What’s New, On & Happening in Fulham

What’s New

Pinch Vegan

We’re not huge carnivores, 99.9% diary free and big fans of a veggie cooked breakfast so we’re pretty excited that vegan restaurant, A Pinch of Nature, has decamped from Tooting to Fulham. You’ll find owner / chef Kaub Hetman serving vegan dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients at 176 Wandsworth Bridge Road. Urban Village LDN caught up with Kaub who kindly took a break from his busy schedule to tell us more.

“I’ve been a chef for 17 years and opened my first establishment two months before lockdown. Four years ago after seeing all the waste in the food industry and larger corporations not sharing my concerns, I decided to try a vegan diet for myself. I want to make a positive change one cup and one meal at a time because I believe small steps lead to big change. I’ve created dishes that I’m incredibly proud of including a scallop alternative using oyster mushrooms and a bao bun with an umami flavour which will take your taste buds on a journey around the world”. We asked Kaub why Fulham “quite simply after looking at lots of spaces I loved this property and it stole my heart”.

As well as coffee (a house blend of 100% Arabica beans or if you’re not a coffee lover, have a Moringa or a Beetroot latte instead) you can enjoy brunch (classics, sweet and savoury pancakes, truffle infused toasts, loaded flatbreads and burgers), book in for a plant based Sunday roast or afternoon tea (cakes, sandwiches, and classic scones). There’s a tasting menu if you want something lighter to enjoy with a cocktail or a glass of wine (Weds - Saturday evenings). Small plates include padron peppers, mushroom pate and the scallops not scallops. If you’re going to the Wandsworth Bridge Road Spring Fayre (Sun 11) you can try some loaded nachos, vegan burgers, checking out the colourful, homely and welcoming vibe inside whilst enjoying tunes spun by their DJ.

The Restoration Shop

The Restoration Shop, a cafe, Bistro and restoration studio, opened on the day of going to press but we hot footed it, literally on a blissfully blue and sunny spring day, to 207 Munster Road to talk to two members of the collective behind this new venture, Dazzler and Tim.

Dazzler, also owner of the Peartree Pub, told Urban Village LDN “we came up with this idea 10 years ago. We’ve been friends with Caro, Roman and others for a long time and wanted to bring all our different skill sets together to create a community hub for restorers and lots of different tradespeople; upholsterers, fellow painters and furniture restorers”.

As well as serving sandwiches, coffee and sweet treats daily the team will be using the workshop, a fantastic space with a glass front. Visitors to the café will be able to see work in progress; think open kitchen vibes with furniture, antiques, lighting and ornaments being restored. Outside there’s a gorgeous stripped back wooden façade, featuring a printed band of swallows amongst florals, bistro tables, back inside lots of lovely paintings, a blue ceiling and reclaimed pieces.

Tim who’s a furniture restorer told us more “the interiors are mostly made up of stuff we’ve found, the tiles are from a skip, the front of the counter from a shop that closed in Shepherds Bush market, the countertop is from freecycle”. The coffee station can be moved to create an art studio space in which The Restoration Shop will be holding events and workshops for upholstery, life drawing classes, furniture restoration and more. Dazzler told us “We looked at lots of spaces but this location was perfect and we’re enjoying our blue ceiling, blue skies and view of the city”.

The team here will not only repair, restore and paint beloved items that need a bit of tlc but they can also help with home restoration projects and point you in the direction of specialists in paint finishes etc. So next time you’re passing pop in for a coffee and have a chat. We loved meeting Tim and Dazzler and will be back when we’ve got more time to sit, see what’s happening in the work shop and enjoy the view! Found out more on Instagram @therestorationshoplondon

Bayliss Rare Books

Bayliss Rare Books as you might have guessed (!) is a rare book dealership founded by Oliver Bayliss. Rare books and first editions are at the heart of what they do, curating collections for discerning collectors and institutions alike, but they also specialise in sourcing and selling original photography, posters, prints, and memorabilia.

After setting up an online business four years ago Oliver has come back to his roots, having grown up in Parsons Green, to open a stand alone by-appointment studio on the New Kings Road. Urban Village LDN caught up with Oliver to find out more. “Understandably clients preferably want to see books in person and it made sense to design a physical space. The items we sell are high value so meeting clients, discussing a consignment, brokering sales in local cafes wasn’t the best. We’re currently open by-appointment only but there’s more to come after my wedding in June. This summer, local residents can expect a few surprises, with plans for pop-ups and collaborations with nearby businesses. A Rolling Stones photograph or two in your favourite coffee shop might just be on the cards”.

Bayliss Rare Books collection of treasures covers a broad spectrum of genres, with a particular emphasis on travel and exploration, antiquarian volumes, and fine editions. Oliver only offers works he is truly passionate about and every piece is carefully selected for its rarity, condition, and provenance. Exceptional items from Bayliss Rare Books include: first editions from Tolkien to Orwell, a first edition of Dracula, previously owned by Graham Greene and the earliest known American flag from D-Day. To find out more or if you need Oliver’s help searching for a specific title, collectible work or a significant piece of printed history head to the link below.

Sound Healing Zone

After being introduced, by a subscriber, to Jayne Macleod, Fulham resident and co-founder of the Sound Healing Zone, we made our way to 19 Heathman’s Row to find out more. Climbing the stairs of a shared building we were warmly welcomed at the entrance by Jayne and stepped into an incredibly gorgeous 150sq m light filled space, with stunning murals, an array of gongs, singing bowls and rows of air mattresses. No mats on the floor here!

The Sound Healing Zone offers individual, group, teen / young adult and corporate sessions; they’ve even hosted hen parties and also run “quick but effective” lunchtime going sessions. Jayne told us “word of mouth recommendations have been fantastic and it’s been wonderful to inform people about the effective results sound can have on the mind and body. We’ve loved that people have felt more informed, seen results for themselves and are building us into their routines. One lady who suffered from insomnia came in once and couldn’t believe afterwards that she finally had a full nights sleep”.

Jayne introduced us to her cofounder Ana Paola, they met each other at a training course following Ana’s move from Switzerland to the UK “I met some amazing people and Jayne! After lots of conversations and a shared ambition to bring our love of Sound Healing to a larger audience we joined forces and our first studio came to be. We want people to feel as comfortable as possible here, to reach a state of mind and frequencies that help the body detoxify. We want to build a sense of community and are looking forward to meeting more of our neighbours and residents”. Single 30 min sessions start at £19 and you can also bring your own group, book a work team or corporate session. To book / find out more head to the link below.

What’s On

Fulham Artists Pop Up: Sat 3

If you didn’t make it to the first pop up showcasing work by members of the Society of Fulham Artists & Potters (SOFAP) they’ve relaunched and refreshed for round two featuring new works by local artists. The pop up takes place upstairs at Fulham Broadway Retail Centre (where Pizza Express used to be). From 3 May they’ll be open every week Thursday to Sunday (1-7pm) exhibiting beautiful ceramics, cards and original art. Tickets for the relaunch private view here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sofap-pop-up-relaunch-tickets-1331046177949

VE Day celebration: Thurs 8 (3.30 - 5pm)

Celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day at Sands End Arts & Community Centre (SEACC) with a charming afternoon of tea, treats and community spirit. Enjoy classic scones, sandwiches, and sweet delights, all served with a touch of vintage flair. Everyone is welcome – dress in your best 1940s style if you fancy!  Tickets £3, book online or at reception

Music by the Bridge Friday 9 (6.45pm)

Music by the Bridge is a monthly concert series at All Saints Fulham. Join them at the end of a working week. Concerts are FREE to attend and a retiring collection is taken to support the music at All Saints. A cash bar is also available. Concerts begin at 7.15pm with doors and the bar open from 6.45pm. This month Stockwell Winds perform Mozart Gran Partita https://www.allsaints-fulham.org.uk/musicbythebridge.htm

Exploring the Culture of Alsace Weds 21 (7.30 -9pm)

Discover the rich history, unique traditions and wines of this region. Explore Alsace right here in Fulham at 275 Wandsworth Bridge Road (by the bridge). Kenrick’s Wines have built a loyal following of local customers and engage with the community for regular events and tastings. We nearly lost this local business so do please support Ken, he is a wealth of knowledge and a lot of wines he stocks are from independent producers, so you’ll always find something new and interesting to try. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kenricks-fulham-exploring-the-culture-of-alsace-tickets-1299676109229

Fulham Palace Green Meet Sun 11 (11am - 3pm)

Step into a world of greenery at Fulham Palace’s annual green meet, a family-friendly festival dedicated to gardens, biodiversity and the wonders of the natural world. This year, they’re celebrating the beauty and importance of green spaces. You’re invited to connect with nature, learn and enjoy a fun-filled day at the historic Palace. Bee walk, chicken chat, interactive story telling and more, there’s something for all the family. Tickets £5 (adult) / £3 (child) if pre booked they’ll be more on the door. https://www.fulhampalace.org/whats-on/events/the-green-meet/

Wandsworth Bridge Road Spring Fayre: Sun 11 (11-5pm)

Now in its fourth year, the event will transform the high street into a car-free celebration for the local community with live music, 160+ stalls, maypole dancing, a children's activity zone, and more. With last year’s event attracting over 15,000 visitors we’ve been told by the organisers (WBRA) that this year promises to be bigger and better. The Shopping Market at the WBR Spring Fayre is bursting with temptations, from handbags to jewellery, arts and crafts to jams. They’ll be surprises from your favourite WBR businesses too, food from around the world from Barbecues to Champagne Bars, Burgers to Flat Whites . They’ve also got a packed line-up on TWO Stages, with Singer-Songwriters, Bands, a Brass Band and a Jazz Band! Entry is completely free and everyone is welcome https://wbrassociation.org.uk/spring-fayre/

By Beautiful Brands: Thurs 15 (10am - 7pm)

Established to champion small British businesses by Fulham residents Caroline Firth and Tamara Fearnley Whittingstall, By Beautiful Brands have built a reputation for curating events with the finest selection of small British brands under one roof. They meticulously choose brands they know customers will love for themselves, their friends and family. The May event takes place at Chelsea Old Town Hall and you’ll find womenswear, gifts for him (great place to find something for Father’s day), homewares, accessories and jewellery. FREE ENTRY find out more here https://www.bybeautifulbrands.com

Italian comedy: Thurs 22 (7pm)

Head to La Pizzica 764-766 Fulham Road for a night of Italian comedy. Tickets £11.55 per person. BeComedy torna a Fulham con una serata interamente in italiano. A presentare lo show, Paola Mattacchioni! Tanti ospiti, tante sorprese e un sacco di risate made in italy. Tickets here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/comedy-in-italiano-a-londra-tickets-1306857228149

What’s Happening

Hurlingham Yacht Club

Not being boating folk we never knew Hurlingham Yacht Club existed until Matthew Lord the company secretary got in touch. Matthew told us about this small yet very inclusive yacht club located on both sides of the river, Broomhouse Dock on the Fulham side, and the clubhouse and main site on the Putney side directly under the railway bridge.

“We are a voluntarily run club, run by members for members and are always looking for new people to get involved. We are very inclusive and do not limit membership to just those with boats. We also rent the clubhouse out for functions to both members and non-members”.

Matthew let us know that despite being small, the Hurlingham Yacht Club has been around for over 100 years having been established in 1922 and on its current site for nearly 90 years. Most of the shore-based part of the club sits underneath Fulham Railway Bridge, with the District line trains thundering overhead.  The clubhouse itself is set to one side, with apparently the most amazing views over the Thames and beyond. We must take Matthew up on his invitation to visit!

They say the best way to describe the club is an ‘authentic working boatyard’. We love this disclaimer that despite the fact the club sits in an expensive residential area, the down-to-earth, honest character of the place is perhaps what draws people to become members.  “If you’re looking for a club to moor your super-yacht while drinking fine champagne, then you’re probably in the wrong place. But if you love boats, working on them and talking about them over a beer with like-minded people, then you have just stumbled across your new second home”.

The club’s facilities include moorings, a work yard and a trailer park. They love helping other local community organisations and run a programme of events throughout the year for their members which sound great fun. If boats, yachts etc are your thing or if you’re looking for a lovely venue to host an event by the river, find out more on the link below.

Energy Champions

Want to be at the forefront of creating, greener, cleaner homes within the borough? Perhaps you’d like to become an Energy Champion and play a crucial role in supporting residents and communities by providing up-to-date information on the best energy-efficiency tools and resources available?

Carlos Izsak Climate Engagement Officer at Hammersmith & Fulham council got in touch with Urban Village LDN to help spread the word. This voluntary role is described as a unique opportunity to be a leading voice within the community and to inspire people to save energy and money.

The council are offering FREE training and resources to residents interested in helping their communities improve the energy efficiency of their home. You will work closely with H&F Climate Team, gain insight and understanding into retrofits and available grants, attend local events across the borough and engage with the community on energy-related issues, actions, home improvements and benefits. If you’re interested in finding out more or would like to apply to become an Energy Champion, head to the link below. The deadline for applications is Sunday 11 May.