What’s New & Happening in Fulham

What’s New

Incredible Creatures Alphabet Book

A subscriber of Urban Village LDN brought the Incredible Creatures Alphabet Book to our attention. At the time we thought the name of it’s author sounded familiar, finally the penny dropped and we remembered we had met local resident, textile and print designer and ex Lady Margaret School (LMS) pupil Amelia Mullins at an LMS school Christmas Fair where she was exhibiting some of her designs. We jumped on a call to talk to Amelia and find out how her book came to be. A year ago Amelia was diagnosed with premature menopause and told us about how devastating this news was at aged 33 and having only recently married. “I hadn’t been feeling right for so long and when I got my diagnosis I was grief stricken and needed to find some form of escapism”.

Writing and illustrating her first children’s book became a life line in helping her deal with this personal health challenge as well as lockdown. Amelia told Urban Village LDN how she embraced her own inner child and found comfort in creating this book of poems and illustrations “about the wonderful lives of beautiful beasties”. “It brought back memories of my childhood of being young, innocent and free, of Mum reading classic books such as the Water Babies, the Famous 5 series or Mr Galliano’s Circus to me”. Looking at some of Amelia’s beautiful images in her book we were also transported back in time to our childhood and feelings of magical escapism on rainy days, cosy indoors reading our favourite books one of which was“The Butterfly Ball” (anyone else remember this fantastical book by Roger Glover?).

Thanks to the support and the community Amelia found in The Daisy Network which helps and guides women suffering from premature ovarian failure and other reproductive health conditions, she decided to dedicate her book to raising awareness and supporting others who also suffered female reproductive health conditions. With zero waste production in mind, in December Amelia had ten books printed and was astounded after putting her first book out into the world that within two days she had sold 200 copies. “I loved writing the ditties and rhymes in this book as well as illustrating the creatures. The idea behind this book was to have images little ones can look at and love, a book that will last until they can read themselves, something that they can keep and treasure. This book has been a beautiful escape for me during challenging times”.

Amelia’s incredible creatures book is £25 including P&P and donations can be made to The Daisy Network on her website. Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amelia_mullins_world/ to find out more, order your copy of the book on the link below or catch Amelia’s interview on Grayson’s Art Club that was screened last Friday on Channel 4.

Pizza reinvented

Quadra, is a brand-new pizzeria located at 28 Parsons Green Lane. The team there told us that their vision is to reinvent modern day pizza “whilst still preserving the essence and the customs of age-old traditional pizza, or in other words, keeping all the best bits and rethinking just about everything else! Using natural unrefined flour and no additives our pizzas are slow-cooked in our ovens for 12 minutes as opposed to the average 60 seconds. Why you may ask? Well because this results in a healthier and lighter pizza that still holds all the immense flavours, with half the guilt”.

We laughed when they said “if we’re honest the world probably doesn’t need another pizzeria” and we love their fresh take on pizza. We decided to go undercover to taste test their pizza slices so we could report back. Great fresh decor, branding and the team were super welcoming when we went in to pick up a few slices. You won’t find any round pizza or triangle slices at Quadra, for those of you who don’t know, in architectural terms Quadra means square, as all their pizza is baked on a tray or “al taglio” so a slice is rectangular in shape. We chose three different slices Margarita, Marinara (cherry tomatoes, oregano and garlic oil) and Capricciosa (Tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham,mushroom, artichoke, olive). All of us were unanimous in saying that we agreed what Quadra meant when they said they’d reinvented pizza, they have, it tastes different, rustic really authentic, with great flavours and a nice crispness to it (we loved that) not a typical greasy pizza that feels like it’s bad for you, this felt guilt free.

We love that their pizzas are served by the slice (you can buy them whole which amounts to 5 slices), Quadra recommend 2-3 slices per person but honestly there is no way we could have managed more than one, although to be fair it was a light Friday treat lunch. Bigger appetites, growing boys and men would most likely need more than one slice. You might want to more adventurous in your choices and perhaps try their Porchetta (Mozzarella, slow roasted pork belly, beetroot, parsley puree) or their Vegan Truffle (truffle cream, wild mushroom, parsley puree). The team told us that their pizzas are constantly updated with seasonal specials and that if there’s a hybrid you fancy trying they’re happy to oblige and make it for you. When their doors fully reopen as lockdown lifts we can see teens and families with young children in here enjoying a slice or two. Until then we’d highly recommend giving Quadra a try, if you can’t pop in you can order delivery from them via Deliveroo. See more on Instagram

Tiki’s London

We haven’t been in to check out this new independent restaurant addition to the Fulham Road yet; good to see a variety of new businesses opening up here after so many losses. At the moment they are offering a take away menu with pizza, burgers (wagyu, veggie and chicken) cold press juices and coffee. Once their doors can re open sounds like Tiki’s will be a great brunch / lunch option with the chef’s brunch including shakshuka, matcha pancakes, truffled eggs, ponzu salmon pretzel (sounds intriguing) and sharing meze plates. Lunch options include Wild Risotto, Spinach and Ricotta homemade ravioli and crispy chicken schnitzel.

“With 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, and a great passion for the art of cooking and hospitality, Tiki personally oversees the buying and preparation of the ingredients daily ensuring that each and every dish is carefully considered, and served to mouth-watering perfection. He combines produce from local farmers and the best of his culinary experiences”. We’re adding this to our list of new places to try once lockdown lifts; hopefully we will be able to head to 773 Fulham Road soon.

The Kaf Opens

We wrote about the Kaf Larder in our December issue. If you’re not familiar with this fine, food and drinks store on Wandsworth Bridge Road owned and managed by two Putney sisters you can read the piece here https://bit.ly/3r4csjG the soft opening for their Kaf is scheduled for 6 March with drinks, cakes and bakes available for takeaway. When they fully reopen their take away menu will include breakfasts (served Sat - Sun until 3pm) with items on the menu including The Kaf Scramble with cured Chalk Stream trout, vegan scramble (sauted mushroom medley, seasonal green veg and scrambled organic tofu on sourdough and stuffed croissants. Lunch (served from 11 - 3) will offer a soup/stew of the day, a selection of sourdough sandwiches and croques, a savoury bake of the day and a seasonal salad bowl which you can to add egg/protein to.

The Kaf Larder have hampers for Mother’s Day with free gift wrap on purchases over £25, they also offer a bespoke hamper service so you can make up your own personalised hampers. They also have bespoke dinner bags that are tailored to the individual and provide items to make a celebratory Mother’s Day meal. We love the sound of their “Trufflin Mad Bag” described as a tote bag of truffly goodness (truffle crisps sharer bag, truffle tagliatelle, large jar truffle slices and truffle risotto) and the “Snuggle Up Giant Aperitif Hamper Tote Bag packed full of delicious items to snuggle up on the sofa with or lay out for a more glamorous affair!”. There are so many items to choose from including black rice grissini, organic chilli compote, whole Cobble Lane saucisson and Clarence court pickled quail eggs.

Did you know?

That last month Parsons Nose extended their offer to include fresh fish which will now sell online from Tues morning and will be available from 9am- 12.30pm on a stall outside the Fulham shop from Wednesday - Friday. We’ve seen an amazing selection from Wild Turbot to Monkfish and shellfish including oysters and prawns.

What’s Happening

Mother’s Day

We wrote about Valentine’s Day last month and some of the local businesses that could help you celebrate despite lockdown. That feature was hugely popular and although we’re not taking all the credit we’d like to think we played a small part in helping spread the word resulting in orders flying out the door. This month it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday 14 March and so we thought we’d pull together a few suggestions so you can celebrate the occasion in style whilst supporting local.

Manuka Kitchen have a Mother’s Day box, a four course meal for two, and they’re taking orders for home delivery up until 10 March. There’s limited availability so take a look and get your order in quick before they sell out. Their “heat and eat” box costs £72 + £2.99 for delivery on Friday 12/Saturday 13 March and includes cornflour & parmesan madelines, with chilli butter, a starter of your choice, Burrata, Mint & Prosecco Peas/Tuna Tartare and a main course to share, Lamb Wellington or Halibut & Clams dill and ratte potatoes en papillotte accompanied by mixed root vegetables & a Baby spinach, feta and oregano salad. Dessert is Parsons Green mess (love) with rhubarb, lemon cream and meringue. https://bit.ly/3r7WyVA

Archie’s Kitchen can send a nationwide delivery so if your families can’t physically be together you can organise a multiple household virtual gathering and share a Mother’s Day lunch. Their menu which costs £45 per person includes a complimentary homemade edible gift, a Burrata with blood orange, rocket, Iberico ham, toasted sourdough & olive oil dressing starter, Chicken ballotine stuffed with a truffle mousse, crispy chicken skin, swede puree, parmesan polenta chips, purple sprouting broccoli and a white wine jus for main, a Passion fruit tart for dessert and finally Homemade chocolate truffles. Final orders are Wednesday 10 March get in touch with claire@archiesfood.com

Dinner Ladies are just over the river in Putney but we love what they do, they’re tried and tested by us so we always feel they warrant inclusion. The Dinner Ladies are also doing nationwide boxes so you can send them to your Mother, all Mums have been doing rather a lot of cooking during lockdown, or share them en famile over Zoom. Start the meal with Crab, mascarpone & tarragon tortellini, lobster bisque, crispy samphire and then move onto a main of Slow cooked lamb shank with plum, fennel & red wine
Rosemary butter potato fondants, Charred baby leeks, broad beans & pea shoots and Sorrel salsa verde. Dessert is Baked vanilla cheesecake, passionfruit compote with mint and to finish a selection of hand-rolled chocolate truffles. Book before Tuesday 9 March for delivery on 12 March. £40 per person + £6 delivery fee at checkout. We also love that you can add a children’s meal of chicken, mushroom & leek pie, with mashed potato, tender stem broccoli and chocolate brownie for £8 to to make Mother’s Day even easier. Children’s meals are sold as two portions and one portion can be frozen and saved for a later date if necessary. You can also add wine, flowers from Wild Decor and a selection of beautiful gifts from sustainable lifestyle Zero Living. https://dinnerladiesltd.com/home-deliveries/p/mothers-day-menu-nationwide

Baking Street London have limited edition charity postal brownie boxes. Each box includes six classic chocolate chunk brownies a personalised Mothers Day card and signature gift wrapping. For every box purchased a donation will be made to Winston’s Wish, a charity which supports bereaved children and young adults across the UK after the loss of a parent(s). Boxes cost £16.50 and orders should be placed by direct message (DM) on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bakingstreetlondon/?igshid=7f34z1x3tq0n provide the name and address of the recipient and the message which will be hand written on a card and delivered w/c 8 March.

Baking Bella has a gorgeous Baking Bella Fulham Truffle gift set which they have joined forces with Lea and Sandeman Fulham Road on. The gift costs £45 and contains: Champagne Rosé Benedick Grande Réserve Brut 37 cl, a box of 12 Artisan Brigadeiros Confectionery (three different flavours: classic dark, coconut dream and coffee Latte). We’re told the last truffle is a limited edition flavour, x 1 dark chocolate brigadeiro spread 11 cl, x 1 coconut dream spread 11 cl. Baking Bella is taking orders up to 7 March and you can DM them on Instagram to place your order; free delivery for SW6, for other postcodes, please get in touch. The other truffle option is their box of 12 brigadeiros with pink sugary hearts especially for Mother’s Day, same flavours as described above, which comes accompanied with a pretty meticulously hand painted watercolour card created by @sophieameliacreates. £19.00 for the box of Brigadeiros + card. Same delivery options apply https://www.instagram.com/bakingbella_fulham/?igshid=sbysx0ijc60i

The Kaf Larder did you read about their hampers and tote bags on our “What’s New” page? You can also have bespoke bags made up; we love the sound of their “Truffin Mad” bag.

Stargazy Rum are sending bottles of their Cosmic Caramel Rum liqueur with a gift card. Get 10% off and free delivery with code STAR10. Read our previous feature on them here https://www.urbanvillageldn.com/beyond-the-hood-nov-1?rq=stargazy this liqueur is fabulous if you want to whip up an easy dessert on Mother’s Day. Add to an Affagato or simply pour over ice cream or baked fruit.

Nature’s Delight

If you haven’t been to this gorgeous food deli on Fulham Road that opened up at the end of last year it is well worth a visit to take a look at their range of cheeses, meats and fresh organic fruit and veg, to admire the beautiful ways in which their produce is displayed as well as their stunning in store mural. We caught up with Adam Francourt who told us that this business is the love child of his and business partner Marton Simko. They spent two years working together as management team for Natoora in Selfridges and Adam told us that they “realised after a few weeks that we not only shared a tremendous amount in terms of our love of food retail but also in terms of our broader values as people”.

We asked Adam, why Fulham for their first business venture together? “Firstly it’s a stunning area, which always helps. We only had one chance to pick correctly so we walked vast stretches of London nearly every day for months to try and get a feel for an area before committing. I knew the area fairly well as I used to work for Wholefoods in Fulham Broadway, and I told Marton its definitely somewhere that should be on our shortlist. We needed somewhere with good footfall as well as somewhere that would be receptive to paying more for higher quality produce. Marton and I have always found that, unlike Meat and Wine, it’s harder on average to sell Fruits and Vegetables at a higher price. There tends to be a preconceived notion that because it comes from the earth it should by default be cheaper; even though a flavoursome, well grown tomato has an unbelievable amount of time, love and expertise put into it. The final reason for choosing Fulham was meeting our landlady, Harriet. She’s a Fulham local who already owns a business in the area, Nomad Books, and so was really invested in making sure she brought in someone looking to add value, not simply extract. We presented our business plan to her and she felt immediately that we would be a good fit for the neighbourhood; we hope to prove her faith right. Her and her family have been very supportive from day one and gave us the confidence to put our best foot forward”. Adam recently moved to Fulham and is very happy to be within walking distance of his beloved Chelsea and the business.

Adam talked to us about the large open kitchen space and serving counter at Nature’s Delight and that once lockdown is over they plan to create a range of take home foods (salads, quiches, tarts, cakes) that will change with the season and showcase the deliciousness of food all year round. We loved the story behind the business, their ethos and creativity. “Neither of us set out on this journey with aspirations of getting rich. We got a small glimpse of how incredibly rewarding it is to add more value than you take and decided to make that our larger mission in life. A sympathetic ear for a customer who’s going through a difficult period; a coffee for the delivery driver who drops off our goods 5 days per week; helping to develop a team member who has potential and ambition but lacking in a bit of direction; these things fuel both of us. We’re not unique in this respect, but it is what we hold dear to our hearts. Selling food is the broad context for our work, but adding value to peoples lives is our goal, and we wanted to create a business that always endeavoured to be creative in how it does that. We’ve both come to understand the impact it can have on people when done well and that, ultimately, is what bonds us. Honestly I never had any intention of being a business owner, I always believed the risk to be too high; but working with Marton has done so much to drive me to fulfil my potential that it felt inconceivable that we wouldn’t take the chance and see exactly how good we are.”

Adam told us they want to build a relationship with residents of the area that will last for decades. Retail has found ever more creative ways to sell more things to people at a faster rate; but often at the expense of any long term relationship. Many businesses get repeat customers because of leverage and market position not because they are trusted or respected. Customer service can become extremely orientated around transactions and transaction value and this can lead to many of the underwhelming experiences people have when shopping. We need to make money as a business and be profitable, we’re not shy about that, but we believe it’s our responsibility as business owners to do so in a way that leaves a person feeling better for visiting our shop consistently. For example we offer complimentary tea and coffee to anyone visiting the shop, regardless of whether or not you purchase anything. We also plan to deliver small seasonal gift bags for anyone who signs up for our newsletter, so customers can make their own mind up about the seasons up and coming products. We try to avoid being too pushy or preachy about what a person should buy; allowing them breathing space to come to their own conclusions around what we’re trying to offer”.

Lune + Wild

Nadia and her cousin Lara founded Lune + Wild last year when she became a Mum and Lara became an Auntie. They were both struck by the lack of nutritious, flavourful and sustainable baby food brands available on the market. They set up their baby and toddler meal delivery business based in Parsons Green in November last year to deliver nutritious and seasonal menus to busy parents who don’t want to compromise quality for convenience. Nadia told Urban Village LDN “supermarket brands often have a shelf life of 12 months+, and are sweetened with fruit making for some questionable flavour combinations! Like lots of parents, I want to raise my family on real and wholesome food, but busy days don't always allow for cooking from scratch. We allow parents to feed their babies and toddlers the most delicious, savoury meals without the compromise. Flavour and variety are our champions, no more bland baby food. We want to help raise confident, curious eaters that will grow up to enjoy a healthy variety of food. We know how hard it can be to home cook a different meal each day of the week; lack of time, space and inspiration. Lara has a diverse approach to her recipes, having worked in many leading restaurants around the world, her experience inspires her to go beyond just the British classics”.

Lune + Wild change their menu seasonally to include a variety of fresh organic produce and a multitude of nutrients, protein and essential fatty-acid sources, to support a child's development from plant sources. They told us that their First Taste Box is the perfect tool kit to begin weaning, 8 single ingredient organic vegetables introduce a rainbow of flavours. For 6 months + they have a Seasonal Menu, with an assortment of 8 recipes packed with over 50 organic ingredients to explore. Nadia told us “We work alongside a Paediatric Dietitian to ensure the meals are nutritionally complete and we lock in the goodness by freezing. The meals are frozen in cubes so that there is far less packaging, and it gives parents the flexibility with portion size to reduce food waste. When it comes to ingredients, we source our produce from Shrub Provisions - a new business connecting us to UK small holders following regenerative, organic methods. We put care into all our decisions, from Soil to Spoon”.

Nadia got in touch with us as now they are well and truly off the starting blocks they want to grow their business and get the word out especially in the Fulham community. Nadia said “We have been blown away by the positive feedback we've received from parents (and their happy babies!). It's really encouraged us to keep going this year, and build our business to reach more parents, making their lives a little easier during this tricky time”. Since launching their business they’ve added pots for toddlers and young children. They have six delicious meals for young children for £25 these can be ordered as a one time purchase, weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Meals include Celeriac, leek and Portobello mushroom pie, Bake cod and cauliflower cheese gratin, Supergreen chicken satay and golden couscous. Congratulations Nadia and Lara on your success with Lune + Wild - another amazingly entrepreneurial business right here on our doorstep.

One a penny two a penny

We always go early as we can’t get enough of Hot Cross Buns but Easter will be here before we know it! Bridge Baker’s hot cross buns will be available in-store from 4 March, and they are taking pre-orders for Good Friday/Easter Sunday (£7.50 for a pack of 4). Made from scratch every day with their own spice mix, finished with a light glaze they are made from honest ingredients, with no additives, lovely eaten fresh or the next day toasted with butter.

North End Road consultation

Chris Patterson the area regeneration Manager for Hammersmith & Fulham council got in touch with Urban Village LDN as “the council is investing in North End Road and want to support the historic street market. As part of our work to improve the high street we are carrying out a survey of market shoppers but we are also interested to hear from people who don’t use the market to find out what might attract them to shop there”. The council would love to hear from you whether you currently shop on North End Road or not and would love subscribers of Urban Village LDN to complete their market shoppers survey. Have your say on plans to regenerate North End Road and the street market before the deadline of 22 March. https://northendroad.commonplace.is/

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 Alicia Agar and Catherine Manna from the ACWay a food & lifestyle blog

How long have you called Fulham home? We have collectively called Fulham home for 10 years and couldn’t imagine wanting to live anywhere else at current!

Tell us a bit about yourself/and your family The AC is our names combined. Alicia is from Harrogate and Catherine from Bristol but we met in London. Who knew a northerner and a southerner could make such a great team! We reside in Parsons Green with our 3 fluffy dogs and a tortoise.

What’s your favourite local haunt and why?  Our favourite local haunt on a weekend would have to be Koji, its super close to us and we are such huge fans of sushi, plus they do a brilliant margarita. We have been having takeout but can’t wait to get back in there and soak up all of its atmosphere.

What is your slice of Fulham heaven and why? We are somewhat addicted to matcha lattes and our current favourite spot for one would have to be District by Parsons Green, they just get it right every time. This accompanied by a long stroll through bishops park with the dogs is our ideal weekend lockdown activity. For a little pick me up we also love Ellas place for beautifully fresh flowers, its nice to go in their and make your own bespoke bunch, plus their new menu is fab!

We also are loving the recently opened Natures Delight on the Fulham road, it has become our naughty weekend treat stop off for the most scrumptious dates stuffed with dulce de leche - need we say more?!

What have you missed about Fulham life during lockdown? Where do we begin, everything!.. The scramble for the last roast on a Sunday at Brooke House, the hungover faces at brunch on a Saturday morning in Megans, and even the overly crowded district line carriages on the morning commute. We’ve been so grateful for the downtime the past year has given us to focus on our new venture and have really tried to focus on the positives wherever possible, however we both cannot wait for some normality to kick in.

What local shop/service/business has helped make life easier during the pandemic? We are very lucky in Fulham to have lots of great, locally sourced, green grocers that we visit regularly whenever we need to source deliciously fresh ingredients for a new dish. This also means we’re able to avoid the crowded supermarkets which is another plus during these times! We also couldn’t survive without the numerous coffee shops that have remained open providing us with hot drinks to accompany our walks and yummy cakes and croissants to brighten our mornings. Despite the hard times everyone has a smile on their face, another reason we love living where we do!

If you could do one thing to improve Fulham what would it be? We really love a girls trip for afternoon tea, maybe that’s something a cafe or restaurant in Fulham could provide. If there already is one we would love to hear about it?

Tell us about The AC way and how it came to be.  The AC way is our lockdown baby, we decided when hospitality shut we wanted to make eating at home just as exciting, so we committed to upping our game in the kitchen and began to get creative. We started to share our favourite meals and healthy tips with our followers and it soon took off. We couldn’t be happier at how our community has grown and the connections we’ve made with other incredible foodies along the way. We both are really passionate about eating well and making it tasty with well sourced ingredients!

What advice would you give to someone who's thinking about starting a new venture? Just start. There is a saying “if its perfect to begin with then you started too late”. We are far from perfect and we are learning so much as we go on this exciting adventure. The first step is always the most daunting one, then you just have to get on with it and enjoy the process.

Spotlight 

URBAN VILLAGE LDN SHINES A LIGHT ON A DIFFERENT FULHAM BUSINESS EACH MONTH. IN THIS ISSUE WE TALK TO Lavinia Davolio, Founder of Lavolio Boutique Confectionery.

Lavolio was created by Lavinia after she lost her job during the banking crisis and decided it was time for a change. Swapping the trading floor of a large investment bank for her kitchen table in 2013 she began to make plans to start something new out of her passion for cooking. Lavolio a luxury Italian confectionery business, offering an alternative to a box of chocolates was born. “I was learning as I went along, I went to cookery school and it was while cooking that I came up with the idea for Lavolio: I was experimenting with sweet recipes when I thought of using a thin sugar-shell as a natural preservative. Inside these small shells, I could place pieces of fruit, whole nuts, jellies, coffee beans and different types of chocolate. I was then able to create lots of flavours, using spices and fruit zests – and textures, from crunchy to crumbly to soft, and that’s when I thought I was onto something really special. Everything was done at home on my kitchen table, in super small batches, and I began selling at food markets around London and got noticed because people had never tried anything like what I was offering before. My dream was to make better quality confectionery with proper ingredients, and to create a beautiful taste experience. We aim to WOW our customers with unusual flavours and luxury presentation: Lavolios are presented in specially designed metal boxes, which you will definitely want to keep”.

Lavina told Urban Village LDN more about their confectionery products “We sit at the opposite end of the mass-produced confectionery industry: all of our products are handmade in an artisanal fashion using premium ingredients. The way Lavolio is continuing to get noticed is by being unique in our product offerings with an experience which is carefully thought through. The customers see how much care and attention is given to the product. They are buying something that is handmade, that strives for quality and individuality, care with its presentation; we make sure every detail counts from start to finish”.

In late 2017 Lavina, who has been living in Fulham for 14 years, opened her first shop in Fulham, on Peterborough Road. “It was a dream come true to be able to open doors to our world into a real shop where we have the ability (pre-Covid!) to have tasting sessions and to meet our customers. We love the local area and the support we receive from local customers who always refer us to their friends. The shop is in a quaint location and it is where we also have our office, packing and storage area. The local community is hugely supportive, and there is a lot to be said about the brilliant support and networking opportunities that we have thanks to H&F Council”.

Lavinia told Urban Village LDN that “Lavolio is a made-up word that mixes my name and surname and also translates from my mother tongue, Italian, as ‘I want it’”. Today their range includes over 30 original flavours and the business has grown selling directly to retail from their flagship store in Parsons Green to corporate clients and wholesalers. Lavolio currently supply Fortnum & Mason, Partridges, British Museum and the V&A and over 200 independent stockists across the UK and international locations in Australia, Hong Kong and Kuwait. They have also supplied Buckingham Palace on different occasions.

We asked Lavinia how recent events had impacted on her business “when the lockdown started and we had to close our physical store, most of our wholesale customers also had to close (no more orders). We used to provide confectionery for weddings and events, and all of these are mostly cancelled”. Lavolio have continued to sell their products on line via their website “which is helping us to make up some of the lost business from having our shop closed. Every time I receive an internet order I am so happy I do a little dance!” Upstream which supports, connects entrepreneurs, businesses and academics in Hammersmith Fulham in partnership with H&F and Imperial College London has helped Lavinia by providing a great community for extra support during these challenging times. “I’m still learning, I am having to re-invent myself as a digital marketeer, learn about coding, analytics, sponsored products, changing algorithms, so many new exciting things. What’s the next thing? You never know we might end up on TikTok”. We’re staying tuned Lavina!

We recently placed an undercover order and the products were delivered to us quickly, they were well wrapped and we loved the packaging. The tins are exquisite and our order came with a beautiful handwritten thank you note and a voucher for a discount code on our next order. We haven’t taste tested Lavolio yet as the items we ordered were part of a goodie bag for a friends lockdown birthday but we will be heading back onto the Lavolio site soon to order some more sweet treats. With Easter coming up take a look at their website to see the entire product range and consider supporting local rather than a mass market brand. Follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ilovelavolio/

“This is an outstanding small business. Lavinia’s story is inspirational. Her confectionary is not only delicious but made to the highest standards with great ingredients. It is exquisitely packaged and customer service is perfect. I cannot recommend more highly.” - Judith Nugee, Fulham customer

Beyond the Hood

We met Lucy Land founder of ZuluCow about three years ago at a Lady Margaret School Christmas Fair. We were swept up by her energy, infectious personality and the passion for her business was immediately evident and undeniable. Lucy born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa started Zulucow after a family trip to South Africa in 2013. Up until that point Lucy had enjoyed a career as a TV producer for BBC sport in London and worked as a freelance camerawoman/producer for “Racing Post TV” but with a young family it was time to rethink her working life.

During that trip Lucy told Urban Village LDN “I was struck by the distinctive indigenous Nguni cowhides I noticed for sale on the side of the road. Excitedly, I bought an Nguni cowhide rug, bag and belt home. When I returned there was so much interest and they repeatedly attracted admiring glances and compliments back in the UK. I started making calls to South Africa and found a small co-operative of Zulu ladies and so Zulucow began.”

With few employment opportunities in rural South Africa and unemployment over 50% Lucy told us about the co-operative she works with and the lifeline it provides. Zulu women are renowned for their intricate beadwork and farmers wife Linell saw this as an opportunity to empower women who are often single parents and sole providers. Linell set up and runs a work shop where the women learn how to sew and develop their skills; cutting leather and sewing came naturally to them. Eight years later Zulucow’s orders have grown hugely and Lucy is still working with the same Zulu seamstresses: Nelly, Thandi, Gloria, Ma Philippine and Khanyi. They’ve grown together, created new styles, more contemporary versions of that first roadside bag that Lucy bought and new ranges including cowhide cushions and accessories. Lucy told us “I’m passionate about Southern Africa’s vibrant vibe; captivated by its beauty, rich cultural heritage and its fun-loving people. I created Zulucow out of a desire, to try and help create sustainable employment opportunities and skills development in rural communities where poverty is rife but where creativity abounds. On a trip back to South Africa Khanyi and Gloria, both single parents and sole providers, told me how key the jobs are for them to survive; put food on the table and pay the bills. I’m proud to boast that all our products are finely crafted by a team of craftswomen who work in good conditions and are paid above the average wage”.

From the very start Lucy talked to Linell about how Zulucow could give back and support the workers, their families above and beyond providing long term sustainable jobs. Profits from Zulucow purchases have supported the seamstresses in other ways: from they start they’ve bought stationery and school uniform for the children of the workers, donated school shoes and essentials, in 2020 thanks to sales of their “Multiway Clutch/Shoulder bag” they bought food parcels for Thandi, Nelly, Nomzamo, Bheki and the rest of the team who have found it especially tough feeding their families at this time and they have even donated much needed bras; a luxury and hard to find item in South Africa.

We loved talking to Lucy about the history behind the cowhides and the sustainability of Zulucow. The hides are derived from South Africa’s indigenous Nguni cattle introduced by Bantu speaking tribes. For centuries the Zulus traditionally and to this day have bred Ngunis for their attractive colouring and beautiful markings. The Nguni are part of a rich Zulu culture with cowhides being used for shields and ceremonial clothing. King Shaka of the Zulus bred specific colour patterns in his Niguni herds to produce skins for the different regiments of his army. His personal guard was distinguished by pure white cowhides and the more common black and white Nguni cowhides were worn by lesser Zulu warriors; helping identify who was in command in battle. We loved hearing from Lucy that the hides are given different names according to their distinctive patterns which help identify them including “ flies in butter” ad “eggs of sky lark”.

Bred primarily as a source of protein to eat nothing in South Africa goes to waste with the hides a natural and ethical by product of the meat industry. The Zulus are deriving an income from the Nguni, as a result of jobs created not only in crafting but also in tanning. Lucy hand selects each hide in a small tannery and every part is used to make sure nothing is wasted; off cuts are used for key rings, purses and smaller items. “With an increased concern for the sustainability and provenance of what we buy, I’m proud to say that Zulucows range are made of by-products of a traditional food industry in South Africa. One of the core brand values of Zulucow; is that all our cowhide rugs and cowhide products are sustainable, made to last and don’t impact the environment”. Lucy told us this is not the case in Brazil where cattle are farmed for their skins on vast ranches created by cutting down the Amazon rainforest to fulfil demand for fast fashion.

Over the years Lucy has added to the product range including beautiful beaded items which she first bought from Nyvasha on a visit to Johannesburg; where her husband is from. Whilst visiting her Mother in law she saw other artisans selling from the side of the road and was taken by the incredible craftmanship of Nyvasha’s beaded animals, wall art and animal heads. On her return home they proved to be very popular items at Christmas Fairs in the UK and their sales continue to support Nyvasha and his family including his two sons Brendan and Brilliant.

Lucy told us I have bought things I loved and other people loved them as much as I did, I am so passionate about Zulucow and the artisans. I can ‘s wait to see the ladies, their children, to talk about new lines and on going work with all the seamstresses. I’m always bowled over by their warmth and their gratitude for Zulucow’s growing orders and hearing how much every little thing helps. I’m energised by people and all our products are so tactile, customers need to touch and feel them. I can’t wait to be back talking directly to consumers and telling them the story behind the products”. Zulucow will be taking part in Spirit of Christmas this year which takes place on 1 - 7 November so if you’re planning on attending do find Lucy’s stand and say hello. In the meantime you can find our more on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zulucowbylucy/ or you can head to the Zulucow website