What’s New

Freak Scene

The Freak Scene is a pan-Asian restaurant run by Australian chef Scott Hallsworth (ex- Head chef of Nobu) which has been in pop incarnations and had a permanent location pre pandemic. How excited are we that The Freak Scene has found it’s new permanent location in our urban village at 28 Parsons Green Lane. We spoke to Scott about how it’s been going so far and why Fulham. “It’s been great, we’ve only been open a week officially but have been really well received. We had a restaurant on the King’s Road and over the years built up a database of guests in Fulham and this side of town. It’s good to be back this way!”.

When we asked what Fulham locals can expect Scott told us The Freak Scene offers “a free spirited Pan Asian experience, small sharing plates inspired by food from Singapore, China, Thailand and Japan”. Looking at the menu there is a lot for what Scott called the “food curious” including Duck Red Curry Donut Buns, Grilled Pork Belly Pickled Mussels & Pineapple sambai lettuce wraps, Beef Fillet Tataki with onion ponzu & garlic crisps, Singapore Chilli Crab Wonton Bombs, Salmon Sashimi “Pizza” with truffle ponzu, crispy Black cod with hot & sour coconut sauce & a Thai herb salad. The Freak Scene uses seasonal produce and it sounds like creative licence and experimentation is going to be very much at play with an ever evolving menu and new dishes.

Scott recounted how he’d recently being described in the press as a Pop up veteran and told us “they're fun but this is a permanent location, our flagship home is in Parsons Green and we have other locations planned”. The green facade is an apt colour choice and you can’t miss their neon signage, or the red interiors as you walkdown Parsons Green Lane. Graffiti has become synonymous with the Freak Street brand, Scott told us “We of course want to be known for great food, drinks and hospitality but we don’t want to be super serious and the graffiti is a part of that fun persona. We did the same in our Kings Road restaurant and it was sad to have to leave behind what was created there. We’ve only been open for a short time but already guests have been scribbling their names or writing messages”.

Check out their Instagram https://www.instagram.com/freaksceneldn/?hl=en-gb to see more of the food on offer, the interiors and if you know any budding artists, graffiti writers or taggers you know where to send them!

Chocolounge

Chocolounge has literally just opened so do pop in and say hello the next time you’re on the Fulham Road. With savoury items also on the menu it’s not just for chocolate lovers and Fulhamites with a sweet tooth. Urban Village LDN spoke to Omar, who is carrying on his barbering at Band of Brothers a few doors down, and his business partner Ahmed about their new venture Chocolounge at 845 Fulham Road. Ahmed told us “it’s early days, we only opened four days ago but we’ve definitely been catching people’s attention. This is an idea we’ve been talking about for a long time so to finally be bringing it to life is exciting. When we saw the shop become available three doors down we decided to go for it. Our speciality is desserts, something that’s in the genes with our family and ancestors owning cake and ice cream shops in Syria”.

It’s not just dessert on the menu at Chocolounge, there are savoury options too including their Eggbreak crepe, eggs, spinach & cheese, Mediterranean crepe with pesto, cheese & olives, or you can opt for salmon with avo and soft cheese to kick start your day. Ahmed told us “what is really unique to us is the Taiyaki, a Japanese fish shaped waffle. If you go into Central London you’ll see them everywhere in Chinatown but we’re pretty sure you won’t find them anywhere else in Fulham!” As well as crepes, and waffles (their Oreo waffle is quite a sight to behold / pictured), other items on Chocolounge’s menu include pancakes, hot drinks, fresh juices, smoothies, milkshakes and ice cream; described by Ahmed as “gelato that is Italian approved”.

There’s also a garden / outside lounge area so when the April showers finally stop we have no doubt this space will see a lot more action. We can already envisage lots of mini Fulhamites there with an after school ice-cream in hand! Follow Chocolounge on Instagram via the link below to take a look at the range of desserts and savoury crepes on offer.

Their Gallery

Their is a multi-disciplinary contemporary gallery founded by Mia who studied architecture at the University of Edinburgh and Posy who received a BA Hons in Fine Art art at UWE Bristol. Posy told Urban Village LDN “As a practicing artist I was renting studio spaces at the back of the building and when the front came up we didn’t want to miss the opportunity so took over the space. We want to provide a creative space that people can get involved in from taking part in workshops or coming to one of our exhibitions, or having a coffee”.

Mia continues “We were driven by the desire to create a new and constantly changing creative space Their is both an exciting gallery in Fulham, and a meeting point for artists, creatives and passers-by to connect, converse and create. This is a space where all will feel welcome - be that viewing works on display, meeting artists in residence, or simply engaging one's own passion for art and making”

The space at 56 Dawes Road will be hosting a combination of exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, and life drawing classes for those of all experience levels. Currently the gallery has a curated pop up showcasing a range of pieces for sale spanning art, sculpture and ceramics until the official opening date in early May. If you’re interested in signing up to future life drawing classes and workshops get in touch info@their.gallery

To keep updated about the May opening and upcoming programme follow them on Instagram @their.gallery_

Opening hours: Thursday (1pm - 7pm) / Friday (1pm - 6pm) / Saturday (10am - 4pm)

Junior Hockey Club

The Hakinakina team have started Fulham’s first Junior Hockey after-schools club (registered with England Hockey clubs). The club for boys and girls aged 6-11 will kick-off on 17 April. Children taking part will learn stick control, passing, movement defending, shooting and much more. From September they will have the opportunity to participate in hockey festivals and friendly games against other clubs on weekends (this is optional).

The Club will take place 4-5.30pm Monday and / or Thursday at Burlington House School, Bishops Avenue. READER OFFER: There’s an introductory offer for readers of Urban Village LDN, sign up for a free trial and redeem a 10% discount offer with the code UVLHockey.

The Toastie

KAF London have reimagined their premises at 188 Wandsworth Bridge Road. They refurbed and re opened their doors a few weeks ago to bring Fulham locals a definitive and creative selection of one of the most popular items on their menu The Toastie.

“Since the dawn of toastie time, the grilled cheese sarnie has been one of the most delicious comfort foods known to human. our mission is to elevate the toastie to a satisfying and exciting meal”. Chefs and sandwich lovers Alexandrina and Annabelle have used their culinary savvy to create some incredible toasties using handmade sourdough, secret signature sauces and Eaten Alive supply them with what they describe as the best raw, bio-live kimchi & kraut to be found in the UK.

Take your pick from a mouth-watering selection of toasties which includes the Ruben (Pulled Salt Beef, pink kraut, Emmenthal and Mozzarella), Fun Guy (Sauteed mushroom, Baby Spinach & Vegan cheese) as well as savoury quesadillas (Messy Poyo: shredded roast chicken, sweet piquillo peppers, pink kraut, cheesy mix & chimi mayo) and sweet quesadillas (Want s’more? Nutella & Goeey marshmallow in toasted brioche).

Hit the link below to find out more or follow them on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thetoastieshop