What’s New & Happening in Fulham

What’s New

Wandsworth Bridge Road Spring Fayre

On Sunday 15 May there will be a temporary street closure on Wandsworth Bridge Road for the first WBR Spring Fayre. Supported by H&F Council and opened by the Mayor, the event will take place from 11-5pm on the street which will be closed from the junction with Ryecroft Street/ Bovingdon Road to Narborough Street/Oakbury Road. There will be market stalls, street food, children’s activities from arts and crafts to games, a performance stage featuring live music and more; set up at the Hazlebury Road junction.

Wandsworth Bridge Road was selected by the Greater London Authority as one of London’s “High Streets for All” regeneration initiatives and the Spring Fayre is an integral part of that. The Wandsworth Bridge Road Association are the organisers of the event and they want to hear from Fulham locals. If you’d like to offer help with the organisation of the event, if you’re a local business or sole trader who would like to take a stall, if you are a musician, entertainer, face painter or have a talent to share get in touch on info@WBRAssocation.org.uk or visit their website to find out more, join their association or apply for a stall.

We spoke to Natalie Lindsay who told Urban Village LDN “the Wandsworth Bridge Road Association, supported by Hammersmith & Fulham Council, are excited to announce the first ever Wandsworth Bridge Road Spring Fayre and we are thrilled to have the event opened by the LBHF Mayor PJ Murphy. Building the community is a key foundation of both the GLA’s plan and the WBRA's own ambition. We would like to make this Spring Fayre a wonderful community event with local enterprise, street entertainment, live music and old-fashioned Fun Fair games. This is our chance to enjoy our local High Street as never before. All businesses and residents are invited to get involved, we hope the community is as excited by this as we are!” The traffic on Wandsworth Bridge Road is a subject that comes up repeatedly when we talk to Fulhamites so what a treat to see the street closed and without cars, we will be there as just this in itself will be a sight to behold!

New Creative Workspaces in SW6

Projekt are an affordable work and event space provider that works with developers, housing associations, local authorities, government bodies and agencies to shape the character of new communities and revitalise unloved spaces. Working with The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) they are turning six derelict Victorian Townhouses on the east side of Empress Place into 8,500 sq ft of work space for creatives and innovators, who live and/or work in Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea.

There will be 30 new spaces, due to open in May 2022, created “to provide affordable studio and office spaces supporting the arts and science industries”. An open call application has been issued for new tenants interested in Empress Studios via their website and is aimed particularly at creatives from the surrounding area. “The successful applicants will be welcomed into this burgeoning community, as part of the wider vision for Earls Court. This will include link-ups and discounts with other nearby businesses to support the local economy, and the opportunity to showcase their products/ work at the local pop up shop on Lillie Road”.

CEO of Projekt, Nick Hartwright, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be working in partnership with The Earls Court Development Company on what we feel is a fantastic new development on this iconic London site. This area of London has been under-serviced for the type of spaces we provide, and we are looking forward to being part of London’s newest neighbourhood and creating new spaces and opportunities for local businesses.”

Uniq Sushi

Sushi comes to Fulham Road with the opening of Uniq Sushi. This new independent business opened its doors at number 819 literally days ago; at the time of writing! We popped in and had a quick chat with Amar the owner, who has the biggest of smiles and greeted us warmly. He told Urban Village LDN about Uniq’s offering, how their first few days of trading had been and what their future plans are; he also went immediately to sign up to Urban Village LDN - thanks Amar!

Uniq’s menu includes sushi and “oriental fusion” food, they also have a selection of oriental groceries. Amar told Urban Village LDN “there is a small selection of groceries to start with but we’ll be adding to the range which will also include organic products”. Take away is currently available to order from Just Eat but Amar told us Uniq Sushi will be available on Deliveroo and Uber Eat soon. There are are a small number of seats in store so you can sit quite happily and comfortably at the front of the shop enjoying some sushi watching the world and Fulhamites passing by. Uniq Sushi launched serving cold food but hot food will be on offer soon with dishes including Ramen, Katsu Curry and Korean Bowls. Amar told us there is a “Happy End of the Day” sale every day from 8-10pm where you get 40% off before they close their doors for the day.

We checked out the menu which Amar handed us and we think there is a lovely variety from salads, poke bowls, Gyoza, Sashimi, Maki, Onigiri, Uramaki (inside out rolls), crunch rolls, speciality rolls, sushi boxes and platers (mixed or vegetarian) and Japanese desserts including Mochi and Dorayaki, a Japanese pancake. The shop was light and bright so we will be back to try some sushi and report back, in the meantime we’re sure if you pop in to say hello you will also be welcomed warmly by Amar and the team.

Holistic space opens at Le Wag

We wrote about Le Wag when they first opened the doors to their bricks and mortar salon located in Parson’s Green in May 2021. They are now expanding their offer so in addition to the salon, their cafe and shop they have recently created and opened a holistic space. Owner Sasha told Urban Village LDN “we are delighted to launch Le Wag Retreats, a holistic space where both you and your furry companion can find sanctuary. We have specifically created this wellness sanctuary which offers a comfortable, cosy environment to retreat to, find your calm and bring pup along too”.

Le Wag are running various classes which include Petitation (meditation with your pet), Sound Healing and Mindful Massage so if you, your pet or both of you need to take some time out and are in need of some soothing, head to their website to find out more and book a class. We look forward to seeing pictures of these classes on their Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/lewagofficial/ they are bound to ooze cuteness and brighten anyone’s day.

What’s Happening

Local resident in Killing Eve

For fans of Killing Eve, a BBC show whose final series is currently airing, we thought you might be interested to know that local resident Anyastassia Melehes, aged eight, is playing the role of Chloe in season 4. We spoke to her Mother, Adrianna Melehes, who told us that this is Anyastassia’s first acting role, although she has been modelling after being signed to the leading kids model and talent agency Bruce & Brown, from the age of 4. Anyastassia plays the role of Chloe, the daughter of French actress Camille Cottin, who plays the role of Helene, a high ranking member of “The Twelve”, a corrupt organisation who use assassins to commit murder.

Anyastassia has been living in Fulham since 2018 and although she is the daughter of Canadian & Greek parents, her attendance at the Fulham Bilingual school allowed her to have the opportunity to audition for this part for a young French girl. Adrianna told us “Anya was so excited to get this role as it just seemed like such a perfect first experience and it was. Due to Covid restrictions, Anya filmed all her scenes in London and absolutely loved the whole experience from hair and make up to the producers to the famous actors/cast. Sandra Oh & Camille Cottin were so incredibly welcoming and kind, we didn’t want it to end! Anya has definitely caught the acting bug and hopes to land another acting role soon”.

Anyastassia told Urban Village LDN “my favourite scene was filmed in episode 2 when I was in the kitchen and Eve woke me up, it was so funny because my mummy on the show (Camille Cottin) picked me up and almost fell over a few times. They also gave me a whole box of donuts!”.

The Boat Race 2022: 3 April

The annual Boat Race takes place on 3 April 2022. For those new to the area / event The Boat Race is usually an annual side-by-side rowing race between the crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities along the River Thames. The event is back after two years with the live BBC Broadcast starting at 13.50, the women’s boat race kicking things off at 14.23 before the men’s boat race at 15.23. The event is free to watch and there will be big screens in the “Fan Parks” at Bishops Park and Furnivall Gardens in Hammersmith.
The crews launch their boats from the boathouses along Putney embankments and warm up moving towards Central London before then turning back to line up with the university stone to begin the race.

Earth Day at Anima: 22 April

Earth Day takes place on Friday 22 April and Anima House, a community based wellness space created for mothers / mothers to be and their children which opened in June last year, have organised a full day of events to celebrate. Àile Holistic are hosting a multi sensory Aromatherapy workshop with crafting for children by Artiswhereitsat (suitable for adults and children 18m - 3 years). Founder Sarah Rose Thomas told Urban Village LDN about this workshop “we'll be exploring Calendula AKA "the herb of the sun" it’s a hands-on session where we will be creatively exploring this glorious herb through drinking a calendula infusion, making calendula art, sewing calendula seeds, making our own calendula infusion”.

Anima House are also holding an Astrology workshop where parents and children will both receive a personalised chart and enjoy an organic lunch. Anima’s “Little House Party” rounds off the day with live music, singing and dancing (adults and children 6m - 3 years). Head to their website (link below) to book tickets / find out more. You can read our original feature on Anima here https://www.urbanvillageldn.com/whats-new-june-21?rq=anima

First Event for By Beautiful Brands: 19 May

By Beautiful Brands was set up two and a half years ago by friends Caroline Firth and Tamara Fearnley- Whittingstall to champion small British businesses and discover new brands with a social conscious. Their website is a carefully curated one stop shop where you can discover and buy from over 100 British brands whose products range from men’s to ladieswear, gifts and homewares, jewellery and more. By Beautiful Brands are gearing up for their first ever live event next month, sadly not in Fulham due to space restrictions but down the road at The Chelsea Town Hall on the Kings Road.

We chatted to Fulham resident Caroline who told us you’ll find some brands on the By Beautiful Brands site who also call Fulham home: Athletica London (previously featured in UVL), Alissya London, Edit One and Marie & Lola.

Caroline and Tamara told Urban Village LDN “with live events back in the calendar, we’re thrilled to announce that we will finally be hosting our much-anticipated live shopping event at Chelsea Town Hall on the 19 May. Over 50 of our brands will be exhibiting at this exciting one-day event. We’ve thoughtfully selected each brand so no two will be offering the same products and always consider the quality of the product, the sustainability and ethical impact of each brand so you can shop whilst keeping a clear conscience”.

The event runs from 9.30am - 7pm and entry is free. Find out more on the link below or head to their Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/bybeautifulbrands/

Easter Bank Holiday weekend: 15 — 18 April

So you can get out locally and stock up on treats for your little bunnies, just in case it all blurs into the school Easter holidays, here’s a reminder that Easter Sunday is on 17 April this year. Bridge Baker will be baking their delicious hot cross buns again using their secret spice mix and hand making Easter eggs. Bridge Baker’s Homemade Easter eggs, available to order now, are super sized and filled with mini eggs, choose from Kinder, dark chocolate or white (£18.95). Personally we can’t resist their decorated gingerbread biscuits for our Easter baskets.

Happy Easter to you all!

Made in Fulham

It never fails to surprise us what a talented bunch you Fulham folks are. Each month Urban Village Ldn introduces you to THe Fulham face behind an idea, product or business and asks them what they love about being a local resident. This month we talk to Florence Moore-Ceaton, OWNER of Florence Victoria Designs

How long have you called Fulham home? I haven't been in Fulham for a long time. I moved with my now wife in 2020 and of course with the lockdown restrictions haven't been able to enjoy Fulham to its fullest, however, we are making up for that now and enjoying exploring all that the area has to offer! I grew up in Surrey and then moved to Wimbledon before we came to Fulham, so we have enjoyed both sides of the river!

Tell us a bit about yourself / your family I have worked in healthcare since finishing University and returned to study a PgDip in Nursing a few years later but had health issues which resulted in me working on a self-employed basis in private healthcare whilst also developing my business Florence Victoria Designs & Decor. I thoroughly enjoy that I work in a client-facing role with my healthcare work whilst also working solo on all the behind-the-scenes elements of running a small business (with help from my wife and friends/family when we have a high demand of orders). This style of working gives me autonomy over my time and allows me to manage and balance my health, for which I am extremely grateful. I got married in September 2021 after some disruption to our wedding plans from Covid-19. We live near Bishop's Park with our pets and love being able to escape to the beautiful park for some open space and tranquility.

What’s your favourite local haunt and why? We really love to grab a coffee from The Local SW6 and then take a long walk along the river heading past Hammersmith bridge and onto Chiswick. There are so many great pubs to stop at for a drink and soak up the atmosphere. I love the blend of modern amenities, old pubs, old and new buildings, the ebb and flow of the river, and the wildlife from the wetlands in Barnes. Equally, we love to spend some time exploring parts of Fulham and the wider area that are a little more off the beaten path and it's always great to find a little independent store or restaurant that we didn't know existed!

What's your perfect Fulham day? My perfect Fulham day would include pottering around some of the independent shops in Parson's Green and Fulham Road with a coffee in hand. Then lunch along the river at one of the many great pubs or Sam's and then a walk. I would finish the day with a film or play at Riverside Studios.

What's the best meal you've had in Fulham? When we first moved to Fulham a friend recommended two places immediately. Pappa Ciccia who have a few restaurants in the area and a little Thai BYO restaurant on Munster Road. Getting a takeaway from Cafe 209 is now a regular occurrence. The food is great and it really is one of those local gems. As an alternative, we also love to visit some of the fine food shops of which there are an abundance in the area and have a lovely meal at home with friends.

Which local shop/service/business do you rely on? There are so many! We love to pop into The Local SW6 for a coffee and some of the fresh produce from Covent Garden Market. We also tend to walk to Putney for The Source zero-waste store with our jars and containers in hand! We also love anywhere we can get a vegan-friendly brunch from at the weekend and are always on the hunt to find new places. I enjoy searching on Instagram to find local stores and restaurants and support the local area.

If you could do one thing to improve Fulham what would it be? I drive out to Surrey/Kent/Essex and beyond for my work and spend a lot of time on Putney Bridge or the high street in gridlock. I realise I am a hypocrite for complaining about the traffic when I am a contributor to it, however, It just seems that some decisions have been made that have created such congestion and heavy traffic, especially after the closure of Hammersmith Bridge. There seem to be whispers at times of plans for the Bridge but funding still does not seem to have been secured so that we can have a functional bridge on a busy and vital route.

Tell us about Florence Victoria Designs and how it came to be Florence Victoria Designs grew out of a small business that a friend of mine started in 2014. I took over in 2016 and since then have grown the business to include an array of handmade items including accessories, home decor, gifts, baby and LGBT+. ! Most recently I have also begun to supply products from other small businesses to continue development and to support handmade, ethically sourced, local, women-owned and small-batch items. The demand for these person-centric, local and sustainable products grew exponentially during the pandemic but is has been great to see that people continue to have the enthusiasm to support local and small businesses.

What advice would you give people starting a new business? I have learnt so much along the way. It has really been an on the job crash course in managing everything involved with a small business including making the products, sourcing, balancing the books, communicating with customers and managing stock. That said, I wouldn't change it for the world as I have had to jump in and adapt quickly. My advice if someone is thinking about starting a new business would be to take the plunge. Of course, seek advice, join online communities and build a support network, but all the time that you aren't starting opportunities are being missed. I have learnt so much from online networking and connecting with other similar businesses. It is overwhelming at times and it feels like I am ten steps behind especially when it comes to engaging with 'socials' but it most definitely is a driving force to keep pushing forward.

What are you working on currently? I am currently working on some new products as well as streamlining some of the most popular designs so that I am able to provide quicker dispatch times for customers. With the warm weather approaching, I am working on decor for outdoor events. https://www.instagram.com/florencevictoriadesigns/