The best businesses in Hammersmith & Fulham were honoured at the H&F Brilliant Business Awards, with some voted for by residents, while others were chosen by judges, in the borough’s biggest event of the year for local businesses.
“Congratulations to all the local businesses who picked up an award this year and all the businesses which were shortlisted,” said Cllr Andrew Jones, H&F Cabinet Member for the Economy and the Arts.
On the evening, local resident and entrepreneur, Yohannes Miller, picked up the Best Place to Drink accolade for his business Dragon Cat Cafe in Hammersmith Broadway. The Hammersmith resident with his business partner Yen-Ting have created the first place in the borough to offer authentic Taiwanese bubble tea.
“I’m absolutely speechless,” said Yohannes. “I never thought we had a chance of winning against all the great local pubs and bars we were up against. It was a lovely surprise.”
Yohannes and Yen-Ting started out trading at the council’s traffic-free seasonal markets before moving into their own shop in Hammersmith last year.
In the newest categories to be added to the annual awards, Bush Hall picked up the Best Night Time Economy award, IMMY London won the Best Micro or Nano Business or Sole Trader prize, Winmark was named Most Inclusive Employer and Lumi Foundation won the Best Community Focussed Business or Social Enterprise award.
“These awards give so much hope and confidence to small independent businesses like mine in H&F,” said IMMY London founder Tia Hannaford (pictured).
“The council have been so supportive from the start when I began trading at the traffic-free markets and now look here I am picking up a Brilliant Business award. It’s fantastic.”
After thousands of public votes from local residents, Lumi Power Yoga picked up the Best Business in Hammersmith award for the third year running while Playday Parties was also named the number one business in Fulham for the third consecutive year.
In Shepherds Bush, the public voted Caffe Bonego the leading light in W12. “We couldn’t believe it when they called out our name,” added Caffe Bonego co-founder Snezana Mircovska.
“It’s such an honour to be recognised by our customers as the best business in Shepherds Bush. We are over the moon.”
Snezana opened the business with co-founder Ieva Jelaca last year. The eatery in Goldhawk Road offers authentic Balkan food and drink as well as live traditional music at the weekend.
Winners of the H&F Brilliant Business Awards 2019
Best community focussed business or social enterprise
Lumi Foundation
Best creative business
Made in H&F
Best community focussed business or social enterprise
Lumi Foundation
Best creative business
Made in H&F
Best cultural or arts business
The Gate
Best night time economy
Bush Hall
Best place to drink
Dragon Cat Cafe
Best place to eat
Bridge Baker
Best customer service
K9 Help
Best independent business on the high street
Bridge Baker
The Gate
Best night time economy
Bush Hall
Best place to drink
Dragon Cat Cafe
Best place to eat
Bridge Baker
Best customer service
K9 Help
Best independent business on the high street
Bridge Baker
Best micro or nano business or sole trader
IMMY London
Best small business
Paintbox Studios
Best technology start-up
causaLens
Most inclusive employer award
Winmark
Outstanding entrepreneur of the year
Ma Baker – Liz Wilson
IMMY London
Best small business
Paintbox Studios
Best technology start-up
causaLens
Most inclusive employer award
Winmark
Outstanding entrepreneur of the year
Ma Baker – Liz Wilson
Best Shepherds Bush business
Caffe Bonego
Best Hammersmith business
Lumi Power Yoga
Best Fulham business
Playdays Parties
Caffe Bonego
Best Hammersmith business
Lumi Power Yoga
Best Fulham business
Playdays Parties
