What’s New, On & Happening in Fulham

What’s New

Foxden Burgers

Foxden is a new British burger restaurant which opened at 24 Jerdan Place last month and is owned and run by Paul Foxon. Paul and his wife Claire have been Fulham residents for the last 10 years. We spoke to Claire to find out more about this new venture. “Paul has been in the hospitality industry for over ten years and worked in many high end places including The Ritz, Boisdale of Belgravia and The English Grill at Rubens at the Palace Hotel.  Paul has always been obsessed with promoting, supporting and showcasing the very best of British produce. Having been brought up in the midlands on a cattle farm, the idea of provenance, sustainability, high animal welfare and supporting British farmers was so important to him. After working for others and wanting to try and go it alone, we looked at various sites in South West London. When we found what is now Foxden, we couldn’t believe our luck, very close to our home as well as many of our London friends”

We love that the restaurant’s name is a play on Paul and Claire’s surname, Foxon, and that they wanted the space to be homely “like a Fox Den” they eventually chose the name Foxden as they “though it sounded very British but not too obvious”. We also love their strap line “British burgers no fuss” and having taken a good look at their menu that certainly sounds the case with their classic dry aged grass fed British Beef burgers but there’s also room to make more adventurous choices with for example their signature Foxden burger: slow braised pulled beef cheek, with truffle cheese sauce, rocket and caramelised onion jam. They also have a vegan black bean and mushroom option and a chicken burger with garlic and herb mayonnaise. They’ve just added a new special, a Venison Burger, red wine braised venison shoulder, served with roasted broccoli and Stilton sauce.

All sounds very mouth-watering - we’ll be heading over soon to check it out and wish Claire and Paul the very best with their new venture.

Becky Blooms

Fulham resident Rebecca Cutts has being selling fresh cut flowers and indoor/outdoor plants for 9 years on her North End Road stall. Many of you might already be familiar with Becky Blooms but did you know that this month the doors to her first shop will be opening? Becky and her partner Vlad have combined their passion for flowers and good coffee respectively and will be opening a coffee bar and a floral studio. Visitors will be able to see floral arrangements in progress whilst enjoying an artisan coffee and perhaps be tempted to enjoy a cake to go with?

The shop will be opening in a listed building on Jerdan Place mid-October. Becky told us “I started the business so I could combine work with raising a family. Floristry had already been a hobby, I’d also done some training at college and got some experience at a friends shop in Knightsbridge. I’m the fourth generation family member to have had a stall on the North End Road, my Great Grandfather and grandparents had a stall and my family have sold everything to Fulham locals, from fish to plants. We’ve dreamed of having a permanent base and can’t wait to welcome people to our new shop. We hope there will be a nice buzz with seating outside, a courtyard and we’re in the process of choosing the right coffee working with relatives of growers in Brazil who have their own family farm. We know that customers are making more conscious and ethical decisions with their choice of coffee so that is going to be very important in our decision making process”. We can’t wait for the doors to open so we check the shop and the coffee out.

Luxury home baking kits

If like us you’ve had your fill of banana bread, THE lockdown staple, and you don’t consider yourself a potential candidate for Bake Off how about switching your baking skills up a notch with the help of a luxury baking kit? BakesterBox was founded in July this year by Fulham resident Tamsin Robinson, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef who, after almost a decade of creating delicious cakes and patisserie for private and corporate clients, wanted to share her skills and equip others with the tools and knowledge to create fabulous bakes too. Kits to mix things up include apple and olive oil loaf cake, lemon drizzle, blond chocolate, pistachio and cardamon cookies; sounds easy and the perfect solution for us average bakers. Place your order (free Fulham delivery), wait for the kit to arrive then head to the website for tutorials; if you need a bit of a visual step by step guide before you get the apron on and get creative. No fancy mixer required!

Tamsin told Urban Village LDN “I created BakesterBox with the aim of sharing my love of baking by providing an experience as well as a truly delicious treat. I had been a cake-maker for years, but decided to embark on formal French Patisserie training in 2019 at Le Cordon Bleu. I graduated in March this year, and planned to work in a pastry kitchen of a 5* hotel, but lockdown struck and just like that my plans were scuppered. As an outlet to share my passion from home, I began writing recipes for an online magazine and sharing more recipes on social media. I soon realised that although readers had the best intentions with baking, they either didn't have the right ingredients or equipment at home - nor the time/ability to go out and find them - and as a result their bakes were not turning out quite right. So, I decided to create BakesterBox to allow and encourage others to bake at home by taking the hassle and guess-work out of baking.”.

Tamsin has curated each BakesterBox to contain the finest pre-measured, quality ingredients, baking equipment and tools used by professional pastry kitchen “to provide a hassle-free home backing experience. I want to dispel the myth that some people 'can't bake'. Everyone can bake - they just need the correct ingredients, in the correct measurements! I curate each kit with professional-quality ingredients, such as high-fat butters and gourmet chocolates. You will really notice the difference in flavour! I hope those who use my kits find the baking experience remarkably easy, hassle-free and therapeutic”. There’s a letterbox subscription coming soon and we think that would make a great gift! Imagine a kit arriving through the letterbox on a Thursday or Friday just in time for some weekend baking.

READER OFFER: get 20% off your first order when you use code URBANBAKESTER

New Management for The Fulham House

Lockdown gave some Fulham businesses the opportunity to have a makeover so they could come back bigger and better. The Fulham House (762 Fulham Road) is one local eatery that has done just that following a rethink and a refresh. The new team told us “we’ve transformed the inside and out to reflect our change in management, staff and service offering”. The interior has a new timber feature wall that runs up the ceiling, hanging plants, wicker mirrors and leather bench seating. The new team at The Fulham House hope that “comfortable couches, new lighting and pedestrian-watching spots make it hard to leave – especially after a few drinks”. We think the exterior looks fantastic after a fresh coat of paint, the installation of new awnings, some bright eye catching planting thanks to Fulham’s Jazz Flowers by Dansk and a new seating area with overhead heating to see them into and through the autumn/winter months.

This European inspired all day dinning restaurant let us know that they are serving “Fulham’s Only Unlimited Bottomless Brunch”. They told Urban Village LDN “as the pandemic continues to cripple our hospitality industry, the team at The Fulham House wanted to help local businesses and customers enjoy themselves in a safe and low-cost way”. Their unlimited Bottomless Brunch runs from 12-5pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and their 2 for 1 cocktails are served all day every day. “We’ve chosen seven of our most delicious breakfast and brunch dishes to accompany unlimited cocktails such as Aperol Spritz, Mimosas, Bellini’s, Bloody Mary’s and Prosecco. This is a first for Fulham, as no other restaurant in the area has a similar offering. I’m really excited to be welcoming locals” said Leia, General Manager.

They have a brand new Autumn Cocktails list which we can’t wait to check out! “As the autumn nights are drawing in and we say a sad farewell to summer, it only seems right to release a brand-new autumn cocktail menu coupled with an inventive list of dessert cocktails. Our new female management duo, both Fulham residents, are cocktail mixologists and have introduced some deliciously boozy beverages such as Liquid Tiramisu, Mocha Martini and Chocolat a l’orange just to name a few. We’re also preparing a new European-inspired sharing menu with small plates and platters from the land, sea and garden,” said Leia, General Manager. “The new menu is inspired by our owner’s European roots, with a mix of Spanish, Mediterranean and Greek dishes”.

As well as trying out some of their cocktails we’ve got our eye on their Halloumi and Quinoa salad and the bottomless brunch is looking very tempting at £19.99 per person with choices including pancakes, eggs royale and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and avo. The Fulham House caters for vegans, vegetarians and food allergies with additional measures to ensure the restaurant is COVID-safe. A new ventilation and extraction system has recently been installed, staff wear face coverings, tables are sanitised after each customer and they have hand sanitiser on arrival.

To book a table at The Fulham House call 020 7610 6935 or email myfulhamhouse@gmail.com

What’s Happening

The Daisy Trust Fair goes online: 30 Nov/1 Dec

We spoke to Jackie Lee, Chairman of The Daisy Trust who talked to Urban Village LDN about how this organisation’s work makes such a difference at grass roots level within the Hammersmith & Fulham community. During the pandemic the way in which they are structured as a Trust means they have been able to take action quickly to help support charitable groups, organisations and people who were often already distanced and displaced before COVID-19. “Our community has had the hardest time we’ve ever seen and that has been shown by the overwhelming amount of grant requests we’ve received from supporting school children with technology to the basic need for food.”.

The Daisy Trust Fair is the single biggest annual fund raiser and Jackie told us that “without it we can’t help the community with the meaningful work we do. Often it’s the things you don’t see that make a difference to this borough. Our supporters know and love us and we have a wonderful community who come together not to make money but to raise funds to help others. We feel our Fair is distinguishable from others as it has a real sense of purpose other than shopping. We have loyal Daisy stall holders who’ve joined us for many years and we continued to receive requests from them to join either a live or virtual event”.

In the current climate and with many stall holders still shielding The Daisy Trust took the decision to go online as they felt they could pivet and adapt to deliver a successful event that will continue to raise funds for the community. They are about to launch a new web-site where virtual fair goers will be able to access stall holders, shop by individual brands or by category.

“As you can imagine, many of our Beneficiaries are facing a very difficult time at the moment and we expect this to continue for the remainder of the year due to the impact of COVID-19.  To help our community as quickly as we can in these extraordinary circumstances we have given over £8,000 recently, including: £2000 to help isolated, particularly elderly people in the borough through the delivery of 3000 meals per week, £1720 to help at risk children connect with support remotely through the provision of tablets and keyboards, £500 to fund the purchase of phones for the homeless so they can maintain contact when drop in centres are closed, £600 to fund coffee machines in Charing Cross Hospital for staff use when cafes were still closed, £1500 to help homeless people at Hope Gardens Hostel and £1000 to help fund tablets for patients and staff at Royal Marsden”.

So Save the Date and stay tuned! There will be more information to come, no doubt some exciting details to be revealed and you know we’ll be updating you in our November issue. You can now also follow The Daisy Trust on their recently established Instagram account.

Fulham Boys School build nears completion

Construction work is nearing completion at the permanent home of The Fulham Boys School, near Fulham Broadway. The onset of Covid meant that the school’s move from its temporary home in West Kensington move was delayed, but  800 boys and 70 staff are preparing to relocate over the Christmas break, in time for the start of the new term in January. 

The FBS Chairman, and one its Founders, Alex Wade, says “Our permanent home is truly equipped to bring out the best in every boy who walks through its gates. I am convinced it will be quickly established as a Fulham landmark - and not just for our boys. I hope it will become a venue to serve all in our community who are excited by the school’s three pillars: the Christian faith, raising achievement for boys and enterprise.”

The school wants to share its facilities with the community and its commitment to enterprise means it wants to build relationships with a wide range of local businesses. To see how you can get involved, visit https://www.fulhamboysschool.org/digitalmagazine/

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 Stefania Indelicato, Director of Ambersouk Jewellery

How long have you called Fulham home?

Fulham has been my home since summer of 2000. Begrudgingly moving to a new area, from only neighbouring South Kensington, I never thought I would ever get used to it… let alone fall in love with it and make it my family home. 

Tell us a bit about yourself/and your family.

I am a bit of a nomad at heart! I am three quarters Italian and one quarter Eritrean, born in Eritrea and brought up in Sudan with many nuances of a third culture kid.  I came to London in 1987 to attend university and never left.  Fell in love with a boy from Philly and three girls later, London has now become home.  But Africa still very much holds a big part of my heart.  I miss the magic and warmth of its people

What’s your favourite local haunt and why?  

I love Lillie Road, a long stretch of road filled with gorgeous antique shops and iconic George! Everyone knows George, a wonderful antique dealer and long standing friend who always inspires me with stories form his modelling days and the love for perspex furniture, a passion we both share. I also love the local charity shops, I always manage to find some treasure or other.  

What is your slice of Fulham heaven and why?

Apart from the gardens of Fulham Palace where my favourite ancient oak tree resides, North End Road is also my slice of Fulham heaven.  It is where I get to feel a bit of home! It's where I can buy special foods that I can’t otherwise find, it’s where I can get to chat in Arabic with the shopkeepers and if I am lucky, it's where I can sometimes hear Umm Kulthum playing in the background (one of the greatest female Arab singers) … all food for my soul. 

What have you missed about Fulham life during the pandemic?

Having a morning coffee with my friend at Local Hero, it was our daily routine since the longest time and just missed seeing people.  Human connections are everything.  Missed seeing all the local traders, the buzzy team at Seed, lovely Omar from Quirky Gadgets, the Health Food shop … Fulham just felt deserted, quite surreal!

What local shop/service/business has helped make life easier during the pandemic?

The shops on North End Road were brilliant, they had all the essentials that were missing from the supermarkets. Eggs, pasta, flour and toilet paper aplenty!

If you could do one thing to improve Fulham what would it be?  .

Remove parking zones.

Tell us about Ambersouk and how it came to be. 

Ambersouk Jewellery was born out of a love affair with jewellery that began a long time ago. Since I can recall as a young girl, I would spend many a Friday with my mama venturing to Omdurman souk (market) in Sudan in search of treasures and unique objects that belonged to the past. Intrigued by their stories and captivated by the thrill of discovering new pieces that could then be given a new breath of life, the passion to create jewellery with a story began. I now create recharmed and fine jewellery inspired by the magic and mysticm of the souk. Through the jewellery I create, I try to share some of that magic and keep special memories and stories alive.  I also love to transform and reimagine old heirloom pieces into new contemporary designs and allow their story to continue.   

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of starting their own enterprise? 

Be passionate about what you want to do. Speak to whoever you can in that field and learn about every aspect of your enterprise.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember that everything is possible if you put your heart and mind to it. Be prepared to work hard, but if you are passionate then it is not really hard work :) 

What top tip do you always give about accessorizing/choosing a piece of jewellery? 

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Mix metals, yellow gold with sliver or rose gold with black gold, pair chunky with finer jewellery.  Play with layering necklaces and rings so you can enjoy wearing more than a piece at a time. Don’t be afraid to be bold.  And more importantly don’t wait for that special occasion to wear an important piece of jewellery, enjoy it as much as you can. 

https://www.instagram.com/ambersoukjewellery/?hl=en

What’s On

Apple Day: Sunday 4

This much loved, annual family event at Fulham Palace is still taking place this year on Sunday 4 October (11 am - 3 pm). Government guidelines will be adhered to and although there will be no baking competition there will be delicious cakes from the Palace cafe and food stands taking part in the event. Entry is free although you may have to queue with social distancing in place. This annual apple day celebration will take place in the palace’s beautiful walled garden and has something for all ages: live folk music, beekeeping, green woodworking, garden tours, children’s activities, food & crafts market come rain or shine. There’s a great raffle too so don’t forget to pick up a ticket - £2 each or 3 for £5 - with prizes including privately catered family style dinner for four by Pomegranate Kitchen, brunch hamper from Sam’s Larder, pizza dinner at Bridge Baker including wine, Apple & Olive Oil Loaf cake baking kit from Bakester Box and walled garden preserves from Fulham Palace.

PS Did you know that Fulham Palace’s museum, shop and historic rooms have also re opened? There’s an on line booking system to pre book your time slot and a one way system in place.

Fulham Farmers Market: every Weds & Sat

This farmers market started running at St John’s Church, North End Road in February and kept going throughout lockdown. From Wednesday 7 October they will now be open every Wednesday as well as Saturday . The organisers told Urban Village LDN “the idea behind opening bi-weekly is that our customers are always able to get their hands on the freshest, naturally-grown produce in town — everything is freshly picked, caught or made for the market!”.

The Wednesday market will have essentials and more with a variety of stalls selling produce “the Fish Stall sells fish direct from day boats - all fish at Wednesday’s market will be Tuesday’s catch, meaning all the fish will have been in the ocean on Tuesday - can’t get any fresher than that!”. Their meat farmer, Pick’s Organic, sell grass-fed, slow-grown organic meat, as well as cooking up breakfast rolls (egg, bacon, sausage and onion) and the market organisers said there will soon be a butcher on this stall too. You can buy fresh fruit and veg direct from the producers, ready made classic dishes from Le Petit Moulin Traiteur including Confit Duck, Coq au vin and Beef Bourginon, handmade organic bread from Aston’s Bakehouse who use heritage grain and traditional methods, Chegworth juices and we’re told they have “some of the best cheese & charcuterie from the UK, Ireland, Greece & France”.

The market organisers told us that they follow government regulations “restricting people to groups of six, asking people to keep their distance, restricting numbers if we feel the market is getting too crowded, recommend those who are not eating to wear masks and we are track & tracing for everyone who chooses to sit for a bite to eat or a drink. Also, it’s much safer to shop in an open air environment than in a supermarket”.

As well as being able to check out the fresh, naturally grown produce on offer you can enjoy a range of street food on sale from Mexican to dumplings. The Fulham Farmers Market opening hours are 9 am - 2.30pm every Wednesday and Saturday.

Learn to make your own jewellery in Parsons Green

Jessica Pass is a designer/maker and Royal College of Art Alumni who recently got in touch with Urban Village LDN to tell us about the jewellery classes she offers at her home in Fulham. You can “dip your toe in” and go along for an afternoon where you will learn a brief history of the process of lost wax casting. Jess will teach you about the process and guide you through carving a small piece which can then be cast and polished up in a metal of your choice so you can keep and wear your first creation. You can also “make a day of it” and give yourself time to try to create something more ambitious. Jess can also organise a catered lunch with bubbly to make the experience even more memorable; something that you could share with friends. If you’re planning your big day you can learn how to make your own truly unique wedding bands or there is a parent and child class to create something to treasure forever with your little one. NB Classes are currently taught with a maximum of three people in accordance with government guidelines.

Jess told us “I have always wanted to teach and over the past year I have re-designed my home to include a studio so that this goal can become a reality. Now the time has come to open the doors to the studio. My new website will launch soon where you will be able to see all the details and book into classes”.

Get in touch with Jessica info@jessicapasslondon.com

Spotlight

POST LOCKDOWN URBAN VILLAGE LDN HAS BEEN SHINING A LIGHT ON A DIFFERENT FULHAM BUSINESS EACH MONTH. IN THIS ISSUE WE TALK TO FULHAM RESIDENT SARAH BLYTHMAN OWNER OF REG&BOB, A DOG ACCESSORY BUSINESS FOR ACTIVE DOGS

If you take my Norfolk terriers Reg and Bob for a walk you soon realise they aren’t the sweet little dogs their faces lead you to believe. They are tough farm dogs who think nothing of trailing through mud, swimming and rolling in everything unpleasant and smelly. It was dealing with this mudfest and sharing the pain with other dog walkers, that gave me my business idea. The boys very generously lent their name to the enterprise and Reg&Bob was created two years ago - a brand for dogs that want to be dogs - collars, leads and accessories for active dogs who don't want to compromise on style.

Personally it was the perfect time to start a business. I had been a stay at home Fulham mother for 16 years after a career in the City and my children were off on their own (less muddy) adventures. Reg&Bob became my focus - they needed collars and leads that looked super smart and stylish but could cope with their everyday escapades - they had to be machine washable. Reg&Bob collars and leads are made from hardwearing polypropylene which is not only super strong but is fabulous with colour. We created ‘two sizes fits all’ collars in our own combination of vibrant stripes and the colours look stunning on every fur.

Setting up a business has been a real learning experience. I knew there were dogs who just like Reg and Bob, lead adventurous lives but I had no idea I was to meet so many of them through social media. It has proved to be a fun filled way to connect with like minded dogs and their owners. The cheekiest, muddiest photos are always the most popular and the peculiarities and idiosyncrasies of (in my case ) terriers and more especially Bob, causes much merriment. As we initially thought, there are thousands of like minded dogs who want to have exactly the same messy lives. Social media has also been a place to meet other like-minded business people and there is an incredible network of support there too. But it is ‘meeting’ dogs and their owners that helps us understand what people want and allow us to develop the Reg&Bob brand.

Not only do we sell collars and leads but we have also developed our own dog walking bags -simple stylish and totally practical, yet smart enough to take to the pub afterwards! The dog weekender tote bag is perfect for canine staycations too - no longer will Reg and Bob’s holiday packing be stuffed in a couple of carrier bags! We’re super proud to have moved production of all our new products to the UK - it’s not been easy but its something we’re delighted about. It was a proud moment when Boris Johnson’s dog Dilyn was seen out in our collar and lead and featured on the front pages of the national press during his Better Health campaign.

And as we are passionate that dogs should be dogs we’ve partnered with some fabulous brands and sell the very best products to make the post walk clean up a breeze. A Fulham terraced house doesn’t have the luxury of boot rooms and outside space and although I wouldn't like to hold myself up as a muddy dog expert, I’ve certainly tested enough products. For the first time in years I have it sussed - infact I’ve even written a blog about the muddy dog clean up!

We can’t wait for events to re-open after Covid. We haven’t missed the 5am starts and driving up and down the country but meeting our customers face to face is the very best. We’re working on several new and exciting products too - our customers have spoken and we’ve listened - so watch this space!

Beyond the Hood

Dinner Ladies were founded in 2015 Lily Cai and Emily Plunket who met at university and spent time living together in China where they shared a passion for food and the culture’s commitment to it. Their Putney based food and event company is “dedicated to providing seasonal sustainable, food packed with unforgettable flavour." As well as offering breakfast and lunches for shoots, working from home lunch packs and on line master classes (most recently Malaysian Laska and a Taste of Yemen) they can help you plan a fun night to celebrate a special occasion at home with a tailor made menu of fresh, interesting and globally inspired food. They’ve also garnered a bit of a reputation for their fun, creativity knows no bounds supper clubs. We were intrigued about these so called unique dining experiences which “through a combination of food, music, collaborations and curated spaces we have taken our guests to a Shanghai speakeasy, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, down the rabbit hole, aboard a boat, and to multiple art galleries, studios and secret locations all over London and beyond”. 

In August we booked (not gifted) a spot at their “Supper at Sea” at the London Rowing Club. From start to finish it was a truly memorable and magical evening shared with friends. For starters we were so lucky with the weather, a balmy night (the next day it poured all day) and it was such a joy to soak in one of our favourite spots by the river watching all the rowers coming in and putting their boats away before sundown. We sat on the clubs outdoor terrace looking at a view we never tire of whilst sipping a Salcombe Gin perfectly chilled cocktail admiring the beautiful table setting laid out in front of us. The set menu, beautifully illustrated was nestled among sea shells, storm lanterns and newspaper strips.

Our six course fish supper started with Oysters & pickled pink ginger granita and finished with a San Sebastian style cheesecake with white peach sorbet. Every course was delicious without exception but we have to say although the mackerel tartare with sesame rice crackers, samphire and ponzu mayo was heavenly it was surpassed by the fried fish tacos which were to die for; we’ve been dreaming of them ever since and as we write the the craving pangs are starting again. Honestly they were just incredible, perfection with a chipotle slaw and avocado and lime crema, and the red mullet laksa with aubergine puree and mussels was stunning too.

That evening made it pretty clear to us that Dinner Ladies really do use their supper clubs to develop, extend their repertoire and showcase their creativity. We highly recommend that you check out their future events. The next one in our neck of the woods is in fact back at the London Rowing Club on Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 Nov. “Game On” is billed as “an inventive 6 course culinary exploration of British game and Autumn” with a woodland theme. You’ll have to be quick to get a ticket though as they sell out fast. If you’re not lucky this time around, get on their mailing list to be the first in the know for future upcoming supper clubs. Your ticket price will cover all the food costs for your group but doesn't include drinks/wine on the night. Social distancing is in place with limited groups per night and no more than 30 guests. You can book in groups of 2, 4 or 6 (max). We can promise you, in fact we can guarantee, you won’t be disappointed!