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.