What’s New

With Gusto

Last month a new Italian deli and coffee bar, With Gusto, opened it’s doors at 96 Dawes Road. Founder and Manager Alessia Giovannotti wanted to bring a slice of Italy to this part of Fulham and told Urban Village LDN “With Gusto is more than just a deli: it's a passion project born from years of searching London for the authentic tastes of home! After never finding what I was looking for, I decided to create my own little corner of Italy in Fulham.”

Housed in a former TV repair shop, With Gusto has a menu rooted in tradition and celebrates authentic Italian craftsmanship. You’ll find Roman-style crusty focaccia made with premium Italian flour and innovative artisanal toppings, Saltimbocca from the Amalfi Coast, a pizza-dough panino filled with Mediterranean ingredients and Alessia's childhood favourite, the Bombolone — soft, fluffy Italian doughnuts filled with rich Italian creams made from family recipes.

Alessia told us “With Gusto takes pride in sourcing the finest regional ingredients, including mozzarella from Agerola and burrata from small family producers in Puglia, ensuring every dish carries the genuine essence of Italy. Honoring Italian Traditions, With Gusto will serve home-cooked dishes, including Nonna's lasagna, polpettine (meatballs al ragù), and warming autumn minestra soups”.

The shop as well as being a cosy new addition to the area will host a calendar of events including homemade pasta workshops with Nonna Mirca and curated Italian food tastings, inviting the Fulham community to connect over shared flavours and traditions. "Gusto is my way of sharing the memories, and aromas that shaped my life in Italy," says Alessia. We briefly met Alessia and her sister who were both so welcoming and we’re looking forward to getting to know them better over a coffee now our November deadline is out the way! With Gusto opens Monday to Friday (7.3oam - 3.30pm) / Saturday (9 am 4.30pm) / Sunday (9.00am - 3.30pm) and you can find out more on the link below.

Little Sourdough Kitchen

On a dreary day we strolled down the Munster Road to find out about the new goings on at the Little Sourdough Kitchen; a much loved and well established SW6 bakery. After eight years of the bakery being built from the ground up it’s under new ownership. We were warmly welcomed into the kitchen to talk to the new owners, Anna Konig and Ben Castello. Anna told Urban Village LDN “it’s been a wild journey but we’ve inherited the same spectacular team. We couldn’t have done this without them and taken on what’s already been amazing”.

If you love this neighbourhood gem don’t worry the business is in good hands. Ben was previously Head Baker at the renowned Farro Bristol. "We worked together previously as Anna was the first person to be offered a work placement at the bakery. We met again further down the line and the rest is history. We’re not looking to reinvent the bakery we want to improve on what’s been done to date and make more beautiful products with technique, heritage grains and stone milled flour being at the very core of what we do. We’re not looking to be a trendy bakery”.

Anna continued “we want to make interesting flavour profiles and very little waste. So you’ll find new products including our Toasted Coconut Granola, Earl Grey Pain aux Raisin, Croissant Crisps which are made from our croissant trimmings. Dough from our bread is used to make our sausage rolls and croutons, pain aux raisin leftovers our bread and butter pudding”.

We asked Anna how it’s been meeting locals since the handover “the loveliest thing ever! I grew up in West London but I’ve never felt the sense of community that Fulham has. Everyone has been so sweet and supportive, we’ve enjoyed meeting and chatting with our regulars who are excited about the new things to come”.

Keep your eyes peeled for the redesign of the shop front, new branding and more product additions and the possibility of a savoury menu incoming? Stay tuned!

Follow them on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/littlesourdoughkitchen

Raw Training

Raw Training is a new outdoor fitness group based in SW6 and their strength and tone, circuits and training started this October on Eelbrook Common. We caught up with Fede & Jo who told Urban Village LDN that “for decades movement has been at our core. Training has helped us through tough times, given us strength in moments of doubt, and a friendly community when we needed it most. Now we’re bringing this experience to the park with daily strength, movement and practices with personalised support. We have both lived in Fulham at one time or another, we have a strong social circle in the area and we love Fulham which is why we are based here”.

Fede is the trainer with over 15 years of experience as a personal and group trainer. Jo is the business side of RAW as well as a committed member of the fitness group and we asked them what sets them apart from what’s already out there. “What makes us different is we train out in the park. We know that when training outdoors something special happens - the fresh air, the open space and the connection with nature instantly lifts the mood. Your endorphins start flowing, helping you feel good, strong and alive. Working in a group is more than just exercise - its a social and inspiring experience. You share it with a group of people who support and encourage you and you laugh together along the way. It's a chance to move, connect and enjoy yourself without the pressure of four walls or perfection”.

“We focus on Strength training which is so important but sometimes overlooked. It's particularly important for women going through the menopause but it's necessary for everyone. Each session is carefully tailored to the group and can be changed accordingly. We provide all the equipment so just turn up with a water bottle, your strength and your smile and we'll do the rest”. Raw Training run the group on Eel Brook Common, under the Gazebo (if it's raining), otherwise on the grass 5 times a week. Monday 12.30 - 1.20 / Wednesday 12.30. -1.20 / Friday 12.30 -1.20 / Saturday 12.30-10.20. They are currently offering a free trial session and then there is a three classes for £30 offer as a new member. Get in touch jojo@rawtraininglondon.co.uk

Freak Momma

Urban Village LDN caught up with Scott Hallsworth, ex Nobu London Head Chef and owner of Freak Scene Restaurants to hear how his 28 Parsons Green Lane restaurant is morphing into Freak Momma. “We love this spot and wanted to give it a burst of fresh energy, a new lease of life for locals, food that everyone can enjoy and at accessible price points. At Freak Momma you’ll be able to pop in and order a burger and a pint or, if you want to make it more of a night, you can order our ten starter dishes alongside a cocktail or two”.

Scott told us to imagine a Japanese Super diner in a back alley of Tokyo with a major dose of neon. “The Japanese embrace food and techniques from all over the world. Tempura was created in Portugal but the Japanese made it better. On the Freak Momma menu you’ll find typical diner dishes melded together with Asian street vibe influences and flavours, for example our indulgent and naughty Singapore butter ribs, our Mochi waffle inspired by a sandwich filling that is famous at 7-Eleven in Tokyo”.

They’ll be new interiors alongside food with attitude and cocktails with bite. Enjoy feasting menus, ten tapas dishes including Sashimi Tacos and Cheese & Onion Mochi Waffles. Mains include a classic double cheeseburger, the Freak Momma Duck Confit burger and Fried Chicken Chicken Tenders. The drinks menu is playful featuring frozen yuzu margaritas, slushies, thick milkshakes, Japanese cocktails and a great range of sake.

You’ll know by now that we’re huge fans of Scott’s restaurants and if you didn’t go to Freak Scene we urge you to check out Freak Momma - we can’t wait and know it won’t disappoint! Follow them on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/eat.freakmomma