What’s New, On & Happening in Fulham

What’s New

Society of Fulham Artists and Potters (SoFAP) Pop-Up

The Society of Fulham Artists and Potters (SoFAP), a pillar of the local art community since 1952, are opening their first-ever pop-up gallery and shop on the first floor of the Fulham Broadway shopping centre this month. The pop up starts on 6 February and will showcase a diverse collection of original artworks all by artists based in SW6 including ceramics, handcrafted items and artist designed items; all available for purchase. This pop-up gallery is an exciting new milestone for SoFAP, extending its rich tradition of biannual exhibitions in our urban village in a new venue. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with our vibrant local art scene, discover unique pieces that reflect the talent and diversity of artists here in Fulham.

We caught up with Fulham resident and all round community champion Rowena Vaughan, Chair of SoFAP who told Urban Village LDN. “We are excited to bring our artists works to the heart of Fulham Broadway. This pop-up gallery allows us to connect with the community in a fresh and accessible way, offering art lovers the chance to appreciate and acquire original pieces in a convenient setting.” Highlights of the Pop-Up Gallery include: a curated selection of paintings, drawings, mixed media pieces, sculptures, handcrafted pottery and three-dimensional art. The Pop-up will be open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday until the end March.

SoFAP has been a not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging the practice and exhibition of local artists work for over seven decades. Membership is open to individuals over 18 who live, work, or study in the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and neighbouring areas. For more information about SoFAP and / or the pop up head to the link below.

Extraordinary Thai

Poppy’s II has moved from it’s 7 year spot on Greyhound Road to a prime Fulham location in the heart of our urban village. This Thai eatery opened it’s doors at 175 New Kings Road (next to Eat Beirut) just before the end of 2024. As you turn the corner at Parsons Green you can’t miss Poppy’s II mint green exterior and the lavish conservatory giving you a taste of the extraordinary interiors featuring a menagerie of animals from peacocks to lion cubs, stunning chandeliers, marble topped tables, beautiful mismatched china, artworks and floral displays.

We ate at the old location a few years ago so we had to head over to Parsons Green to check out the new one to see if the food was as delicious we remember and the interiors just as magical. We weren’t disappointed! When you walk in the first thing that hits your line of vision is a large crystal chandelier with a group of mischievous squirrels clambering all over it and a giraffe overseeing their antics. Yes you read that right!

If you’re a lover of Thai food you’ll enjoy what’s on offer because you can take your pick from traditional dishes and nibbles: prawn crackers, spring rolls, edamame, Pad Kra Prow and red / green curry. We tucked into prawn toast, spring rolls, chicken Massaman curry, prawn pad Thai and beef Pad King. Mains we feel are reasonably priced at £8 and you can also head there for a cuppa and a catch up. It’s hard for us to put the whole Poppy’s vibe into words, so go and see for yourself. Great venue for a get together with friends and family; they have a long table that runs the length of the restaurant and there’s a space downstairs. We think many years ago this spot was Strada but it’s had several reincarnations since then, let’s hope Poppy’s II stays here for many years to come. You’ll also find Poppy’s I, III and IV in Hammersmith.

Lighthouse Social

A new, contemporary private members club is coming to Fulham. Applications have just opened for Lighthouse Social which will officially open this Spring. The club is located on the banks of the Thames atop Fulham Pier, next to Bishops Park, and features panoramic riverside views across South West London. Although we haven’t seen them yet we’re told that the interiors will be “chic and eclectic, designed to appeal to every need of the modern Londoner”.

Lighthouse Social is split over three floors with 10,000sq ft of indoor space and 2,000 sq ft of outdoor space, including two large rooftop terraces. The interiors are designed by Parisian practice Dion et Arles featuring “sensuous fabrics, deep and luxurious seating and voguish wall hangings to admire”. There’s also a flagship restaurant and multiple bars to be enjoyed, as well as a screening room, library, shared workspace and Club Crèche.

Emily Biggs, Head of Membership at Lighthouse Social told Urban Village LDN “Deeply embedded in the heart of Fulham, Lighthouse Social is designed to be more than just a space - it’s a true hub for our community.  Answering the neighbourhood’s call for a warm, vibrant place to gather, create, and connect, it will offer a space where Fulham’s residents can collaborate, unwind, and feel at home.  Whether it’s through creative projects, shared experiences, or simply a spot to unwind, Lighthouse Social gives locals a compelling reason to stay west, celebrating the unique character and spirit that makes Fulham so special."

The Civet House

Another coffee shop opening but we think the parents and staff at Fulham Boys must be very happy to have such a bouji one right on their door step! The Civet House at 653 Fulham Road, named after the mammal that’s native to tropical Asia and Africa, opened their doors in December and the interiors are gorgeous with orange accents, a quirky mix of prints, macramé pendants and comfy banquette seating. Not only do they serve speciality coffee, they have a cold drinks menu featuring Strawberry and Blueberry matcha and iced charcoal and Pandan ( we had to look this one up) a plant with hints of vanilla and hazelnut. Our Ed’s favourite coffee is a soya vanilla late so we know who’ll be strolling down the Fulham Road to give this a try!

The Civet House will soon be serving food with a sandwich menu featuring our all time fave “The Tuna Melt” as well as “The Tuscan” with tomato, mozzarella and pesto, “Mediterranean Bliss”, Falafel, homemade hummus, halloumi and spinach and “The Veggie Classic”. We’ve also spotted that waffles are incoming, we need to investigate further to see if there are any other breakfast options in the future. The team there told Urban Village LDN “our goal is to establish ourselves as the go to destination for coffee lovers in Fulham and the area offering exception brunch, breakfast and delicious matcha”.

The Fulhamite

Fulham Social Hub have launched their resident membership “The Fulhamite” which entitles locals, who sign up to become a member, access to discounts from SW6 businesses, services and brands listed on their Directory.

As a resident who signs up to become a member you’ll not only be supporting the local economy but also a local cause as 10% of all Fulham Social Hub memberships go to a community initiative. Stay tuned as Fulham Social Hub, thanks to their early adopter business members, are about to make their first donation to Friends of Bishops Park.

For £10 a month (and a one off £5 payment for the card) members can login to the “Members only” area of the Fulham Social Hub website to find out what these offers are, access codes to make online purchases, find out which bricks and mortar businesses are offering a discount when you show your active digital membership card in store etc.

To kick things off Bridge Baker are offering 10% off your entire evening in store dining bill, need help building an app, improving your online presence or creating a bespoke website then Vizability.io have got you covered (FSH members get 10% off), in need of financial advice, if you sign as a client with Raymond James Fulham you’ll receive a luxury tea or chocolate gift box, UpBeat Music London are offering 30% off their Popkids Club classes (Reception - Year 3), Crystal Garden London 20% off a Mind and Body Reset session and a further 20% off their Pause and Explore follow up session, 10% off purchases and bespoke womenswear in store at Allison Rodger Designs, 15% off a pack of 25 classes with Barrefly LDN and more!

Zara Thomas, co-founder of the Fulham Social Hub told Urban Village LDN. “We’re excited to have launched our resident membership and we’re looking forward to the year ahead. We haven’t celebrated our first anniversary yet so Melinda and I are thrilled to have had so much support from our lovely business members and to be donating funds to help Friends of Bishops Park with a project they’re undertaking. We’re proud to have been able to help and support this gorgeous green SW6 space and the amazing work that the Friends do with their incredible band of volunteers; they all give up their time for free, for the love of one of our treasured parks. We hope residents will help us do more good things within our community - non of the funds raised are going back into our pockets. They are going back into the pot to support local, a long held passion that we both share”.

What’s Happening

An Evening With Janet Street-Porter

Urban Village LDN caught up with Janet Street-Porter CBE before she makes her return to Fulham where she grew up. “An evening with Janet Street-Porter” takes place at the Sands End Arts & Community Centre (SEACC) on Wednesday 5 February (7 - 8.30pm).

Rambler, Loose Woman, former Fulham girl guide and Lady Margaret School pupil Janet Street-Porter CBE will talk about her Fulham days, from trying to blow up the toilets at Peterborough Primary school, attending Brownies and then the Girl Guides, and joining a youth club where two kids ended up as Britain’s Eurovision entry.

Janet is bringing some souvenirs along and will take questions from the audience about life in Fulham and what happened next when she went on to become a journalist and broadcaster.

A taste of what’s to come

How long has it been since you were last in SW6?

Several years - ITV made a film about all the houses I've lived in... my childhood home off Parsons Green Lane seemed so small!

What are some of your abiding memories of growing up in the area?

You'll have to come along to my talk at Sands End on the 5th for the full trip down memory lane.. but I remember playing rounders on Parsons Green and using my new cardigan (knitted by my Auntie Vi) as a base. It got dog poo on it and in spite of my Mum washing it I really hated wearing it after that.

Can you remember any of the Fulham girl guide promises or badges you achieved?

Map reading, cooking.... I was a patrol leader.

You're an ex Lady Margaret School (LMS) pupil did you enjoy your time there?

Yes, it was very strict and I was told off a lot for breaking rules but I enjoyed sport - I played tennis and and was in the netball and rounders teams

What was your favourite subject?

Art and English

Who was your favourite teacher?

Miss Boundy the art teacher who really encouraged me to study architecture at university

Any shenanigans that you'd like to confess to?

Setting the fire bells off, chucking my horrible school beret off Putney Bridge.

Have you been back to LMS since you left?

Yes, I gave a speech a few years ago

You're heading back to Fulham, the Sands End Arts & Community Centre on 5 Feb, round the corner from your old primary school on Clancarty Road (now The Fulham Bilingual) to talk about life in SW6. What can locals attending the event expect?

To be entertained I hope!

Are you looking forward to being back in the neighbourhood?

Yes I loved growing up in Fulham

We’re looking forward to what should be a fun night, with Fulham tales from Janet about life growing up in SW6 and beyond. This Loose Woman is not one for mincing her words so we are in no doubt that the audience will be entertained. Tickets cost £15 per person either at reception or via Eventbrite (where a booking fee applies) book on line / find out more on the link below.

Thirty for 30k

Mind recently launched their tri-borough wide campaign “Thirty for 30K” aimed at driving thirty thousand conversations around mental health. The campaign focuses heavily on storytelling, signposting and activation with the help and support of local businesses and community groups. Urban Village LDN spoke to Nicholas Smith before National Mind’s Time to talk day on 6 Feb to find out more. “We’re thrilled with the pace at which we’re onboarding partners for this campaign. We look well on track to hit 30 businesses in each borough and thirty thousand conversations over 300 days. The breath and range of businesses joining is phenomenal, from small independent businesses to big corporates”.

Throughout the campaign HFEH Mind will be exploring all mental health related topics starting with mental health in general, then exploring children and young people, men, women, LGBTQI+, mental health in the workplace and every other aspect affecting the lives of local residents. If you are a local business, community group or individual and wish to join or support the campaign, then simply visit HFEH Mind’s website (link below) to register and download the tool kit. Here are some ways local businesses can get involved: nominate or rename a drink/dish or meal, host a dedicated day with mental health professionals, host a Mind donation card reader in your venue and more.

Residents did you know? There is a Safe Space at 309 Lillie Road for anyone who is nearing or at crisis point. Find out more here https://www.hfehmind.org.uk/get-support/hammersmith-fulham-safe-space/ this space is also used for workshops. A Creative Writing workshop takes place every Wednesday (1-2.30pm) where participants can find out what creative writing can do? Perhaps it will help get some distance from a situation, enabling a pathway to move through it or to express thoughts and emotions. The Navigating Anxiety workshop is designed to give practical techniques to understand and navigate day to day life anxiety, every Sunday (1pm - 2.30pm).

What’s On

An evening with Janet Street-Porter CBE: Weds 5 (7pm)

Janet Street-Porter CBE grew up in Fulham and is coming back for an evening at the Sands End Arts & Community Centre (SEACC). Tickets have been selling well but there are still some left! Find out about Janet’s days in the Fulham Brownies, Girl Guides, as a Lady Margaret School pupil and more! See our quick fire questions and Janet’s answers on our “What’s Happening” page for a taste of what’s to come. Tickets cost £16.95 per person book / find out more here https://www.seacc.uk/events/an-evening-with-janet-street-porter/

Open mic Saturday: Sat (8 7.30 - 10/30pm)

Head down to Bishops Bar on Fulham Palace Road, pick your spot order your favourite tipple, sit back and enjoy listening to the open mic entries. You have the power to choose the winning act who wins £200 and studio time. If you’d like to take part contact ricks.events.productions@gmail.com

Navigating Anxiety: Sun 9 (1-2.30pm)

Take care of your emotional wellbeing and head to Safe Space 309 Lille Road for a workshop designed to give you practical techniques to understand and navigate anxiety in your day to day life https://www.hfehmind.org.uk/get-support/hammersmith-fulham-safe-space/

Anti- Valentine’s Day Comedy Show: Fri 14 (7pm)

La Pizzica Fulham are hosting a comedy night on Valentine’s Day filled with horror stories about Tinder, relationships gone wrong and you can hear stories shared by members of the audience. We love their event listing! “If you're looking for romance and the usual Valentine's night out, DO NOT COME to this show. Couples are more than welcome (and will be roasted!)”. https://www.eventbrite.it/e/anti-valentines-comedy-show-in-fulham-tickets-1134539962569?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Valentine’s Day Fun: Fri 14 (4-5pm)

Join the party at St Eths Church, 528 Fulham Palace Road. Bring friends, family and meet more locals whilst enjoying arts, crafts, entertainment and and refreshments including hot dogs and popcorn. Entry £5. Contact Jade for more information 07564 074224

Pottery workshop for kids: Sun 16 (4-5pm) Boys n Berry

Head to Boys n Berry, 839 Fulham Road for one hour of artistic exploration and pottery crafting. Kids can explore their creative side and have fun with clay hand building techniques. £30 for one child (with hot chocolate). Pop in to book or DM on Instagram also taking place on Sun 23 Feb (4-5pm).

art-k Sip & Paint At workshop: Weds 19 (6.30-8.30)

A relaxed, creative art workshop for adults of all abilities with experienced art tutors who will guide you every step of the way. The class will work on the same project and at the end of the class everyone goes home with a finished piece. Bring your own drinks and get creative at 85 Moore Park Road. Tickets cost £42.50 more information here https://portal.adult.art-k.co.uk/public/workshops

Fulham Library creative writing group: Sat 22 (11 am)

All writing availabilities are welcome at these FREE monthly sessions on the last Saturday of every month. Meet fellow local writers whilst developing your craft and receive valuable feedback on your work whether you're just starting to write or are experienced in your craft. Their group is a safe-space to share your writing for tips, critique, as well as to develop skills on character, narrative, prose, etcetera. Find out more here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fulham-library-creative-writing-group-tickets-1225047051709

Candlelit Sound Bath: Sat 22 (4-5pm)

Head to Paola’s BodyBarre where all you have to do is lie down, close you eyes and enjoy this experience hosted by Harmony & Balance. The event combines mediation with the healing power of sound vibrations. Sound Bath is a form of sound meditation using carefully selective instruments: Himalayan singing bowls, gong and bells. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/candlelit-sound-bath-relaxing-meditation-tickets-1222096917779

Pet First Aid Course: Sun 23 (10 am)

Wild Bush, the community dog cafe and grooming salon, on 141 Dawes Road have partnered with Bluebell Pet Care to offer a 3-year accredited Pet First Aid course. This comprehensive course covers everything from treating minor injuries to handling more serious emergencies like choking, seizures, and poisoning. You’ll leave the course confident in your ability to act quickly and effectively during pet emergencies. This is an invaluable resource for pet owners and professionals alike, giving you peace of mind that you can help your pet when they need you most. https://www.wildbush.co.uk/pages/pet-first-aid-with-bluebell-pet-care

Clay & Wine Night: Tues 25

Boys n Berry are hosting Clay & Wine Nights at 839 Fulham Road. DM them on Instagram or pop in to book an evening over a glass of wine or two whilst you immerse yourself in pottery crafting and hand building with clay. £50 / house wine included.