Lewisham cafe Le Délice was named Best Café at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2025.
The awards celebrate the very best of the borough across ten categories spanning food, drink, entertainment and retail.
Winners across the categories were crowned at an awards ceremony on November 19 at Catford’s Broadway Theatre, with over 450 guests in attendance.
For Le Délice, which has cafés in the heart of Ladywell and in Hither Green, the win marks its second triumph at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards, after first taking home the title in 2022.
For owner Karine Bengueloul, the recognition is a prominent reflection of the café’s deep roots in the local community.
“We are so happy to have won this award,” Karine said.
“We thank the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards and the community.
“This award is for my team and the community.
“We have a strong bond with our customers, the relationship between them and the Le Délice team is amazing.
“Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
Le Délice first opened its Ladywell café in April 2013 in the building that was a former pub, before opening its second Hither Green branch in 2021 in a former cinema building.
Each café has its own personality, with Ladywell being known for its cosy, family-friendly French charm, while Hither Green offers more space for locals.
The café is known for bringing authentic French pâtisserie and café culture to Lewisham.
With chefs trained in Paris, the café prides itself on homemade cakes, Illy coffee, and a menu of sweet and savoury crêpes, filled baguettes, paninis, and comforting hot dishes such as lasagne, moussaka, omelettes and French-style breakfasts.
Among the most popular offerings are the tuna melt panini, the ham and cheese crêpe topped with a fried egg, the café’s signature croque monsieur, and croissants and pains au chocolat that keep customers coming back.
Karine explained: “We’re a family and community-oriented business, offering friendly and professional service with a passion for fresh food and beautiful cakes.”
