and affordable food that is grown, produced and prepared locally to promote a vibrant food culture and prospering local economy. 

Best online business

Lydia Florists

Established in 2000, we are a family run business in the Brockley area, which provides excellent flower service to the local community and many other areas. Lydia Florist specialises in creating unique and elegant flower arrangements. Whether you’re sending a gift, celebrating a special occasion or just want a pretty surrounding, we will ensure we provide the best service to fulfil your needs.

Best new business

Mind Yoga and Pilates

MIND Yoga and Pilates is a boutique studio in the heart of Forest Hill in South East London. Above all, we stand for the mental impacts of yoga and movement, with a selection of classes welcoming all bodies. We also host community events every week and have a second studio for hire.

Best in the creative sector

The Albany Theatre

A multi-purpose arts centre in Deptford, south-east London. Facilities include a flexible performance space holding up to 300 seated or 500 standing and a bar, two studio theatres, a performance café and rehearsal / meeting rooms. A creative business support membership has been developed.

Best high street business

Moon Lane Books

Moon Lane works to address inequity in children’s books: inequity of access, representation and roles in the publishing industry, so that every child has access to books that enable them to feel seen, reflected, respected and valued.

Best café

Le Delice

Le Delice is known for amazing Boulangerie and French pastries. In our family, the kitchen is at the heart of the home: there is always fresh-baked sourdough bread, a big pot of tea and a cake on the table. We have tried to recreate that feeling of homeliness wherever we can. Everyone is welcome.

Best restaurant

Babur

Based in Forest Hill, Babur are a gourmet Indian restaurant and takeaway in a contemporary dining room with modern art. The Dishoom of South East London.

Best bar or pub

Fox and Firkin

Home for live underground music with an extended beer garden and 2 local food vendors. Pro LGBTQ+ venue.

Best independent business

Get Active Kids

Get Active Kids are an OFSTED registered, fun and interactive holiday club offering a wide range of activities to keep kids of all abilities entertained during the school holidays. They want children to have fun through engaging activities where they can develop core skills in a safe and friendly environment.

Best market

Blackheath Farmers Market

Named the best farmers market in London by Hello Fresh, Blackheath Farmers Market is a vibrant part of the Blackheath scene. Held weekly in the station car park it is really easy to get to by train even if you are not so local. There are usually 30 to 35 stalls each week selling fruit, veg, meat, fish, poultry, cheese, dairy, bread, eggs, cakes, honey, flowers, preserves and there will be specialist seasonal stalls for asparagus and cherries.

Lewisham Legend Award winner

Sean Daly, Millwall Community Trust

Sean Daly is CEO of Millwall Community Trust (MCT), a charity delivering sport, education, health, and social programmes across Southwark and Lewisham since 1985. Joining MCT in 2018, Sean previously spent 18 years at Charlton Athletic Community Trust leading football and sports development, including schools programmes and coach education. Sean has delivered coaching globally in South Africa, China, Spain and Holland.