Small businesses are putting in the hard graft every single day, and we wanted to shine a spotlight on a few award-winning firms in south east London that should be on your radar.
These businesses are hugely varied in what they offer – from yoga classes to fish and chips – but have all been recognised in local or national awards in 2025 or 2026.
Let us know in the comments below which south east London businesses we should highlight in our next round-up.
Five award-winning businesses in south east London
Pope Street Bar & Kitchen, New Eltham
Pope Street Kitchen, Eltham (Image: Pope Street Kitchen)
Pope Street Bar & Kitchen was named food and drink venue of the year at the Greenwich Business Awards 2026, announced in earlier this month.
General manager Chris Rye told the News Shopper he was “incredibly proud of the team and the atmosphere we’ve built here” and that the eatery offers “something for everyone”.
The cafe, which opened its doors in Footscray Road in 2018, also previously earned a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2025.
Mind Yoga and Pilates, Forest Hill
This boutique yoga and pilates studio in Forest Hill took home the gong for best new business at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards in November last year.
Mind Yoga and Pilates was recognised for its inclusive yoga and movement classes with a strong focus on mental wellbeing, as well as community events and a hireable second studio.
The Anchor, Bexley
Business owner Ozan Bakic with his colleagues at The Anchor (Image: The Anchor)
The Anchor, in Steynton Avenue, is no stranger to winning awards, picking up three accolades in 2025 alone.
The chippy was named in Fry’s 50 best fish & chip takeaways and 10 best fish & chip Restaurants for 2025, as well as earning a Blue Ribbon award at the Good Food Awards.
Business owner Ozan Bakic, who opened the restaurant with his wife while working full-time as an electrician, previously said it is “great to have such loyal customers”.
Emi Piano Studio, Orpington
Emi Piano Studio in Orpington was named the best start-up in the Above & Beyond Bromley Business Awards (the ABBBAs), announced in November last year.
The studio – which has grown from a single piano to a team teaching more than 100 students in just two years – was recognised for its play-based approach to music education.
The Green Goddess, Blackheath
The Green Goddess was crowned best city pub in national awards (Image: Google Maps)
This independent pub opened in the former Barclays bank building in Vanbrugh Park in 2022 and has since gone on to be crowned the best city pub in the UK at the 2026 SIBA Business Awards.
The Green Goddess has also been recognised as the Greenwich borough pub of the year by the South East London branch of CAMRA, putting it in the running for the branch-wide 2026 pub of the year title.
