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!