Maggie’s Café named as best in Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2023

Maggie’s Café, in Lewisham Road, was named as this year's winner for the Best Café award, after being up against five other Lewisham businesses in this category.

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.

The café serves traditional English and Irish food, from breakfast options to cakes and hearty meals, and offers diners a “cosy and homely” setting.

The business has received 917 Google reviews with a 4.5-star rating, receiving high praise for its warm and cosy atmosphere and cooked English breakfast.

The Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards showcases the best of Lewisham’s businesses, from food and hospitality to leisure and the arts.

This year Lewisham Council received over 2,000 nominations for the awards for Lewisham residents' favourite local businesses.

The awards ceremony took place on November 7 at Broadway Theatre in Catford, where the winners across 14 categories were announced.

Partners Oliver and Anthony Khondoker described the accolade as a “testament” to their late mother Maggie and her passion for Irish food.

Maggie's Cafe staff celebrate winning Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2023 (Image: Maggie's)

Managing partners, Oliver and Anthony Khondoker, said: “To have been nominated as a finalist for the Best Café was already a great accolade, yet to win against such stiff competition has been unbelievable.

“We could not have done this without the continued support from our loyal customers and hardworking attentive staff.

“This award is a testament to our late mother Maggie Khondoker’s philosophy of true Irish hospitality and hard work, creating a “home away from home” where everyone who dines with us is made to feel welcome.

Business co-owner Anthony Khondoker (Image: Maggie's Cafe)

“Maggie’s Cafe, which has always been a family business and still is, established by our mother and father in 1983, has become an institution, and we are so honoured to be able to continue serving our beloved community.

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.”

Oliver and Anthony Khondoker's late mother Maggie who founded the cafe 40 years ago. (Image: Maggie's Cafe)

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.”