Vote now to decide Lewisham's Business Awards winners

Earlier this year, we invited you to nominate your favourite local businesses for the Mayor of Lewisham’s Business Awards 2025. We were thrilled to receive over 2,200 nominations, double the number from last year, reflecting a huge swell in public support.

After weeks of careful deliberation, our panel has now revealed the shortlist. It’s time for you to help decide the winners – voting has opened.

There are ten award categories, and you can vote in as many as you wish. Make sure to cast your votes before the deadline, Monday 13 October at 9am.

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

“We’re incredibly lucky to have such a vibrant mix of independent businesses across Lewisham. From market stalls and online ventures to high street favourites, they’re the heartbeat of our borough – working tirelessly every day to serve our community. The record-breaking number of nominations received this year, shows just how valued they are.

“These awards are a chance to celebrate the businesses that power our local economy, create opportunities for residents and bring real character to our neighbourhoods. So please get involved, show your support and vote for the businesses that make Lewisham proud.”

Best sustainable business

A trailblazer in sustainability or tackling climate change.

• Nonki Store: Concept store and coffee shop, with a safe space for kids to play. Prioritises sourcing eco-friendly products and conscious consumerism.
• School of Frock: Creative sewing and fashion classes with a strong focus on recycling and sustainability education. Champions reuse and circular fashion practices.
• Mont58: Coffee Ethical coffee roastery using fairtrade beans, founded by a local husband-and-wife team. Promotes zero-waste brewing and delivers coffee by bike in compostable packaging.
• The Homestead Café: Situated in the heart of Beckenham Place Park, with a focus on locally sourced coffee and beer and homemade pizzas. Turns food waste into energy and runs cup deposit scheme.
• Tip to Toe: Mobile nail technician who cycles to clients, cutting carbon emissions. Offers eco-conscious beauty services with sustainability at the heart.
• Good Food: Community-driven grocery store focussing on local, organic and sustainable produce. Two shops, one in Catford and the other in Sydenham.
• Climate Confidence: Empowers businesses to reduce carbon through tailored workshops and action plans. Focuses on achievable, high-impact sustainability goals.
• Plenty: Whole food pantry in Ladywell, reducing packaging and promoting plant-based products. Ethical supply chains and refillable wine taps support shopping with lower impact.
• Marvellous Greens and Beans: Serving the community with fresh produce sourced from local farmers. Offers a subscription service tailored to each customer and uses recyclable packaging which it collects. Runs healthy eating initiatives in the community.
• L'Oculto: Runs on renewable energy and recycles oil, glass and food waste. Supports local suppliers and champions eco-friendly dining.

Best online business 

A business that offers a great online service.

• Beautifully Unique: Handmade vegan-friendly self-care products crafted in London, available online for peaceful, joyful living. Offers cruelty-free wax melts, oils and sprays via a user-friendly e-commerce platform.
• Global French Academy: Supports French-speaking asylum seekers and refugees with tailored English training. Offers online resources and remote learning to aid integration and independence.
• Uni Paths: International education consultancy offering free personalised guidance online. Partners with institutions to support non-traditional learners into higher education.
• SEND Teach: Provides online tutoring and advocacy for families navigating the SEN system. Offers virtual support and resources tailored to children with special educational needs.
• Lydia Florists: Family-run florist with online ordering for elegant, bespoke arrangements. Serves Brockley and beyond.
• Rep Dat TV: Digital media brand showcasing UK Black British culture. Online platform features authentic content, interviews and community representation.
• Boxed Munch: American-Caribbean cuisine available for online ordering and delivery. Bold flavours and island-inspired dishes promoted through digital channels.
• Pat and Pinky’s: Hot sauces stocked in major retailers and promoted via pop-up events. Online presence supports direct sales and brand storytelling.
• Purscents: Therapeutic scents crafted for wellbeing, available through an online store. Eco-conscious brand offering candles and diffusers for mindful living.
• Ohnora!: Playful, lewd art designed, printed and shipped by a solo creator in Southeast London. Online shop showcases bold, handmade designs with local flair.

Best new business 

A chance to recognise a newly established business. 

• Catford Best Kebab: Bringing 20+ years of culinary expertise to Catford with top-tier dine-in and takeaway service. A fresh addition to the local food scene with seasoned roots.
• Little Punjab: Family recipes and perfectly balanced spices deliver authentic Punjabi flavours. Friendly service and inclusive cooking for all palates.
• Barbs: A joyful, family-friendly space celebrating Bajan hospitality and cuisine. Every dish is a tribute to the vibrant spirit of Barbados.
• Bolla Bolla: Serving locally roasted coffee and baked treats from a quirky Piaggio van at Hither Green Station. Born in Cornwall, brewed in Lewisham.
• Monika: Deptford’s destination for bold West African seafood and charcoal grill. Fresh ingredients and vibrant flavours honour regional culinary heritage.
• Apres London: Community-driven fitness studio offering a 30-day kickstarter for all levels. Welcoming space to build strength, confidence and connection.
• Mauby: Lewisham-grown business evolving from pop-ups to a full-time kitchen and bar. The menu celebrates underrepresented founders.
• Sarah's Place: A cosy Hither Green bar known for great cocktails, music and friendly vibes. Quickly becoming a beloved local hangout.
• The Cats Club House: Personalised cat sitting service that treats your feline like family. Tailored care based on each cat’s unique personality and routine.
• Mind Yoga and Pilates: Forest Hill’s boutique studio focused on the mental benefits of movement. Inclusive classes and weekly community events in a welcoming space.

Best in the creative sector 

A business that excels in the creative sector.

• Trinity Laban: A leading conservatoire offering classical and contemporary music, dance and theatre programmes. Engages the community through diverse creative education and performance.
• Cockpit Arts Studios: Home to 175+ independent makers, Cockpit provides studio space and business support. Bridges talent and opportunity in London’s creative economy.
• Carnivelle FBP: Family-run creative business offering face and body art, party services and performances. Serves individuals and corporate clients across London and the South East.
• The Albany Theatre: A vibrant arts centre with flexible performance spaces and creative business support. Hosts inclusive events and fosters local artistic development.
• Gentle Studios: Video and photography studio focused on impact-driven storytelling. Partners with clients to amplify community voices and social change.
• The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre: Local theatre championing new writing and inclusive programming. Offers plays, film screenings and a platform for emerging creatives.
• Hannah Drakeford Designs: Interior designer empowering personal expression through bold, joyful spaces. Social media influencer and BBC-featured creative with a strong local presence.
• J's Dance Factory: Inclusive dance school nurturing young talent in ballet, tap, street and musical theatre. Offers expert training for children aged 3–17 in Southeast London.
• Groove Park Music: Music hub offering tuition, instruments, repairs and rehearsal space. Run by experienced musicians supporting all levels of musical development.
• Spontaneous Productions: Not-for-profit theatre company producing ambitious, inclusive events and workshops. Inspires diverse audiences with year-round creative programming.

Best high street business 

A chance to celebrate a non-chain business.

• Karen Woolven Flowers: An award-winning florist with over 25 years' experience offering floral arrangements for every occasion – from weddings, to funerals, to simple gestures of love.
• Blackbird Boutique: Ethical fashion and gift shop blending style with sustainability. Features fairtrade clothing, organic accessories, and unique finds.
• Genny's Emporium: Vibrant fabric store filled with colour, texture and creativity. A haven for makers and crafters in the heart of Lewisham.
• Yoga House: Urban yoga studio offering restorative, hot and dynamic classes. Designed for wellness with cork floors and plant-filled spaces.
• Blackheath Natural Remedies: Independent health store with organic skincare and natural makeup. Hosts community workshops and offers expert holistic advice.
• H Hirst & Sons Bakery: Traditional family-run bakery serving Lewisham for generations. Supplies fresh bread, cakes and sandwiches to locals and visitors.
• Gently - Ladywell & Brockley: A curated, independent lifestyle store selling kids’ shoes, gifts and homeware. Operates across three sites in the borough.
• BaSE 13: Boutique gym offering expert coaching and small group training. Builds community through shared fitness and motivation. 
• Wine & Such: Organic wines and nibbles served at this bottle shop communicating the stories from the winemaker to the sipper.
• Moon Lane Books: Inclusive children’s bookshop promoting representation and access. Works to ensure every child feels seen and valued through stories.

Best café

• Snuffle Dog Café: A welcoming café for dog lovers and their furry companions. Serves great food and drinks in a pet-friendly, community-focused space.
• Le Delice: French boulangerie offering pastries and sourdough with homely warmth. A family-run café where everyone feels welcome.
• Two Spoons: Daytime café and evening bar in Honor Oak offering coffee, light bites and cocktails. A stylish spot with friendly service and a relaxed vibe.
• Frothy Coffee: Cosy café serving fresh bites and soul-warming drinks. A local favourite known for handcrafted flavours and friendly atmosphere.
• Marchetti: Family-run café serving Mont58 coffee and seasonal brunch. Offers fresh juices, pastries and focaccia sandwiches in Crofton Park.
• Browns of Brockley: Light and airy coffee shop serving Square Mile coffee plus homemade sandwiches and cakes right by Brockley Station.
• Arlo and Moe: Neighbourhood cafés in Crofton Park and Hither Green with family-friendly atmosphere, serving proper coffee, homemade food and great cakes. 
• Break The Fast: Global breakfast café celebrating flavours from around the world. Serves diverse brunch dishes in a vibrant, inclusive setting.
• Maggie’s: Traditional Irish café offering hearty home-cooked meals. A Lewisham institution with a warm, family-run feel.
• Pristine Eats Cafe CIC: Afro-Caribbean fusion café with a British twist. Supports children’s wellbeing through food and community activities.

Best restaurant

• Amrutha: Plant-based restaurant offering fresh, flavourful dishes with a pay-what-you-can ethos. No one goes hungry, meals can be exchanged for time or skills.
• Taro: Authentic Japanese cuisine served with traditional hospitality. A place to celebrate life’s moments through fresh flavours and warm service.
• Sapore Vero: Italian restaurant passionate about pizza made with fresh, authentic ingredients. Brings the true taste of Italy to Lee Green.
• Wilson's Ladywell: Modern European dining with a weekly changing menu. Seasonal ingredients and classic flavours served in a relaxed setting.
• Saka Maka: Indian restaurant with over 500 glowing reviews and a 4.8/5 rating. Delivers bold, unforgettable flavours in Hither Green.
• Everest Inn: Award-winning Indian and Nepalese restaurant in Blackheath. Renowned for quality cuisine and exceptional customer service.
• Babur: Gourmet Indian dining – offering modern and traditional dishes – in a stylish, art-filled space. A Forest Hill favourite for over 40 years.
• Fera: Mediterranean grill and restaurant in Hither Green using quality ingredients and boasting an extensive cocktail menu. 
• Trattoria Raffaele: A cosy family-run trattoria offering fresh, authentic Italian food in Sydenham. Top-rated on Trip Advisor. 
• Bar Beach Grill: Comfort food and cocktails in a lively bar-style setting. Known for juicy grilled dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.

Best bar or pub

• Catford Bridge Tavern: Riverside pub with a cosy fireplace and sunny beer garden. Serves fresh pub food, burgers, and small plates daily.
• Badger Badger: Deptford café-pub offering Japanese street food, drinks and games. A creative space for dining, socialising and co-working.
• C.R.A Deptford Bar: Hidden gem specialising in Rhum Arrangé cocktails. Unique rum infusions create one-of-a-kind drinks in a cosy setting.
• Sylvan Post: Forest Hill pub in a former post office serving seasonal dishes. Known for warm service and classic pub favourites.
• Fox and Firkin: Ladywell’s underground music hub with a huge beer garden. LGBTQ+ friendly venue with local food and live events.
• Joyce: Brockley bar serving curated beer, wine and spirits. A relaxed spot for social drinks with a local vibe.
• The Lord Northbrook: Stylish Victorian pub in Lee Green with great food and beer. A long-standing community favourite recently refurbished.
• Perry Hill Pub: Wood-panelled pub with BBQ, wine and Sunday roasts. Offers cosy indoor seating and a welcoming beer garden.
• The Chandos: Crofton Park pub with Flatboys pizza, comedy nights and vinyl Fridays. Known for good vibes and friendly service.
• Brickfields Bar: Independent Brockley bar serving cocktails, craft beer and wine. A mature sanctuary with regular events and a chilled atmosphere.

Best independent business  

• Get Active Kids: OFSTED-registered holiday club offering fun, skill-building activities. Creates a safe, inclusive space for children of all abilities.
• Fitology: Women-focused fitness hub building strength and confidence. Offers small group training in a warm, empowering environment.
• Salters Events: Catering with flair for weddings, corporate events and private gatherings. Dishes crafted to spark joy and lasting memories.
• APT Accountants: Expert financial services from a trusted local team. Offers tailored accounting and tax support for businesses.
• Tao Linda: Holistic therapy studio combining beauty, healing and wellness. Offers aromatherapy, Reiki, facials and more in Rushey Green.
• The Beauty Spot LDN: Deptford-based studio offering indulgent beauty treatments. A sanctuary for self-care and expert pampering.
• Tiny Touching: Holistic massage and cupping therapy by practitioner Amy. Womxn-focused care rooted in bodywork and healing.
• CheerLondonAllstarz: Inclusive cheerleading sessions promoting fun and fitness. Welcomes children of all backgrounds into the sport.
• Milne and Mutt dog training: Reward-based dog training by Jemma in South East London. Offers compassionate support for puppies and behavioural needs.
• Dogs' Choice Day Care: Purpose-built doggy day care with high staff-to-dog ratio. Provides play, rest and enrichment for happy, healthy pups.

Best market

• Brockley Market: Bustling Saturday market offering fresh produce, artisan breads and pastries. A local favourite for foodies and flower lovers.
• Catford Food Market: Monthly market with local food traders, live music and good vibes. Held on the last Sunday, it’s a celebration of Catford’s community spirit.
• Blackheath Farmers Market Award-winning weekly market with 30+ stalls of fresh, seasonal produce. Easy to reach and packed with local favourites and specialist treats.
• Deptford Market Yard: Weekend destination for food, drink and shopping from local chefs and creators. A vibrant village atmosphere in the heart of Deptford.
• Telegraph Hill Market: Weekly farmers market in Lower Park offering fresh produce, crafts and coffee. A community hub for local makers and food lovers.
• Queens and Rudy J's Culture Market: Afro-Caribbean pop-up market celebrating culture and creativity. Draws hundreds to venues across Lewisham with vibrant events and stalls.
• Beckenham Place Mansion Market: Family-run weekly market with local produce and global flavours. Held in Beckenham Place Park, it’s perfect for food shopping and hot bites.
• Place to Be: Craft and community market at Forster Memorial Park. Connects local traders with residents in a relaxed, creative setting.
• LDN QueerMart: Queer-led makers market showcasing LGBTQ+ artists and businesses. A bold, inclusive space for creativity, connection and commerce.
• So Last Century: Vintage market offering mid-century furniture, fashion and homeware. A treasure trove of retro finds and designer-made goods.

Vote for your favourite local businesses now.