An independent Irish deli in Upminster was "blown away" to be named the best new business in Havering after only seven months of action.
Varleys, in Station Road, won the 'Best Newcomer' award at the Havering Small Business Awards 2026 which took place on Wednesday evening (September 23).
The Irish delicatessen opened its doors for the first time on January 10 this year, with Upminster-based couple Alex Beck and Alice Varley at the helm.
Speaking to the Recorder about receiving the award, Alex said: "I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve been recognised but it was also a humbling experience to enjoy the night with other businesses that are genuinely extraordinary.
“Last night gave me a good understand that we’re in a really great area for local businesses and we’ve got a really good opportunity to thrive.
“We made connections last night with some really fantastic businesses and I hope we can build relationships with them."
Other established businesses that won awards last night included tuition service InkTree Education, Asian takeaway Kaani Kaana and book shop Best Sellers.
Alex said it was an honour to share the stage with them as well as other successful Havering firms.
“Because of the nature of the awards, you don’t know all of the businesses there and until you hear them speak, you don’t have a real understanding of the high quality work people are doing," he said.
“Talk FC Community Interest Company won the best social enterprise award and they’re using football to talk about men’s health whilst we’re making soup and sandwiches so there is a little bit of an imposter syndrome feeling.
“The idea that we’ve been going for seven months and are sharing a stage with these guys was an absolute privilege and I came away feeling absolutely blown away by the whole thing.
“Also, it was nice that some of these guys came up to me at the end and congratulated us and said they’d heard good things about us.
“It was just a fantastic experience and it was so supportive – everybody was there to support each other."
Alex gave thanks to the Upminster community who have shown support across the last seven months and especially those who nominated Varleys for the award.
He said in recent times he has seen an increase in non-Irish customers - which he deemed pleasing because he hopes Varleys appeals to the whole community - not just those of Irish descent.
Alex also said he was grateful to Havering Council for hosting such an event because "it gives really good causes and businesses publicity."
He added: “The award makes me think we’re doing the right thing and the fact that some of our customers decided to nominate us shows this.
“It’s onwards and upwards.
“The moment we start coasting and thinking we’ve made it is the moment we will fall.
“We’ll spend the next few months using this as a platform to continue to build locally and develop our menus and seeing where we go from there."
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