The Lewisham businesses still going after 20 years or more

Over the last year Lewisham has seen some of its best-loved restaurants, pubs and shops disappear from the landscape.

But despite this there are many independent and family-run businesses in Lewisham that are still in operation decades since opening.

We took to Facebook to ask locals which shops they felt were a big part of Lewisham and were still going strong years later.

News Shopper received a plethora of responses and we’ve hand-picked a few.

We’ve rounded up some of Lewisham’s long-standing businesses that have been a part of the borough's streets for years.

Lewisham Lanes, Belmont Hill

Many people who grew up in Lewisham will probably remember going to Lewisham Lanes for a stint of bowling.

Located on Belmont Hill, there has been a bowling alley on this site since the 60s according to Lewisham locals who remember going there.

It was formerly named MFA Bowl until its £500,000 refurbishment when it was reopened as the now Lewisham Lanes.

Despite its cosmetic changes, the bowling alley in Lewisham that has been used by many still remains after so many decades.

Lewisham Lanes (Image: Google)

Babur, Forest Hill

Located near Honor Oak Station, Babur first opened in 1985 and celebrated 37 years in business last year.

This family-run business offers a gourmet Indian dining experience with a classic A La Carte menu, as well as a celebration menu, specials and a menu of crafted cocktails.

In 2023, Babur won a number of awards including Best Restaurant for London Suburbs at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2023, Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year at the Asian Curry Awards 2023 and Best Restaurant at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2023.

Babur (Image: Cru Communications)

Maggie’s Café, Lewisham

Maggie’s Café has been a part of Lewisham’s landscape for over 40 years, serving traditional Irish home-cooked food.

The café was originally founded in 1983 by Maggie Khondoker and her husband, driven by her love for Irish food and her desire to create a “home away from home” atmosphere.

The business has traded in Lewisham for over 40 years and has spanned three generations.

Last year, Maggie’s Café was named the winner of the award for “Best Café” at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2023.

You don’t bring me flowers, Hither Green

You don’t bring me flowers, with its floral exterior, has been a part of Hither Green for 20 years since its initial opening in 2003.

The florist-cum-café sells a mix of blooms as well as gifts and stationery and serves homemade cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks.

There have been many shops come and go in Hither Green over the years, but this one still remains to be a recognisable part of the area.

You don't bring me flowers (Image: Google)

Burnt Ash Ceilings, Lee

One of the oldest businesses that can still be found in the Lee area is Burnt Ash Ceilings, a family-run business first started in 1984.

The business has passed through three generations and has carried out work for hospitals, schools, community centres and Lewisham businesses over the years.

With customers mainly coming from “word of mouth” according to owner Ashleigh Cooling, the business has been a part of Lewisham for 40 years.

Burnt Ash Ceilings (Image: Google)

La Pizzeria Italiana

Lewisham locals who love pizza may have at some point visited La Pizzeria Italiana on Brownhill Road in Catford.

The business first opened in 1986, and has served pizza, pasta and other classic Mediterranean dishes for the last 38 years.

Last year the restaurant was one of 7 restaurants shortlisted to win ‘Best Restaurant” at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2023, along with Forest Hill restaurant Babur.

La Pizzeria Italiana (Image: Google)

Tune Inn, Hither Green

Lewisham musicians may have at some time stopped by Tune Inn in Hither Green to purchase a new instrument.

The shop was first established in 1979 and has been trading in new and second-hand musical equipment ever since, from violins to guitars.

Tune Inn (Image: Google)

Antonio Delicatessen, Lee High Road

Open since 2004, Antonio Delicatessen in Lewisham has been selling Italian food and produce for twenty years this month.

The business sells everything from Italian olives and cheeses to lunch options like sandwiches and pasta and has received a 4.8-star rating on Google.

The business was voted “Most Popular’ retail business in the 2006 Lewisham Business Awards and was also featured in Time Out’s Top Twenty Italian food shops list for London in 2008.

Antonio Delicatessen (Image: Google)