What’s New, On & Happening in Fulham

What’s New  

Gardening Club

If you don’t have your own garden, are already a green fingered enthusiast or just getting started on your own patch and want to learn more about planting, pruning, tending and more, Sands End Arts & Community Centre (SEACC) has just started a gardening club.

Everyone is welcome to join SEACC’s Gardener and Fulham resident Lucy for two hours each week. Lucy Schoonhoven is a professional gardener who also has an allotment at Fulham Palace where for 26 years she’s grown vegetables year round to feed her family and has created two flower plots; from where she was able to donate a number of plants for SEACC’s new courtyard bed. Having studied theatre design and worked around the world as a scenic artist and prop maker, Lucy also paints peoples gardens as well as tending to them.

Lucy told Urban Village LDN “the garden area by the dance studio needs a good general clear, prune and rethink plant wise and there is A LOT of weeding to be done on a particular sandy area at the centre as I am loathe to use any sort of pesticides/ weed killers. I’m passionate about increasing biodiversity within the city and encouraging children to grow things and learn where their food comes from so perhaps that’s something I could help with in the future. In the meantime, I have sown lots of wildflower, sunflower and poppy seeds into one of the wilder areas beside the building, in the hope that we get some summer colour which will also provide nectar for the bees and then seeds for the birds in autumn”.

Lucy hopes other locals (adults only) will get involved and join the Gardening Club. The sessions in June are as follows: Tues 4 (2-4pm), Tues 11 (10-2), Thurs 20 (2-4pm) and Tues 25 (10 - 2pm). No need to book, simply turn up wearing clothes suitable for gardening, tools and refreshments will be provided. The sessions are weather permitting so if in doubt contact SEACC in advance.

How to Age Disgracefully

New York Times best selling author and Fulham Resident Clare Pooley’s fourth book “How to Age Disgracefully” comes out this month. This is her third novel, you may remember us writing about “The Authenticity Project”, set in Fulham, and “The People on Platform 5” in previous issues of Urban Village LDN.

We counted ourselves very lucky to get our mitts on a proof copy (thank you Clare) and the combination of the fantastic array of characters and the setting in a community centre made it a heart warming and uplifting read.

Two of the main characters, and the oldest that feature in Clare’s newest book (makes a change), are most definitely not fading into the background but to use Dylan Thomas’s famous quote, seem more determined to “rage against the dying of the light”. No spoilers but when Lydia takes a job running the Senior Citizens’ Social Club she thinks she’ll be drinking tea and playing card games. The members of the Social Club, however, are not at all what Lydia was expecting. From Art, a failed actor turned kleptomaniac to a Banksy-style knitter who gets revenge in yarn. When the council threatens to sell the community center building, the members of the Social Club join forces with the teenaged father of one of the toddlers in the day care next door and a geriatric dog to try and save the building. We loved “main character” Daphne who, feeling lonely on her 70th birthday, decides to get out more and this leads her to the Social Club. Daphne is a stylish force to be reckoned with and we discover that there’s more to her than meets the eye; we discover that she’s been hiding secrets from her past for decades.

We spoke to Clare about her latest novel and asked about the inspiration behind the book “if I look at my parents and their friends they are not the sort of pensioners that you usually read about in novels. They tend to be a bit part, certainly not a main character and they are portrayed to be sad, old, lonely, unable to deal with technology and generally saved by a younger person who makes them come our of their shell. I thought it would be interesting to flip that narrative and hear about the older generation who are teaching the younger generation how to live”. You can find out more about “How to Age Disgracefully” on the link below. If you haven’t already, why not subscribe to Fulham Chronicles (the SW6 podcast) on YouTube so you can hear co-hosts Zara & Melinda in conversation with Clare later this month. https://youtu.be/FTh8txMGu5g?si=OfMMT4uLnts7-DHX

Joe’s Brasserie

Well not technically new but Joe’s Brasserie is back and although they’ve retained the original name, there’s a new team at the helm, a new look inside and out and a new menu. This neighbourhood gem on Wandsworth Bridge Road has been a much loved Fulham institution for 38 years and its terrace is always rammed come rain or shine. We have no doubt that locals, other than Urban Village LDN HQ, are delighted that Joe’s has gone back to its roots and returned as a 7 days a week, all day brasserie, serving lunch and dinner.

Brunch is now also available at weekends from 9am and the evolving menu will feature new daily and seasonal specials. Perennial favourites like Randalls lamb burgers have made a return and locals will be pleased to hear that Joe’s much loved Sunday Roasts are coming back soon.

Happy hour featuring new cocktails, can’t wait to check those out, is every day from 5 - 7pm and you can also enjoy bar snacks alongside your favourite tipple: Nocellara Olives, Blistered Padron Peppers, Hummus with Flatbread or sharing boards. Starters include Chicken and vegetable gyozas, Crispy Korean Chicken (oh how we’ve missed you!) and Tuna Tartare. We’re super happy to see some lighter additions to the menu, I mean we love a Beer Battered Cod and chips as much as the next gal but sometimes something less is more. So yes to salads including Seared Prawn, Spicy Tofu, Caesar and Fresh Tuna Nicoise. Don’t panic carnivores Joe’s has got you covered with burgers and a 28 Day Aged Highland Fillet Steak also on the menu.

Joe’s new website is coming soon, until then you can follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joes_brasserie/ welcome back to the hood Joe’s!

Seedy Snacks

Urban Village LDN spoke to Fulham resident Natasha Mangla about her Seedy Snack products which are grain and gluten free. Seedy Snacks was created after Natasha changed careers as a social worker 12 years ago.

Pursuing her love for cooking she decided to attend culinary school after her son was born and from there Thyme in the Kitchen was founded in 2018. During Covid online classes were held for kids and today they continue offering bespoke classes for adults.

Seedy Snacks was born out of a client who had various food intolerances and her wish to find gluten free crackers for a party platter, mezze board. Anyone who is GF will know that it is often hard to find something that has both the right texture and a great taste. Natasha set to work creating and testing different flavours that became popular with friends, family and clients.

Seedy Snacks has gone from kitchen table to commercial kitchen and is a professional affair with great packaging, a range of crackers which includes: The Herby One, The Spicy One, The Moreish One. We can hear you asking what’s new? Natasha told Urban Village LDN that new to the range is Amaranth, Seed and Nut Granola and cookies are coming soon. “We’re growing our product line and we’re excited to be adding to our range. Our products are naturally gluten free, we’re not quite at the stage of being approved for those who are coeliac, however we are being tested at the moment so watch this space. I think everyone knows about the health benefits of seeds, all our products are made out of a combination of seeds so they’re not only delicious but healthy”.

Seedy Snacks use Chia seeds, rich in fibre, protein and omega 3 fatty acids, Pumpkin seeds, loaded with antioxidants, fibre and essential minerals and Sesame seeds rich in iron calcium and magnesium. All products can be ordered on line or found in delis, coffee shops and London stockists including Fulham’s own Gourmet Hound on Fulham Palace Road. Natasha has plans to grow the product line and is ramping up things in the marketing department which is headed up by her sister. Seedy Snacks will be making appearances at Taste of London in June, Hampton Court Food Festival and BBC Good Food in November and we’re sure they’ll be popping up in other Fulham stores soon. You can follow Seedy Snacks on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/_seedysnacks/

KYN Hurlingham

KYN Hurlingham opens on the corner of Daisy / Broomhouse Lane this month offering personalised, holistic nursing, dementia and palliative care. We’re sure you'll know exactly where and in which building from the image featured here. This Grade II building originally built in 1854, was previously used as the Castle Club and prior to that a school founded by the Sullivan family. It has been sympathetically restored to create a private residential setting featuring stunning interiors by Nina Campbell, a beautiful walled garden and roof terraces providing a lovely environment for families to meet with their loved ones. We’ve watched closely over many months as this building has been renovated, the gardens planted and we enjoyed meeting representatives from KYN Homes at Fulham Social Hub’s recent launch to hear more.

KYN describe themselves as a care home innovator and their second site continues their approach of prioritising the individual and providing a safe, uplifting environment where residents can have as much independence as they wish. Emphasis is placed on giving residents full autonomy, in a beautiful environment, with no set schedule to adhere to and a culture that promotes individual pursuits alongside plenty of opportunities to socialise; building both a sense of belonging and feeling at home.

Residents will be given personal care according to their level of need, with dedicated nurses and carers, an in-house physiotherapist and a weekly GP visit. There are nutritional restaurant standard menus created by chef Tristan Welch alongside consultant nutritionist Eva Humphries. Designed to change daily with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, flavours tailored to residents palates and nutritional needs. Meals are delivered in the privacy of the residents own room, at whatever time they choose, or alternatively they can enjoy lunch or dinner with family and friends.

Commissioning Home Manager Jordan Pereira commented: “I am extremely proud to be opening KYN Hurlingham in June, every detail of what we do has been carefully considered to create a beautiful and enjoyable environment where family and friends genuinely look forward to spending precious time together. The KYN philosophy for care is delivered by having the highest industry ratio of team members to residents, and by working with outstanding people. We recruit the best against a defined set of KYN values, we support them with the best training, and we collaborate with the best leaders in their field.” If you’d like to find out more hit the button below, or email kynhurlingham@kyn.co.uk you can also attend KYN Hurlingham’s Open Day on 29 June however you MUST register to book a place. More details here Experience KYN on our Open Day | KYN

Time for Tea

If you’re looking for something a bit more bougie than a simple cuppa. Fancy getting a group of friends together for a fun catch up or to celebrate a special occasion then head to Gourmet Hound at 345 Fulham Palace Road. They are now serving tea on Tuesday’s in collaboration with Row & Ma who we’re told make unique tea blends.

Bookings for this beloved of British traditions can be made up until the Sunday before, for a minimum of two people. You can enjoy a changing menu of Savouries & Sweets (a selection of sandwiches, scones, scotch eggs and pastries) for £25 pp. To book your spot give them a call on 020 3149 8299.

When the sun finally puts in a more constant appearance, we can see this going down a treat on their terrace on the corner of Fulham Palace Road and Gowan Avenue.

What’s On

Duck Pond Market: Sat 1 (10am-3pm)

This artisan market is in Fulham for a three month trial. You’ll find products from independent makers, fabulously creative stall holders, delicious street food, good coffee, buskers and more at at Fulham Cross Girls School (Munster Road). Show your support if you want this market to become a regular feature in our urban village! Find out more here https://duckpondmarket.com/fulham-cross

Polo in the Park: Fri 7 - Sun 9

Chestertons Polo in the Park is back. We can’t believe it’s now in its 15th year!! Held in Hurlingham Park every June this three day event brings polo back to its original British home. If you want to attend there’s a READER OFFER: enter code urbanvillage for a 10% discount on all tickets whether it’s Ladies Day on Saturday or Family Day on Sunday. Not just polo to be seen, you can also enjoy pitch side drinks in the Mahiki and Polo bars, Champagne in the Lanson Garden or your first Pimms of the season. Food is available from street food vendors and eateries including Gaucho Meat & Bun, The Duck Shed, Island Poke, Oh My Dog, Calamari Canteen and more. Kids can join Sharky and George for the annual family day pitch invasion from 11:15 AM on Sunday with parachute games, giant musical statues, dodge ball, and an epic water fight. Find out more and book tickets here https://www.polointheparklondon.com/

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant: Sat 8 (11am-12pm)

Head to the Sands End Arts Community Centre (SEACC) with your favourite littles to hear the story of Elmer, the patchwork elephant. Performed live in their cool, calm Lodge space a chance to escape for little ones and their grown ups. Tickets are £8.50 for one adult and one child. Additional adults or children’s tickets can be added for £4.50. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite: Storytime at SEACC Tickets, Sat, Jun 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

Forest School: Sat 8 (2pm-3pm)

Hunt for woodland treasures in the Walnut Grove at SEACC and then turn them into art. Join in the fun at The Lodge on Saturday afternoons for a scavenger hunt around the Walnut Grove followed by a session where professional artists help turn found creations into art. For ages 3-7 and their grown ups. All materials provided. Tickets are £8.50 for one adult and one child. Additional adults or children’s tickets can be added for £4.50. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forest-school-tickets-903060075997?aff=oddtdtcreator

Picnic in the Park: Sat 9 (11-5pm)

Join the Friends of South Park for their annual Picnic in the Park event. Live music, fun fair, stalls, barbeque, food and drinks, dog show, kids football, a Petanque tournament hosted by Ken from Kenrick’s Wines and a table tennis competition! Lots of fun for all the family, including the four legged family members. Free entry! https://www.thefriendsofsouthpark.co.uk/about-3

Affordable Art Sale: Tues 11 - Sun 16 (TIME)

The Society of Fulham Artists & Potters Summer exhibition and Affordable Art sale takes place in the Exhibition Hall at Fulham library (598 Fulham Road). Admission is free and this is a great event where you can view a huge variety of affordable art and ceramics created entirely by Fulham artists. For opening hours and more information click here https://www.sofap.co.uk/events/exhibitions/

Women’s Hormone Health: Weds 12 (7-8pm)

Join Katie, Founder of Naturalpaths Nutrition and Fulham resident, for an informative talk about Women’s Hormone Health at Resilience Zone (The Glasshouse, Lettice Street). A deep look into how hormonal symptoms can be improved with correct assessment and specific protocols targeting the source of the imbalance from adolescence to post-menopause.  Areas covered will be: ‘Good’ & ‘Bad’ oestrogens, Detoxification, Sleep & Mood, Weight Issues, Breast & Bone Health, Fertility, PMS, PCOS, Irregular Cycles, Menopause: Pre, Peri & Post, Digestive Issues linked to hormone health. READER OFFER: For complimentary tickets, book your space here and quote UVL: info@naturalpaths.uk where you can also take advantage of the promotional offer on initial consultations. For bookings before July 12th, 2024. T&C’ s apply.

Greek wine & mezze: Weds 12 (6.30 - 10pm)

Head to Kenricks, 275 Wandsworth Bridge Road and enjoy this evening where Greek wines and foods are paired. Greek small plates from Daniel ex chef from Mildred’s and a selection of hand picked Greek wines. An opportunity to meet new local faces, enjoy a traditional Greek meze and discover some new wines presented to you by Ken and his team. Tickets cost £22.38 per person, find out more and book here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kenricks-social-greek-wine-and-greek-mezze-tickets-910700940027?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Drink & Draw: Thurs 13 (7pm-8.30pm)

Professional artist Felicity will guide you to create your own work of art. Your £15 ticket will include materials and a glass of wine, or soft drink alternative. So grab some friends (ages 18+) and head down to the Sands End Arts Community Centre (SEACC) and get creative. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite: Drink and Draw Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

The Tiger who came to Tea: Sat 15 (11am - 12pm)

Hear this classic and charming tale by Judith Kerr read live at the Sands End Arts Community (SEACC) in the tranquillity of their Lodge. Tickets are £8.50 for one adult and one child. Additional adults or children’s tickets can be added for £4.50. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite: Storytime at SEACC Tickets, Sat, Jun 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

Duck Pond Market: Sat 15 (10am - 3pm)

Back for a second time this month with a fresh variety of products from independent makers, delicious street food, good coffee and more at at Fulham Cross Girls School (Munster Road) https://duckpondmarket.com/fulham-cross

Bridge Baker: Sat 15 June (all day)

Bridge Baker celebrates its 5th anniversary in both stores: 811 Fulham Road and 124 Wandsworth Bridge Road. Pop in and say hello, enjoy some freebies including tastings and free face painting for kids.

Fulham Camerata Summer Concert: Sun 16 (7pm)

Fulham Camerata team up with Westminster Opera Company for this event at Holy Cross Church, Ashington Road. WOCo is based in London and the Charente Maritime in South West France. In the last five years WOCo has brought to the stage La Traviata, La Bohème, Hansel and Gretel and Marriage of Figaro. The concert will have an interesting blend of music with Fulham Camerata singing Haydn’s St Nicholas Mass. to find out more and book tickets click here https://www.fulhamcamerata.com/

The Gruffalo: Sat 22 June (11am - 12pm)

Storytime sessions continue at Sands End Arts & Community Centre (SEACC) with a live reading of the infamous children’s tale of The Gruffalo adored by many mini Fulhamites! Tickets are £8.50 for one adult and one child. Additional adults or children’s tickets can be added for £4.50. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite: Storytime at SEACC Tickets, Sat, Jun 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

Pizza & Tiramisu Class: Sun 23 June (4-6pm)

Head to Bridge Baker at 811 Fulham Road and join chefs Lisa & Sandra. You'll learn how to hand-stretch and create your own Pizza to bake and eat and also a delicious Tiramisu to take home. Tickets (£70 pp) always sell out fast for this event so don’t delay https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pizza-tiramisu-class-dinner-with-chefs-lisa-and-sandra-tickets-876563293407

Sweet & Savoury Choux Pastry Class: Tues 25 (5-8pm)

Learn how to make perfect "Choux pastry" and two French classics - Gougères and Chocolate Eclairs with chef Lucas at Bridge Baker Fulham Road. Tickets (£85 pp) can be booked here https://bridgebaker.co.uk/events/

Cheese and Wine night: Thurs 27 (7.30 - 9pm)

Head to Kenricks Wine Merchants at 275 Wandsworth Bridge Road to join them for a cosy evening of delicious cheese and wine - it's going to be a gouda time! Indulge in a selection of cheeses paired perfectly with fine wines. Tickets cost £15 pp book here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fulham-kenricks-cheese-and-wine-night-tickets-910711712247?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Winnie The Pooh: Sat 29 (11am - 12pm)

June's last story time at Sands End Arts & Community Centre (SEACC) is one not to miss, you couldn’t get more of a classic! Tickets are £8.50 for one adult and one child. Additional adults or children’s tickets can be added for £4.50. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite: Storytime at SEACC Tickets, Sat, Jun 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

What’s Happening

Freak Scene

Freak Scene Parsons Green is celebrating its first year anniversary in Parsons Green. Founded by Scott Hallsworth, former Nobu London Head Chef, Freak Scene has seduced SW6 food lovers with its audacious flavours and Pan-Asian punk rock ambience. Scott’s business partnership with comedian Adam Hills adds an extra layer of zest, merging top-tier gastronomy with irreverent fun. Together they’ve continued their legacy of what began as a culinary pop up in Farringdon, then found a home in Soho and which has now firmly planted its flag in Parsons Green; a second location launched in Balham in February.

This celebration of a year at Parsons Green coincides with it being ten years since Scott reshaped dining on the King’s Road with Kurobuta. Originally a pop up, Kurobuta was such a hit with diners it became a permanent fixture in Chelsea and became a local hang out for globally-famous rock stars, actresses and actors and icons from the world of food and fashion. Freak Scene Parsons Green is an evolution of Kurobuta with its own grown-up party vibe and expansion of Scott’s incredible menu. Scott told Urban Village LDN “It’s been great to be back in the Chelsea / Fulham area after being away for a few years. The locals have given us such a warm reception and many of them used to dine at my Kings Road restaurant. I’m really grateful to have such loyal customers.’

This first anniversary of Freak Scene in Parsons Green sees the continued progression of Scott’s daring menu, featuring signature dishes like Tuna Sashimi Pizza, Crab Wonton Bombs and Jerusalem Artichoke Chopsticks alongside new gluten-free and vegan options, not to mention the killer sake, wine, and a cocktail list that ‘truly bangs'. READER OFFER: to celebrate Freak Scene’s first anniversary, Scott and his team would like to offer Fulham locals a complimentary round of welcome drinks upon arrival / before your meal - beer, wine or cocktails. Valid for bookings in the month of June only, mention Urban Village LDN when you book.

Bridge Baker celebrates 5 years

We always feel a bit sentimental when Bridge Baker’s anniversary comes around. Urban Village LDN came to be in the same year and Bridge Baker were one of the first businesses featured. We caught up with Gauri Nafrey, founder of Bridge Baker who told us “we’ll be celebrating our 5th Anniversary on Saturday 15 at both stores. It will be great if lots of our wonderful loyal customers and new faces could join in with our celebrations. There will be freebies a plenty, lots of tastings, free face painting for kids and live music outdoors at our Wandsworth Bridge Road branch (weather permitting)”. Happy Anniversary Bridge Baker!

Fulham Chronicles

If you haven’t heard SW6 has its very own podcast. There are three episodes out now which were recorded right here in Fulham at VOXPOD studios, co hosted by Zara Thomas and our very own Editor Melinda Shelbourne. You can watch on YouTube, listen on Apple and Spotify. Don’t forget to subscribe if you like what you see / hear!

Episode 1 - Let’s do this!

Join Zara & Melinda, founders of Fulham Social Hub, as they host discussions with residents, local business owners & brands. Find out about the incredible things happening in SW6, an array of stories from the heartfelt to the hilarious conversations that unlock hidden gems in the neighbourhood.

Episode 2 - Sweet As

In this second episode of Fulham Chronicles Oussama Azzam, founder and creator of Malik's Raw Honey talks about the brand's journey, the heart warming and heart wrenching story behind their name, the highs and lows involved in getting the business to where it is today and what's next.

Episode 3 - Community Spirit

Nina von der Werth, Director of the Sands End Arts & Community Centre (SEACC) highlights her aspirations for this SW6 space, tells us where her community spirit comes from, what's upcoming at the Centre and how locals can get involved. “Use it or lose it!”