What’s New, On & Happening in Fulham

Winterberries  

We’re sure the enchanting woodland window displays, featuring towering toadstools and mushrooms have already caught quite a few locals attention, but if you’re just settling back into your Fulham routine and this is news to you, let us tell you about the new gorgeous party and gift boutique that has recently opened at 604 Fulham Road.

Urban Village LDN had an in store chat with Winterberries CEO and Founder, Olivia Malcom Berry to find out more. “After living and working in Parsons Green for over 10 years, I dreamed of expanding my events company OMB Events (offering venue, wedding planning and event management for adult and children’s parties) into a destination where you can come and find everything you need to celebrate life! Winterberries offers party inspiration for your everyday and holiday hosting needs. We’re excited to have opened the doors to our shop here in such a fantastic Fulham spot.”

In store you’ll find an eco-conscious balloon bar that provides latex balloons of all shapes and sizes, and the team can help you with balloon garlands, backdrops, and instillations for events. There are decorations for all sorts of themed parties, tableware, party hats, napkins, goody bags and gifts. As Winterberries is run by an event company their professional event managers and styling experts can also offer you a range of party planning services to make your event run smoothly.

As well as offering unique premium party supplies, Winterberries has a lovely event space which is available to hire for children’s parties, dinner parties, brunches, private events and meetings. As well as private events, they will also be offering workshops for both adults and children: Christmas wreath making, pumpkin carving, craft days and book readings. You’ll know we’ll list upcoming events on our “What’s On” page so …watch this space and if you’re in store say hello to Winnie the cutest four legged member of the Winterberries team! If you need help planning an event, get in touch info@winterberries.store

Silk Road

Silk Road is a new restaurant and bar, located at 238 -240 Munster Road, serving Persian and Afghan cuisine. Urban Village LDN talked to Jalil Murtazawi, who was born in Afghanistan and grew up in Iran, he told us that Silk Road is a venture that came to fruition as the result of a lot of teamwork. “It started as an idea amongst a group of us to create a place for friends and family to hang out. I’ve never been involved in a restaurant before, prior to this I was a shoe maker, but my friends and family saw this location and we took the opportunity to bring our idea to life. With two friends and a bit of design help we built the interiors ourselves, my wife is involved with the cooking and so far locals have been very kind, seem to love what we’re doing and we’ve had some very positive feedback”.

The restaurant was named after the network of trade routes that connected the East with the West. Jalil told us “ we wanted to do the same with our restaurant, bring two cultures together and put aside the hatred that we sadly see so much of nowadays. We want people to come in to enjoy the different food and atmosphere of our culture”. Starters include Afghan Dumplings, spicy chicken wings, hummus, and Persian soup and for the main course you’ll find classic dishes such as mixed grill platters and Ghabuli (slow cooked lamb under a layer of fragrant rice), Fesenjan (a classic Persian stew, slow cooked chicken, with ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses) and Zereshk Polo Ba Morgh (slow cooked chicken in tomato sauce, served with Saffron rice and topped with barberries). There’s also a kids menu including: meatballs, chicken kebab and fish fingers.

Silk Road signature cocktails include: Chillango (Tequila, Chili and you guessed it mango), Pomabuca (Sambuca, Pomegranate, vodka & guava) and the Silk Road Special (vodka, passion fruit & lime). You can enjoy them either at the bar or in their lounge, a terrace at the front of the restaurant, as you watch the comings and goings on Munster Road with some olives and nibbles. Silk Road has been soft launching and the official opening will take place on 14 September. It sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun so book in, to not only enjoy the food and cocktails on offer, but also live music and belly dancing. We’ll leave Jalil to have the final word “we’ve had some challenges thrown at us, but we always try to do our best and we’re happy with the way it’s going - come and give us a try"!”.

Private Dining at Bridge Baker

Did you know that Bridge Baker at 811 Fulham Road has a cosy space that you can hire for your own private dining event? It’s a laid back space with soft lighting, wooden floors, rugs, a seated capacity of up to 22 people and a nice view onto an open plan kitchen. While most Fulham locals know that Bridge Baker is more than just a local bakery with proper artisan bread, cakes & pastries did you know that they have also become quite renowned for their pizza; lovingly handmade with slow fermented dough and proudly featured on Square Meal’s Best London Pizza list.

If you’re looking for a venue for a children’s birthday party Bridge Baker can cater the whole event making parents' lives a whole lot easier! Of course pizza isn’t just a kids favourite so if you’re looking for a private dining experience for a more grown up audience Bridge Baker can help there too. They have a curated wine list and a range of set menus which start at £20 per person, including one pizza of your choice, a glass of house wine, alternatively upgrade to a glass of champagne; their house choice is the same as the Louvre in Paris! Alternatively, why not gather a group of up to 12 friends or colleagues together for a great night out in your own private space or a spot of team bonding with a "Pizza and Tiramisu" class. Guests learn how to stretch and bake pizzas, before tucking into their creations, accompanied by a glass of wine and followed by the tiramisu for dessert (£60 per person). If you want to find out more about the space get in touch with hello@bridgebaker.co.uk

Pavilion Club

Pavilion is a collection of private business clubs in different London locations including Knightsbridge, High Street Kensington, the City and soon Fulham; we spoke to the Pavilion team to find out more. The newly refurbished SW6 club space is located a stones throw away from the river and next to Putney Bridge tube at 67 - 79 Fulham High Street. Construction finishes this week and the club will officially open its doors on 3 October. The space which is open all year, 24 hours a day, offers flexible offices, co-working spaces, members lounges, complete with meeting and boardrooms, restaurant and bar, outdoor river view terraces and gardens.

The terrace and other event spaces within the club will also be available for private hire. Pavilion run weekly events for their members which include, complimentary panel talks, membership breakfasts, cocktail masterclasses and a supper club. They’re running a Fulham Membership Launch offer which means if you book a tour and join before 3 October you benefit from no joining fee (usually £1000 + VAT), a reduced price of £250 pm + VAT (£350 + VAT after 3 October) and you can access all four Pavilion club locations with one membership. To find out more get in touch on 0207 7484 5755 alternatively hit the link below to take a look at their website.

Starry Mart

Starry Mart is an Asian Market, with branches in Colchester and Kent, created to showcase the diversity of Asian cuisine and traditions. In their 15th anniversary year they’ve made it even more of a monumental year and opened their first London branch here in Fulham. We headed off to 394 North End Road (near Waitrose) to investigate after a rave review from a local follower of ours on Instagram and because we are huge fans of Asian packaging and food.

We ended up coming away with not only our purchases, an authentic Taiwanese bubble tea in hand, but a goody bag filled with various freebies including Yakisoba noodles and wasabi potato crisps! Before that we perused the aisles filled with sauces, speciality bakery products, instant ramen noodles, plum wine, seaweed snacks, checked out the hot food on offer and enjoyed the in store tastings that day, sampling sake and gyoza.

If you’re quick and subscribe to their newsletter you can get up to 70% off until 4 Sept. It’s worth a sign up as they run a lot of promotions and you’ll be the first to find out about in store events and offers. Starry Mart is open every day of the week from 10am - 8pm check it out!

What’s On

Meet up Mondays: Mon 2 (11am-1pm)

New to Sands End Arts & Community Centre (SEACC) “Meet up Mondays” launch on Monday 2 September and will take place every Monday at SEACC from 11am - 1 pm. All welcome at the centre for a cuppa and a chat. If you’re new to the area, would like to meet new people, you don’t have to feel alone; a free drink and friendly chat awaits.

The Art Circle: Tues 3 (11am - 12.30pm

Another new community initiative from the Sands End Arts & Community Centre (SEACC). The Art Circle which starts on Tues 3 will take place every Tuesday and is a free weekly art workshop hosted by trained art therapist Helen Cooper, This is a free wellness group for everyone, especially those who may be struggling with difficulties with their physical or mental health. No experience necessary and all materials will be provided.

Fulham Horticultural Society autumn show: Sat 7 (2.30 - 4.30pm)

The annual FHS autumn show is a friendly competition and an opportunity for amateur gardeners of all abilities to showcase their talents. You can expect to see beautiful bouquets, colourful fruit and beautiful home bakes. Everyone is welcome to join them for the centennial anniversary show at St Etheldreda’s Church, 528 Fulham Palace Road. FREE entry, tea and homemade cake for sale. Full details on our “What’s Happening” page.

Open Doors Open Days: Weds 11 & Sat 14 (10am - 3pm)

SEACC and Hammersmith & Fulham Council (LBHF) are launching the Open Doors employment programme, for Learning Disabled H&F residents. The programme will offer 9 months paid employment in the Walnut Tree Cafe, with job coach support and a training curriculum provided for one Learning Disabled candidate in its first year. The open days will be a chance to have a look around the cafe, meet some of the current staff and hear more about the Open Doors programme. Following the open days, interested candidates will be invited to an informal interview ahead of one candidate being offered the role for year 1.

Find out more here https://www.seacc.uk/events/open-doors-open-days/

Barking for BTRC” Brain Tumour Research Campaign Dog Show: Sat 14 (10.30 am - 5pm)

Bring your pampered pooches along to Parsons Green for a fun-filled family day for all! Prizes for all classes which include: Golden Oldie, Best Rescue Dog, Scruffiest in Show, Best Groomed, Waggiest Tail, Most Appealing Eyes, Best Young Handler, Cutest Puppy, Most Handsome Dog, Prettiest Bitch, and the afternoon will end with the Award for THE BEST IN SHOW! Other attractions: Doggy Tombola and Stalls catering for every pooch’s needs. Find our more and enter your dog here https://btrc-charity.org/product-category/dog-show-2024

Silk Road Official Opening: Sat 14

This new restaurant and bar (see What’s New for more information) officially opens on 14 September. It sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun, so book in to not only enjoy the food and cocktails on offer but also live music and belly dancing https://silkroadflavours.co.uk/

Wine Tasting: Tues 17 (6-8pm)

Enjoy a selection of fine wines in Fulham Palace’s historic walled garden. The event is sponsored by LMA Property and is being held in conjunction with Laithwaites, to raise funds for the Palace’s Greenhouse Appeal, to help them further their sustainability and biodiversity initiative. Tickets cost £20 and you will taste six different fabulous wines. Find out more and book tickets here Wine tasting in the walled garden – Fulham Palace

Fulham Social Hub: Thursday 19 (6-9pm)

This event is open to everyone and anything SW6 related: residents, businesses, brands, organisations and charities. Come along to the Parsons Green Club to connect with members of the SW6 community, discover some independent brands and find out what’s new since the April launch.

More information and tickets here https://bit.ly/FSHSeptsocial

Meet the Planets: Sat 28 (3.00pm / 4.15pm)

Following the sell out concert where the BIGGEST and smallest members of the orchestra met, Little London Music are proud to present Meet The Planets, a chamber orchestra adventure for children up to the age of 8 and their families. Little London's Big Concerts are designed to captivate the biggest and smallest members of your family! Join them on a musical journey, as the orchestra leads you through space and around the planets. Learn about a variety of instruments, engage in musical stories and explore a wide variety of chamber orchestral pieces. Find out more and book tickets here https://www.thelittlelondonmusicschool.com/concerts

Preloved: Sat 14/21/28

Preloved who are based in Fulham carefully curate preloved clothes for women and will be holding pop ups at Seed Salon every Saturday from 14 Sept. You can also visit their online shop prelovedlondon.com or follow them on Instagram @preloved_london

Lyceum Fit

Giving the team at Lyceum Fit another plug because they’re doing great things in the community. A free running club for locals every Tuesday at 11am and their over 60’s fitness classes, take place every Wednesday at 2pm, affordable at £5 per session. The classes focus on preventing injuries, improving bone density, avoiding muscle atrophy and fixing postural problems. They also run Hyrox Classes and Fulham locals can book in for a £5 trial class (moving forward they’re £20) or book a 5 pack session. READER OFFER: 25% discount use code UVHYROX find our more here https://www.lyceum.fit/

Save the date…

SEACC’s first inagural charity fundraiser

Will take place on Thursday 10 October at 7pm and you’re invited. Tickets are £45 and include a welcome drink, food and an evening of entertainment. Please help SEACC spread the word.

Fulham Horticultural Society celebrates 100 years

In days gone by the urban villages of West London had their own horticultural society, today only the Fulham Horticultural Society (FHS) remains. Founded by green fingered locals in 1924, a few years after the end of the First World War, this thriving society are celebrating their centenary year. The FHS are keen to share the health and community benefits of gardening with new generations. Everyone is welcome to join them at their next centennial anniversary show at St Etheldreda’s Church, 528 Fulham Palace Road, on Saturday 7 September (2.30 - 4.30pm). FREE entry, tea and homemade cake for sale.

The annual FHS autumn show is a friendly competition and an opportunity for amateur gardeners of all abilities to showcase their talents. You can expect to see beautiful bouquets, colourful fruit, all types of vegetables, fabulous cakes and gardening related arts and crafts. Rose Cranston, Fulham resident and FSH member told Urban Village LDN “it is a fun educational event and all about the community. There are numerous categories you can enter fruit, veg, flowers, handicrafts etc.  You don't have to have lots of experience, beginners to those showing off their expertise are welcome, also anyone can enter, you don't have to be a society member and there are junior categories”.

Early entry, up to the Thursday prior to the show puts you into a draw for a £50 voucher generously donated by The Palace Gardener and you can also enter on the day between 10-12. The categories are judged from 12 -1 before the show opens to the public and prizes will be presented at 4pm. Email entries to charlesdowson@aol.com before 8pm on Thursday 5th September

Fulham Social Hub Networking Event

Ding ding round two! We hate the word networking too and we can reassure you that this event on Thursday 19 (6-9pm), run by our sister organisation Fulham Social Hub, comes with no labels, scary introductions, shouty mics and is simply an opportunity for the SW6 community to connect. Since the launch in April Zara & Melinda have hosted 10 episodes of Fulham Chronicles (see below for the latest episodes), created a Directory of local businesses / brands, on boarded members with 10% of membership going back to support Friends of Bishops Park; the current local cause they’re fundraising for.

If you want find out how to keep business within our local economy, what organisations you can volunteer with, meet new people, residents and business owners who really need your support to stay open, then come along. Sadly lots of these independent businesses are closing their doors and we’re sure you’ll agree that we don’t want our urban village to become a sea of chains? Pret a Manager are rumoured to be opening another branch in SW6 and in a prime spot! We might have to follow other communities lead and boycott these chains. Ooh we always said we’d never get political but we went there!

The event is also a good opportunity to take a look around The Parsons Green Club who are kindly hosting the event. If we had a pound for everyone who’s turned round and said “where’s that?” or stalwart locals who’ve told us they’ve never been inside before! See you there? Tickets are £5 and you can find out more / book on the link below.

Fulham Chronicles: the SW6 podcast

Haven’t tuned in yet? Then you’ve missed conversations with: Nina von der Werth Director of Sands End Arts Community, Fulham raised Oussama Azam founder of Malik’s Honey, Anna & Annie Founders of Truffles & Ruffles, local resident and author Clare Pooley, Scott Hallsworth, Ex Nobu London Head Chef, restauranteur and owner of Freak Scene Parsons Green, Julius & Fabian Cowdray twin brothers from a cricketing dynasty and Nesse Cannon, founder of Barrefly London whose Fulham Studio is just off the Kings Road. Listen to the stories that are the fabric of our community on YouTube, Apple or Spotifiy search Fulham Social Hub.

Lachesis London

Lachesis London is an innovative online fashion boutique, founded by Brazilian-born, Fulham resident Cássila Dolman. Lachesis are celebrating their first anniversary so we thought we’d give this unique boutique, that specialises in Brazilian-inspired, ethical and sustainable pieces, a shout out.

Lachesis champions slow fashion and craftsmanship, collaborating with suppliers who share its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The handmade products they select support artisans and promote the preservation of traditional crafts. Urban Village LDN spoke to Cassila “I was born and raised in Brazil and have lived in Fulham for over 10 years. I was a corporate lawyer and after taking maternity leave with the arrival of my two little girls I didn’t want to go back into the corporate world. Entrepreneurship was always in my DNA, I was always going to do my own thing, Lachesis is it. Brazil has so much talent and creativity and I wanted to showcase this in the UK”.

Sounds like it’s been a great first year and Cassila told us she couldn’t sell enough of the handmade hats they stock, weaved out of straw and made with organic cotton fabric. There are some gorgeous bio-jewellery pieces made from Golden Grass, a delicate flowering plant found in Brazil with a natural golden hue in its stem resembling golden wire. Local artisans use traditional skills and techniques passed down by generations which they weave into jewellery. Cassila has just got back from a trip to Brazil so you’ll find new stock on her website alongside hats, jewellery, handbags and more. Take a look on the link below