Thriving business community celebrated at Broadway ceremony

The Mayor was joined at the event, held on Tuesday 7 November, by Councillors and industry representatives – including South East London Chambers of Commerce – alongside the local business community.

The Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards are a yearly opportunity to celebrate our fantastic local businesses and the outstanding contribution they make to the borough. Last night’s event was hosted by local author Lily Naadu Mensah and sponsored by Goldsmiths, University of London and Project Centre London.

The evening saw winners announced in 14 categories after a public vote to decide last month, in which residents cast almost 6,000 votes.

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said:
"We are so lucky, in Lewisham to have a real mix of local, independent, and often, family-run businesses who go above and beyond to serve our community. It’s great to see that reflected with these awards.

“Many congratulations to all the winners and nominees, who are the jewel in the borough’s crown, and a big thank you to everyone who voted.”

Cllr Kim Powell, Cabinet Member for Businesses, Jobs and Skills, said:
“It’s great to have an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic achievements, resilience and innovation of our independent businesses. They contribute so much to the fabric of life in Lewisham as well as to the economy.

“A huge well done to this year’s winners and runners-up who represent the best of the borough - they should all be very proud indeed.”

Sindi Kayembe, co-owner of Break The Fast London, says:
“It feels incredible to have won Best New Business, we weren’t expecting it at all. We started the Break The Fast London weekly pop up a month after having our second baby and our first starting school, from the very beginning we felt welcomed by this wonderful community.

“A huge thank you to everyone who voted for us. It fills us with happiness that our love for food is enriching other people’s lives with every mouthful.”

We can reveal the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2023 winners are:

Best Visitor Attraction

Horniman Museum and Gardens
A local family-friendly, free museum and gardens which won Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022.

Best Sustainable Business

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.

Best Online Business

Bottle Bar and Shop
Handmade award winning bottled cocktail specialist. Bottled cocktails and infusions are all handmade from start to finish

Best Community Contribution

Millwall 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.

Best New Business

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.

Best in Creative Sector

Brockley Jack Studio Theatre
Local theatre with an inclusive programme of plays and film viewings, focused on promoting new writing.

Best Independent High Street Business

H Hirst & Sons Bakery
Traditional family bakery producing a large range of bread, rolls and cakes which are supplied to local shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs. Located next to Lewisham hospital, has an in-store sandwich bar often serving patients and visitors.

Best Café

Maggie’s
Relaxed haunt serving bubble and squeak breakfasts, big day-time menu in cosy setting, plus wifi.

Best Restaurant

Babur
Gourmet Indian restaurant and takeaway in a contemporary dining room with modern art. The Dishoom of South East London.

Best Bar or Pub

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

Best Hair and Beauty

The Nail Bar Honor Oak
Friendly, professional nail bar with great customer service.

Best Independent Food Retailer

Three winners with 1,500 votes between them.

Ed Baker
Artisan bakery selling to retail and wholesale customers. Product range includes sourdough bread, pastries, pasties, quiches, pies and desserts.

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.

Good Food
A modern grocery store prioritising local, organic and artisan foods. A social enterprise crowd-funded by over 350 local residents and businesses.

Best Market

Brockley Market
Bustling Saturday market for local fresh produce, artisan breads and pastries, plants and flowers.

To see all the photos from the night, visit our Flickr page.