What's on in May

Despite the obvious disappointment that April's mini-Summer was not here to stay, there's plenty of good stuff (indoor and outdoor) going on in Fulham and Chelsea this May. Here's our round up of dates for your diary - let us know if there's anything you'd like us to add.

This weekend (12th and 13th of May) marks the 8th birthday of King's Road favourite Austique. To celebrate there will be cupcakes and champagne plus 10% off both online and in-store for all customers. They've got plenty of beautiful pieces of clothing and jewellery, with brands from Alice + Olivia to Libelula so you're bound to find something you like, and get yourself a nifty little bargain to boot.
Austique, 330 Kings Road, London SW3 5UR.

Calling all music lovers. For an innovative take on an intimate gig why not check out Gibraltar born musician Guy Valarino in the first leg of his 'couch-surfing tour', hosted in a flat on the Fulham Road. Inspired by his first trip to London in which he tried to break into the music industry whilst living on a friend's couch, this unique event promises lots of soulful acoustic pop that speaks of life, love, sand and the sea.

Guy Valarino, 7pm Sat 12th of May. Email kirsty.band@gmail.com for venue details.

Spring is most definitely here, and all that rain we've been having does have one advantage if you've got a garden. If you're pretty green-fingered you may be interested in the regular events put on by the Fulham Palace Garden Centre, in Bishops Park. On Thursday 24th May (11am - 12pm) they're hosting a 'Growing Lavender Demonstration' featuring planting tips, recipe cards and free tea and coffee for all. You're bound to learn loads and remember all profits of the centre go to the Princes Trust so you can shop afterwards in their gorgeous boutique guilt free.
Fulham Palace Garden Centre, Bishops Avenue, Fulham SW6 6EE

One of the nicest ways to explore the local area is by bike, and RBKC initiative Bikeminded is committed to making sure we make the most of the borough on two wheels. May and June see the continuation of their popular local cycle tours. Each follows and different theme and lets you explore the history and culture of the Royal borough from a new angle. On Saturday 26th of May they'll be hosting their Film Tour, exploring locations used on the big screen and detailing the cinematic history of the area. The tour costs £7, and you can either bring your own two-wheeled transport or rent out a Boris bike. For more details of the Film tour, to book your ticket and also to peruse June's offering (Magical Musical Mystery and Alice in Wonderland tours!) you can check out their events listings here. And for those of you who like to look stylish whilst you ride, you may be interested in Bikeminded's latest Style the Cyclist Pinterest competition, in conjunction with Harrods. For your chance to win £150 in Harrod's vouchers, simply create a Pinterest board to help style two local celebrities. More details here.



Our favourite SW6 Middle Eastern haunt is offering plenty of musical delights this May with live jazz every Thursday evening. Del Aziz in Fulham Broadway (home of some of the finest tagines in SW London, I might add... reviews here and here) will be hosting musicians from across the globe including Brazilian bossa nova and jazz singer Jandira Silva on May 24th and West London based classic jazz artist Josephine Arthur on the 31st. The food at this popular Vanston Place bolthole is always superb, so for a truly cosmopolitan evening in the heart of Fulham look no further!