What’s on, new & happening in your Urban Village
February 2020
The Robin lands in Parsons Green
On 7 January The Robin Montessori Nursery opened its doors in Parsons Green. The nursery situated in a building on the grounds of ChristChurch Fulham offers a “home from home environment” with indoor and outdoor space for children 2- 5 years and follows the Montessori philosophy in conjunction with the Early Years Foundation Stage. Founded by Agnes Mugnai and Elisa Fernandez Romero who has been a Fulham resident for 20 years.
The Robin Montessori Nursery aims to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children feel happy, safe and grow through creative and stimulating activities to promote creativity, self-confidence and independence with the aim to leave children well prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
The nursery is now enrolling for their September 2020 in take get in touch info@therobinmontessori.com
http://therobinmontessori.com/our-story/
https://www.instagram.com/the_robin_montessori/?igshid=1qb9c9h7ef50t
Keeping it Real
Clare Pooley’s debut novel “The Authenticity Project” is set in Fulham where she lives with her husband, three children and two border terriers. It was inspired by Chelsea Studios on the Fulham Road, by Stamford Bridge.
Clare told Urban Village LDN “I've always been fascinated by the studios, which look like a little time warp, stuck between the Home and Away entrances of the stadium. I wondered if an artist might live there, who'd been there since the 1960's, staying just the same while everything around him changed. That inspired one of the main characters - Julian Jessop”.
The novel features six characters brought together after Julian makes the first entry in a journal “Everyone lies about their lives. What would happen if you shared the truth instead?” and leaves the green notebook titled “The Authenticity Project” in a Fulham cafe. Lots of Fulham treasures are referenced in the book including Nomad, Kebab Kid, Eel Brook Common and Brompton Cemetery plays a big part in the novel. Clare told us “Monica's cafe is invented, but I wish it were real”.
Clare is also the author of “The Sober Diaries” which were published in 2017 after the success of her anonymous blog “Mummy Was a Secret Drinker”. Clare revealed herself to be the author in the same year after she had landed her first book deal.
The kindle version of “The Authenticity Project” is available from 4th Feb and the hardback book will be out on April 2nd and available in all good bookshops, including Nomad!
Foodie heaven
Planet Eat TV is a dedicated food channel that was launched by a Fulham resident in January this year. The website showcases some of the best talent from up-and-coming chefs around the world. This subscription channel features all things foodie from professional masterclasses by leading culinary schools and high quality guides in food photography, styling, blogging, social media and so much more as their website says “it’s all your foodie needs, under one roof”. We’ve had a bit of a nosey and we think we shall have to tune in to check out Vegan Pixie’s, Pad Thai recipe, one pot campervan recipes and other food journey and discovery videos.
Planet Eat TV says they “are constantly making new, original content that you won’t find anywhere else”. For a monthly subscription fee of £3.99 a month (if you like see what you see you can upgrade to annual) you can stream 100s of episodes at home or on the go. They have a “Most Watched”, Masterclass and “Lifestyle sections and preview trailers help you decide what to watch next. As we said foodie heaven!
https://www.instagram.com/planeteat.tv/
A la Carte
Whilst we’re still thinking of food. You may remember we wrote a review about the Harlequin restaurant in our September issue. We’re still dreaming about the amazingly delicious meal we had back then and to be honest we haven’t been back yet as we were waiting for another special occasion as their set menu comes with a price tag of £45 per head. But hurrah we have no excuse not to pop up the road to sample their mouth watering culinary offerings as they have just launched an a la carte menu. This “small and seasonally changing” menu will run alongside their normal five course set menu every Wednesday and Thursday. We can’t wait! After a look at their February set menu we’re chomping at the bit to see what makes the a la carte selection! If you haven’t dined there yet we can’t recommend this gem on our doorstep highly enough. We aren’t the only ones waxing lyrical hit any search engine and check out all the reviews they’ve had to date not to mention the visit they had by Albert Roux.
See you soon Harlequin! Oh and Happy 1st Birthday!
https://www.harlequinrestaurant.co.uk/about
https://www.instagram.com/harlequinrestaurant/
EmojitNow launched by borough resident
At our recent social we met with borough resident Ben Phills Founder and co-creator of EmojitNow a free mobile app, which launched in January with the aim to help support local business. Ben told us that this free mobile app, currently available on iOS, “has been designed to let us share our gut emotional reactions be it January sales deals at your favourite retailers, the food quality at that new gourmet burger restaurant down the street, its service and even just how clean it is”.
Urban Village LDN readers can download the app now to support and feedback on Fulham businesses be it fittings at Pollyanna Shoes or the latest brunch offering at Glasshouse Cafe. Ben is looking for more Fulham retailers, services/suppliers to take part in a free trial as they continue to develop the app. Those taking part will get access to the app’s insight including summaries of the things being fed back on, the emojis and the reasons, the age-range of the people who submitted the feedback, the location/neighbourhood where they were submitted, the time and the day they were submitted. “It gives real-time data-focused insight to businesses about what their customers are experiencing day-in day-out,” says Ben. “They no longer have to rely on terminals that tell them if their customers are happy or not (but not why they feel that way), nor do they have to wait for delayed email surveys or mystery shopper programs, or to watch Twitter or other review sites to get anecdotal feedback.”
If you’re a local business who wants to take part in the free trial get in touch with Ben ben.phillis@gmail.com
Sloaney Pony
The White Horse our iconic Fulham local on Parsons Green has re-opened after a bit of TLC and a makeover. Have you been in to check it out yet? We went in for a very quick snoop and really liked what we’ve seen so far of the new outside seating and the decor in the main bar area. We didn’t make it into the coach house or upstairs! Gorgeous red banquets inside, large armchairs around the fireside, the artwork and drinks cabinets are really popping with a new dark charcoal lick of paint and no doubt the new seated area will be proving very popular on match and summery days ahead. We’re wondering if there is a new menu to go with the new look. We shall have to investigate. In the meantime - you’re looking good Sloaney Pony and you’ve never smelt so fresh.
February
“While it is February one can taste the full joys of anticipation. Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch” - Patience Strong
Terence Donovan: “Strokes of the Soul”
Paintings by world renowned photographer Terence Donovan are coming to light for the first time since his death and are on now show at the Lisa Norris Gallery, 72 New Kings Road, SW6 until 22 February. It’s very fitting that his private body of paintings, stored in a Battersea warehouse for the last twenty years, are being shown at the Fulham site where Terence Donovan once co-owned a kitchen and homeware shop called the Merchant Chandler.
Urban Village LDN recently visited the exhibition where gallery owner Lisa Norris told us “anyone is welcome to come in and have a look” at this private body of paintings, alongside works on paper and the paint splattered covering from Donovan’s studio floor in Chiswick. The use of colour in these works was a stunning contrast to a grey January day and we would highly recommend taking a look at this exhibition of predominantly abstract paintings which as the gallery says “contrast beautifully with his calligraphic monochromatic and acrylic works on paper”.
Painting became another of Donovan’s passions alongside photography and judo and in the 1980s Donovan started to visit his art studio in Chiswick at the weekends, often meeting up with his friend Peter Blake to “talk shop”.
Wine & Chocolate tasting: Wednesday 12
We can't be the only ones that think this is a winning combination! On Wednesday 12 Feb Friarwood’s Parsons Green shop are holding a wine and chocolate tasting evening from 7pm - 8.30pm. The evening will include a tasting of five wines paired with chocolates by SW London chocolatiers De Rosier Chocolates. This is an artisanal chocolate company run by husband and wife duo Andrew and Leona who have shops in Wimbledon, Earlsfield and Southfields (Fulham next please!) and make a wide range of fine chocolates that have been offered to Royal Box guests at the All England Lawn Tennis Club Championships for eight years in a row. Tickets cost £22 and can be brought at the Parsons Green shop or via the link below.
Family Fun Day: Sunday 23
The theme of the annual family day at Fulham Palace is “The Kingmaker”. On this day in 1689 the succession of King William III and Queen Mary II was confirmed by Parliament. The Bishop of London, Henry Compton, risked his life when he joined other noblemen and invited William to take the throne from King James II. Explore this period of intrigue, rebellion and treason. There’ll be activities and crafts including secret letters and hands on archaeology. Suitable for ages 3+ (Children must be accompanied by an adult)
Free 11 am - 3 pm
https://www.fulhampalace.org/whats-on/events/
Fulhamite gardeners needed: Monday 2 March
Do you enjoy gardening and have you got some time to spare? The Bishops Park Gardening group was set up in March 2019 to work alongside the park’s Head Gardener. and his team. The group are looking for more volunteers so if you’d like to muck in get the date in your diary for their next gardening session is scheduled for Monday 2 March.
If you’d like to take part please email chair.bishparkfriends@gmail.com with your mobile number so you can be included in their WhatsApp group and “kept in the loop”. The group will meet at 9.30am outside the Community Rooms in Bishops Park. https://www.friendsofbishopspark.com/
Mums Tums
Fulham Resident Silvia Galeazzi who created the “Mummy Tummy Workout” for mums and new mums in Autumn 2019 has just added another Fulham class to her sessions. As well as her regular class on Monday’s Silvia is also running her workouts at the Move Studios (Market Hall) at 10.45 am on Fridays. The class is total body conditioning with the focus on strength, resistance and tone. Babies (0 - 6 months) are welcome to join the classes with bouncing chairs, soft mats and toys provided.
Readers of Urban Village LDN have been offered a free trial class. so take a screenshot of this page and mention us when you join a Fulham class.
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?
@themummytummyworkout
At home matches
Saturday 1: Fulham vs Huddersfield @ 15:00
Saturday 15: Fulham vs Barnsley @15:00
Monday 17: Chelsea vs Man United @ 20:00
Saturday 22: Chelsea vs Tottenham @ 12:30
Tuesday 25: Chelsea vs Bayern @ 20:00
Wednesday 26: Fulham vs Swansea City @19:45
Saturday 29: Fulham vs Preston @ 15:00
NB match times subject to change!
Success for first social
Well technically we should change the header to “What Happened” but …we wanted to say a huge thank you to the 100 + people who turned up at our first social in collaboration with The Fulham Residence Club, Sara, Linn and the lovely team at Locale Fulham who hosted the event. It was amazing to see such a fantastic turn out which resulted in a fabulous atmosphere. We loved seeing familiar faces and putting names to new ones.
The Real Kombucha mocktails went down a treat - if you haven’t tried their fresh, non alcoholic sparkling alternative to prosecco get yourselves to Locale. We loved the peachy, rhubarb hints of Royal Flush and we also appreciated having the support of the Camden Town Brewery. The gorgeous party platters created by Locale Fulham were inhaled and we had such lovely feedback about the social so we thought we’d let that do the talking. Stay tuned and subscribe to the website to make sure you don’t miss out on the next one!
“We met lovely and inspiring people and had some great chats. So glad to be invited and even better to hear that we won the raffle two large glasses of gin and tonic. What a treat!” - Art Sippers
“Such a fabulous evening, enjoyed meeting so many lovely business owners in Fulham. We really are a wonderful community” - Sandie S
“Thank you for organising a fantastic evening” - London Wellbeing Clinic
“Such a fun evening - again please” - Sarah J
“Thank you so much. It was a great night and an amazing turn out” - Bundle Baby London
“Great to see the Fulham business community and residents mingling. Such a great event” - Mark S
“It was lovely to meet the organisers and all the other Fulham residents at the social! It really was a great event, can’t wait for the next one!” - Sabani Linens
“Thank you for a wonderful event” - Friarwood
“Thank you so much I really enjoyed myself. I would love to come to your next event” - Sophia W
“Very enjoyable evening - thanks for the invite” - Antony W
It was wonderful, met lovely people and made great connections. Looking forward to more! - Katinka D
Thank you to Monique @mhsanvisuals_ for the photography where credited below
Made in Fulham
It never fails to surprise us what a talented bunch you Fulham folks are. Each month Urban Village Ldn introduces you to THe Fulham face behind an idea, product or business and asks them what they love about being a local resident.
This month we talk to Linn Hedblom Manager of Locale Fulham on Munster Road.
How long have you called Fulham home? Since 2015. I started to work in Locale in March and two months later I was a local resident. Moving to Fulham not only made me feel at home in the neighbourhood but for the first time I felt at home in London.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your family. I’m born and raised in Sweden and spent a lot of time in my father’s bar & restaurant when I was little – I might be the only one who connects the smell of old beer with happy childhood memories and my Dad and I strongly believe in restaurant ghosts. My mum is my personal adviser and mentor and I still want to be like her when I grow up. I have two younger brothers and I guess I’m the typical big sister – bossy but caring.
What's your favourite local haunt? I do love Craven Cottage and go to the home games as often as I can. We have a lot of regulars having a meal before the home games in the restaurant and they are a really lovely crowd. It all started with them giving me and the staff spare tickets now and then and it really grew on me. Now I’m regularly checking the stats and tables and I am very proud to call FFC my team.
What's your slice of Fulham heaven and why? The riverside! A perfect Sunday to me is a long walk by the river followed by a pint in one of the lovely pubs, just watching all the people passing by and the stunning views of the river and Hammersmith Bridge. Whenever I have someone visiting from Sweden I bring them there to show them “the other” London and so far none of them have said that they enjoyed the West End or Tower Bridge more.
If you could do one thing to improve Fulham what would it be? I would love to see us all come together more as a local community. To be honest I thought we Fulham people were quite good at it but when we held a local networking social a while ago it became clear we could become much better at it. We have so many brilliant local business and residents here and I’m convinced we’d all benefit from it. The recent social we held in collaboration with Urban Village LDN and The Fulham Residence Club was much more like it.
Tell us about Locale and how the restaurant came to be. The owners were keen to do a Chef led Restaurant in Fulham with a great bar attached. Somewhere the food was prepared daily, with a changing menu as an antidote to all the restaurant chains in the area where all the food was bought in. Luckily we have managed to do that.
What advice would you give to anyone going into the restaurant business? Be prepared to work hard and do take care of your staff. Nowadays most hospitality staff are young Europeans living abroad and away from their families for the first time. Some need to learn not only the job but the language as well and very often I become more like a big sister than only a boss and the workplace a family rather than only a job for them. And of course happy staff give you happy customers.
