What’s New, On & Happening in Fulham

What’s New

50 Nifty Limericks & Linocuts

Urban Village LDN was recently introduced to Jane Bristowe an acclaimed artist who has lived in Fulham for over 30 years. Jane discovered the beauty of linocuts whilst at the Putney School of Art and her very first linocut was of an elephant “one of my favourite things”. Jane told us “working within a square creates a real challenge, how do you make an image work within the square? I found that the challenge of working in a square brought my line drawings to life”.

Whilst taking part in a Pop up Gallery called Ad Lib on the Fulham Road I met the author Florina Falce who purchased a silk scarf featuring my rhino print and that brought about a collaboration and my first book called “Dear Elephant”. “

Jane now has a second book out called “50 Nifty Limericks & Linocuts” not only does it feature Jane’s linocuts but also a collection of limericks which she wrote. “The first one called “There Once Was A Parrot” came to me in January and they kept coming over the next nine months. I thought about each image and the limerick that comes with it, the whole thing is quite a surprise to me, the way the limericks and 20 years worth of linocuts have come together”.

“I didn’t write the book with a target audience in mind more to amuse myself and I think it appeals to both adults and children. I’m so honoured to have Dame Virginia McKenna’s kind words as an endorsement “the Limericks will cheer people up on the darkest of days” it is so thoughtful and means a lot to me”. Jane’s new book can be purchased at Nomad Books and you can find out more on the link below.

Mr Steak

A second location of this steak house, with an Argentinian and Italian touch, has opened on Fulham Road. Walking past one dank, cold evening we spotted the cosiness radiating out of their newly opened spot at 606 Fulham Road. Their other location which opened in 2022 can be found in W6, on Fulham Palace Road.

Back to 2024 and after some investigating it seems like we’ve got a mini Fulham version of Mr Salt Bae with owner Chef Rosario at the helm. Dishes on the menu include a 9oz fillet and a steak burger “adorned with 24kt edible gold”. Other dishes include “Leave it to me” a feast for two featuring three steak cuts, half a lobster and Argentinian prawns and a rib eye marinated in Provencal sauce.

If you’re not a steak eater then have no fear other options include scallop and prawn ravioli, truffle gnocchi with lobster sauce, lobster spaghetti and chicken options including Chicken Milanese Napoleana. Starters include Burrata with honey truffle, cherry tomatoes and crostini, calamari with Aioli, Argentinian King Prawns, Chorizo al Malbec with caramelised onions, crab claws and empanadas.

The salt (if you know you know) doesn’t seem to be a thing at Mr Steak but there’s some magic to be had with smoking platters, torches, flaming presentations of food and some stunning steak knives. The interior has a brasserie feel and features cosy corners, antiquities, leather backed chairs and banquettes, café style curtains, soft lighting, lamps and there’s a cocktail list so count us in! Find out more below.

Simple, Delicious, Gluten Free

Fulham Resident Barbara Brennen who founded Bad Ass Cakes in 2013 has a new eBook out called Simple, Delicious & Gluten Free. In this book Barbara covers everything from go to staples, breakfast ideas, snacks, cookies, desserts and weekend dinners. You can cook and bake dishes from a collection of easy to follow recipes for the whole family, including those who aren’t gluten free! This book follows on from Barbara’s first called Sweet Soul baking.

If you’re looking for a gluten free festive or celebration cake take a look at Barbara’s stunning creations which draw on years of experience including time spent as a chef at The Ritz and Savoy hotels in London. Barbara makes custom cakes for weddings, parties, corporate events and she believes in creating taste and flavour using only the best ingredients whilst strongly believing that this doesn’t mean your dietary requirements can’t be catered for.

We know from experience how hard it is to find gluten free cakes where taste and the look aren’t compromised. Barbara told Urban Village LDN “high quality food should be for everyone so Bad Ass Cakes make delicious vegan, gluten and sugar free cakes”. There’s a “Special Diet” cakes section in her shop and stop the press gluten free self saucing Butterscotch pudding! Find out more about Barbara, Bad Ass cakes and her new book on the link below.

Sable London

Sable London recently opened at 192 Wandsworth Bridge Road and Fulham WhatsApp chats have been blowing up with reports of how good their cookies are. They started as an online business and Fulham is their first bricks and mortar location where you’ll find their baked fresh every day, New York style, small batch cookies. Flavours include Cinnamon Bun, Birthday Cake and of course a classic Chocolate Chip. Their £4 cookies can be picked up and enjoyed along with a coffee and / or a matcha.

We chatted to the team at Sable London who told Urban Village LDN “Fulham is a great neighbourhood with a lovely community feel. It’s been very busy, our cookies have earnt a reputation quite quickly locally and beyond and we’re over the moon”. You can also still order on line with cookies being sold in boxes of six or twelve.

What’s On

H&F Climate Alliance Christmas “Meet & Greet”: Weds 4 (4-5.30pm)

Fulham businesses with an interest in environmental sustainability are invited to join members of H&F Climate Alliance for a Christmas “Meet & Greet” at the Curtains up pub above Barons Court Theatre. Hear from the Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecology, Councillor Harcourt, and the Company Manager from Baron's Court theatre, who will share the work they are doing to commission more shows with environmental messages. Drinks and nibbles provided free of charge. Limited tickets available find out more here.

Carols by Candlelight: Thurs 5 (6pm - 7.30pm)

Fulham Belles and the Tallis Singers will be performing at St Dionis Church to raise funds for The Daisy Trust who support those in need within Hammersmith & Fulham. Join them at 6pm for refreshments before the carols begin. More information here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/west-london-carols-by-candlelight-2024-tickets-1027852092277

Nativity Trail: Sat 7 (3-5pm)

Head to St Peter’s with your mini Fulhamite to meet characters from the nativity in an interactive indoor trail around the church. The trail lasts 30 minutes and is suitable for under 11s and their families with games, fire pit & marshmallows, sweets and more. FREE with mulled wine for adults for more info email christmas@stpetersfulham.co.uk

Joyeux Noel: Sat 7 (3-5pm)

Discover what it means to celebrate Christmas with a French touch, you do not need to speak French to attend! There will be French carols and a French gouter with activities for young toddlers up to 8 years (£8 per person) places are limited so book early. All profits donated to Action for children campaign: a Secret Santa for a vulnerable child. Find out more here https://clubpetitpierrot.co.uk/events/

Fulham Camerata: Sat 7 (7.30pm)

Fulham Camerata’s Christmas charity concert is a free concert with donations in aid of Fulham Good Neighbours. FGN are an established charity who have been offering practical support and friendship to people in Fulham since 1966 and rely solely on donations from friends and supporters to continue doing their work. This Christmas concert centres round Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, a masterpiece composed in 1942 on Britten’s sea voyage from the US to England.  They will also be singing some well known carols, hopefully with audience participation, and serving mince pies and mulled wine https://www.fulhamcamerata.com/

Carols by Candlelight: Mon 9 (6.30- 9pm)

A festive evening of all your favourite carols at All Saints Fulham, to raise funds for Maggie’s featuring the Fulham Belles. Clare Balding is one of the special guests for the evening adding her own special festive message. The concert finishes at 8pm when refreshments including mulled wine and mince pies will be served find out more here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/west-london-carols-by-candlelight-2024-tickets-1027852092277

The Palace at Christmas: Thurs 12 (11-12 noon)

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Christmas traditions at the Palace, from the opulent feasts of the Tudor period to the heartwarming carols of the Victorian era. The Palace’s knowledgeable guides will share captivating stories and fascinating insights about how Christmas was celebrated across the centuries at Fulham Palace. This tour is perfect for all ages, offering a delightful blend of history, culture and festive cheer https://www.fulhampalace.org/whats-on/events/the-palace-at-christmas-11

That Holiday Feelin': Fri 13 (7.30-9.30pm)

Jazz pianist and singer Hugo Jennings, a rising star on the London jazz scene, will be bringing a quartet of some of Europe’s finest jazz musicians to Sands End for a special evening of Christmas jazz. Two winters ago, Hugo formed a group to celebrate the music of one of the great jazz vocalists, Joe Williams. The material for this evening performance comes from Joe Williams’s album “That Holiday Feelin“ described as a “warm and cosy greeting card of an album” – featured tunes include Christmas classics ‘The Christmas Song’, ‘Winter Wonderland’ and carols such as ‘Silent Night’ https://www.seacc.uk/events/that-holiday-feelin/

Father Christmas at Fulham Palace: Sat 14 / Sun 15

There are a few spots left to see Father Christmas when he flies into the Palace. Children can join the elves in crafting a special Christmas keepsake before meeting Father Christmas in the beautifully decorated Bishop Sherlock’s room. There, they can share their holiday wishes, capture a memorable photo and take home a special gift! https://www.fulhampalace.org/whats-on/events/father-christmas-in-bishop-sherlocks-room-2

SEACC / Wiggle Waggle Community Christmas Party: Sun 22 (12-2pm)

Celebrate the festive season with joy, laughter, and a sprinkle of holiday magic at SEACC & Wiggle Waggle’s Community Christmas Party! This fun-filled event is open to all ages featuring entertainment from Wiggle Waggle, a bouncy castle and complimentary hot drink on arrival! Tickets are £1 and can be booked online or at SEACC’s reception – under 2’s go free

What’s Happening

The Artistic Gardener Ltd

Urban Village LDN caught up with Lyndon Thompson and his enthusiasm for all things floral and green was infectious. After studying at Capel Manor, an environmental college in London where the next generation are equipped with green skills, Lyndon worked at the Palace Gardener in it’s previous incarnation. He then made the leap and set up his own business, The Artistic Gardener Ltd, in 2014 with his first clients in Ellerby Street SW6.

Since then business has been growing fast “I’ve never advertised and my clients have always found me through word of mouth. I’m a one man band, with back up, providing a bespoke interior and exterior service with no hard and fast rules. Clients tell me what they’d like, I visit and look at the space, provide samples of decorations, visual references and work according to their budget whether its cut flowers for the home, a special event, a Christmas festive garland for your fireplace, a wreath for your front door, window boxes or garden landscaping / planting”.

So if you’re looking to add to a festive touch to your home, or you want to refresh your existing window boxes or have bigger plans for your garden next Spring get in touch with Lyndon we have no doubt that he’ll bring a fresh approach to any and every project. Speak to Lyndon on WhatsApp 07752 283729 or email hello@theartisticgardener.uk you’ll find images and examples of Lyndon’s work on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theartisticgardenerltd

Glass Door Christmas Appeal

Glass Door Homeless Charity, based here in Fulham, is the UK's largest provider of emergency winter night shelters and their Christmas appeal has been launched with a new film, "Peter’s Story". The film tells the story of Peter, a 73-year-old man who experienced homelessness and was supported back into housing by Rodrigo, one of Glass Door’s expert caseworkers. Peter had lived in the same house for more than 50 years but lost his home due to the actions of his landlord and after suffering an injury that prevented him from working. He had been living in his van for over a year by the time he found out about Glass Door.

In the film, Peter describes how valuable Rodrigo’s guidance and advocacy was for him in finding a home of his own. Every year, Glass Door’s caseworkers give expert support and advice to more than 2,000 people facing homelessness, hundreds of whom are able to move towards stable accommodation just like Peter. There are also many who come to Glass Door threatened with homelessness, and who the caseworkers support to stay in their homes.

Jo Carter, CEO of Glass Door Homeless Charity, says: “Services like ours are needed now more than ever, with virtually every measure of homelessness at record highs. The system is failing people on a massive scale. Stories like Peter’s are becoming far too common, and without serious government action things will only continue to get worse. Though the obstacles are daunting, we remain committed to our mission of making London a city where everyone has a safe and stable home.”

Fulham Chronicles: the podcast for SW6

Catch this podcast all about our urban village on YouTube or listen on Apple and Spotify. Latest guests in the studio at VOXPOD Studios at Heathman’s Road are George Howard and Sabina Skala from Lyceum Fit. Listen to their personal stories from head injury to ultra marathons & kayaking to climbing the Eiger in Switzerland. Working in partnership with Sands End Arts & Community Centre they make health, fitness and wellness accessible and affordable for all.

Rain Lyons is a fashion stylish and the founder of Rain Nicole. Rain is also an SW6 resident and talks to Zara and Melinda about curating pre loved collections, all things fashion and how she made Fulham her home.