Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2024 finalists announced
We’re excited to announce that we received over 1,100 nominations for this year’s Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards. This great response reflects just how much our businesses mean to the community.
The shortlist has been revealed by our panel, and now it’s your turn to decide the winners! Cast your vote now.
There are 14 award categories, and you can cast your vote in as many as you wish. Make sure to have your say before the deadline on Monday 7 October.
Best visitor attraction
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. Has long history developing women’s football and hosted the country’s first LGBTQ+ London Unity league match in a football league stadium. With Millwall Romans and Pride teams.
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 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.
Blackheath Halls is a performance venue offering a diverse range of events throughout the year in the Grade II listed building. It claims to be London's oldest surviving purpose-built cultural venue.
Open at weekends only, this is the UK’s Only Global Fusion Breakfast & Brunch Spot. Every weekend there’s a line of people waiting for the delicious culinary treats inside.
Manor House Mansion and Gardens
Manor House Library runs a variety of community events and activities as well as champions reading. It is next to a Green Flag Park blessed with a clean river and lake, abundant wildlife, history and home to a successful community school.
Best sustainable business
We only use 100% natural beeswax which has been tested to burn slower making the fragrance last longer due to its organic, biodegradable ingredients. Ethical business.
Zer0 Waste Corner, DragonFly Yoga and Leo Café
Dragonfly Yoga Studios is a community yoga space, incorporating Leo Café and Zer0Waste Eco Corner, each taking an ethical approach to the services they provide.
Everything we do is through a sustainability lens: Recyclable and compostable packaging, delivery by bicycle, fair trade and sustainable supply chain, Living wage employer.
Zero waste greengrocer. Refill station. Local home deliveries.
Whole food pantry in Ladywell selling cupboard essentials plus a range of grains, pulses, beans, nuts & dried fruits plus a range of wines on tap.
Anne studied for an environmental management degree, and now helps local businesses to achieve their net zero goals to protect the environment, create a better world for their children, improve their business reputation and save money.
Best online business
Women’s health support that’s affordable, easy to understand and realistic to implement through resources and coaching.
As a passionate vegan Natasha understands the struggle of missing out on the savoury experience that meat provides. She recognised a gap in the market for vegan options that not only meet dietary requirements but also satisfy the cravings for authentic, culturally flavoured foods.
Catford Fire - the home of handmade, single batch, artisan chilli sauces, crafted with love in South East London.
KidsBlackHistory has been created to enable young children from all over the globe the privilege to learn what the continent of Africa and black history has offered society and the beauty of melanin in the world today.
Over the last 5 years Pat has been working tirelessly developing and perfecting this first range of Pat & Pinky’s Hot Sauces and condiments. This has led them to be stocked stores from Selfridges to our own migration museum. Corporate events.
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.
Best community contribution
The UK's premier deaf and disabled support service, offering training, interpreting, support and homecare for deaf and disabled people in the UK.
The FaceWork Group is a social enterprise that equips people to face the changing world of work through skills training and by developing affordable workspaces where communities can learn, share and work together.
The Corbett Community Library has lots going on! As well as usual library services we have a variety of regular activities, host larger scale events for the whole community and hire out several spaces for workshops and conferences. We have over 4000 visitors come through our doors each month so it’s a real community hub.
Buddies for All aims to support disabled people to overcome social isolation in the London borough of Lewisham. We do this by offering online, telephone and face-to-face buddying support in Lewisham and surrounding boroughs.
360 Lifestyle Support Network aims to make healthcare information more accessible for Black African / Black Caribbean communities. Sharing resources and knowledge regarding holistic health and wellness from industry professionals both in-person and online.
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.
Best new business
As a passionate vegan Natasha understands the struggle of missing out on the savoury experience that meat provides. She recognised a gap in the market for vegan options that not only meet dietary requirements but satisfy the cravings for authentic, culturally flavoured foods.
We only use 100% natural beeswax which has been tested to burn slower making the fragrance last longer due to its organic, biodegradable ingredients. Ethical business.
A new kind of local, Stanstead Road based Marchetti is family friendly & family owned and operates a coffee shop and cafe van. Known for excellent coffee, pastries, breakfasts, and sourdough brunches.
Homemade Jamaican soul food. That has foodies lining up around the block for a taste of the delicious delights.
Maker and seller of Ethnic and Caucasian reborn lifelike baby dolls for wellness, training and teaching.
Butcher shop & deli, offering an impressive assortment of meats and sausages, carefully selected and expertly crafted.
Best in the creative sector
Pop up space used by several local artists to sell their bespoke goods including art, furniture, jewellery and more. This female owned business brings all ages together to support local artists and reduce empty local shops.
Located in Sydenham, from humble beginnings with three borrowed trapezes in a local school hall, My Aerial Home offer classes in circus disciplines as well as intensive courses, and professional development training courses.
Cockpit Arts is home to some of the most exciting makers in the world. Spanning every kind of craft, our makers are united by their extraordinary skill and imagination. Cockpit gives makers tools to build their businesses so they can focus on what they do best: making. From studio space to business advice, Cockpit is where careers in craft are made.
Hannah Drakeford Design transforms interior design into a space for personal expression. Providing inspiration and practical tools to embrace individuality and craft spaces that radiate happiness.
Featured on this years Interior designs with Alan Carr on BBC one.
D&B Academy of Performing Arts
D&B theatre school offers classes in dancing, singing and acting for children and young adults for fun, personal development or a professional career and are passionate about building and nurturing a love of the Performing Arts. Alumni Sydnie Christmas won this year’s Britain’s Got Talent.
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.
Best independent high street business
Bunka is an independent lifestyle store in south London on a mission to bring you the very best in design-led fashion, homewares and gifts for women, men, babies and kids.
Blackbird blends unique style with the truly ethical. From a diverse mix of fairtrade and organic clothing to pretty accessories and wonderful gift ideas.
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.
Offering a huge selection of household goods for the home and garden, as well as toiletries & cleaning products, Terry's discount store is described as an Aladdin's cave by customers and offers good value products and the resident cats are a bonus for visitors.
Exotic fruit, veg and coffee. Dedicated to raising equality for people of the global majority spearheading international projects with local suppliers.
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.
Best café
Coffee, desserts and cafe. International coffees, bagels, waffles, paninis and more. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.
Le Delice is known for amazing Boulangerie and French pastries.
Leo Café is a vegan and vegetarian cafe based in Sydenham, celebrating good food and coffee. A great space for families, creatives, remote workers and community.
Cool cafe with local art and book exchange, offering artisan coffee, cakes and veggie food.
Situated in a beautifully restored Georgian stable block in Beckenham Place Park. Views from the terrace over the flower gardens and swimming lake.
Offers Square Mile coffee, locally brewed craft beer and awesome stone baked pizzas.
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.
Becoming well known for their coffee and vibe the café is attracting visitors and attention from across London.
Best restaurant
Rich selection of traditional Turkish dishes and handcrafted cocktails,
made with love and the finest ingredients, cosy atmosphere, personable service and commitment to authenticity.
Pizza with pride using fresh, authentic Italian food and passionate about bringing this taste to Lewisham.
Innovative plant-based dishes prepared from scratch with an emphasis on taking simple ingredients and elevating them to extraordinary levels, that’s Amrutha's version of ‘Vegan Soul Food’.
Opened in 2008, Trattoria Raffaele is a family-run restaurant offering fresh and authentic Italian food. Exciting seasonal dishes available weekly.
This Sydenham restaurant is inspired by the history of the Gurkhas and prioritizes exceptional service and offers excellent Nepalese and Indian Cuisine.
Described as a hidden gem, Vegan Flavours offers delicious vegan Caribbean food with a spin on some traditional Jamaican dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, including smoothies, a vast selection of vegan/ gluten-free cakes, with your health in mind.
Saka Maka, top-ranked Indian restaurant in Hither Green, offers a wide selection of innovative dishes, prepared with utmost care & great quality. If you are feeling adventurous, our specialties will surely dazzle your salver.
Best bar, pub or night time economy
A welcoming café, pub and kitchen in the heart of Deptford, serving up Japanese street food, board gaming and affordable workspace.
Award winning classic corner pub with a choice of real ales and draught ciders. Family friendly beer garden.
London's number one Afro- fusion shisha bar and restaurant. Vibrant space for socialising. Specialities include fine dining & food catering.
Located in an old post office with vintage furniture and original fittings, offers Craft beers, scrumptious variety of pub classics making Sylvan Post a Forest Hill foodie-hotspot. Events like pub quiz and wine tasting.
Real ales and imported lagers are served at this traditional pub.
Serving up craft beers and pub grub in a snug pub with a beer terrace! The kitchen delivers fresh, delicious pub food every day of the week.
Best hair and beauty
An amazing salon offering a complete range of beauty treatments including haircuts, colouring, highlights, manicures, pedicures and tanning.
Skilled stylists, great at colour, helps local schools with work experience.
A local hairdresser with a West End touch. Wide range of hair services for all hair types. Ecologically sound products, for all treatments and haircare.
Geddes is an independent family-owned hair and beauty salon.
Good quality haircuts from under £10. This barber has become a cornerstone of the local area.
Excellent hairdresser with a friendly and supportive environment as well as providing work placements for school students. True asset to the Brockley community.
Best independent food retailer
The groceries, delicatessen & speciality coffee shop specialises in handpicked artisan products from across London.
Authentic Italian Delicatessen in the heart of Lewisham.
Petit Village is a grocery retail store in Deptford high street offering various products from exotic fruits, healthy food, fresh juices and organic coffee.
Klos Deli provides huge range of quality products, all at an affordable price. You will find polish ham, meat, authentic bread and fresh vegetables.
Traditional Turkish, Cypriot and Iranian bread, Turkish pastries, savouries, food and sweets all week.
The Proud Sow is a historic local butchers 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.
Best independent business
Specialising in career, business and leadership coaching. A transformative company that empowers individuals and business achieve their goals.
Kindred Yoga is all about community and family. They have a desire to share their passion for yoga with others and to create an environment where people can feel at home whilst nurturing their practise.
Petit Pas Dance Studio offers ballet classes for children 3-10. Directed by former ballet dancer Nikki, the studio serves students from Ladywell, Catford, Lewisham and beyond.
A well-established Pet Shop & Dog Grooming Parlour located within Beckenham Place Park. Selling a range of dog food and accessories. Dog grooming services.
Family-owned business with a passion to showcase African and Caribbean cultures. Committed to promoting the vibrant heritage of Black culture selling educational African and Caribbean books and promoting incredible Black authors.
Bayo has supported many businesses across London as well as local entrepreneurs through Strategic partnerships, BIPC Lewisham & KINARAA programmes. FSB Inner-South London voluntary rep.
A female founded and co-owned business, with a flock of female personal trainers & fitness instructors who are ready to wrap wings around you. Supporting wellbeing, healthy living as well as European retreats.
A bespoke catering venture led by a dynamic husband-and-wife duo, illustrious 40-year legacy in the culinary world, an epitome of gourmet indulgence.
Fun-filled sessions of nursery rhymes, both the much-loved old ones and some upbeat, newer 'classics', with some fun props and puppets. Music and singing for everyone!
Bicycle fixed on your doorstep, quick and easy to book. Arrives with tools and has pannier bags full of cassettes, freewheels, chains, inner tubes, brake pads, disc brake pads, gear and brake cable and housing and bottom bracket etc.
Chief Executive Officer at NCBI Training, a distinguished professional with over 2 decades of experience in leadership coaching, organisational development and advocating for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
Helping you nurture, support, and protect your internal talent with expert advice and industry knowledge. Avoid HR dramas and rediscover lost time so you can make wise people decisions.
Best market
Visit Catford Food Market for an authentic mix of local food traders, live music and good vibes. Held on the last Sunday of every month.
Place to Bee Events - Forster Memorial Park
Small business markets and events, set in beautiful grounds of Forrester Memorial Park. Offer includes food ,drinks & music.
Sunday market in the glorious Gardens of the Horniman, with stunning views across London, acres of award-winning, beautiful formal and natural landscapes. Stalls are between the Sound Garden, Butterfly House and Animal Walk, next to the Bandstand, surrounded by lawns, benches and picnic tables.
Shop in the fresh air and visit award-winning weekly farmers and food market, home to over 30 stalls. From organic fruits and vegetables to rare breed, free-range, and wild meats and even have cut flowers.
Queens and Rudy J 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.
So Last Century Vintage and Retro Fair, has become a regular fixture in London’s vintage calendar, popping up around ten to twelve times a year at several venues across South London.