What’s Happening

Zara’s At The Palace

Urban Village LDN is very aware of how many local businesses had to twist and turn to survive the pandemic. The onslaught continued with huge increases in energy bills and inflationary costs. We always doff our caps to the local entrepreneurial spirit, the bravery of reinvention, the need to regroup and go back to the drawing board. One such business is Zara’s at The Palace who first opened its doors weeks before the pandemic. Now, after a month out to refurb and rebrand, cafe / deli owner Zara Thomas has reopened the doors at 349 Fulham Palace Road and Zara’s (formerly The Local) is back with a punch. We headed over to check it out, sit down with Zara and find out the inside story of what Fulham locals can now expect.

On arrival you’re welcomed by a bright colour palette of blue and orange, a lovely outdoor patio space and of course owner Zara. Inside the space has been reconfigured with the counter right by the door, a comfy sofa, new seating and marble topped tables and a hand painted message on the front door.

“We’re very happy with how things have gone since we reopened our doors. We’ve kept the same high food standards using quality ingredients and where possible local and previous suppliers. The meat we use comes from the same farms in Sussex, fruit and veg from our New Covent Garden supplier, cakes and delicious treats by Tamsin Bakes, brownies by Ama and pastries, carrot cake and bread from Bridge Baker. Our social events are selling out and we were over the moon to have had 150 plus locals here on opening night celebrating our reopening with us”.

Zara told Urban Village LDN “we want Zara’s to be a community place that has a living room vibe, a friendly and homely feeling, the place for an amazing speciality coffee, brunch and lunch as well as the place to come in the evenings for a great cocktail. Customers are like friends and family coming in to see us, having a chat whilst I cook their order”.

The menu has a lovely selection of sandwiches, toasties, bagels, wraps, acai / chia bowls, quiches and a cabinet showcases the cakes. There’s also a kids menu with two of the specials named after Zara’s boys: Theodore and Christopher. We enjoyed a delicious avo, mushroom and feta sandwich washed down with a strawberry and rhubarb kombucha brewed in Suffolk.

Zara’s at The Palace is a great work from home space, with high speed internet sockets all round and they are about to launch their “Work and Lurk” membership scheme. There’s a special offer for readers of Urban Village LDN see below and membership, only when you’re working at Zara’s, entitles you to three free drinks, 10% off any food, free dessert on Friday and free participation in their networking events. Talking of networking, Suni Sekhon from Defy Brands and Zara connected at our last Urban Village LDN social. Suni wanted to give back to the community and Zara’s was her first community based project. Zara told us “we worked to really well together and we delivered an amazing, welcoming, and colourful brand that matches my name and has all my personality. I cant recommend her enough!”.

If you're a local, small business, or brand who would like to use Zara's as an events space get in touch, Zara would love to hear from you and is always up for a chat. Head to our “What’s On” page to find out full details of their June events which include: a wellness day, Swimwear showcase and wine tastings. Go and see the changes at Zara’s for yourself, we think the whole look, feel and vibe is fantastic but you don’t have to take our word for it as, hot off the press, they’ve just won “The Best Bespoke Cafe in London” award. See more and follow them on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/zarassw6/

READER OFFER: Work & Lurk Membership - £25 a month if you mention Urban Village LDN (normally ££5) get in touch with Zara hello@zarassw6.co.uk

Fulham Society competition

Calling all green fingered Fulhamites! The Fulham Society are once again holding their front gardens, balconies and window box competition. Now in its 6th year they are also awarding a prize for best pub flowers in Fulham. The one rule is simple: everything must be visible from the street! It’s free to enter and we’re told the the prizes are generous, National Garden Gift vouchers which are redeemable at any good garden centre. So now the cold snap has passed and the sun is finally here why not get involved?

Submit two photographs and your entry form by 30 June. The winners will be announced at the Fulham Society Summer Garden Party at Fulham Palace in early July. Hit the link below for full information, competition forms etc and whilst you’re there why not consider joining The Fulham Society for some great intel on new projects, developments in our area and local history.