What’s New

Naturo Tea Spa

This new spa owned by Fulham local Sofia Zivanou opened in early January at 186 Wandsworth Bridge Road and although we haven’t been in ourselves (yet), we’ve read some great reviews. Naturo Tea Spa offer a range of treatments using Neal’s Yard remedies (the original and the best) and there are options for those who are time poor or don’t have the budget for a full hour’s treatment.

The spa’s massage treatments include Swedish, pregnancy, sports, aromatherapy and lymphatic drainage. Face treatments include a mini facial (30 minutes for £45) and we’re loving the sound of their natural facelift massage. Other treatments include foot scrubs and cupping; a traditional Chinese and Middle Eastern medicinal technique which has been used for thousands of years.

The pink and green of the spa’s exterior and interiors look gorgeous and the treatment rooms, from what we’ve seen on line, look warm, calming and feature lovely subdued lighting. The tea bit comes in with their selection of organic loose teas that you can enjoy post treatment, as a take away or alternatively you can buy the loose tea from Naturo to enjoy in your own home. Sofia told Urban Village LDN “I wanted to open a business close to home, I love the Fulham area and it’s great to live and work here”.

Naturo are open from Monday - Sunday (10 - 8)) and you can make a booking on the link below. First appointments have a 30% discount. Follow Naturo on Instagram @naturoteaspa or click on the link below to find out more.

Maria G’s

On a crisp winter’s day we headed off for a river walk via Lots Road, to check out progress on the Lots Road Power station development, walking down the Thames path towards Sainsbury’s Fulham Wharf. As we came to Riverstone, the new development for over 65s living, we stumbled upon a fabulous riverside terrace. Upon investigation it led us to Maria G’s restaurant which is located at 20 Central Avenue. Fully opening in early December this is the second Maria G’s branch serving “Italian inspired food” the other can be found in Kensington and there’s an equally fabulous terrace there too!

At the helm of Maria G’s is Dublin born chef Robin Gill who has worked with revered chefs Marco Pierre White, Raymond Blanc and owns a string of his own restaurants in London. His latest venture is no doubt inspired by his time spent training in Italy on the Amalfi coast. Having had a nosey at the menu we are definitely planning a visit soon and if you haven’t got anything sorted for Valentine’s Day, I know we’re not huge fans either but it’s a thing, they have a lovely menu for £60 per head. Starters include Burrata Bruschetta with pistachio pesto, a plate of Italian cured meats & pickles and Sage and Anchovy Fritti. Main courses include squid ink Linguini with Cornish crab, Stream Trout with Caper, Chilli & Lemon Butter and Beef Short Rib Ragu, Soft Polenta, Smoked Bone Marrow Salsa Verde which at £30 is the the highest priced main course. We’re not especially into puddings but the pear sorbet sounds tempting!

There’s a fabulous looking separate bar with gorgeous seating and an extensive cocktail list. Jungle Bird (Pineapple Rum, Coconut washed Campari, Pineappple Juice, Cane Sugar, Lime) or a Pisco Royal (Waqar Pisco, Roasted Pineapple Puree, Champagne, Agave, Lime, Lemon) anyone? Aperitivo hour is from 6-8pm when you can sample a Negroni, or a Venetian Spritz for just £6 and enjoy complimentary snacks. They’ll be screening all the Six Nations matches (4 Feb - 18 March) in Fulham otherwise watch their opening hours as they don’t open on Monday, only the bar is open on Tuesday’s and they close early on a Sunday. We hope that by spreading the word we’ll still be able to find a spot on their terrace this summer for a sundowner or two!

Mabelle’s

We’re sad to see Ella’s Place go but we’re glad that the site at 305 New Kings Road (junction of New Kings / Munster Road) didn’t sit empty for long. After the Ella’s team sold up and headed out of London, so we hear, Mabelle’s stepped in at the end of December to bring us a cafe that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and drinks.

Hot and cold food includes a selection of patisseries, cookies, cakes, egg dishes from benedict to royal, three options for avo lovers, salads including goat cheese, quinoa and Farro and other breakfast options include pancakes, granola and french toast. We always loved a fresh juice at Ella’s so we’re pleased to see they are still on menu, Mabelle’s also have a selection of smoothies with protein. You can also enjoy a glass of wine or prosecco with your lunch/brunch.

The Secret Garden out the back remains, always a favourite spot when the weather allows, can now be hired for private events. There are no more flowers for sale but that means the space out front has been opened up allowing more room for tables. The other good news is that dogs are still welcome and the opening hours are 8am - 6pm every day / Monday - Sunday.

We spoke to Anne Mabelle’s Manager who told us “we’ve been slowing gaining customers. The week-ends are busy but it’s a lot quieter during the week. We will be adding new things to the menu and getting Deliveroo up and running” so if you’re passing by pop in and say hello, especially on weekdays!