Countdown to Christmas 2012

Love it or loathe it, with Halloween and Guy Fawkes well behind us, the gallop towards Christmas has well and truly begun. Personally, this is my favourite time of year, so even if you're feeling a bit more Scrooge than Santa hopefully this run-down of all the fun we'll be having in Fulham over the next month will get you into the spirit.

December sees party season really kicking off in earnest, and this year there are PLENTY of options to choose from.

If you just can't wait until the advent count down begins, you can get into the spirit early with Tales Under The Tree at Barts. This location is the perfect cosy hideaway for mulled wine, warm cider, carols and of course a bit of Christmas culture with the speakeasy's book club. Once story time is over, join the regulars in Secret Santa and an Xmas team photo. It all kicks off from 7:30 on November 28th.

Next up,  on Saturday December 1st, the Brompton Bar and Grill have teamed up with Bloodshot Vodka to host the Bad Santa Brunch. Your £10 ticket will keep you entertained from 12-5pm, with DJs, live acts, a christmas gift market, and a very merry Christmas feast followed by carols in Santa's grotto. Don't forget the dress theme: anything that glitters and glows.

The Brompton Bar & Grill
243 Brompton Road
London SW3 2EP

If you're looking for a truly kitsch Christmas, there's only one place to be and that's celebrating Buon Natale with Bunga Bunga. Throughout December, there'll be karaoke carols, turkey pizzas, fiery Italian mulled wine and potted Christmas tree cocktails to get you feeling festive - plus guests can send complimentary cheesy Christmas postcards to their friends - much better than the usual M&S fare!

Throughout December

Bunga Bunga
37 Battersea Bridge Road
London SW11 3BA

It may be pretty frosty outside, but that's all the better when you're visiting Elk Bar's Winter Wonderland. They've transformed their garden into a veritable mini Lapland, replete with icicles, Christmas trees and even a few of Santa's reindeer friends. They'll be serving up a special festive menu from the smoke pit (the venison Deer Porker sounds delicious) to be washed down with some wintry cocktails such as the Butterscotch Schnapps Hot Chocolate. Sounds like an ideal way to ease yourself into those cold December nights.

Elk Bar
587-591 Fulham Road
London SW6 5UB

If memories of last year's office party have got you off the sauce throughout December, there are plenty of low-key festive options in the borough for shoppers and culture vultures alike.

I can't think of a location more suited to traditional Christmas cheer than the beautiful Fulham Palace. They've got a full schedule of events to look forward to including a pantomime performance of Sleeping Beauty on December 9th, a Carol Service in the Chapel on the 14th and kids can visit Santa in his Grotto on the weekend of 1-2nd December. The grade-1 listed Palace also provides the perfect picturesque backdrop for a traditional Victorian Christmas, from 7pm on December 11th. There will be carols, 19th century songs and a traditional Mummer's Play - the forerunner to the pantomime. Good, old-fashioned fun for all the family!

For some unique last-minute gifts and a much more civilised shopping experience, pop by the Andara Christmas Fair being hosted at The Durrell on December 17th. From noon to 9pm, entry is complimentary, and inside you'll find a carefully curated selection of beautiful gift options from up and coming businesses, ranging from handmade home accessories, to gorgeous jewellery, fashion, lifestyle and pantry items.

And finally, if even the thought of the C word is making your skin crawl, you can still pass a perfectly pleasant evening without being subjected to fairy lights and over-sung carols. Del Aziz are continuing their Thursday jazz  and bossa nova evenings, for example. Settle in with one of their legendary tagines and listen to the warm and soft tones of Mel Pashova as she sings jazz standards mixed with a hint of Latin on December 6th, or perhaps take in some authentic Brazilian flavour with Jandira Silva on the 20th. On the 13th, Helen Burnett graces the stage with a mix of recognisable and lesser-known jazz tunes, whilst for some post-Christmas cheer you can pop in to see Josephine Arthur on the 27th. Her voice has been described as like 'bathing in chocolate' - the perfect thing to enjoy with Del Aziz's beautiful selection of desserts then!

Del Aziz
22-32 Vanston Place, nr Fulham Broadway
London SW6 1AX

Dates for your Diary: June and July

Although it may not feel that way, summer is upon us and there's plenty of fun to be had in Fulham over the next 6 weeks or so. Here's our round up of events you won't want to miss.

Eurovision madness at Bunga Bunga - from 22nd June:

The excitement of Jedward, the Dink and all at Baku may feel like a distant memory, but you needn't wait for Stockholm 2013 for your next Eurovision fix. Bunga Bunga, best known for its exquisitely kitsch Italian theme, is opening up its second floor to host the The EDC - Euro Disco Club, an entire nightclub dedicated to the world’s most kitsch competition: The Eurovision Song Contest. The walls will be covered with memorabilia from this annual institution, including gold discs, photographs of Jedward and Terry Wogan, and oversized blinds embossed with Abba, Scooch and other Euro Hall of Fame legends. 

Open each Friday and Saturday from June 22nd

Bunga Bunga

37 Battersea Bridge Road, London SW11

                              

Jazz nights at Del Aziz - Thursdays and Del Aziz Fulham Broadway

Thursday nights at Del Aziz are fairly eclectic. Whilst you chow down on their legendary Middle Eastern fare, treat your earbuds to their live performances of global pop and jazz. On June 21st, Aimee Penman will take to the stage to show off her versatile voice, with an act comprising of easy listening pop, folk, jazz and and classic. On June 28th, it will be Mel Pashova's turn to perform, with her act of jazz standards and modern classics. 

                                            

Celebrating Fulham Festival - Saturday June 30th to Sunday July 8th:

A whole week dedicated to celebrating our favourite borough, what could be better? Highlights include:

‘Elizabeth to Elizabeth’ - Tuesday 3 July, Great Hall, Fulham Palace, Bishops Avenue, SW6, 7.30pm

Concert trio ‘In Voice and Verse’ celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Actor Lance Pierson, soprano Belinda Yates and pianist Heather Chamberlain present a pageant of readings and music from across the centuries to celebrate the Nation’s Monarchs and highlights of our history.

The music includes pieces by Handel, Beethoven, Purcell, Holst and Britten, as well as ‘Rule Britannia’ and the National Anthem. The words will include poetry by Queen Elizabeth I, Shakespeare, Milton, Tennyson and John Betjeman. Tickets £12.00 available from the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, 0871 22 11728,or http://www.lyric.co.uk/whats-on and view Events Elsewhere or type Fulham Palace into the search box.  Further information  020 3080 0655 or info@fulham.society.org

The Fulham Swish  - Thursday  5 July, Durell Arms, 704 Fulham Road, SW6 5SB, 6.30pm

Swishing is a fantastic way for you to breathe new life into your outfits for free and involves a group of people together to swap unwanted clothes. 

Bring between one and five items of clothing, pairs of shoes, bags or accessories. Items must be clean, good condition and something that you are proud to hand on. No children’s clothes please. Booking is required as places are limited. Email  swishing@lbhf.gov.uk 020 8753 1888

Fair on the Green, Saturday, July 7,  12 noon to 5pm

A fabulous day out for all the family. Two live stages of music and entertainment, over a hundred stalls, a food court, bouncy castles, Punch and Judy, carousels,  magician’s, climbing frame, fun fair,  and much much more. Call 020 7731 3964 for more details

Paggliaccio Cup, Sunday, July 8, South Park, Fulham

This youth football tournament is free for youngsters between the ages of five and 16. For more information 02073715253, www.paggs.co.uk

Bat Walk, Sunday, July 8 Fulham Palace, Bishops Avenue, SW6 6EA, 9.00 pm

Bat Walk around the Gardens of Fulham Palace, led by John Tovey of the London Bat Group.  Meet at the pedestrian entrance to the Palace Grounds. Wear solid footwear and bring a torch! Please ring 020 3080 0655 to confirm your attendance. This is a free event but donations to the London Bat Group are welcomed.

                                    

Concours D'Elegance - The Hurlingham Club, 4th/5th.6th July

This yearly event is pretty much Fulham's most glamorous luxury event. If you like champagne, powerboats, helicopters and sweet cars, Concours D'Elegance will more than likely float your boat (excuse the pun). Enjoy the Hurlingham's beautiful gardens, attend lectures from the world's leading style authorities and learn about the heritage of these fine goods whilst you browse, and maybe even treat yourself. Buy your tickets on their website here.

                                                      

Dayzed and Confused at Broadway House - Saturday July 14th, from 3pm - 10pm:

Held on the roof terrace of members' club Broadway House, soak up the sunshine (hopefully), New York vibe and plenty of champagne whilst you party to the sounds of DJ duo LIV3 RAT (billed as DEAD MAU5's evil twin) and DJ Optimus Times. May's event was a massive success, so July's event is sure to sell out quickly: snap up your ticket here before they're all gone.

                                     

Alice in Wonderland, cycle theatre tour - Chelsea, 18th to 22nd of July

RBKC Bikeminded have already brought us a plethora of interesting cycle tours, themed around things as diverse as Bond, Music and Cupcakes. This July they have teamed up with the Exquisite Folly theatre group to create an innovative and interactive storytelling concept. Follow Alice's adventures around Wonderland (aka Chelsea) on your bike and rediscover Lewis Carroll's classic tale in a way you won't have seen it before. Tickets available here.