Goodbye Fulham

I write this last blog post somewhat fuzzy headed following a fun filled festive Sunday evening at The Ship. Never disappointed by this South West London Sunday night institution, last night was no exception. A room packed with booze-fuelled 20 somethings dancing on tables, men proving their pull-up prowess on the ceiling beams and Jaeger bombs being sunk quicker than Nigella’s career, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Sadly during this debauched twilight hour, my best friend and I fell victims to a common crime in our neck of the woods, compulsive bull-shitting.

Like the mugs that we are, we fell hook, line and sinker for an elaborate rouse by three gentlemen who shall remain nameless. But why shouldn’t we question whether the tall dark handsome one was actually a professional masters winning golfer and his two friends the subsequent agent and manager. People our age don’t make things like this up right? Wrong. And now I can’t rush off and tell my dad he can give up work because his son-in-law to be is a pro-golfer, damn.  

Oh how we laughed this morning, and no doubt will do again when we regale our tale of Bridget and Daniel Cleaver fraudulence to our friends over a glass of the world’s most over-priced white wine at the Duke on the Green. Wonderfully, this is one incident of many that make up a patchwork of memories from my years living in Fulham, some fantastic, some better forgotten. It’s with sadness and excitement that come January I will be moving from the lovely leafy suburbs of SW6 to the grittier climes of N1.

With my imminent departure I must apologise for all the night club owners’ hospitality I abused (particularly Embargo), the relentless banging on about supporting our big society and shopping on Wandsworth Bridge Road, the ranting about red trousers and most importantly to the delightful local business owners I never got to meet in person but always promised I would.

Determined not to let mine and Jess’s committed championing of local businesses and community go to waste I will be handing over to a dear friend of mine, Miss Stefanie Morley. A much better writer than myself and a permanent resident in these parts she will keep you abreast of where to eat, drink, get fit, shop and enjoy this beautiful borough.

Goodbye Fulham, it’s been emotional.... Over to you Stef! 

Sarah xx

Christmas shopping in SW6 sorted!

There is nothing I love more than a little local pop up and so was really excited to read about Izzy's Attic on Munster Road. This Saturday, 30th November cream teas and Christmas treats await at Izzy's Attic- taking the stress and chaos out of your Christmas shopping whilst ensuring you leave with something special. 

Izzy's Attic will be filled with beautiful, hand-picked home accessories and gifts. These are completely unique, one-off gifts with their own individual design and style. For those like me who tend to steer towards the safe, and typically boring, side of present buying you can also 'Ask Izzy' for advice about gifts in the attic, or if you want help to find that special something, chosen with love, for you, your home or a loved one.

Spa secrets in SW6

With the nights drawing in and the run up to Christmas increasingly frantic, it's crucial to take some time out to relax, rejuvenate and escape the cold, even if it's just for an hour of escapism. As a more typical girlie girl I love all things grooming and jumped at the chance to try out the Blue Harbour Health Club and Spa at the Wyndham Grand in Imperial Wharf. 

Opting for one of their signature massages, I was really impressed with the quality of the treatment and therapist's level of skill and care. A quality massage does not come along as often as you would think, even in the lovely leafy suburbs of SW6. However, this massage was on par with some of the best spas I have been fortunate enough to visit with my day job.  

I have to admit though that I was a little disappointed with the 'spa' experience in the sense that I wasn't given a robe and sort of rushed through without being offered the opportunity to relax after the treatment and found myself back in the cold air before I had a moment to blink! As per the above picture there is a stylish serene relaxation area which I would have loved to enjoy. 

For local residents membership for the health club is not only available but also very competitively priced. The Blue Harbour Health Club & Spa features a 17-metre indoor swimming pool with swan neck body jets, fitness suite, sauna and steam room, six treatment rooms, a relaxation suite and hair salon. Monthly membership starts from just £80per person (and no joining fees) making it South West London’s best kept secret for gym bunnies! 

For those wanting to suss it out themselves there are two open days later this month on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd November, featuring free taster treatments and nutritional advice, prizes to win, free exercise classes and membership offers. To RSVP or for further information please call 0207 300 5011 or visit blueharbourspa.co.uk. 

Get Spooky and support local this Halloween on Wandsworth Bridge Road

Right Fulhamites - It's time to rally round and support our local high-streets in the run up to the festive season ahead. The first stop on the community cause is Halloween and Haus Properties is very excited to announce that they'll be sponsoring the Friends of South Park ‘Trick or Treat Trail’ on Thursday 31st October, where they will be fundraising for the regeneration and development of our much loved South Park. 

South Park has been the heart of our Sands End Fulham community for 109 years, serving the community and integral to what makes Fulham such an enticing place to live. As part of the seasonal autumn celebrations Haus has teamed up with the Friends of South Park to host a spooky treasure hunt trail down the Wandsworth Bridge Road. A chance for the children to get involved with creative activities, follow the ghostly treasure map, collect the mysterious prizes along the way and find themselves at their very own Haunted Haus Party. 

Kicking off from 3.30pm locals can expect pumpkin painting, gremlin hot chocolate surprises, bloody treats, spooky trail routes and the haunted Haus party experience. In light of yesterday's Daily Telegraph article which questions the demise of the Wandsworth Bridge Road and its failing local businesses I urge you to think twice this Autumn, and shop local where possible. 

Megans - better late than never!

I have nearly been to Megan's so many times, but always had the plans changed at the last minute meaning I am probably the only person in Fulham yet to try it, despite it being open over ten years. Last weekend it was a friend's birthday and she had booked a long table in their delightful twinkling conservatory at the back -  I instantly fell in love with this cute kitsch hideaway, tucked away from the hubbub of the New Kings Road and chastised myself for not having visited sooner.

Popular for brunch, private catering and now even more so with dinner I can see why this place is such a New Kings Road institution. The sharing boards we ordered were groaning with fresh deli deliciousness and the atmosphere fun and low-key with a lovely local vibe. The perfect spot for a fun celebratory dinner, I will be returning asap to try the brunch menu - my new favourite Fulham find, better late than never!

Girls that Glo...

Fulham is awash with nail bars and beauty salons, so many so that sometimes it's hard to know which are worth the money and which are better for a cheap and cheerful splash and dash (For nails that is, when it comes to waxing don't scrimp, what doesn't sting your wallet will sting you). 

Glo Fulham is constantly getting rave reviews on twitter from locals and die hard fans who travel from far and wide. It's the favourite choice of many a Made in Chelsea star and despite being opposite my flat I was yet to enter it's happy shiny doors until last week. It's always comforting going somewhere where the other customers not only seem jovial and relaxed but also on first name terms with the owners, I instantly felt at ease and eagerly anticipated my mani/pedi. 

I would describe my experience at Glo like a gin a tonic, it was reliable, gave me the fix I was after quickly and efficiently and didn't leave any nasty surprises. The added je ne sais quoi from my usual nail bar was the friendly and personable service, the hour was peppered with interesting and jolly conversation with a woman who didn't seem like she was ready to jump under the next 14 bus at any minute, which made for a refreshing change. 

I can see why this place is so popular, it's like going round a girlfriends house, yet being pampered - now only if they included a gin and tonic then it really would be perfect...



760 Fulham Rd
London
SW6 5SH
020 7731 6111

Not only for those "Made in Chelsea"

The Phene pub has had ample publicity of late thanks to our favourite cringe-tastic guilty pleasure, Made In Chelsea. It was where Lucy, a.k.a the token ‘bitch’ showed Spencer, the token ‘player’, what he was missing with her new ‘date’. This secluded SW3 hotspot has been the backdrop for many a girlie squabble and for when the boys drink bloody Mary’s awkwardly discussing each other’s shared past conquests. 

However, if you weren't made in Chelsea and would rather gauge out your eyeballs than associate yourself with any of the cast members then don’t fear, this pub can still be a haven from the bustling Kings Road to enjoy a quiet pint, sans TV crew. 

I went last Sunday for lunch with my mum and having previously only seen the garden after dark, four gin and tonics down I was pleasantly surprised at how pretty it was. Minus the cigarette burns on some of the cushions the garden had a charming south of France vibe and was pleasantly peaceful and D-list celebrity free. The service was excellent and super attentive, meaning we could quickly relax and enjoy a well recommended bottle of French Rose in the sunshine. 

     

Lunch was good quality pub grub, perhaps a smidgen over-priced for what it was, but hey this is Chelsea, what do you expect right? Top marks for atmosphere and setting, B- for food and value for money but those Made in Chelsea hoorays are right, the Bloody Mary’s are bloody good yah. 

THE PHENE
9 PHENE STREET
LONDON SW3 5NY
T: 0207 352 9898

The Sands End Street Party is back!

If there is any street in Fulham that knows how to throw a street party it's Stephendale Road, thanks to the Sands End pub. I have been to two of their brilliant street parties over recent years and loved the heady combination of BBQ fumes and local live music on my doorstep. With the weather more akin to southern Spain than SW6 at the moment it's unsurprising they have another one in the pipeline for next week.

This year the Sands End Pub is hosting its annual street party on the 27th July, 2013, from 12:00pm to 8:00pm outside the pub on Stephendale Road.The Sands End Street Party will offer street food, pimms flowing bars, a music stage, retail stalls and children's entertainment. In support of Ray's Playhouse, the family friendly event will also include the popular entertainment duo, Sharky & George, as well as fun activities including face painting to rides. 

It's bound to be brilliant fun and one not to miss on the SW6 social calendar - you can read our review of the  2011 street party here too - http://southwestsix.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/stephendale-street-party.html 

Pappa & Prosecco

A good local Italian is imperative in these parts. Whether it's a summers eve and you want to while away an evening with friends and plenty of prosecco, or a cold Sunday evening in the depths of winter and only chili linguine will do. I came across a new find last week, and lucky for me it's very local and was a balmy summers eve, with plenty of the aforementioned prosecco. 

Pappas Ciccia, Munster Road is brilliant for many reasons, it's lively and rambunctious like a good local Italian should be, the food is lady and the tramp lovely and it's BYOB! Italian through and through, the service is informal and on the slippery border between amusing and over-familiar. Every table was buzzing with locals slurping red wine and devouring cheesy slices of crisp pizza.

Pappas Ciccia is the type of place where you arrive sober and stressed and leave feeling tipsy and carefree. With another branch an even closer two minute walk from my flat I can see this is going to fast become a firm Friday night staple. 

We are lucky to have a few great Italians in SW6, here is a round up of the best:

Best for food - Gola
Best for lots of laughs and lemon cello -Il Pagglacio 
Best for a hot date - L'antico
Best for dancing - Mare Moto
Best for f**k the diet - Made in Italy

Barbarella is back!

Barbarella is where my mother had her hen party in 1986 and so it was with much amusement that I found myself sitting with three girlfriends in a booth last month enjoying their back to their 80's themed menu. An inspired idea by their PR team, the menu was 80's but, even better - so were the prices. £2.50 for a starter and £5.00 for a main course made for an extremely economical evening. It also made me think, god my mum's hen do must have been cheap compared to the going rate now!

All things 80's aside I loved how they had revamped the restaurant. It was very sexy with a slick of polished finishings and fabrics throughout, enhancing the private members club vibe. Booths offered plenty of privacy whilst the lighting remained on the flattering side of dim, meaning if you haven't visited since the 80's you needn't worry about the lines of time giving you away. We enjoyed peach Bellinis from the bar and were really impressed with the service, outdated it was not - our gorgeous Italian waitress was wonderfully attentive.

Live music from a talented singer slash sexy guitarist kept us entertained whilst we devoured our dinner as if we hadn't seen carbs since the 1980's. This place really comes into its own at the weekend with options to drink, dine, dance or do all three. It's a great Fulham local and one that I hope will be around for another 25 years, although I shudder to think what the prices will be by then!

Address: Barbarella, 428 Fulham Road, London, SW6 1DU, UK
Phone: 0207 920 6430

Pop Up Kings Road

Once upon a time, the Kings Road was known for being a hotbed of counter-culture; fertile ground for start ups, fresh thinkers and bright young creatives. For the last decade or so, I would argue, it has provided more of a stable environment to some local mainstays - places like Heals, Jack Wills, plenty of the Parisian fashion brands... even the feisty Ad Hoc has been around for a while.

So when I saw Pop Up Britain had moved in at the World's End, I was pretty excited: time for some fresh (super fresh) talent. Pop Up Kings Road is a concept store with a fantastic premise - every 2 weeks, for a whole year, 10 fresh new start ups move into the space and start trading. It's a great opportunity for new British talent to find a platform, get a leg up and make a name for themselves, and makes sure the shop is a real destination for a whole year, as you never know what you'll find there next.

When I visited this Saturday, the first batch of start ups had just taken residence, and I was really impressed with what I saw. The selection of brands was really well curated, each company complementing, rather than competing, with one another, and a really high standard of design and creativity. What's more, most of the brands were offering introductory discounts, so you can get your hands on future classics for fantastic prices

The highlight for me had to be Pinucci shoes, who had a selection of the world's coolest flats, and I couldn't resist their black leather, snakeskin and taupe suede Sloane sneakers, down from £150 to just £60. I also loved the selection of pretty trinkets, clothes and homewares from The Gorgeous Company, edgy shades from Couth and my boyfriend picked up a super cool slapband watch (90s children, remember snap bands?! Cool right?!) from Clicloc. Everything on offer was highly original, covetable and just a little bit different from most of what's on offer on the rest of the King's Road, breathing a fresher, younger lease of life into what is usually the slightly 'tired' end of the street.

A fresh batch of traders arrived in store today, and I'm sure I'll be checking in every few weeks throughout the whole year. I can't think of a better way to support talented young British entrepreneurs, and I love the fact that every time you visit, there will be new and exciting brands to shop. You'll see at least a few faces this year who make it big in 2014 and beyond, guaranteed.

Pop Up Kings Road
387 Kings Road
Chelsea, London
SW10 0LR
www.popupbritain.com

Pictures from Pop Up Britain and retailweek.

Start the Transition

TRX. HIIT. What the ****?

Sarah and I will try most things in the spirit of getting fit losing weight, so when we got an invite from the lovely Claire at Transition Zone to find out what on earth these mysterious acronyms were all about, we leapt at the opportunity.

The brainnchild of Claire Finlay, a bubbly and expert trainer with over a decade's PT experience under her belt, Transition Zone is a Fulham gym with a difference. Set in a light and airy space on Sulivan Road, Claire encourages her clients to mix up their workout through a series of 30-55 minute classes, most based on the principle of high intensity interval training. Based on the oh-so-true insight that most of use tire of the same old workout routine (how many times have you heard that same spinning soundtrack?) and consequently let ourselves slip, Claire has devised a range of classes to challenge you and keep you on your toes (and off them!) and let you get the same results in just half an hour as you would having spent an hour bored silly on the X trainer. What's more, all the classes are in small groups (3-4 maximum) so you really reap the benefits
of the extra level of personal attention.

Transition Zone offers Power Plate, boxing, dynamic yoga, Pilates chair, personal training and the mysterious TRX - and Claire promises she's got plenty in the pipeline to keep her clients' workouts interesting. In for a penny, in for a pound, Sarah and I opted for the intriguing TRX/yoga fusion. Claire specialises in a dynamic style of yoga that really gets into you moving, stretching deeper and working those muscles. Being a fan of bikram and power yoga, I appreciated the more active style - you get the best of both worlds: feeling a little more limber AND like you're torching some calories. It's in situations like these, too, when the small class sizes really come into play. As you move from posture to posture quite quickly, it's essential that someone is able to keep an eye and spot check your postures to ensure you're getting the most out of the workout and not doing yourself any damage.

Half an hour, and just a small amount of perspiration later, we moved onto the TRX portion of the class. So, it turns out TRX is a suspension-style workout performed with a series of straps attached to a large metal frame. Battling against our bodyweights, Claire had us squat, stretch, dip, balance and bounce. With the focus on core strength, stability and flexibility this workout seriously packs a punch but the focus is very much on long and lean rather than bulky - plus, turns out throwing yourself around using a suspension system, lots of straps and the force of gravity is pretty fun!

Our session made Sarah and I (committed monotonous runners and spinners both) really think again about the way we exercised, and Claire is full of handy hints and advice, coupled with a deep and genuine passion for fitness. Transition Zone offers a fresh take on training, and offers something quite unique for the area - I'm sure it will be making plenty of other Fulham exercise zombies rethink their workouts over the coming months too.

If you'd like to try out Transition Zone for yourself, why not take advantage of the 10 day TRI? For just £50 you can try out unlimited classes for 10 days. Alternatively, all evening classes are currently just £15. You can book online here.

Transition Zone
Broomhouse Studios
Unit 1, 50 Sulivan Road
London SW 6 3DX
www.transitionzone.co.uk

Feeling Arty at Barossa

There are several options for brunch in Fulham but my favourite new find of the last month is without a doubt, Barossa coffee house and Australian kitchen. Before I drive any dieters mad describing the delicious fresh coffee and melt in the mouth brownies I must be honest, this is a somewhat biased review...

Barossa recently tweeted asking local followers to help them find an artist to exhibit on their walls as part of their stylish new refurbishment. I immediately forwarded this to my dad, Robin White, a media trainer by day and pretty darn talented artist by night, to see if it might be of interest. Before I had time to blink Barossa had responded to him and within a week 16 of his paintings were adorning the walls. 

I was totally blown away by the enthusiasm and friendly attitude of this local cafe and am bursting with pride for my Dad. It's his first exhibition, a feat he has only dreamed of from his garage where he tirelessly paints during his spare time. Seeing his paintings hanging so beautifully in my favourite local cafe has made me fall in love with Fulham all over again. I don't think Dad would have ever imagined when I was born at Hammersmith hospital and he lived in Gowan Avenue that 25 years later his daughter would be tucking into a (delicious!) breakfast around the corner from her flat admiring his art work on the walls. 

This is a real testament to his hard work, Barossa's enigmatic spirit and infectious attitude to the local community and my obsession with twitter! The paintings will be there for the next three months and are all for sale at very reasonable prices. Whether you're into art or just want to try the best breakfast in Fulham - I urge you to pop down, check it out and let us know what you think!

For more information on Robin White visit - http://robin-white.com/ 

Barossa - 277 New Kings Road Fulham, London, SW6 4RD - http://www.barossafulham.com/

So very Thai Spa

I'll be the first to admit, I'm not a massive beauty buff. Sure I'll slap some mascara on in the morning, but I bite my nails, rarely get my haircut and can't remember the last time I had a mani-pedi (if ever!). However, after years of torturing myself with an epilator, I have recently begun to treat myself to salon waxes, and it's opened up the whole beauty salon world to me.

So, it made sense to get to know the places on my doorstep, starting with So Thai Spa on the Wandsworth Bridge Road. So Thai manages to strike the balance perfectly between cheap and cheerful (just £25 for a full leg, that's good, right?!), whilst maintaining  a semi day-spa feel through the use of great Asian decor, lots of dark wood, incense and music. The space is light and airy, with the treatment rooms arranged across the ground-level and off the mezzanine, leaving a gorgeous double height reception that gives a clean and sunny feel to the place. The welcome is with a cheery smile and the service is really swift, although still super-friendly.

Although my waxer for the day gaily referred to me as her "new wictim!" there was really nothing to fear - she was a total pro. Within just 20 minutes, both legs were as smooth as a late-night Jazz FM mega-mix, and I had (almost) enjoyed myself chatting away about our shared love of Thai cuisine and penchant for fried chicken (don't ask!).

So Thai provides a little Asian sanctuary right in the heart of Fulham, with gap year prices to match. Since it's just a hop, skip and jump away from my home I think I may have found my place! Perhaps I could get into this beauty malarkey after all...

So Thai Spa
118 Wandsworth Bridge Road
London SW6 2TF
http://www.sothaispa.co.uk/
0207 731 6543

Join the Mile High club

My sister lives in East London, and to say she's an evangelist would be an understatement. I'm constantly told how much "cooler" it is over there. How much more "innovative", "creative", about the amazing supperclub she went to the night before. Well, what East can do well I'll wager West will take on and do better, and when it comes to pop-up restaurants, I've a case in point.

A few weeks back, I checked into a glamorous departure lounge in Notting Hill, and one hour, 3 cocktails, and around 10 moose and beetroot canapes later, arrived (in some style) in the heart of Gotenburg. Dine Mile High is the innovative new pop-up restaurant concept dreamed up by 4 cousins from West London. Inspired by the golden age of air travel, each pop-up takes passengers to a different "destination", recreated through fantastic set design, delicious canapés, cocktails and a wonderfully authentic 'local menu'.

The exceptional attention to detail was what made the whole experience so memorable. The staff were local actors and drama students, and right from the check-in desk to the roaming semi-inebriated pilot, who called passengers aboard by name, the act did not slip once. Furnished with boarding passes and passports, we hit the departure lounge bar - earning passport stamps for each drink we sampled - whilst Scandi air hostesses served us with mousse canapes, pickled beetroot and cabbage, and all manner of Swedish delights.

Soon it was time to be called aboard our 'flight', and a few short moments later we were sat in the heart of "Gotenburg". Antlers and elk skins lined the wall, we sat along minimalist wood shared tables, and the cabin crew prepared us for take off. In a very well thought out pastiche of the standard lifejacket-and-exits routine, we were taught the correct way to imbibe and enjoy the meal (always ensure your neighbours glasses are full to the brim, in case you were wondering), and then we began.

Scallops were served with creamy potato puree in sea shells, we shared a smorgasbord of shrimps, salmon and marie rose sauce with our neighbours, and we devoured the elk steak with golden beetroot and chanterelles, rounding off with a scrummy Swedish lingonberry crumble. The menu was delicious - think noma, rather than ikea - and the seating arrangement and amenable hostesses made it a really convivial evening (the half bottle of wine each certainly helped).

The whole concept was fantastically thought out, and great fun to boot. Future departures will take guests to Beirut, Sicily and Mozambique, so make sure to bookmark www.dinemilehigh.com for when the tickets come out. This is certainly one frequent flyers club I'd recommend joining!

Dine Mile High
www.dinemilehigh.com
Next departures: 1-4th and 8-11th May 2013: Beirut.

Boutique Beauty by Bishops Park

Beauty salons, hair dressers and grooming parlours in Fulham are bountiful and range from the uber posh to the uber basic, but I have never been to one that has really blown me away, excuse the pun! That was until I visited the newly opened La Durbin Boutique Salon on the Fulham Palace Road. Stepping into this old school hollywood glamour salon is like turning back the clock to a more sophisticated and indulgent era. The attention to detail with the decor is delightful and the atmosphere so inviting you feel instantly at home. 

La Durbin is not a production-line style salon, they are passionate about the experience as a whole, from the complimentary glass of champagne to relax you before you take to the chair to the plate of ferrero rocher chocolates waiting as you sit down. Spending time in this salon really celebrates the art of pampering, ensuring you leave feeling a million times more relaxed, glamorous and polished than when you arrived. 

The sound of laughter fills the vintage inspired room and the staff appear genuinely thrilled to be working there, this is no doubt testament to the owner Latifa's passion for creating a genuine and warm environment for the staff and customer. This was her dream and she has worked tirelessly to make it just so, it's paid off!  She has already built a database of loyal local clientele despite only having been open a few short weeks.

I opted for the Deluxe Blow Dry which was by far the best blow dry I have ever had, instead of leaving me with static fluffy hair which dropped ten minutes later my hair stylist lovingly tended to each strand, creating amazing volume. I was over the moon with the results and two glasses of champagne down began to feel a warm glow of girlie happiness. Once finished we were given ample time to finish our drinks and discuss the results, my sister and I felt like we could be at home it was so relaxing and fun in the salon, but alas 2013 awaited outside and our slice of hollywood glamour was soon gone, until next time...

   

                

339 FULHAM PALACE ROAD, LONDON
Info@ladurbinsalon.co.uk
0203 302 3973

A Very Hot Pod with Hotter Results!

Here in Fulham we have an ABUNDANCE of cool new start-up businesses, so much so that we are compiling a round up of the best, there is obviously something in that South West Thames water. Loving new local businesses and anything independent and passion driven, we were desperate to try out Fulham's latest craze, Hot Pod Yoga. 

Set up by Nick Higgins and Max Henderson, a yoga teacher and a strategy consultant from London in January this year, this start-up may be fresh out of the womb but it has already received an impressive amount of press coverage and attention. Max and Nick are young, enthusiastic and charming, whilst being relatable and cool, a quality not often associated with yoga. Jess and I both agree that there is nothing worse than turning up to a yoga class and feeling like the home school student who has just joined secondary school and hasn't heard of facebook. There were no die hard yogi cliques and the class felt informal and quite fun, despite the soaring temperatures in the pop up inflatable pod. 

I decided to wear my new Zaggora trousers to the class for an added workout (more on these coming soon) and despite feeling apprehensive was instantly impressed by spacious lay out and cool music inside the pod - a much less rush-hour on the district line feeling than other hot yoga studios. The class was taught by Nick and combined some Vinyasa style flowing moves with a great pilates-esque tummy toning section. Despite the sweat starting to run down my chest which usually distracts me a bit with hot yoga, I really got into it and felt my muscles really start to stretch and work, toning from the inside out. 

The class flew by and we left feeling a million times better at the end than when we had shivered our way there from the bus stop to Hortensia Road. A fun atmosphere, cool concept and brilliant start up which will no doubt grow in popularity at a rapid pace - it got both thumbs up from us and we will definitely be back! They also have a great value launch offer of £10 per class or £80 for 10 classes, and three South West London locations! For more details visit www.hotpodyoga.com