What’s New
Fulham Social Hub Launch
You’re all invited to the launch of Fulham Social Hub on Tuesday 23 April (6-9pm), a new collaborative venture created to benefit the Fulham community; residents and businesses alike. Founders Zara Thomas and Melinda Shelbourne, Editor of Urban Village LDN, will be hosting the event at Sands End Arts & Community Centre (SEACC) so come along and be the first to find out what the hub offers, from social events to a podcast (first episode out soon!) and discover which local organisation will benefit from a percentage of funds raised by membership of the Hub.
Network and connect with members of our community, residents, businesses & organisations. No scary labels, no putting anyone on the spot, simply an opportunity to meet other Fulham locals with the potential to collaborate and support one another. Talk to independent brands about their products which will be showcased on the evening including: Malik’s Honey, Brothers of Açaí, Active Drip, Asilia Salts, Rosie Lou’s Boutique and Yuta’s Shop. Enjoy food which has been kindly provided by Randall’s, Mother's Bakehouse and Matt’s Cafe.
We caught up with Zara Thomas who told us “after closing Zara’s at the end of 2023 to spend more time with my young family, I’m beyond excited to be be launching Fulham Social Hub and to be working with Melinda on this new venture. Our aim is to create a more vibrant, interconnected community where local talents can be found, businesses flourish and we keep as much as we can within the local economy. We hope this launch will build on the success of previous events we’ve both run from last year’s Urban Village LDN networking event and the Wellness Weekend I hosted. We’d love to see as many locals, businesses, organisations, charities, volunteers and brand owners in the same place at the same time and can’t wait to talk more about the Fulham Social Hub”.
Tickets cost £5 (hit the link below) a small fee simply to ensure there is a good level of turnout which will benefit every attendee; hopefully no torrential rain or rail strikes this time around! Food is free and there will be a paid bar on the night to benefit the Sands End Arts & Community Centre which is a self funding charity. See you there?
Duck Pond Market trials at Fulham Cross
Duck Pond Markets launched in 2008 and is run by a female led team who ensure only products that are ethically, locally or sustainably made, sourced or produced are sold at their markets. They have various locations across London including Hammersmith, Chiswick and Highgate but next month Duck Pond Market comes to Fulham Cross Girls School on Munster Road for a three month trial thanks to Inspire Fulham.
We are huge fans of what Duck Pond do! You’ll always find interesting products from independent makers, fabulously creative stall holders, delicious street food, good coffee, buskers and more which all goes to create a really lovely vibe. So save the date and support the first market at Fulham Cross on Saturday 4 May (10-3) as I’m sure, like us, you’d love for this artisan market to become a regular feature in our urban village!
If you’re a Fulham maker, brand owner or small independent business get in touch with Duck Pond Market Founder Caron and her lovely team of duckies to find out more hello@duckpondmarket.com there’s always such a fantastic array of products at the markets including candles, jewellery, beauty products, fashion, food (olives, chilli jams, fudge) and more and we’re always in awe of the makers behind them, the hard work that goes into what they do and that despite a long day on their feet they always keep smiling. We can’t wait to get down to Duck Pond Fulham and hope this brings a real buzz to Munster Village on a Saturday.
Belvar Property
Urban Village LDN recently spoke to Lara Belpeer, local resident and founder (sorry we know you don't like titles Lara!) of Belvar Property Management. "I am the founder of Belvar however, I've deliberately chosen not to adopt titles as I proudly identify as a Property Manager. I founded Belvar in 2020, initially starting as a sole trader while working as an estate agent. In the beginning I embarked on a grassroots approach, knocking on doors to find clients. Despite starting with minimal investment, I was driven by a dream, a vision of creating something impactful in the property management industry".
Today Lara and her team manage around 170 properties, primarily in Fulham, Putney, and Kensington & Chelsea. Their goal is to provide management services within a one-hour journey from where they're based to ensure that they maintain a high level of service. Lara told us "It's been an incredible journey watching my dream come to fruition. Today, I am immensely proud to see clients transitioning from larger property management firms to Belvar. This shift signifies not only the growth of our company but also the trust and satisfaction clients have in our services".
Lara also talked about how the property management landscape is rapidly changing, with stricter regulations, higher risks and liabilities for property owners following the new buildings act. "Many owners are unaware of their obligations. Now, more than ever, it is a crucial time to consider a property manager who can navigate these complexities on your behalf". If you'd like to hear more about how Belvar Property Management can help you get in touch contact@belvarpropertymanagement.com or hit the link below to find out more. You can also check out their reviews on Google, Trustpilot & Bark.
Advertorial
Suited, booted & more
Grant & O'Sullivan, a bespoke tailoring service, has just opened at 243 Munster Road and there’s a lot more than suits being meticulously crafted behind the doors. As Director & Master Tailor Sonny Grant-O’Sullivan says “if you wear it we can make it” including overcoats, shooting attire, Cuban shirts and gilets. “We ensure that each piece is as unique as the person wearing it. From suits to casual wear, every item is made with the highest quality materials and an unmatched attention to detail”.
You’ll also find bespoke handmade shoes, men’s grooming accessories (aftershaves, shaving creams, bath creams etc) from Taylor of Bond Street, cufflinks by Deakin & Francis, the oldest family jeweller in the world still running & still family owned, handmade silk ties & pocket squares imported from Italy and dress socks by Bresciani. Sonny told us they’re “the gold standard worldwide for socks and yes, that's a thing you can be renowned for!”.
We loved chatting to Sonny who’s building on his grandfather’s legacy in the world of heritage tailoring and asked why he picked Fulham. “We fell completely in love with the shop and the villagey vibe of the street. Although there was a lot of work to be done, I re plastered the walls myself not something that a tailor typically does, we couldn’t turn it down. Our other location on The Strand caters to the city and is by appointment only, Munster Road is open full time, no appointment necessary, so you can come in and browse anytime. Essentially we’ve tried to make this the ultimate place for high-end, classic, shopping”. If you’re passing pop in and welcome Sonny to the neighbourhood!