What’s New & Happening in Fulham

What’s New

Torono Bakery

Torono Pastry is a new artesian bakery, pastry and dessert shop located at 207 Munster Road. This independent shop bakes all their own pastries and desserts in house daily which means that not only are all their products hand made but also incredibly fresh. Tarek at Torono told Urban Village LDN “we bake with love and only use organic cane sugar. Our customers can watch us making the pastries through the glass wall which looks into our kitchen and we treat everyone as special guests, that is why we have cosy chairs, we want them to feel comfortable and welcome to stay and talk with us. Our barista Katya shares the Tonoro spirit preparing drinks which are all made with organic milk, our coffee beans are medium roasted and come from the famous Minas Gerais in Brazil giving our espresso, lattes and cappuccinos a rich earthy semi sweet taste with very low acidity on the tongue”.

Torono’s range of baked deliciousness includes banana bread, fruity muffins, cookies, coconut Macaroons and savoury croissants. They also bake and sell various kinds of Frangipane (Pear, Cherry, Peach, Apricot, Blueberry), a selection of tarts and cakes including: Strawberry Bavarian, Triple Chocolate Bavarian, Swedish Mazarin cake. They have proper American Brownies with walnuts and chocolate topping and for focaccia lovers, made in store and also used for their sandwiches: Ham and Brie, Smoked Norwegian Salmon and Roasted Veggies with Humus. We had to ask about their signature product called the Torono Ball, Tarek told us "it is the invention of our chef Alaa a biscuit puffy dough with a filling of caramelized Almond”.

Tarek told us how he and Alaa met each other and how Torono came to be “We met a long time ago in Norway, I used to travel there for business and we met at a party and stayed in touch. I always admired Alaa for his pastry craftmanship. After he graduated with Honors and got his Pastry and Baking Art Management diploma from Humber College, Toronto, Canada, he decided to move back to Europe and settle in London. Originally, Alaa was going to drive this new venture alone but I was living in London. I love the way he bakes, the commitment he has toward quality, the joy he has in his eyes when baking, we talked and decided to start the Torono Pastry adventure together. We fell in love with Munster Village, we never feel like we’re at work here, we are enjoying getting to know our local customers, feel part of the community, very lucky to have our little shop and to have received such positive feedback”.

Fulham Pier

Safe to say that most of us know about the building work going on at Fulham FC; if you’re an Alphabet Street resident you can’t have missed the comings and goings on Stevenage Road. But did you know that Craven Cottage is no longer going to be just about football, and that a feedback group has been created so locals can help define the experience. Fulham Pier got in touch with Urban Village LDN as they want locals to get involved and have their say about this leisure destination for the local community to enjoy all year round. The space will include restaurants, events, a gym, cafes, experiences and entertainment.

The team behind this new development want to ensure that the customer experience is shaped by locals so they’ve created Fulham Pier Insiders, “a place for locals to have their say, a direct line to the decision-makers designing Fulham Pier”. Insiders will get first sight of some of the great things happening behind the scenes and exclusive updates, previews and invites. There will be prize draws and the option to get involved in some paid research along the way. We’ve signed up already, the rooftop pool got our attention, and you know we always like to stay in the know and can’t be the only ones pleased to see the river front being opened up and available to all.

West 4th

Last month West 4th, a brunch restaurant and wine bar, inspired by the Canadian West Coast opened it’s doors in Parsons Green. Friends and Fulham locals Livia Boumeester and Louisa Stevenson-Hamilton, are behind this new foodie destination. Having left corporate jobs to move to Vancouver in 2019, they were enamoured by elements of ‘West 4th Avenue’ on the Canadian coast, a renowned destination for socialising and dining, working both front and back of house in the Canadian hospitality industry gave the pair the inspiration to recreate this in London. Sitting on the spot where Tell Your Friends used to be, West 4th has space for 60 covers for morning brunch and evolves into a relaxed wine and charcuterie bar at night.

Louisa Stevenson-Hamilton, co-founder of West 4th told Urban Village LDN "We've both lived in Fulham for years and couldn't imagine starting West 4th anywhere else. We love the area and have received huge local support already which is incredible to see. On our travels, we came to love and recognise Vancouver’s West 4th as a prime hotspot for people of all ages to socialise, whatever time of day and evening. We’re excited to bring something new, while complementing the incredible offerings that Parsons Green already has.”

The Vancouver inspired venue brings unique takes on quintessential Canadian staples, such as a Breakfast Poutine, consisting of cooked poached eggs, fried potatoes, cheese curds, maple bacon lardons, topped with hollandaise sauce. Other brunch favourites and hero dishes include pancake and waffle stacks, with variations such as ‘Campfire S’mores’ and ‘Lockdown-Style Banana Bread’ with maple sauteed bananas, whipped coconut yoghurt and gooey chunks of banana bread. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available, and healthy dishes such as the açai bowl also complement the menu. All dishes are overseen by their head chef and newcomer Joseph Berney. Impressively at the age of 22 Berney has already held roles at prestigious restaurants such as Scott’s and Clipstone, and was previously head pastry chef at Bowley’s at The Plough, in Kent. As well as a place to dine, collaborate and unwind, West 4th’s downstairs space will double up as an event space to hold wine tasting events and is available to hire.

We haven’t been to West 4th for brunch but we did go in to check out the charcuterie boards and wines on offer; undercover of course! Whilst we initially found the wine list prices slightly eye watering we managed to find a delicious and budget friendly Pinot from the Loire Valley which was doable for a mid week catch up. They of course have a nice selection of Canadian wines which we’re told can’t be found in any other London restaurants. We also sampled a meat and cheese platter which featured a selection of farmhouse cheeses and cured meats with crackers, smoked olives, cornichons and an apricot chutney. The meats were so tender and delicious, the chutney exceptional and the platter was well priced and there are GF options! We will definitely be heading back here - it’s a lovely, relaxing place to catch up with friends, not too noisy, a peaceful vibe for a chilled night out where you can actually hear yourselves speak and not have to compete with background music or the noise of a crowded pub. We’re looking forward to trying brunch too!

Supper Club at The KAF Cafe

The KAF café at 188 Wandsworth Bridge Road is launching their ‘Around the World in 80 Toasties’ supper club this November. Celebrating the cuisine of a different country each month, the pre-book only events consist of a welcome cocktail followed by a four course dinner starring a specially created “Well Posh Toastie” for which their renowned.

The first supper club will kick off on 10 + 11 November and celebrate the cuisine of Argentina. Spaces will be limited with communal seating so if this is an issue make sure you let them know when you book. Sounds like such a fun event and we wish sisters / owners Alexandrina & Annabelle every success. No doubt tickets (£35 pp) will sell out fast so best be quick and either pop in to book your spot or contact The KAF Cafe through their website (see below) or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thekaflarder/?hl=en

If you want to read more about this local independent cafe serving great quality batch roasted artisan coffee, awesome toasties and tasty homemade baked goods. You can find our previous feature here https://www.urbanvillageldn.com/whats-new-dec-2020?rq=the%20kaf%20larder

What’s Happening

Michelin chef residency announced at Bridge Baker

Bridge Baker got in touch with Urban Village LDN to tell us that they’re “super excited to announce that Dan of @TallPastryDan Instagram fame is collaborating with” them. Dan a Fulham local and a Michelin-starred pastry chef was deemed to be the “best pastry chef in the whole world” by his grandmother when he was seven years old. Since then, Daniel has spent over 22 years in the world’s top pastry kitchens including the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm and a decade leading the pastry team at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, part of the Fat Duck family. Dinner went on to be a World Top Ten restaurant for three consecutive years and won two Michelin Stars.

Originally from Sweden, Daniel has hung up his restaurant kitchen apron and is bringing top class cakes, pastries and desserts to Fulham and beyond. Tall Pastry Chef Dan (he is 6ft 8 after all!) is partnering with Bridge Baker on seasonal cakes as well as offering his own bespoke service which includes dinner party treats, memorable wedding cakes & everything in-between. All with one simple mission - it should just taste great. Dan told Urban Village LDN “After a decade leading two star kitchens and living in Fulham for 13 years, I’m proud and excited to partner with Gauri and focus on delicious cakes and desserts in Bridge Baker, a fantastic local bakery”.

You can see Dan’s creations on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tallpastrydan/?hl=en and his bespoke cakes, wedding cakes can be ordered on the link below alternatively pop into the Bridge Baker to find out more.

Nayaab celebrates their 40th anniversary

On the weekend of Saturday 13 + Sunday 14 November Nayaab Fulham celebrates it’s 40th anniversary. This family run business invites you to join in the celebrations on Saturday 13 between 12-4pm when you can enjoy cakes, their house blend Karak chai, Artisanal Indian cocktails and 25% off all their new small plates and salads. On Sunday 14 between 6-11pm (guest list only) there will be canapes & nibbles, a fully licenced bar, live music, entertainment and a Henna artist. DM via Insta for more information https://www.instagram.com/nayaabfulham/?hl=en-gb

You can read more about Nayaab Fulham here https://www.urbanvillageldn.com/spotlight-sept?rq=nayaab from their early days in Chelsea to their move to Fulham in 1986 where they have remained ever since.

Fulham Camerata Returns

The Fulham Camerata comeback concert will take place on Remembrance Sunday 14 November (7.00 pm) at Holy Cross Church, Ashington Road, tickets on the door (£12 / Concession £10 and under 16’s free). Formed in September 2007 Fulham Camerata is an amateur chamber choir, supported by an ensemble of semi professionals, spanning all age groups and various nationalities, led by music director, Harry Castle. As Judith Nugée, the choir chair reflected, it’s not only about the immensely enjoyable singing to the Fulham community but also about the community within Fulham Camerata itself, all of us longstanding believers in our slogan that ‘the joy of singing is what binds us together’.

With a six piece string ensemble, Fulham Camerata will sing Fauré’s beautiful Requim, which we’ve been told is “full of joy and optimism and dominated from beginning to end by Fauré’s great faith in eternal rest and consolation. Despite the sombre theme this Requiem has a different take on death and looks upon it as a happy deliverance to quote Fauré himself “My Requiem wasn’t written for anything - just for pleasure, if I may call it that!”.

The Requiem will be coupled with another Fauré work, Cantique de Jean Racine, “literally a Chant by Jean Racine, derived from a Latin hymn for matins and composed when Fauré was only 19 for a composition competition; it won him first prize! The two works are often performed together and their individual styles show similarities”.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FULHAM CAMERATA HERE: https://www.fulhamcamerata.com/

SAVE THE DATE: Fulham Camerata’s Christmas Concert takes place on Sunday 12 December (6.00 pm) at Holy Cross Church; extracts from Handel’s Messiah by candlelight

Lady Margaret School Christmas Market returns to the school

As the fundraising opportunities changed due to Covid Lady Margaret School’s PTA took things online and created a Christmas Market, an online Gift Shop where you could buy gifts and sweet treats. “It proved such a hit we have kept it going. Our stock is constantly changing so check in regularly and with the arrival of the new school year, we have a renewed intention and purpose - no matter what the current landscape throws our way, we want to continue to find ways to celebrate our community”.

Lady Margaret School are delighted to be able to open their doors again to the local community and will host their Christmas Market on Saturday 27 November from 10am to 3 pm. Funds raised will mean the LMS PTA are able to continue funding the school library refurbishment which will feature a mental health and wellbeing initiative.”

SAVE THE DATE: Couture Collective Open Day, Sat 4 Dec

The Couture Collective located at 659 Fulham Road are holding their Christmas Open Day on Sat 4 December between 10 - 4pm. The makers at the studio will be there and look forward to meeting you, it’s a great opportunity to see their workspaces and what they make. You can enjoy some festive refreshments whilst Christmas shopping locally and picking up some hand crafted purchases.

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 Tatum Greig from wreaths by tatum

How long have you called Fulham home? I've lived in Fulham for two years now. Previously I've lived all over London (I've actually moved house a grand total of 26 times) but Fulham is definitely the place that I call home now.

Tell us a bit about yourself / your family My partner and I live in Fulham together in Munster Village, with some of my family located in North London, and the rest scattered across the world. By trade, I'm an influencer marketing specialist day to day, and a seasonal wreath making fanatic in the winter months. Sometimes it makes me feel like Father Christmas!

What’s your favourite local haunt and why? There are so many great local haunts, but I can break it down into day and night. By day, I love The Crabtree for a pint and lunch in the sun by the river, and by night I love Pappa Ciccia on Munster Road for a tasty picante pizza!

What is your slice of Fulham heaven and why? I love The Local at the Palace for coffee and a browse of their beautiful veggies, followed by a walk down the river through Bishops Park. I also love Luna Stein for beautiful seasonal flowers!

What did you miss about Fulham life during lockdown? I moved into Fulham just a couple of months before lockdown started, so I didn't get much of a taste for the area before everything was temporarily shut down. Instead, I'd like to think about what I loved during the lockdown in the area. I loved the community spirit, the friendly socially distanced smiles in passing and getting to know my neighbours and the people on my street. I've never gotten to know my neighbours living in any other area in London before, and believe this makes Fulham unique.

What local shop/service/business helped make life easier during the pandemic? I loved being able to visit Parsons Nose during lockdown, picking up delicious meats to make at home. I've always loved cooking, but it was definitely an escape for me during lockdown.

If you could do one thing to improve Fulham what would it be? I wish the Saturday market in Bishops Park would come back, as that was my slice of heaven before it was suspended!

Tell us about Wreaths by Tatum and how it came to be I've always been a Christmas fanatic, and spend around 11 months of the year looking forward to Christmas. I started making wreaths during the last winter lockdown to give myself an excuse to have decorations all over my house and a wreath on my door from the beginning of November, which evolved into a positive side hustle. Wreaths by Tatum was then born, and it was such a success that I couldn't not bring it back this year! I'm naturally creative and love using my hands. Having studied Fine Art at college, wreath making was the best way for me to combine my love for creativity and Christmas into a successful seasonal passion project.

What advice would you give to people starting a new business venture/ side hustle? Find what you're genuinely passionate about and let your side hustle grow from there, what is meant to be will be!

Our wreaths, made in Fulham, are made to order and personalised however you’d like, dressed using a variety of luxury items such as natural fresh Fraser fir pine and sustainably sourced game feathers and pine cones. Don’t forget, a wreath is also the perfect way to bring a winter scent to your home, which can be done by adorning it with cinnamon, dried citrus fruits, eucalyptus, cardamom and star anise, to name a few.  As each wreath is made lovingly by hand to order, pre-orders are currently being taken with a two to three week lead time, and cost anywhere from £55 to £65 plus postage. These wreaths can also be delivered by hand using contact free delivery if the address is located within Fulham. See more designs here https://www.instagram.com/wreathsbytatum/

Beyond the Hood

Cocktail hour

We met mixologist Warren McEvoy when he was brought on board to advise and create the cocktail list for Bishops Bar (Fulham Palace Road). Warren, formerly a Fulham resident, has worked in hospitality for over 20 years and told Urban Village LDN “I’ve done the full array working for different pubs, bars and clubs over the years, learning a lot along the way”. A holiday in Cyprus led to a 2 year stay where Warren talked to the owner of the bar he was working in about some ideas he had for different cocktails and ways to improve what they were offering. The owner gave him the go ahead and a new cocktail menu was created with six brand new bespoke cocktails. This, combined with lockdown and all that has happened to the hospitality industry during the pandemic, led to a forced pause for thought and Warren’s “eureka moment” out of which Inspire and Create Cocktails was born.

So with the festive party season looking like it’s back on this year, if you need a private mixologist at home for a party / event or if you’re a bar / restaurant owner in need of some inspirational cocktails to spice up your current list, Warren’s your man. Whatever the size of the “at home” event Inspire and Create Cocktails offer a full service from working with you to create a cocktail list of your choice through to staffing for the night. The service they offer is tailored to requirements (minimum booking two hours) and small events (up to 20 guests) mean you get an economical option with Warren as you personal mixologist advising on quantities for all the ingredients required, alcohol, grenadine, sugar etc and they organise a team of mixologists for larger scale events and plan everything needed for the whole night: menu, glasses, ice, staff, purchase of ingredients etc either way be it an event for 20 guests or 200, Inspire and Create Cocktails will keep the drinks flowing!

Inspire and Create Cocktails also devise cocktail menus for pubs & bars and this is what Warren did working alongside Nigel the owner of Bishops Bar. They talked about price points, what could be done to make the cocktail list less generic by adding some innovative, bespoke specials to suit the venue's clientele and can also design, create and print the cocktail menus. We like how Warren also brings provenance into the cocktail offer which is something we love and got into ourselves during lockdown for example the Espresso Martini’s invention in 90s London. Warren is always creating new cocktails from his “Pinkie Promise”, exclusive to Bishops Bar, and we love his shooters for the recent Euros which represented the colours of the different teams playing. We’ve been keeping an eye on the new signature cocktails Warren has been creating for Autumn / Winter; the first one released this weekend “Spice Chilean Sea” using chillies looks stunning and is up for exclusive grabs. Inspire and Create Cocktails have more in the pipeline so give them a follow on Instagram https://instagram.com/inspireandcreatecocktails?utm_medium=copy_link to see what creations they’ll be revealing next. If you’d like to get in touch with Warren to find out more about a private mixologist, to discuss your event or to give your venue some cocktail inspiration DM on Instagram or message on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/inspireandcreatecocktails

STOP PRESS: For gin lovers looking to try a new gin or a gift for a gin connoisseur / collector Warren has been made the exclusive UK distributor for Copenhagen Gin. The team in Denmark got in touch after noticing his cocktail creations on Instagram and asked him to represent them in the UK. Copenhagen Gin can’t be bought in store and is currently only available via the UK website / online store and is currently exclusively served at Bishops Bar. A few miniatures found their way to the UVL team so we were lucky enough to taste test CP gin with a touch of herbs and touch of orange. We’re huge fans of an orange gin at Christmas (slice of orange + a cinnamon stick festive perfection) and Copenhagen Gin’s version is subtly sublime, not too overpowering like some of the other brands we’ve tried. Head to their website on the link below to find out more.