The Lodge Café, based at Bowling Park on Bowling Hall Road, has been shortlisted for Best Cafe at the UK Small Business Awards.
The recognition celebrates its commitment to customer service and the positive role it plays within the local community.
A spokesperson for the UK Small Business Awards said the standard of entries this year was “incredibly high,” adding that each finalist had “demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication and achievement, representing the very best of UK small businesses.”
Business owners Andy Meakin and Jamie Wallace said they were “incredibly honoured and proud” to be recognised as finalists.
A cafe born from a community‑led restoration project
The Lodge Café first opened in 2018 as part of a wider project to restore the historic lodge building in Bowling Park and bring it back into community use.
What began as a volunteer‑driven effort to save a local landmark has since grown into a thriving cafe and welcoming hub for residents and visitors of all ages.
Now operated by community interest group ASH Yorkshire, the cafe continues to uphold its founding mission of creating a positive and inclusive gathering place.
With its position at the main entrance to Bowling Park, the café is a popular stop‑off for walkers, families, park runners and visitors to the nearby Bolling Hall Museum.
Surrounded by green space and close to well‑used footpaths and the children’s playground, it attracts customers throughout the day seeking refreshments, a break in nature or a relaxed catch‑up with friends.
Awards ceremony to take place this December
The UK Small Business Awards ceremony will take place on December 19 at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
Finalists from across the country will be invited to attend as the National Top 10 are announced live on stage.
The event will also be live‑streamed for those unable to attend in person.
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