What’s New & Happening in Fulham

What’s Happening

Chinese New Year

Dinner Ladies, who are based in Putney, got in touch with Urban Village LDN to let us know about their Chinese New Year Fakeway Virtual Masterclass on 12 February (6.30 - 8.30pm). They’ll be showing ticket holders how to cook up a vegan storm with street food dishes including crispy scallion pancakes, a homemade sweet chilli sauce, fiery crispy chilli tofu with sweet & sour and show you how to make the perfect jasmine rice every time - no more getting yourself into sticky situations, they’ve got you covered!

The ticket price £42 for 2 people includes class entry as well as an ingredients box with everything you need to take part and some party extras for the perfect Chinese New Year virtual party. No more fighting your way through the shops as this will get delivered straight to your door - result! Add on their cocktail making ingredients for the perfect Sichuan Peppercorn Sour. Get your tickets before the 8th February!

Valentine’s Day

Love it or loathe it, think its commercial nonsense, prefer to celebrate Galantine’s Day? To be honest we think this year of all years Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to do something different at home to try to alleviate lockdown groundhog day vibes. There are many local businesses offering lovely catering options, here are a few that caught our eye.

Manuka At Home have a “Valentine Box for Two” which is comprises of a three course meal and costs £62.00. Each box includes: a starter of your choice (there are three options to choose from), a main course to share (chateaubriand or a salmon and prawn mousse wrapped in spinach and puff pastry), a selection of vegetables and a sweet plate of chocolate truffle honeycomb with mixed berries to share . Order by 6pm on Thursday 11 Feb for delivery on Friday 12, Saturday 13 or Sunday 14 February.

Find out more and order here https://bit.ly/3tdnip6

Archie’s Food have a three course menu for home delivery includes scallop ceviche, cannon of lamb and a citrus pannacotta. You can add a romantic bouquet to your order as Archie’s have teamed up with their friends from Lavender Green who have created a seasonal floral arrangement including spring delights such as tulips, hyacinths and anemones for £40 per person. Place your order by Monday 8 February for delivery on Friday 12 February or email your order to claire@archiesfood.com.

Find out more here https://www.archiesfood.com/menu/

Jack and Beyond have a great selection of Valentine’s Day treats including mini heart pink shaped meringues, sweet kisses biscuits and an “I love you” red velvet cake. If you’re cooking dinner but like us run out of steam when you get to the dessert you can surprise your Valentine with their beautiful Berry Pavlova, handmade meringue, topped with delicious white chocolate ganache, whipped cream and fresh red berries and pomegranate seeds. There’s a bijou 5 “ version for couples (£21) or a bigger 7 “ size (£36) and they can personalise either with a message to your loved one. Order for collection from their Fulham store https://jackandbeyond.com/collections/valentines-day-cakes

Drink of Fulham are offering a night in with a difference, a delicious evening of raclette at home. The kit they’ve put together, the raclette machine can also be hired for a small deposit, includes free delivery for Fulham locals. The Raclette kits cost £55 and contain: Raclette Cheese for two, Rosemary & Garlic roasted potatoes, pickles, a selection of British and Spanish cured meats and sourdough. The kits can be paired with wine and accompanied with floral arrangements or a bouquet of red roses if you’re a traditionalist. To find out more or to place your order call 020 7610 6795 or DM them on Insta @drinkoffulham https://drinkoffulham.co.uk/ READER OFFER: Use code UrbanLove for 10% discount

Chef created ready meals

We recently caught up with local resident and Parsons Nose owner Serena Hindhaugh. We talked about their hectic Christmas schedule, how they supported the local community with meals over the Christmas period and their range of chef created ready meals. You may remember we wrote about them when they first launched as we were lucky enough to be invited to taste test them. Read the full piece here https://bit.ly/2MbdqLV

Other than being a god send for frazzled home schooling, WFH, busy Mums, we discussed how these meals would make a perfect gift for all sorts of people from a key worker or member of the NHS who’s home after a gruelling shift and simply doesn’t have the energy to cook a healthy meal from scratch, to those who are sheltering, older members of our community who can’t muster up the enthusiasm to cook for one but still want to eat something healthy. There are five options: Mac & Cauliflower Cheese, Catalan Beef Short rib & Chorizo stew, Lamb & Butternut Squash tagine, Cottage Pie & Chicken Tikka Makhani.

You can gift a “thinking of you” bundle of meals - five for £32.50 to make someone’s life a lot easier!

What’s New

Physio on the Green

Co founders Steven Garvey and Paddy Connolly opened the doors to their brand new practice premises in Swan Mews mid January. Physio on the Green are aiming to become a leading destination for physiotherapy and healthcare needs whether you live or work in Fulham or the surrounding area; they want to create a community atmosphere for their clients. Their physiotherapists start by assessing your issue, discuss how to treat the cause and give you long term tools to solve it. They offer a variety of solutions from strength and conditioning, whether it’s part of a rehabilitation programme or weight loss, therapy for respiratory conditions which includes exercise, airway clearance and breathlessness management. They also offer a “Physio at Home” service for “an individualised assessment and rehab programme in the comfort of your own home” and work with the patient on agreed goals to address help needed post hospitalisation or a fall or simply general conditioning. They also have massage therapists to help you with everyday stresses and strains, recovery from injury and hold cycle and running clinics.

You can already join Physio on the Green on Strava and when COVID restrictions allow they will have group running, cycle sessions starting and finishing at the clinic. Steven Garvey told Urban Village LDN “we have strong links with the Royal Ballet as we are the physiotherapists for the company. This February we are pleased to announce, that due to these links we are rolling out 1:1 and 2:1 Barre classes with an instructor that is an ex Royal Ballet dancer. And also starting our 1:1 and 2:1 Pilates classes; we are already taking bookings in a COVID safe environment”.

Follow Physio on the Green on social media https://www.instagram.com/physioonthegreen/ or head to their website and sign up to their newsletter to stay tuned with their future plans.

Casa Costa

This business started as an online shop, set up during the first lockdown in June last year by restauranteur Roberto Costa, directly sourcing Italian products from producers for home delivery. In October last year they opened the doors to their physical flagship store here in Fulham at 461 - 465 North End Road and in December that was followed by the opening of their restaurant on the same site. Sadly lockdown 3 means the restaurant is currently not operational but we’re sure some of you, like us, are making a note of new Fulham spots to try when it is safe to do so and lockdowns are a things of the past; praying, fingers crossed, light at the end of the tunnel etc etc

Until then if Casa Costa hasn’t made it onto your radar you can get a taste of the Italian delicacies on offer by picking them up in store or having them delivered to your door. They have a ready meal range that includes cannelloni, meatballs, lasagne and Parmigiana. Shop by product or by Italian producer for Italian staples like fresh pasta, traditional ravioli, tortellini and tagliatelle made in store (GF options available) and accompanying sauces; handmade pesto, Pasta di Sardella, walnut. There is also a range of fresh meat, cheeses (burrata, ricotta, parmigiano) and a selection of charcuterie to choose from. We love their pre mixed cocktails (Reverse Martinez, Americano, Negroni) which come in bespoke bottles and have been created by Sonia Elia who has worked in London venues including Galvin at Window and Sartoria. Casa Costa conveniently offers next day delivery Monday - Saturday on orders over £25 placed before 5 pm and the North End Road store is open from Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm/Sunday 10am to 6pm.

Shop and support a local school

Events are the fundraising lifeblood for many schools in our borough but as they’ve been unable to take place like so many other businesses they have had to adapt and pivot to find online solutions. After the recent success of their Christmas Market they have re-branded and come back with a fresh look and new stock for their online shop. They are selling a range of products from sweet treats (heart sugar cookies, brownies, sweet parcels), cakes (celebration, love themed and bespoke) and gifts (jewellery, candles, trinket dishes, vases and candle sticks) and their product lines will “change and evolve just like the seasons” to include spring flowers, bulbs, Easter themed merchandise. Orders can be delivered by hand in the local area so you can treat yourself or a family member or friend to make a lockdown birthday or special occasion that little bit sweeter.

All profits go towards supporting Lady Margaret School and current fundraising will help “off set unanticipated and unbudgeted costs associated with remote learning, the first of which was to buy webcams for the school” and the LMS PTA’s commitment to paying for the refurbishment of the school’s library last summer. Lynette Cowen, PTA Events Organiser, said:  “We began the online shop just before Christmas as we wanted to give people another way of supporting the school.  We trust that people will enjoy the purchases they make, safe in the knowledge that all profits go towards the school”.

Follow Lady Margaret School on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lmsparsonsgreen/

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 Bianca White from Bable candles

How long have you called Fulham home? I am Fulham through and through, I am one of the lucky ones to have grown up here. I attended Fulham Prep School (when it just opened and was a tiny single form entry school) I have moved in and out of the area but, returned home 3 years ago.

Tell us a bit about yourself/and your family My name is Bianca and for 7 years I have been a teacher at a local primary school in Fulham. I recently decided to leave teaching and set up my own business, painting candles. I live with my sister and her boyfriend, I have two brothers who live in the flat above us and my parents are within walking distance. We are a very close family and love trying out new places in Fulham together.

What’s your favourite local haunt and why?  I have SO MANY! in Fulham we are lucky enough to be spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic independent businesses. But, if I had to choose, I would say Manuka Kitchen; the service is always fantastic and the Owner is incredibly personable and lovely. The food is also great and we have celebrated many a special occasion there (I am about to order their delicious beef wellington for my 30th birthday next month!) I would also have to say, Boys’n’Berry this is the best coffee shop in Fulham, Mo the manager is amazing and it has a fantastically friendly atmosphere.

What is your slice of Fulham heaven and why? My sister and I are massive foodies, we are both obsessed with the tiny sushi restaurant Ichrio on the North End Road, if you haven’t been you need to check it out!

What have you missed about Fulham life during lockdown? Honestly, I really miss just being able to walk over to Aragon House and have a catch up with a friend over a couple of drinks.

What local shop/service/business has helped make life easier during the pandemic? The coffee shops for staying open for take away. A slice of cake and an oat milk cappuccino = pure bliss.

If you could do one thing to improve Fulham what would it be? Ooooo hard question. I would say more community events to bring everyone together.

Tell us about Bable candles and how it came to be.  Bable candles started organically. I did not mean to set up a candle business! It all started because after a bike ride where I was inspired to become a florist. I then booked onto the career course at Mc Queens Flower School. To bide my time before this began, I researched about tablescapes and table setting ideas and saw that candles were really in. I then painted a candle in my garden and put a photograph of it on my Instagram and the rest is history.

What advice would you give to someone who's thinking about starting their own business?  This is going to sound cliché but, just do it - do not wait until it is the right time or until everything is perfect. Just start and you never know where it will take you. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bableit/?hl=en

Spotlight 

URBAN VILLAGE LDN SHINES A LIGHT ON A DIFFERENT FULHAM BUSINESS EACH MONTH. IN THIS ISSUE WE TALK TO JANE WIEST, FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF INITIALLY LONDON LTD

Jane, an ex City banker and Fulham resident, started Initially London in 2015 when she became frustrated at the lack of American-style monogramming in the UK. After moving from New York to London with her young family 22 years ago Jane told Urban Village LDN “I was buying from US companies like Pottery Barn, Mark & Graham and L L Bean and begging anyone who came to visit London to bring my purchases. Finally I decided to build my own business and gathered a team of incredibly talented embroidery artisans and textile design professionals”.

Initially London is the only full service monograming company in the UK, what they offer doesn’t come as an optional extra or at any additional cost, all their prices include a bespoke monogram with over 50 font styles to choose from. This can be applied on a range of products: accessories (wash bags, caps, facemasks), linens (tea towels, bath towels, napkins) and gifts (new baby, wedding stationery lovers and fitness enthusiasts). Jane told us “the majority of our business is retail, through our showroom and website, but we also have a sizable and growing trade business. Our monograms are created using graphic design software and we’ve built a proprietary app which allows our clients to use this software on our website. You can experiment with dozens of font styles and thread colours to create a really unique monogram design for every item on our website. The design can be previewed and changed endlessly, which is actually quite fun. It’s personalisation taken to a whole new level”.

Like so many other businesses Initially London have had to learn how to adapt and fast “all our physical retail fell away in 2020 and with no events (showroom open days, pop ups) we had to learn how to market virtually. We used Google Digital Garage to learn about digital marketing and placed our first ads ever”. The company loves to collaborate with other brands “our most recent was with Papoelli Shoes, we monogrammed initials on children’s party shoes and with Faro Home, a women-owned Indian textiles business. We also work with big companies offering white label monogramming, we worked with Anya Hindmarch monogramming their face masks which have just launched on their website”.

Currently based in a Studio in Parsons Green with a team of skilled creatives who design, etch and embroider there are plans a foot to move to a “bigger, better location”. Initially London embroider every order in their London studio and offer hand delivery, same day service and although costs for both staff and premises are expensive Jane told us how important it is to her to be based where they are as it allows the company to offer “exceptional customer service”. Jane is proud of the fact that her team is made up of “mostly young girls who were being paid literally nothing to work in fashion houses and design firms. Often rotating from one 6 month unpaid internship to the next, and running etsy businesses from home to pay their bills. I paid them proper wages to reflect their university degrees and work experience, with permanent contracts and full benefits including pensions. The business skills they learn working for me have helped them build up their Etsy ’side hustles’ in to rather impressive little businesses in their own right”.

Initially London use all natural materials as much as possible including linen, cotton, palm leaf, just and simple, minimal and mostly compostable packaging. Stay tuned for the launch of their new product range for Spring/summer. Follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/initiallylondon/ and head to their website to find their full product range from yoga mats to duffle bags. 

Beyond the Hood  

We’ve been wanting to bring you this story for a while, often we sit on gems we want to share until the timing feels right. Now with all the amplified emotions younger children have been experiencing over this last year it seems appropriate to tell you about The Little Paws Hotel book series written by SW London Mum Clare Luther. These rhyming books aimed at 3-8 year olds tell the story, through the eyes of different breeds of dogs, about a specific worry or fear: Olive - separation anxiety, Gus - fear of new experiences, Fig - worries about making mistakes, Dudley - thoughts and feelings about being bullied and Peggy - thoughts and feelings about being the bully.

Clare gets her inspiration from being a mum of two teenagers, running a dachshund hotel and having had two previous careers as an Occupational Therapist with the military, in Neuro and Musculo-skeletal rehabilitation and working as a self-employed Life Coach. She is passionate about writing books for young children that focus on well being and emotional health.  "I long for conversations to get going early on in a child's life that enable them to express and explore their big emotions in an accessible way. My hope is to encourage young children, at home with their parents or in the classroom with their teachers, to recognise their own thoughts and feelings. If I can support them to draw on their own experiences through my stories, I believe tricky conversations can gently, and safely, be opened up positively impacting on their emotional health, resilience, communication and empathy towards others."  

Clare's books address sensitive topics that have been worked on with clinical psychologists, teachers, Special Educational Needs teachers (SEN), parents, care-givers and children before going to print. Both Dudley and Peggy are being used in the 'Hands of Courage' kits supplied by the anti-bullying charity Bullies Out. The books feature key words throughout the story to help the young reader express themselves with the associated emotional, psychological, physiological and social aspects of the experience. They help young readers empathise with how others may, or may not, feel in certain situations and there are questions at the back of each book to help reflect on the story.

Clare met illustrator Maria Floyd in the summer holidays of 2009 on the north Cornish coast. After various conversational twists and turns they ended up talking about their interests; Maria’s being in illustration and Clare’s in writing poetry. As the years passed Clare and Maria worked most nights writing or illustrating, whilst juggling young families and careers, to create characters for their first books and in 2018 a small independent publishing company was born called Head 2 Heart Books Ltd.  All the paperbacks are environmentally friendly and Head 2 Heart Books Ltd uses a carbon balanced publication printer. Over the years The Little Paws Hotel series has grown and evolved in the education sector with primary schools using Clare's stories as a resource for Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) prompting good follow-on discussions that cover many curriculum topics. Clare also runs interactive workshops using her books and provides activities for the children to engage in.

A parent got in touch with Clare to say “It was quite an emotional turning point when we read 'Olive' one night together. My four year old son got a bit upset during the story and asked me to stop and said that he had feelings just like Olive.  We talked through how to try and manage our feelings and when he was feeling shy or anxious to think about the story of Olive.  Your books have really helped my son to open up to me about his feelings, he really relates to them, and I have seen a real improvement in how he manages situations. Thank you."

If you’d like to find out more follow Head 2 Heart Books on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/head2heartbooks/?hl=en or head to their website where you can also purchase the Little Paws Hotel series.