#ChelseaLocals

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Whitehall Construction: Building For The Future

Annie Leyland Whitehall Construction has the expertise to take any project from design to completion Annie Leyland and her husband recently completed a major re-building project on their semi-detached house. They chose Jason Wilkinson of West London company Whitehall Construction as their contractor. Here Annie recalls the experience of working with Jason's team. ‘Jason had told us the work would take four months. On the very first day on site we joked that we had prepared for four to six months. He turned to us and replied: “I said four months – and that’s what it will be.” And indeed it was. In fact, without Christmas, we’d have finished ahead of schedule.

Jason Wilkinson ‘Having lived in our home for five years, we wanted to add a front extension and completely re-configure the ground floor. We’d noticed that Jason was working on a big house nearby with which we were familiar – he was converting it into two smaller properties – and we were impressed with the quality of the build. We met and liked him; he was calm, totally professional and straight down the line. ‘Jason project-managed the job. When an issue came up with the structural engineer, he sorted it out. He was on site every day to make sure there were no blips, he gave us a detailed week-by-week plan of what would happen and when and no question we asked was ever too stupid. We knew where we stood the whole time. ‘Jason’s team reflected his approach. They were on fire – I called them the Red Bull team of builders – and there was no sitting around. I actually missed them when they’d left – how often can you say that about builders? I would recommend Whitehall Construction to anyone.’ Whitehall Construction 2 Whitehall Gardens, Ealing, London, W3 9RD +447971418857 jason@whitehall-construction.co.uk http://www.whitehall-construction.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/WhitehallConstructionWestLondon/ https://twitter.com/Whitehallconst https://www.instagram.com/whitehallconstruction/ Read the full article

[nycfoodscape]

Great fun to pour #wine for the other amazing ladies at the monthly #ladiesnight in @chelseamarketny #chelsealocal. Great #cheese from @saxelbycheese and great wine from @corkbuzzwine Thanks @erin_fairbanks for organizing #wildwomenoffood #sisterhood #nycfoodscape #wineislife🍷 #wherestheparty #nycwomen (at Chelsea Market)

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Cremorne Pleasure Gardens: The Pleasure Principal

The Dancing Platform at Cremorne Gardens by Phoebus Levin, 1862 In the mid-19th century Victorian Londoners flocked to Chelsea's riverside to enjoy the wonderful – and sometimes dubious – delights of Cremorne Pleasure Gardens Cremorne Gardens is a small Thames-side park near the former Lots Road power station. Today’s half-acre space is all that remains of an extraordinary – and by night infamous – 12-acre Victorian pleasure garden that was once described by an unhappy local as a ‘nursery of every kind of vice.’ In the early 1800s the grounds of Viscount Cremorne's home, known as Chelsea Farm, extended from the Thames to the King's Road. After the Irish peer died in 1813 the estate passed through several hands until it was acquired by Thomas Bartlett Simpson, a wealthy coffee house owner. In 1845 Simpson sub-let to James Ellis, and he developed the land as a place of entertainment and spectacle. The Pleasure Gardens rapidly became a mecca for Londoners of all classes, with many visitors  arriving at Cremorne Pier on the threepenny steamer from the City,. For an entrance fee of one shilling, visitors could swap the capital’s dingy, crowded streets for a manicured landscape of lawns, lakes and fountains. The chief attraction for the crowds was the dazzling array of amusements on offer: these included a Crystal Grotto, a Marionette Theatre, a Hermit's Cave, a Bowling Saloon, a theatre hosting ballet, burlesque and opera, a circus, flower shows, exhibitions and weekly fireworks displays. In addition to these regular attractions there were special set-piece events, such as the 1851 Naval Fête, during which a steamer was blown up in a mock battle.

One of the biggest draws were the frequent displays of hot air ballooning. The Montgolfier brothers came to London to fly over Chelsea and a pub named the Balloon Tavern was opened within the Gardens (the premises is now the Lots Road pub). Most bizarrely, in June 1874 Vincent de Groof, known as L’Homme Volant, jumped from a balloon at 500 ft in a bat-like contraption of ropes, pulleys and silk wings. His intention was to flap/glide down to earth; sadly, the theory didn’t work in practice and de Groof crashed onto Sydney Street and broke his neck.

The female Blondin crossing the Thames on a tightrope to Cremorne Gardens While the conduct of daytime visitors caused few problems, once darkness fell it was a different story entirely. The Gardens attracted a disreputable audience, as this 1870 account records: ‘This is the maddest place in London after ten o'clock in the evening. Until that hour, the middle class of London citizens, shop-keepers, tradesmen, and clerks, and their wives and sweethearts have possession of the Gardens; but at that hour they leave the place, and from thence until one and two o'clock in the morning, Cremorne is in the possession of Lost Women and their male friends and abettors.’ Such behaviour inevitably lead to protests from Chelsea residents and, following a vigorous campaign, in 1877 the application for a renewed licence was refused and Cremorne Pleasure Gardens was closed. The site was subsequently sold for construction and, apart from the park, much of it is now covered by the World’s End estate. There is just one other reminder of this area of Chelsea’s colourful past. The wrought-iron gates from the old Gardens were saved and re-instated at the entrance to the new park. Illustrations reproduced by permission of Kensington and Chelsea Local Studies Read the full article

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My Healthcare Clinic: Committed to Caring

Dr Akash Patel The award-winning MyHealthcare clinic near the Broadway provides high quality, affordable and accessible medical and dentistry treatment ‘We opened the first MyHealthcare Clinic in Wandsworth in 2014 and the second here in Fulham in 2018,’ says Dr Akash Patel. ‘Our philosophy has always been the same: to use state-of-the-art technology to provide the best private medical and dentistry care within a flexible appointment structure and at transparent, affordable prices. Also, we wanted to bring back the “traditional” friendly GP approach that enables patients to get to know their doctor or dentist.’ Akash is the Medical Director of the family-run business, which was named Best Private Healthcare Clinic in London at the 2019 Private Healthcare Awards. ‘Our prime focus is on the core GP and dentistry services that people need on a regular basis. We have seven experienced GPs and two practice nurses and my colleague Dr Theo Sioutis leads a team of eight dentists and three hygienists who cover all procedures from children’s dentistry and orthodontics to mouth reconstruction with implants.

Dr Theo Sioutis ‘On the GP side we offer general consultations, baby immunisations such as chicken pox which aren’t available on the NHS, health screening, travel vaccines and blood tests. If specific advice or treatment is required, we have in-house consultants in disciplines from dermatology and gynaecology to paediatrics and psychology. These specialists take regular appointments here and they are part of the MyHealthcare family.’ Akash trained at Imperial College, worked as a junior doctor at St Mary’s, Paddington and practiced as a GP in Brook Green. He is a firm believer in nurturing the doctor-patient relationship. ‘That’s why our appointments are for 20 minutes – that gives us time to understand each case. Patients know that they can always see me – they won’t have to start from scratch every time – and they have my contact details and are welcome to ask followup questions. That applies to every practitioner. ‘When it comes to appointments, we save enough slots in a day to accommodate patients who want to see someone there and then. We are open seven days a week (from 8am Monday to Friday and 10am Saturday and Sunday) with late evenings until 8pm Monday to Wednesday. It’s all about convenience.’ A key element of the MyHealthcare ethos is a commitment to providing medical care at a fair price. Hence, in addition to pay-as-you-need treatments, the company has developed an unrivalled variety of excellent value membership plans for GP and/or dental services and for individual, family and corporate patients. In particular, great emphasis is placed on looking after families: for example, if two adults take a combined membership for GP and dentistry, two children are entitled to free care up to the age of 18. ‘If there’s one phrase that sums up what we do, it is continuity of care,’ adds Akash. ‘We like to create a bond with each patient and that allows us to talk to them informally. Often those discussions can make all the difference in how we choose to care for our patients.’ New patient offer: Book a GP appointment for £45 (usual cost £75 Monday to Friday and £85 at weekends) or a dental appointment for £25 (usual cost £75). My Healthcare Clinic also offers: * Paediatrics * Gynaecology * Dermatology * Podiatry * Psychology * Mother and baby care (fertility testing, pregnancy scans, antenatal and post-natal care, immunisations and infant feeding) * Travel clinic * Diagnostics (blood tests, ultrasound, genetic testing, dental x-ray, iTero and CT) * Occupational Health * Sexual Health Clinic * Dental hygiene and cleaning * Orthodontics (including Invisalign) * Dental implants * Cosmetic dentistry My Healthcare Clinic 15 Vanston Place, Fulham SW6 1AY +442072824340 info@myhealthcareclinic.com https://myhealthcareclinic.com/ https://www.facebook.com/myHealthCareClinic/ https://twitter.com/hashtag/myhealthcareclinic https://www.instagram.com/mhcclinic/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/myhealthcare-clinic-ltd/about/

My Healthcare Clinic 15 Vanston Place, Fulham SW6 1AY +442072824340 info@myhealthcareclinic.com https://myhealthcareclinic.com/ https://www.facebook.com/myHealthCareClinic/ https://twitter.com/hashtag/myhealthcareclinic https://www.instagram.com/mhcclinic/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/myhealthcare-clinic-ltd/about/ Read the full article

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May & Co: The Home Front

Harry Yianni Planning a move? Harry Yianni and the team at May & Co have the experience to help you... ‘The best part of my job is meeting so many interesting people,’ says Harry Yianni, Sales and Lettings Director of May & Co. ‘Having worked in Chelsea since 2004, I’ve been able to help the same clients at different points in their property-buying cycle – from lettings to buying a first flat to moving into a family home. ‘It’s all about building a long-term relationship. That epitomises our philosophy: if customers have a positive experience with us they will come back in the knowledge that they’ll see a familiar face. That trust is very important.’ May & Co has a proud heritage in the Chelsea property market. The company was founded in 1920 and Harry, who has over 20 years industry experience, joined his brother John when he acquired the business 15 years ago. No one knows the local housing stock better. ‘When it comes to valuations for both sale and rental, I believe in being realistic,’ explains Harry. ‘Over the years I’ve seen many examples of clients being promised the moon and the stars to secure an instruction. We only quote figures that we can achieve. That integrity pays dividends in the long run.’ May & Co provides a full lettings management service – drawing up tenancy agreements, checking references, collecting rent and attending to repairs – and Harry also buys and sells at auction on behalf of clients. ‘Those properties tend to be ones on a short lease or which need to be sold quickly. Also, we are often recommended to handle probate valuations. That requires a more thorough property description, including details of the surrounding area and similar properties.’ If anyone is qualified to assess the current market it is Harry. ‘Inevitably, many people are waiting to see what happens with Brexit. However, there are still good buyers and tenants out there. The fact that Chelsea is such a desirable area has kept values more buoyant. ‘We’re fortunate that many clients come to us through word-of-mouth recommendation. If you’re thinking of buying, selling or letting we will provide a friendly, personal service that gets results.’ May & Co 340 Fulham Road, Chelsea SW10 9UH +442073763726 harry@mayandco.co.uk http://www.mayandco.co.uk/ https://twitter.com/mayandcolondon http://www.facebook.com/mayandco

May & Co 340 Fulham Road, Chelsea SW10 9UH +442073763726 harry@mayandco.co.uk http://www.mayandco.co.uk/ https://twitter.com/mayandcolondon http://www.facebook.com/mayandco Read the full article

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John Sandoe Books: A Bibliophile’s Dream

‘The perfect bookshop in which to browse, where staff delight in making intelligent recommendations based on books you have read and enjoyed.’ – Sir Terence Conran For anyone of a certain age, walking into John Sandoe Books is a wonderfully nostalgic experience. Tucked away on Blacklands Terrace just off the King’s Road, it is a proper, old-fashioned bookshop. A customer once described the shop perfectly: ‘There’s something uplifting about the place, windows and staircases crammed with books, one genre fading into the next… It’s one of the few bookshops I’ve ever visited that made me feel I’d be happy reading any book on its shelves… I could have a bad day at work and it would be made better by a short walk among the titles at John Sandoe Books, where only a short walk is ever possible.’ Johnny de Falbe joined in 1986 and he is one of the co-owners. ‘It’s very strange,’ he smiles. ‘Many “young people” – the Instagram generation – come in who haven’t grown up with a bookshop like us. We strike them as unusual and rather wonderful, which is lovely. Of course, in terms of technology we are a thoroughly modern operation, but when it comes to personal service and ethos, we’re doing what we’ve always done.’ John Sandoe founded the bookshop in 1957 in a Regency cottage (No. 10). The intention was to stock his selection of the best current books and obtain other titles requested by customers. Due to ill health, John retired in 1989. 'He wanted to sell to two of us who worked here,’ recalls Johnny. ‘I’d been going to leave to set up a business with a friend called James Daunt, but a customer lent us the money to buy the shop and so I stayed.’ Today, John Sandoe Books also occupies the two neighbouring cottages (Nos. 11 and 12). ‘When we acquired No. 12 in 2013, we took the opportunity to gut the premises, rolling the three units into a single shop,’ explains Johnny. ‘The aim was to improve the light and space, but put it back with all the original character. I just hope the beams hold up!’ For the last 30 years, Sandoe’s has been renowned for publishing quarterly catalogues of recommended new titles. These are despatched worldwide. ‘They are the bedrock of the business in the sense that they represent the process of selection,’ says Johnny. ‘Once upon a time, all independent booksellers chose their books. We look at what’s new and decide whether to buy or not; our lists are a mix of what we think our customers might want and what we like. We also now offer tailor-made subscriptions and we can source out-of-print books and put together private libraries.’ In a charming tradition, every year in the run-up to Christmas John Sandoe publishes 1000 copies of a specially commissioned short work through the Cuckoo Press. Given away free, these are mostly short stories, but they have also featured first chapters of novels, poetry collections and memoirs; the contributors read like a who’s who of literature, among them Javier Marias, Dame Muriel Spark, William Boyd, Julian Mitchell, Arabella Boxer and Edna O’Brien. With a loyal local clientele and many visitors from abroad, the bookshop is an institution. Actor Simon Russell Beale summed up its appeal: ‘A very important part of my Sunday is a stroll to the King’s Road to John Sandoe’s... Apart from browsing, the chat in the shop is terribly important. They’ve read it all and they’re highly literate and funny people.’ John Sandoe Books 10-12 Blacklands Terrace, Chelsea, London SW3 2SR +442075899473 sales@johnsandoe.com http://www.johnsandoe.com

John Sandoe Books 10-12 Blacklands Terrace, Chelsea, London SW3 2SR +442075899473 sales@johnsandoe.com http://www.johnsandoe.com Read the full article

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Moyses Stevens: Flower Power

Bouquets from Moyses Stevens are always scented, textured and made and hand tied by the company’s own experienced florists. And they have a wonderfully English feel... Established in 1876 with a single shop in Berkeley Square, Moyses Stevens is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious florists. The company is proud of that heritage – it has a Royal Warrant from His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales and also supplied flowers to the Queen Mother – and today is renowned for designing beautiful bespoke bouquets and floral arrangements for both individual and corporate customers. Anneka (Annie) Brown is the friendly manager of the branch in Pavilion Road. As she tells me, that location can make life rather hectic for her team. ‘We’re very much the local florist for Chelsea. So, being close to Registry Office on the King's Road, inevitably we do get impromptu requests for wedding flowers. Often brides-to-be will come in for a bouquet. We ask them: “When would you like to collect it?” And they say: “Now – we’re getting married down the road in half an hour!” I must admit, it does surprise us when people leave their flowers to the last moment like that. Fortunately, we stock a large selection of cut flowers and always manage to create something suitable on the spot!’ Annie has worked at Moyses Stevens for over three years, having started her floristry career during work experience from school in her native Kent. Like all her colleagues, she has been trained in the company’s tried and trusted signature style. ‘Our famous hand tied bouquets are scented and usually include three types of foliage,’ she explains. ‘The arrangements are really all about texture. That approach is traditionally English – we like to use different textures and fragrance to make an impact rather than focal flowers. Of course, we only source the best flowers and foliage from the UK and suppliers worldwide; for example, we get regular deliveries from Colombia, Israel and Ecuador. ‘If a customer asks us to replicate a bouquet that they’ve spotted on our website, we’re more than happy to do so. Alternatively, we can make up a bespoke arrangement in either a traditional or contemporary style using their favourite flowers. ‘Naturally, that does depend on those blooms being available – for some reason people always seem to want peonies when they’re out of season – but we can usually suggest a good alternative. Also, we’re very particular about our wrapping; the packaging must match the beauty and impact of the bouquets. It’s an integral part of our customer service.’ In an exciting development for the business, early this summer Moyse Stevens will be opening a new flagship Flower School and shop just across the river at the new Battersea Power Station development. Perfect for anyone who would like to learn more about the art of floristry, the School will be offering both short-term (from three hours to two days) masterclasses for all ages and abilities, all run by top floral designers, as well as more advanced vocational courses. With specialist in-house teams handling wedding flowers and corporate work for hotels, restaurants, retailers and offices, Moyses Stevens’ talented florists can transform and bring seasonal elegance to any space. ‘Our designers are full of inspirational ideas,’ says Annie. ‘Whatever style or arrangement you want, come and talk to us and we’ll do our utmost to achieve the perfect result for you.’ Moyses Stevens 188 Pavilion Road, Chelsea, London SW3 2BF +442077301377 chelsea@moysesflowers.co.uk https://www.moysesflowers.co.uk

Moyses Stevens 188 Pavilion Road, Chelsea, London SW3 2BF +442077301377 chelsea@moysesflowers.co.uk https://www.moysesflowers.co.uk Read the full article

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Fulham SW6: Promote your business in the next issue of #FulhamLocals magazine

Take space in our local magazines Our philosophy is to feature businesses that trade locally. We do this through dedicated advertorials written, designed and photographed by our experienced in-house team. We also accept display advertisements and in every issue we reserve space for feature articles covering different aspects of local life. Every advertorial that appears in our print and digital magazines is also posted on our website and social media channels and included in our email newsletters. BOOK AN ADVERTORIAL OR DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT... Editorial and Advertising: connect@keepthingslocal.com +447956391739 WE PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS #KeepThingsLocal Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google My Business, Pinterest… #Instagram : #ChiswickLocals #HammersmithLocals #FulhamLocals #ChelseaLocals #richmondLocals #Twitter : #ChiswickLocals #HammersmithL #FulhamLocals #ChelseaLocals #richmondLocals Promote your business in the next issue of @FulhamLocals magazine 8000 copies delivered to #Fulham homes/businesses. Includes online & digital versions, newsletter & SMM promotion, cover photo. Order online https://keepthingslocal.com/product/printed-magazine/

BOOK AN ADVERTORIAL OR DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT... Editorial and Advertising: connect@keepthingslocal.com +447956391739 Read the full article

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Chiswick W4: Promote your business in the next issue of #ChiswickLocals magazine

Take space in our local magazines Our philosophy is to feature businesses that trade locally. We do this through dedicated advertorials written, designed and photographed by our experienced in-house team. We also accept display advertisements and in every issue we reserve space for feature articles covering different aspects of local life. Every advertorial that appears in our print and digital magazines is also posted on our website and social media channels and included in our email newsletters. BOOK AN ADVERTORIAL OR DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT... Editorial and Advertising: connect@keepthingslocal.com +447956391739 WE PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS #KeepThingsLocal Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google My Business, Pinterest… #Instagram : #ChiswickLocals #HammersmithLocals #FulhamLocals #ChelseaLocals #richmondLocals #Twitter : #ChiswickLocals #HammersmithL #FulhamLocals #ChelseaLocals #richmondLocals Promote your business in the next issue of @ChiswickLocals magazine 6000 copies delivered to #Chiswick homes/businesses. Includes online & digital versions, newsletter & SMM promotion, cover photo. Order online https://keepthingslocal.com/product/printed-magazine/

BOOK AN ADVERTORIAL OR DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT... Editorial and Advertising: connect@keepthingslocal.com +447956391739 Read the full article

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Promote Your Business

We promote your business for you - saving you valuable timeWe promote you on Social Media, Online, Email Newsletters and in Print (print optional)6-8000 copies of each printed magazine hand-delivered to targeted local residential homes and businessesEvery Featured Interview is posted on our websiteSocial Media Campaign: We promote you on our Social Media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, Google, Pinterest…Your business will be included in our regular email newsletterWe create your business listing: https://keepthingslocal.com/item/airivo-chiswick-w4/ Post Events, Special Offers and Jobs: https://keepthingslocal.com/event-pro/chiswick-w4-diane-chandler-creative-writing-workshop/ THE BENEFITS OF FEATURED INTERVIEWS… One-to-one interview with our editorial teamPhotographic location shootThe advertiser has final copy and design approvalPhotograph on the magazine cover (guaranteed for DPS, Full Page and Half Page space - when you feature in print) Whatever assistance you need running your business, our experienced in-house team will help you solve any problems and realise your ambitions. Social Media campaigns and management: we develop and manage your social media presence so you have more time to focus on running the business.We can promote your business on #KeepThingsLocal Social Media channels: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google My Business, Pinterest… #Instagram : #ChiswickLocals #HammersmithLocals #FulhamLocals #ChelseaLocals #richmondLocals #Twitter :#ChiswickLocals #HammersmithL #FulhamLocals #ChelseaLocals #richmondLocalsWebsite creation and management: we build your business online – from cost-effective WordPress websites to custom-coding from the ground-up.Design, logos and branding: our creative team will take any brief and strengthen your identity in the marketplace.Print and business stationary: we create printed and digital business cards, A4 letterheads, in-house magazines, brochures and flyers.Photography: our experienced photographers handle all photographic disciplines from portrait and team shoots to retail space and locations and products and events.Video: our filmmakers and videographers honed their skills in film, TV and corporate and social media videos. They will communicate your message powerfully and effectively.Events: we have the expertise and knowledge to ensure your event is a success.Copywriting: the members of our editorial team have experience in leading London agencies, TV news and the national and local press. They will devise powerful selling copy that gets results.Retail Design: We design concepts for interior and exterior retail space in 2D and 3D. Read the full article