What’s New & Happening in Fulham

What’s New

The Language of Food

Local resident and author Annabel Abb’s new novel, a historical fictional read about lost culinary hero and domestic goddess Eliza Acton, is out this month. “The Language of Food” tells the story of cookery writer, Eliza Acton and her assistant Ann Kirby. We spoke to Annabel about how her latest book came to be.

“I stumbled across the story of Eliza Acton – the first domestic goddess, as I call her, but she’s really the first modern food writer – in an antiquarian cook book collection I acquired from my mother-in-law, a retired cookery teacher who lives in Chelsea.   I love cooking (and eating) and I wanted to write about the way food brings communities and families together.  So I started reading and cooking from these very old cookery books. Eliza Acton’s best-selling 1845 book, ‘Modern Cookery for Private Families’ was in a different league to every other recipe collection – beautiful to read and full of recipes that actually worked! It was a best-seller in Victorian Britain and Eliza was the combined Delia and Nigella of her day. But it wasn’t until I researched her life that I realised what a good story she would make. Mrs Beeton stole a third of her recipes, brutally editing them and cunningly giving them new titles, which is why so few of us know much about Eliza Acton.  And then other elements emerged (which I won’t reveal as that would spoil the story for anyone wanting to read the book)”.

We weren’t aware of Eliza Acton and her status within the culinary world of Victorian Britain. From the little we’ve heard so far, her story sounds fascinating so it isn’t any wonder that Annabel found her an inspiration and that the rights have been snapped up. "As it happens Eliza is quite well known in the cooking community – she was a huge inspiration for Delia, among others.  CBS studios bought the TV rights after seeing an early draft of my book, so I’m hoping that soon everyone will know the name of Eliza Acton, just as we all know the name of Mrs Beeton. My next project is to have her grave restored – it’s in Hampstead but so overgrown no one can find it”.

The Language of Food, published by Simon & Schuster, will be stocked at Nomad Books on the Fulham Road where it will also be launched, so if you want to delve into this book, support local and order / pick up a copy there! Follow Annabel on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/annabelabbs/?hl=en

Athletica London

Local Fulham Mums Kate and Jo met each other in 2008 and quickly formed a connection through their mutual love of sport and the outdoors. Having both just had their first child they also had a shared desire to pursue a more entrepreneurial path after many years in the corporate world. Struggling to find suitable activewear for their young daughters they founded and recently launched girls’ brand Athletica London.

Designed in London and ethically made in Portugal using soft, eco-friendly recycled performance fabrics that are kinder to the environment, the team designs activewear for girls aged 7 to 14 years. We talked to Kate to find out more and asked her what the response had been to their launch collection which includes leggings, hoodies, tees and tanks for sports and everyday. “We are delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response to our launch collection! Customers have commented on the quality, range of designs and love the way the product works together to create different stylish outfit combinations”.

We had to ask what Kate and Jo’s daughters think of the range, surely the ultimate critics. Kate said “our daughters have been our inspiration for creating this brand. They enjoy a wide range of sports and gave input into the design of the product range and love the launch collection, wearing it after school and on the weekends for sport and relaxing in. Seeing the final product on our daughters and models at the photo shoot in October 2021 after two years of hard R&D work (Covid delayed our launch) was a really happy and proud moment for us! Additionally, receiving a second order from a new customer within less than a week of launching was a great feeling”.

Athletica London’s future plans include shorts and skorts (for tennis, athletics etc) and the addition of new bright colourways which will all compliment the signature collection. What’s not to love about electric blue, hot pink and stars and stripes? We especially love the super stripe leggings, made from a sustainable techno-fabric, using regenerated nylon, derived from landfill and global ocean waste, wish there was an adult version! Head to Athletica London’s website on the link below to find out more and sign up to receive a code for 10% off your first order or follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/athletica.london/

RMS Markets Return to Fulham

It might not be in their much loved spot at Bishop’s Park but RMS Markets are back in Fulham. You’ll find them every Sunday 10 am - 3pm at St John’s Walham Green CE Primary School; dogs welcome! We know lots of locals have missed the Bishop’s Park Farmers Market, in fact it’s come up in several of our interviews with residents. We’re told by the organisers that you’ll see lots of your old favourites, including: meat from March House Farm; bread and croissants straight from Olivier’s Bakery; fresh fruit & veg from Ted’s Veg; great cheeses; La Tua Pasta; Flavours of Portugal allegedly “the best Portuguese tarts in London”; healthy salads from Dorothy’s Deli’; Hase Ya's freshly made sushi; SimSim Falafel; L’Amuse Bouche creperie; as well as some new traders including Arthur’s Coffee, Bucks Fish, Pizza Aldo, Mary’s Jams, VeggieBerg’s fresh ginger juices, Brian’s dog treats and many more.

RMS Markets told us there is limited space at the school so they’ll be alternating some traders to maximise the choices available. They are also still pursuing their challenge of Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s decision to close their Bishop’s Park Farmers Market in January 2021 and have their first court date scheduled for 17 March 2022. “We’re hoping, if the court finds in our favour, to be able to relocate this market back to our long established home in Bishop’s Park”. Ross Spurrier, founder of RMS Markets, said: ‘We have been so overwhelmed by the level of support we have had from our lovely customers in Fulham. It’s been over a year now since we were closed at a moment’s notice and 2021 was a long, tough year but given the unwavering support we have continued to enjoy, we just couldn’t entertain the notion of giving up getting this decision overturned. In the interim we hope this market will be a great addition to the local community in Fulham.’ Follow RMS Markets here on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rmsmarkets/

Shell first UK EV charging hub opens in Fulham

We knew the Shell Petrol station on the Fulham Road was being converted but we didn’t think the end result would be quite as impressive as it is. The charging site opened in January, we had no idea and that this was a first for Shell and that they’d chosen Fulham as the location for their first EV charging hub in the UK. Petrol and diesel pumps at the existing fuel station have been replaced with ultra-rapid charge points, this is a global pilot and the first time Shell has converted one of its existing conventional fuel sites to cater solely for electric vehicles.

Shell Fulham has nine high powered ultra rapid 175kW charge points which apparently can charge most vehicles up to 80% in 30 minutes. During the charging period EV drivers can wait in the hubs seating area, there’s a Costa Coffee and a Little Waitrose Shop to help while the time away. Personally we’d love it if you could charge your electric car and pop down the road to shop at some of the great independent shops on offer on the Fulham Road. That’s probably not allowed - shame!

The hub is sustainably designed, with solar panels built into the roof to provide approximately a quarter of the electricity the site needs. The shop front uses double glazing with highly insulating properties to keep it cool in the summer and warm during the winter, the chargers all run on 100% certified renewable electricity and the hub’s canopy is constructed from sheets of timber.

Shell plans to grow their EV charging network to over 5,000 EV charge points on forecourts and in new locations by 2025. Fulham was first!

What’s Happening

Art at The Piper Building

Looks like we dropped a ball! Er mm how did we not know that The Piper Building, as well as being a mid century architectural icon, has an exhibition space where residents routinely curate art events that are open to the public? Well now we do and so do you thanks to one of the residents who got in touch to tell us about this and more.

The team at The Piper Building are excited to restart their exhibitions and this month sees the display of the “uplifting and vibrant” work of artist and designer Richard Wolfströme continuing. Richard Wolfströme has been studying and practicing the healing arts of shamanism since 2007. Drawn to visual symbolism that has value and meaning, and through his own shamanic practice and teaching, he creates sacred geometric designs, power symbols and artworks. Find out more about Richard Wolfstrome’s work here https://rwolf.art and to see the the exhibition by appointment only currently email events@thepiperbuilding.co.uk

Originally set for demolition The Piper Building, famous for the original John Piper artworks that surround the facade on Peterborough Road, is a converted 1960’s Gas Board laboratory with 72 authentic Loft apartments, and commercial spaces including one of London’s largest photographic studios. Now their art events are on our radar we shall keep you posted!

One World Supper Club: 10/12 March

One World Parsons Green has been such a fantastic addition to Fulham, we love their beautiful displays, outdoor terrace and there’s now another way to enjoy this gorgeous space. Next month One World are holding a supper club on Thursday 10 and Saturday 12 March. We talked to Sophie from One World who told us “we started our supper club in July 2021 as a way to work with local producers to give them exposure and bring people into the store. The space is so beautiful and interesting that we feel that it can be more than just a store”.

The next supper club is a partnership between private chef Rosie (Rosie & Ripe) and Battersea butchers The Butchers Table. Rosie focuses on feasting style food and will be working with The Butchers Table to source the best of British meat. Between the two of them they will cook as much of the meal outside on an Argentinian Asado Grill. The menu, still in the process of being created, will be comprised of three courses: a plated starter, sharing mains and sharing desserts. Rosie told us “the space at One World is perfect for hosting supper clubs with beautiful styling to work with every dish. With Sophie and her team concentrating on the set up and making the rooms look and feel amazing, it gives me extra time to focus on the food and being adventurous with what we cook. I can’t wait for supper club number two in March where we will be cooking as much of the menu as possible over fire”.

The One World Supper Club takes place from 7.15pm - 11pm. Tickets cost £65 per person (includes all food and a welcome drink) and are sold in a minimum of tables of 6. To book a table contact sophie@one.world

Ride London & Raise Funds for local charity: 29 May

Congratulations to Fulham Good Neighbours, a well established local charity who work to improve the lives of older people living in Fulham. They recently campaigned and, with 12 hours to spare before the deadline, raised £26,354 which will enable their community centre to be run on solar power. The panels are going to be installed onto the roof of Rosaline Hall which means Fulham Good Neighbours are reducing their carbon footprint (1 tonne CO2e pa) and generating energy (3,942 kwh pa). Long term this will save the charity almost £11,500 in energy bills, which will be re-invested in community projects.

Fund-raising is on-going and if you’re a cyclist who would like to support the amazing work that Fulham Good Neighbors does, director of the charity Jamie Hilton got in touch with Urban Village LDN to tell us that they have places available for Ride London on Sunday 29 May. This is a 100 mile cycle ride from Victoria Embankment to Tower Bridge via the Essex countryside. Set up as a 2012 Olympic legacy event Ride London has raised more than £80 million for charities since 2013. If you’d like to take part in this years event and raise funds for this fantastic local charity get in touch here info@fulhamgoodneighbours.org

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 zara Thomas, owner and Managing Director of The Local SW6

How long have you called Fulham home? My husband and I moved to Fulham in 2018 and we fell in love with the "villagey" feeling, the fact that we had a lot of green around, places to brunch & see friends AND great transport links to the city where we both used to work. We love the amazing pubs, cafes and restaurants Fulham has to offer and that we are so close to the Thames for our walks and runs. Fulham felt the perfect choice for the perfect "let's move in together, get married, and have kids". Joking! It was the perfect choice for the first place to be moving in together.

Tell us a bit about yourself / your family I am a 30 year old Gemini, always up to something (good most of the time). I am super energetic and I love a good challenge. I also own The Local - At the Palace on 349 Fulham Palace Road (previously good old Drink of Fulham). I am a Mummy to Theodore (2 years and 4 months) and wife to Callum (owner of Chosen Few Brewery & a serial entrepreneur). We are currently expecting another boy, due at the end of March, we are super excited to see how the boys will get along and also we are intrigued to see how the dynamic will change once there are two running around.

What’s your favourite local haunt and why? When I have time I love to support local, a few favorites are The Brown Cow, Little Blue Door, Koji, The Glasshouse, Bayley & Sage, Pappa Ciccia, Bridge Baker & many more to be honest. Fulham has a great variety of amazing pubs, gastro-pubs, restaurants and cafes. I love the "home away from home" feeling that they all offer... it is so amazing knowing also that most of them are family owned and managed. That gives me a feeling of appreciation knowing from my own experience what it means to be running your own business in Fulham

What's your perfect Fulham day? Wake up early, walk/run, grab a coffee at The Local. Get Theodore out to explore and play at Bishops Park/South Park/Hurlingham Park. A local pub for a delicious roast/lunch and then dinner together home.

What's the best meal you've had in Fulham? Brown Cow's chicken roast.

Which local shop/service/business do you rely on? My own! No... there are a lot of places locally that are amazing to have in the neighbourhood and some are super reliable.

If you could do one thing to improve Fulham what would it be? The traffic, it’s insane! I remember when we used to live near Wandsworth Bridge Road. Dog owners that DO NOT USE A POO BAG - fine them! Like we have traffic wardens, have someone that walks around ( volunteer?) and fine people that do not pick up!

Tell us about The Local SW6 and how it came to be I couldn't see myself not working even being a Mummy so I had to find a way where I can master both. I love coffee and wine so that is what Drink of Fulham was after me and my husband took it over. A place for good coffee, craft beer & amazing wine. The pandemic hit and we had to change the business and that’s how The Local - At the Palace was born. Amazing coffee, delicious sandwiches & sharing boards, Fresh organic fruit and vegetables that come every morning from New Covent Garden and are selected with love and care. Organic pulses & produce, artisanal cheese, craft beer, a lot of wine coming from small family chateaus selected by me, cheeky cocktails and a small whiskey menu! The Local SW6 is a small shop with a lot of love to give!

What advice would you give people starting a new business? NEVER GIVE UP! It won't be easy, and you will need a lot of patience ... but focus on why you have started it. My mantra: If it is not challenging enough, its is not worth fighting for.

What are you working on currently? BUN IN THE OVEN! As last February our "Raclette a la Maison" project went really well we are doing it again!! Keep an eye this week on our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thelocalsw6/ for more details. Also come and get your goodies from us if you are around Fulham Palace Road. - or just pop in, come and say, try our delicious coffee, or beer, or wine; wait a minute...they are all delicious!

Beyond the Hood

Battersea Power Station

We know we’re not the only ones who’ve been watching with interest and following all the activity, developments and goings on at Battersea Power Station. This iconic building has been slowly brought back to life and on a cold, crisp blue skied January day we set off to have another nose around.

For anyone who hasn’t been to explore yet we highly recommend it. Head over Wandsworth Bridge Road, turn left and enjoy a lovely riverside walk with views of Chelsea. On the way you can stop off and enjoy a coffee from The Feel Good Bakery van at St Mary’s Church. This social enterprise is run by local charity Regenerate who create opportunities for young people to thrive, for every coffee you buy they fund a meal for a child in need.

Once you get to Albert Bridge, for us the prettiest bridge in London, cross over the road and continue your walk through Battersea Park, we always peel off to take a look at the Peace Pagoda and then carry along the river path. There’s no need to cross over the road any more once you get to the end of the park / Battersea Bridge as there is a new walkway that swings out over the river and under the bridge that takes you onto the site of Battersea Power Station.

Before you head onto the main site check out all that’s on offer in Arches Lane on your right. Under these railway arches you’ll find a selection of restaurants and other attractions from crazy golf at Birdies to Battersea’s very own micro brewery; there’s also a boutique cinema.

We were so excited to see that the last of the scaffolding has finally come off, the building has been lit and work has begun on finalising the station entrance. The building looks absolutely stunning after it’s lengthy facelift and we can’t wait until the main building is open to the public. In the main area surrounding the station you’ll find a Megan’s, Tapas Brindisa, other restaurants, Moyses Stevens and The General Store; has to be the poshest corner shop in London!

Until 27 February there is a Light Festival taking place with six installations on display, some are being seen in London for the first time. Stay tuned for more developments and additions including the Chimney Lift which will take you to the top of the North West chimney for 360 degree views of London’s skyline. The glass chimney lift will hold up to 30 visitors and from here you’ll be able to see London landmarks including the Shard and the London Eye.

Previously we’ve headed home on the new Northern Line extension changing at Westminster. We felt a bit giddy stepping into London’s newest tube station, the design is impressive but we were a bit shocked when we got onto a common or garden ye olde Northern Line tube; not quite sure what we were expecting! This time our return journey, as it was a beautiful day, was on a Santander bike along the river which we dropped off by the Alma pub opposite Wandsworth Town Station. It was thirsty work so we had to pop in for a swift drink before walking back across the bridge, of course. One of those perfect blue skied London days and we look forward to exploring more this Spring / Summer.