#HammersmithLocalsSpring2020

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Hammersmith Butcher: John Stenton Family Butchers - Serving The Community

Jack and John John Stenton describes himself as ‘one of the last of a dying breed’ of local family butchers. Here he reflects on his professional life in Brackenbury Village… ‘Hammersmith is a nice place to work. I have customers from all walks of life and I enjoy having fun with them. The kids say hello on their way to school and I’ve got to know so many family generations – that’s lovely. ‘When people don't recognise a cut of meat, I explain what it is and how to cook it and, on the next visit, we hear all about it. We get some wonderful compliments. One lady said: “Thanks for making our Christmas magnificent.” That's what gets me out of bed at 6am. There are no short cuts in this business!

John Stenton ‘We source the world’s finest meat. I keep tabs on where it comes from by visiting the farms – I know how the animals are reared. Now’s a good time to order Spring lamb for Easter. Many customers prefer a leg, but my favourite is shoulder double-wrapped in tinfoil We also make and sell mini-lamb roasts – they are perfect for two people. ‘We've turned the clock back 50 years and now wrap meat in grease-proof paper to save on plastic. Customers come in with polyurethane re-sealable plastic bags and boxes; however, using them is like standing in a freezer with your coat on. The cold can't get through to the meat and lower the temperature enough. We suggest glass pyrex containers to keep meat cold while you do your bit for the environment.

John and Jack ‘We take telephone orders – I always try to answer by the third ring – but I prefer to see customers face to face. We open at 8am on Saturdays, so that’s a good time to avoid queuing and you can pre-order on Friday and pick up on Saturday. Our French customers like meat cut differently and it can take time to prepare, so sometimes you may have to wait a little longer. However, queuing is a good way to meet neighbours! ‘Once, Lenny Henry came in and he said: “I thought you’d have two or three shops by now.” I said: “Len, like wives, on most occasions one at a time is more than enough to handle. ‘I have been serving the people of Hammersmith for 50 years and I'd like to say thank you for supporting me.’ Stenton’s offers organic and free range produce and selected meats from England’s finest farms: Cotes De Boeuf Bavette De Boeuf Tournedos De Boeuf Noisettes D’Agneau Onglet De Boeuf Roti De Boeuf Osso Bucco Poulet Desosse Farci a la Saucisse De Toulouse Paupiettes De Veau Duck Handmade gluten and wheat free organic pork sausages Beef Lamb Wild Boar Boerewors Merguez Chorizos Read the full article

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Garden Centre: Exploring W6’s Houseplant Jungle...

Paul Holt Paul Holt has created an exciting indoor oasis called The Green Room at the W6 Garden Centre in Ravenscourt Park Paul Holt has created an exciting indoor oasis called The Green Room at the W6 Garden Centre in Ravenscourt Park In January 2019, Paul Holt, the Creative Director of W6 (and N1) Garden Centre, was killing time before meeting Louise Alhadeff, the Manager, at the Ravenscourt Park site. ‘I was looking at the old railway arch right next to the W6 Café and wondering what we could do with it,’ he recalls. ‘We had tried selling furniture, and that hadn’t worked; Leo, the Café Manager, had looked at using it, and that hadn’t worked either.

‘Then I noticed a single cheese plant abandoned in the back corner. It had been there all winter with no heating and virtually no light, and yet was still alive. I thought, if it can survive, why don't we take out the doors, re-model the interior and convert the whole arch into a space in which to display and sell high quality houseplants. Fortunately, Louise agreed with me!’ A year on from that flash of inspiration, the original brick railway arch has been impeccably restored and The Green Room – as it was christened – is flourishing with a floor-to-ceiling indoor jungle of houseplants and stylish pots, containers and accessories. It has proved hugely popular with the Garden Centre’s customers. ‘Having plants around simply lifts the spirits,’ smiles Paul. ‘They are so important in an urban setting; even if you only have a balcony, they provide a fundamental connection with nature.’ Having studied Horticulture and worked as a Nursery Manager, Paul was introduced to Beryl Henderson, who had recently opened the N1 Garden Centre, through a fortuitous mutual acquaintance. ‘Beryl needed a temporary Garden Centre Manager and, by pure chance, I’d moved to London with no job.’ That was 20 years ago and today, as the business’s Creative Director, Paul travels throughout Europe, sourcing plants and accessories.

‘Of late, there has been such a surge of interest in houseplants,’ he says. ‘They offer so much: whether tall, small, trailing, climbing or hanging, they make perfect natural decoration for any home or office. We sell a wide cross-section – from the well-known to bthe more exotic – to suit every lifestyle. For example, if you travel for work, you don’t want a houseplant that demands constant attention; also, since we opened The Green Room at W6, we’ve found that Insta collectors – they tend to be the younger generation – love our more unusual specimens.’ The friendly Garden Centre team are always on-hand to give expert advice on caring for the houseplants and Paul ensures that the range of accessories is constantly refreshed. ‘I always try to reflect current colour trends and because so many people pop into the W6 Café regularly, I need to keep it interesting.’ And finally, which houseplant would Paul recommend? ‘It’s so hard to choose, but I love Jatropha Podagrica, commonly called The Gout Plant. It’s a succulent with a swollen stem, hence the name, small rhubarb-like leaves and neon orange and yellow flowers that come out as a stalk. It’s a real curiosity and a fantastic talking point – I’ve had one since I was 16 years-old!’

Paul Holt

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London Carpet: The Carpetstore - Luxury Vinyl Style

MAXIMUS - Victorian Treasure Decor - Charcoal The Carpetstore is the only West London stockist of the Invictus range of wood, parquet and stone-effect vinyl flooring As in most industries, fashions come and go in carpets and flooring. Few people are more aware of the latest trends – and better able to respond to changing demand – than brothers Clay and Joe Miller, who have been running The Carpetstore for 25 years.

Joe and Clay When they add a new brand to their portfolio, as they have recently done with Invictus luxury vinyl flooring, it’s a decision based on market knowledge. ‘We’ve noticed that customers are increasingly favouring vinyl tiles over wood and concrete flooring,’ explains Clay. ‘They are going to be the next big thing – and the quality of Invictus’ wood, parquet and stone-look ranges is really outstanding. ‘They are waterproof, so are suitable for kitchens and bathrooms, they have an ultrastrong top layer (Scratchmaster) that makes them extremely hard-wearing in domestic and commercial settings, they are warm and silent underfoot and, best of all, they come in a fantastic array of striking designs.’ The Carpetstore already offers a huge choice of classic and contemporary carpets for all budgets as well as made-to-measure bespoke rugs and stair runners. Last year, Clay and Joe also began stocking Sedna eco-friendly carpets.

MAXIMUS - Victorian Treasure Decor - Charcoal ’The yarn is spun from abandoned fishing nets,’ explains Clay. ‘According to the manufacturer, nets comprise one-tenth of marine litter and trap tens of thousands of creatures every year. The carpets are soft and durable and come in two qualities: a twist pile for stairs and living rooms and a Saxony, which is a luxurious deep pile for bedrooms.’ All carpets, rugs and runners sold by The Carpetstore are moth-free – a chemical is put on the yarn while it is being spun, hence it is built in – and Clay and Joe use their own experienced fitters, who also lay hardboard, ply and latex sub-floors and trim doors. If you are investing in new carpet or flooring, whether for the home, office or a communal property, you’ll receive excellent personal service and practical advice.

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