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GFC Awards 2026/7 Café of the Year: Lil Bo’s Deli, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire
Cafe of the Year Finalists 2026/7
The top public vote-winners:
- The Cafe @ Welland Park, Market Harborough
- Kilo Wine Bar, Quorn
- Lil Bo’s Deli, Ashby de la Zouch
- No.8 Delicatessen, West Bridgford
Cafe of the Year 2026/7: Lil Bo’s Deli
Lil Bo’s Deli in Ashby de la Zouch is our Great Food Club Cafe of the Year 2026/7.
Tucked away in Mill Lane Mews, Lil Bo’s is a small, characterful place where local sourcing clearly matters. The shelves are packed with products from nearby producers, ranging from bread and pies to local beer, cider and whisky.
A lot of thought has gone into the space. The layout makes good use of the building, some of the furniture has been specially created and the whole place feels warm and individual. Service during our judging visit was friendly and helpful from the moment we walked through the door.
The food impressed too. Our croque monsieur used Alderton ham and came with a rich béchamel sauce, while the wider menu includes a good range of sandwiches and sourdough bruschetta. Around it sits what feels like a treasure trove of local food and drink, including Wire Works whisky, Tynt Meadow beer and Cidentro cider.
Lil Bo’s occupies a former candle maker’s shop, and its owners have clearly put a great deal of care into both the food and the surroundings. It feels personal, independent and closely connected to the area around it.
Lil Bo’s reached the Cafe of the Year final last year. This time, it has come out on top.
For its warm welcome, strong local sourcing and carefully considered food and drink offer, Lil Bo’s Deli is our Great Food Club Cafe of the Year 2026/7.
The other finalists
The Cafe @ Welland Park, Market Harborough
The Cafe @ Welland Park has an enviable setting in an Art Deco building among the lawns of Welland Park, close to the river. Good coffee, homemade food and cakes, friendly service and covered outdoor seating have made it a popular Market Harborough destination.
Kilo Wine Bar, Quorn
Kilo Wine Bar brings something different to the category. The Quorn wine merchant has developed into an all-day cafe and wine bar where customers can start with breakfast and coffee, return for Italian-inspired sandwiches and panini at lunch, then settle in for wine and something to eat later in the day.
Its relaxed Wine Yard adds an attractive outdoor space, while the strong drinks offering gives Kilo an identity all of its own.
No.8 Delicatessen, West Bridgford
No.8 Delicatessen has been part of West Bridgford’s food scene for around two decades. This family-run deli and cafe keeps things straightforward: good coffee, fresh sandwiches and salads, homemade soup, brunches and pastries from Nottingham’s Tough Mary’s Bakehouse.
Its longevity says plenty. No.8 has remained a valued neighbourhood cafe in an area with no shortage of places to eat and drink.
Congratulations to Lil Bo’s Deli, The Cafe @ Welland Park, Kilo Wine Bar and No.8 Delicatessen on reaching the Great Food Club Awards 2026/7 Cafe of the Year final.
