Lil Bo’s Deli on the BBC

Lil Bo’s on the BBC

On 10th July 2025, Lil Bo’s Deli Kitchen and Shop took to the airwaves with BBC Radio Leicester’s Taste the Place — and what a day it was.

Hosted by Joe Russell, the segment celebrates food spots that reflect the spirit and flavour of the East Midlands. We were thrilled (and a bit giddy) to be invited on to share our story, our passion, and a few tasters from our little deli in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Of course, we didn’t turn up empty-handed. A hamper of Lil Bo’s favourites made the journey with us.

From dream to deli

Lil Bo’s is the heart project of Steve and Debra Evans — husband and wife, food lovers, and now proud deli owners. As we told Joe on the show, opening a deli had been Steve’s dream for years. With a long career in hospitality, food was always close to his heart. Debra, on the other hand, had spent over two decades in construction — a far cry from cheese counters and charcuterie boards.

But when the timing felt right, they took the leap. “If we don’t do it now,” Debra remembered saying, “we never will.”

So they did.

Eighteen months on, we’ve transformed a beautiful historic space in Ashby’s Mill Lane Mews — once a candle maker’s workshop — into a thriving deli, kitchen and shop. After a nine-week renovation, we retained as much of the original charm as possible. That love for the building didn’t go unnoticed — last year we were named Building of the Year by the Ashby Civic Society.

A taste of Wales and the world

Though we’re proudly based in Ashby, there’s a strong Welsh thread running through everything we do. Steve’s Welsh heritage inspired a pre-launch road trip across Wales — from Anglesey to Tenby — visiting farm shops and small producers. Many of the items we found on that journey are now stocked at Lil Bo’s.

But our reach doesn’t end there. We source fine cheeses, charcuterie, wines and artisan goods from across the UK and Europe. Everything we sell is carefully chosen — not just because it tastes good, but because it’s got character, story and soul.

More than just a deli

We explained to Joe that Lil Bo’s is really three businesses in one.

First, there’s the deli counter. Here you’ll find the finest cheeses, cured meats, pastries and pickles. Next, there’s the daytime kitchen — some call it a café, but we prefer to think of it as a casual restaurant. From seasonal salads to hearty pies and soups, everything is made fresh and served with care.

And finally, we’ve built a wine offering we’re genuinely proud of. With around 70 bottles in stock at any time, we focus on lesser-known European growers — wines you won’t find in supermarkets. We’re licensed for both on- and off-site sales, and host regular wine evenings pairing reds, whites and rosés with cheeses and nibbles.

Sunday favourites and garlic beer?

Joe asked us what guests should absolutely try when they visit. Without hesitation: Sunday brunch. It’s a highlight of the week, with special dishes you won’t find Monday to Saturday. One standout? Our potato rosti with streaky bacon, poached egg and spring onions. Another: a toasted muffin stacked with black garlic mushrooms, truffle dust and poached egg.

And speaking of garlic — yes, we do stock garlic beer. Brewed with black garlic, it’s one of our most popular (and unexpected) sellers. As Steve joked, “it keeps the vampires away.” It’s just one example of the quirky, quality products we love discovering and sharing.

Why “Lil Bo’s”?

Joe was curious about the name. “Lil Bo’s” actually comes from our children — Lily and Harrison. Lily gave us the “Lil”, and Harrison was always affectionately known as “Bo” or “Harry Bo”. The deli’s name was decided long before we even had a premises. It’s a name with heart, and it reminds us every day why we started.

Making it personal

Running a deli together, Steve and Debra are the first to admit it’s a full-time passion project — one that often extends into evenings, weekends, and 4am messages. But it’s all worth it to create a place where people feel truly welcomed and well-fed.

“We just want people to walk through the door and feel good,” Debra said. “A proper greeting. Great food. Table service. And to leave thinking, ‘I want to come back — soon.’”

Visit us

You’ll find us just off Market Street, in the heart of Ashby, at Mill Lane Mews. Whether you’re popping in for lunch, picking up a bottle of wine, or scouting out gifts ahead of Christmas (yes, it’s never too early), we’d love to see you.

And if you missed us on BBC Radio Leicester, keep an eye out — we’re always up for chatting about food, wine, and all things Lil Bo’s.