Ealing Insider

I have been a fan for a while now and am so pleased to welcome Abby of Abigail’s Bead Company to the blog. Read on to hear about her stunning work and for details of a competition where you can win a charm bracelet for you and a friend. 

Abby – your creations are stunning. Tell us more about how you make them?

Thank you! Each and every piece of jewellery starts from a spark of inspiration. That spark leads onto sourcing natural semi-precious gemstones and sterling silver. Then I begin to experiment at my workbench with different styles, shapes and colour palettes. For me the crucial point of the process is narrowing down the main ‘design feature’ of each piece and enhancing it as much as possible. I try different configurations for the piece, photographing each design option as I go and deciding the strongest overall ‘look’ from the images. A variety of skills are then needed to bring each piece to life.

How long does the average piece take to make?

As each piece of jewellery I create is a one-off design and never repeated, there is no set formula to the amount of time each piece takes. It can take anything from one hour to a day or two to make a single piece of jewellery from first design idea, to finished product.

When did you start designing and creating jewellery?

I first started designing jewellery when I was studying at London College of Fashion ten years ago. I remember the first time I stepped foot into a jewellery silversmithing workshop and having a very strong sense that that’s where I belonged. I fell in love with the design possibilities and skills needed to make unique, handcrafted jewellery and I’m still just as excited to create new pieces. I spent a couple of years teaching jewellery making in Carnaby Street, until I developed my own style aesthetic and left to pursue my own designs and sell my work.

What other makers do you admire?

There are so many I admire, my top three would be Alan Ardiff, Theo Fennel and Daisy Knight. They are true artists with amazing vision and are exceptionally skilled.

I love the fact that every piece you make is different. What have been some of your favourites?

My most worn piece, which I absolutely love is my signature charm necklace (pictured below).

I also adore turquoise and recently made a turquoise stone set tassel necklace and earrings for my summer 2018 collection at For Arts Sake. I love how tactile they are. 

I’m always wearing my creations, I don’t feel like me without some gemstones and silver on!

Where can people see and buy your work?

I will be at the Festive Artisan Market next Saturday 10th November from 12 midday until 6pm at the Ealing Park Tavern. I currently have exclusive collections available at Amreen’s Gifts and Interiors on Hanwell Broadway and For Arts Sake Gallery in Ealing Broadway. 

My work is available on my website www.abigailsbeadcompany.com

You can also follow me on social media for all my latest designs, buying my work, markets, and competitions. I am on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

How long have you lived in Ealing for?

I was born and raised in Hanwell, so Ealing is very much my home.

Where are your favourite Ealing spots?

I’ve always loved the variety of parks and open spaces in Ealing. The Bunny Park in Hanwell has always been part of my life. I like a casual stroll down St. Mary’s Road in Ealing, with all its independent retailers and restaurants. My favourite place for a coffee or a cocktail would be Charlotte’s W5. But it’s hard to beat the menu and pub quiz at The Drapers Arms!

What would you love to be doing five years from now?

My dream for the future is to be running my own jewellery shop selling my work, with a studio where I could teach others how to make jewellery. 

If you could arrange for anyone in the world to wear your jewellery who would you choose and why?

This is a tough one… I think I would choose a couple of women who are in their own way inspiring, empowering, positive role models. Marilyn Monroe would have be one of those women. Today it would be Emma Watson. Both are style icons in very different ways. Imagine the photo shoot…how I’d love that! 

But the most thrilling feeling is passing a woman locally wearing one of my pieces. I hope that any woman would love to wear a piece of my jewellery.

Competition time 

To be in with a chance of winning TWO of Abby’s charm bracelets (one for you and one for a friend) each with one angel wing charm to start your collection, visit Ealing Insider on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and find the competition post. 

On Instagram and Facebook - like the post and comment, tagging a friend that you would like to win the prize for and tell us if Abby could design any charm for them, what would it be and why?

On Twitter - reply to the post, tagging a friend that you would like to win the prize for and tell us if Abby could design any charm for them, what would it be and why?

We would love it if you would follow us both too! To be in with a greater chance of winning, you can enter up to three times, on all platforms. 

Thanks Abby for telling us more. 

Love,

Ellie

The Ealing Insider

xoxox

Photo credits

A big thank you to Ben aka Benjamin Timothy Finch Photography for the beautiful photos in the blog, some which will also be featured on the Ealing Insider social media platforms. 

The competition small print

The competition opens on Sunday 4th November 2018, and closes Saturday 10th November 2018. The winner will be selected by Abby and Ellie and will be published on Sunday 11th November 2018 across the Ealing Insider platforms, after which we will make contact with them to arrange delivery of their prize.

The prize is two starter charm bracelets, each with one angel wing charm to start your collection. (It doesn’t include all the charms pictured.)

The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except Abby Pilkington and the Ealing Insider, as long as they will be in the UK for so the prize can be posted to them. 

People can enter up to three times - once on each platform and can tag different friends on each platform.

This month I had the pleasure of meeting the maker behind Made by Love, Jesz and visiting her craft room, a colourful and happy place full of treasures. If you are a bunting fan, she’s your girl!

Read on to find out more about her and for details of our instagram competition...

Hello Jesz!

Tell us a bit about yourself?

Hello! I'm an Aussie who moved to London for work in 2010. Over seven years later here I still am. My middle name is Love (as I was due on Valentines Day, although decided to wait a little longer to be born!) which is where the 'Love' of Made by Love came from.

How did Made by Love come about? How long has it been going for?

My best friend asked me to make her 33 metres of bunting for her wedding reception in early 2017. I enjoyed the whole process of scouting for fabric, sewing and finally seeing them up so much that I thought ‘why not do something about it?’ In September 2017 my Etsy shop was born and I've been doing it since.

Is this your main ‘day job’?

Made by Love is my night and weekend job... by day I work in a Visual Effects Production House looking after the Developers. 

Where do you do your creative work?

I started in the kitchen but my other half kindly forfeited his man cave so I could have a proper work space. I've added some prints, glitter and fairy lights among his more manly prints and I love it!

What inspires you?

I like to make bunting that's fun, colourful and a little bit different. Not everyone wants shabby chic bunting so I hunt for the fun and unique. Mostly I buy fabric that I love and hope that someone out there will too! Where else will you find bunting with dinosaurs holding cameras or rain clouds with rainbow drops?

What has been your most popular product?

It's hard to say as I don't make loads of the one item (I buy limited amounts of fabric). Saying that, my Day at the Duck Pond has sold out and at one market two people bought three sets of Christmas bunting each!  

What do you love about Ealing?

I first moved into Ealing in 2015 when my other half and I moved in together. It was the middle point from where I was (Notting Hill) and where he was (West Drayton) and we've not looked back since.

I love that everything I need is here or in close proximity which means I don't have to battle the crowds of Central London like I do during the week. I've also loved seeing the diversity of food places grow in the time I've lived here and for a foodie that's only good news! 

My favourite place would have to be Artisan Coffee at Ealing Broadway as they make THE best coffees in Ealing. They got me on to Oat Milk! I also love Charlottes W5 and my favourite thing from their menu is their hash browns with tomato relish. OMG they are amazing. 

Where can people see your creations and buy them?

My main outlet is my Etsy store madebyloveflags.

I will have a stall at the next Fox Market W7 on 14th April and I plan to be at a few other markets this year too, including the Sugar and Spice Flea Market where I had a stall last year.

I'm on Instagram and Facebook so people can see my creations and what I am up to on there too.

What is on the plan for the rest of 2018?

I'd like to expand my product line this year but for the first part I'll be concentrating on making more bunting and more love themed enamel pins. I'll be making some waterproof bunting for the summer so hopefully people with like those too.

*Instagram competition time!*

We all know some wonderful mums - either our own, or a friend who is doing a great job as a mum. For the chance to win your mum of choice some beautiful ‘mum’s bouquet’ bunting pictured above and a love pin badge pictured below, all you have to do is head over to the Ealing Insider instagram and comment on one of the Made by Love posts with the mum’s name and why she should win the goodies. 

We would love it if you would follow us both on Instagram too! 

We will be drawing the winner at random on Mother’s Day - Sunday 11th March and will publish the winner on the Ealing Insider instagram.

Gorgeous to meet you Jesz - thank you for featuring. We will be looking out for you in Ealing and filling our homes with as much bunting as we can!

Love,

Ellie

The Ealing Insider

xoxox

The competition small print

·        To enter, you must comment on one of the Made By Love photos on the Ealing Insider Instagram account with the name of a mum who is doing a great job and why she should win.

·        The competition is running from Tuesday 6th March until Saturday 10th March 2018.

·        All entrants’ names will be entered in to a ‘hat’ and the winner will be selected at random on Mother’s Day - Sunday 11th March.

·        The winner’s name will be published on the Ealing Insider’s Instagram on Sunday 11th March and we will contact them directly to arrange to get their goodies to them.

·        The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except Made By Love and the Ealing Insider, as long as they will be in the UK for so the prize can be posted to them.

It’s a great time of year for the fabulous FoxMarketW7 and they have their last market before Christmas this Saturday 9th December from 1-5pm. I can’t wait!

Last week we met Sophia’s Illustration and Sew Me Sunshine. This week I am delighted to introduce our third featured stall holder and the market organiser Victoria of Wilde and Sinclair. 

Hello Victoria!

Tell us a bit about yourself

I have always loved making things and been drawn to anything sparkly. When I was little I wanted to be a film costume designer because my great-grandmother and grandmother worked in the wardrobe departments of film studios (one made wigs and the other knitted chain mail). It is partly because of my grandmother that I grew up watching black and white films and came to love the retro style of old movie stars.

Wilde and Sinclair combines my love of crafting with my love of vintage because I sell hand drawn cards as well as antique and vintage jewellery. The name Wilde and Sinclair derives from the surnames of the main characters in the TV show The Persuaders.

I combine running Wilde and Sinclair with my main job as a freelance writer/editor of academic reference books. I wrote my PhD thesis on fairy tales in art, literature and film so I usually write about film history, folklore and anthropology. At the moment I’m writing a multi-volume encyclopedia covering topics including smallpox and genocide. This is quite heavy going so it is lovely to switch off by drawing foxes and flamingos!

What is your favourite piece?

My favourite piece is my “Flamingo Fabulous” card. It came about when I experimented with the water colour function on my drawing tablet and I was thrilled at how well it turned out. I’m not sure why, but I tend to draw animals wearing hats or scarves.

What is your most popular piece?

My best selling card is also one of my favourites “Mr and Mrs Fox”. It sold really well in the summer because it chimed with the trend for woodland weddings. I like drawing foxes as they have such expressive faces.

What are your ties to Ealing?

I grew up in Hanwell and went to school in Ealing. I went to university in London so I stayed living in Ealing then too. All in all I have lived in Ealing for over 30 years.

Where can people see and buy your work?

I used to sell at every craft market I could but now I have so much writing to do that I only sell in person at FoxMarketW7 and my cards are currently on sale at the King Arms. I also sell on Etsy. I am also on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I would love to stock my cards in local shops too.

What do you like about the Fox Market?

FoxMarketW7 is a brilliant showcase for local makers and indie traders – not just on market day but on social media too. The market has a friendly atmosphere because the traders know each other and many shoppers return each month. New stallholders are always made welcome and soon become part of the inclusive market community. The stallholders follow each other on social media and are very supportive of each other. Another thing that makes the market so good is The Fox bar staff who are incredibly helpful and hardworking. On market days the bar staff often come in before their official start time to get the tables and marquees ready for the traders.

Which local makers do you admire?

Everyone that sells at FoxMarketW7 is fabulous. In particular I adore Timshel Design and have two of their super stylish Toby Chairs (though I only get to sit on one as my cat has adopted the other!) Recently I’ve become a fan of Laura Downes Jewellery and I enjoy discovering the new chocolate flavours brought out by Handmade in Ealing. My friends Phoebe (aka Unicorn Jack), photographer Karolina Koziel and artist Sara Caputi are also extremely talented.

What is the biggest challenge and the thing you love the most? 

My biggest challenge is finding time to make. I used to make all my cards by hand but this was extremely time consuming. Now that I’m writing for around eight hours each day I often design cards late at night. I hand draw my cards on my Wacom tablet but I haven’t had any technical training so I have to pick things up as I go along. My favourite thing is that I get to do what I love doing. Not many people get to spend their day at home, writing and drawing.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?

I have spent a lot of time in France and used to work on a food magazine so I love good food and eating out. The Ealing restaurants I visit most often are The Walpole in South Ealing, Sikulo Cafe on Northfields Avenue, Enjoy Lasagna in Hanwell and Lisa’s Restaurant on Pitshanger Lane. I also like the patisserie and teas at the Little Cake café at Hanger Green.  We are lucky to have lots of lovely pubs in the area and my favourites include The Fox Inn (of course!) and The Kings Arms at Hanwell. For food shopping I head to Pitshanger Lane.

Apart from food, I love cats and wildlife. In the summer I socialised kittens for a local animal charity and I enjoy going on the bat walks organised by the Ealing Wildlife Facebook group. During November and December I am giving 10 per cent of my Wilde and Sinclair profits to the Wildlife Orphanage in Selby (Yorkshire) that cares for and re-homes injured wild animals.

You can meet Victoria at the FoxMarketW7 this Saturday. Do come along!

Competition

Our competition is hotting up and is running until this Saturday! We have one of our best prizes yet up for grabs – a hamper filled with goodies from some of the Fox Market stall holders including:

Wilde and Sinclair

Sophia’s Illustration

Benjamin Finch

The Green Kitchen

Brand Posh

Peter Dunn Glass

Denalis Jewellery and Cards

Handmade in Ealing Chocolates

Gourmet Imports

Aqua Handmade Books

CraftyK21

(Scroll down for a sneak preview of some of the prizes)... 

The full hamper will be on display at the market this Saturday 9th December and we will announce the winner live at the end of the day!

To enter all you have to do is visit Ealing Insider on Facebook or Instagram (or BOTH to double your chance of winning!) and ‘like’ one of the posts about the Fox Market and comment with your favourite Ealing stall holder / maker / artist / photographer. We would love it if you would follow Fox Market and Ealing Insider too!  

The competition is live now and will run until 4.30pm on Saturday 9thDecember. The winner will be drawn from a ‘hat’ and announced at c 5pm.

See you at the FoxMarketW7 on Saturday 9th December!

Love,

Ellie

The Ealing Insider

xoxox

Competition Terms and Conditions

To enter all you have to do is visit Ealing Insider on Facebook or Instagram, like one of the posts about the Fox Market and comment with your favourite Ealing stall holder / maker / artist / photographer.

You may enter on both platforms so can have two entries.

The competition is running from Tuesday 28th November to Saturday 9th December 2017.

All entrants names will be entered in to a ‘hat’ and the winner will be selected at random on Saturday 9th December, and announced live around 5pm from the Fox Market.

The winner’s name will be published across the Ealing Insider platforms of Instagram and Facebook and we will contact them directly to arrange delivery of the prize within the Ealing area.

The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except for Fox Market W7 and the Ealing Insider.

Earlier in the week we heard more about FoxMarketW7 and met our first featured stall holder Sophia’s Illustration.

I am pleased to introduce you to the second of our featured stall holders Harriet of Sew Me Sunshine. Her instagram is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and inspire even the least crafty of us.

Hello Harriet!

Tell us a bit about yourself

I only learnt to sew in March this year and quickly caught the sewing bug.  I loved spending hours online scrolling through online fabric and haberdashery stores picking the perfect fabric for my next dressmaking project.  My husband suggested that I turned my fabric hoarding habit into a business so I sat down and researched into different fabric wholesalers and manufacturers.  I wanted to have a brand that promoted happy sewing with colourful and unique fabrics and haberdashery items. I quickly sourced some beautiful stock including fabrics, haberdashery items, dressmaking patterns and sewing kits.  

Our shop name took a while to think of because I really wanted it to highlight our brand.  Sew Me Sunshine opened in August and has done better than I could have ever imagined and we celebrated our hundredth sale after six weeks. 

What is your favourite product?

Choosing a favourite piece from our online store is extremely difficult.  Every fabric delivery I find myself loving a new fabric, but if I had to choose I do love the Cotton & Steel range of fabrics that we have in stock.  I love the patterns and the stories that each Cotton & Steel collection has behind them 

And what about the most popular? 

At the moment a lot of our Atelier Brunette fabrics have been very popular, especially the brand new moonstone viscose, in fact we have just sold out of the navy blue version.

What are your ties to Ealing?

My husband and I live with our dog Albert in West Ealing. We grew up in West London and moved to Ealing last August - we really enjoy the community feel that Ealing has. 

Where are your favourite places in Ealing?

- The Grosvenor Pub because it is dog friendly and has yummy food.

- The Dodo Micropub because it always has good beer available and it has a really friendly atmosphere.

- The Moon & Maybe cafe because the staff are always friendly and it is also dog friendly.

- Mooch gift shop because they sell items from independent designers.

Where can people see and buy from you?

You can shop all of our items online via our website. I am also very active on social media as that is a great way to socialise with the friendly sewing community. I am on Instagram and Facebook. 

What do you like about the Fox Market?

We love the Fox Inn anyway for its food, drink and dog friendly environment.  As a market it has a lovely community feel and I am really excited to be able to share our shop with people in person as we are based online only at present. 

Which other independent businesses do you admire?

I admire many other creative businesses, but my two favourite local businesses are the Startup Sisters and Unicorn Jack (who recently featured here on the blog).

What are the highs and lows? The biggest challenge at the moment is managing time because I am working every day each week at present to keep on top of everything, but on a flip side I love everything about Sew Me Sunshine so it isn't that bad!

You can see Harriet at the FoxMarketW7 night market this Friday 1st December. 

Competition

We have one of our best prizes yet up for grabs – a hamper filled with goodies from some of the Fox Market makers including:

Wilde and Sinclair

Sophia’s Illustration

Benjamin Finch

The Green Kitchen

Brand Posh

Peter Dunn Glass

Denalis Jewellery and Cards

Handmade in Ealing Chocolates

Gourmet Imports

Aqua Handmade Books

CraftyK21

It will be on display at the market on Saturday 9th December and we will announce the winner live at the end of the day!!

To enter all you have to do is visit Ealing Insider on Facebook or Instagram (or BOTH to double your chance of winning!) and like one of the posts about the Fox Market and comment with your favourite Ealing stall holder / maker / artist / photographer. We would love it if you would follow Fox Market and Ealing Insider too!  

The competition is live now and will run until 4.30pm on Saturday 9th December. The winner will be drawn from a ‘hat’ and announced at c 5pm.

I hope to meet some of you at FoxMarketW7 on Saturday 9th December!

Love,

Ellie

The Ealing Insider

xoxox

Competition Terms and Conditions

To enter all you have to do is visit Ealing Insider on Facebook or Instagram, like one of the posts about the Fox Market and comment with your favourite Ealing stall holder / maker / artist / photographer.

You may enter on both platforms so can have two entries.

The competition is running from Tuesday 28th November to Saturday 9th December 2017.

All entrants names will be entered in to a ‘hat’ and the winner will be selected at random on Saturday 9th December, and announced live around 5pm from the Fox Market.

The winner’s name will be published across the Ealing Insider platforms of Instagram and Facebook and we will contact them directly to arrange delivery of the prize within the Ealing area.

The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except for Fox Market W7 and the Ealing Insider.

The Fox Inn at Hanwell started hosting a craft market around eight years ago so that locals had somewhere to sell their makes. Since May 2016 the market has been organised by Victoria from Wilde and Sinclair as a combined artisan and vintage market allowing shoppers to enjoy the best of both worlds. 

The market has been renamed FoxMarketW7 and refocused as a showcase for local makers and independent traders selling handmade, artisan, antique, vintage and upcycled goods.

The market allows local makers, collectors and traders to sell directly to the public with low stall prices meaning that even the smallest micro businesses can afford a stall. FoxMarketW7 has a growing number of loyal shoppers and social media followers and attracts stallholders from across London while championing the need to support local indies.

In April 2017 the market held its first indoor fair at Hanwell Community Centre and there are exciting plans in the pipeline for 2018 involving the Pitshanger Village Traders Association.

Keep in touch with Fox Market W7 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Upcoming Christmas Markets

There are two markets coming soon to The Fox Inn, Green Lane, Hanwell, W7 2PJ... starting this Friday evening from 5-9pm with the night market, a lovely Christmassy market perfect for buying some Christmas treats and then next Saturday 9th December 1-5pm.

Stall Holder Profile - Sophia’s Illustration

This week I will be introducing you to three of the stall holders starting with Sophia’s Illustration. I love her painting and have recently treated myself to a couple of things from her Etsy store including a beautiful painted Christmas decoration and her fun tent badge, which reminds me of my little pop up tent I take to festivals. 

Hello Sophia! 

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Sophia and I am a freelance artist.  I started my business around three years ago upon returning from a few years of travelling and working abroad. I painted my first map of Wales upon returning to the UK.

I mostly I work in watercolour and gouache and I paint house and wedding portraits for customers and also sell a range of my paintings and maps as prints and greetings cards. 

What is your favourite piece?

My favourite piece has to be the 'English Country Garden' large painting I made this summer for an exhibition. It is larger than anything I have painted for a while and is full of colour. I was really happy with it! You can see the painting as a greetings card on my stall at the markets.

What is your most popular piece?

The best selling print is my illustrated map of Scotland. It is pretty popular and contains the beautiful landscapes of Scotland with some cultural highlights too. Lots of people seem to have a connection with Scotland.

What are your ties to Ealing?

We have not lived in Ealing all that long, but we really like it here. There are beautiful parks and lots of lovely inspiring places to see, sweet little independent bars and cafes and a nice arts scene. My partner works locally and we enjoy exploring Ealing and the surrounding areas on the weekends by bicycle. We live on a 42ft narrow boat on the canal, which is lovely and peaceful!

Where can people see and buy your work?

As well as markets, I sell online via Etsy and my website. I have really started to put a lot of energy into my online store this past year and have been reading and learning a lot about how to make it work. Computer work has never been something I enjoy, but I'm getting there! I also use Facebook and Instagram to post updates on my work and sometimes I run little competitions, so make sure you head over and say hi.

What do you like about the Fox Market?

The Fox Market is small and friendly and in a really eclectic setting. The Fox Inn is a beautiful pub and the quirky old building really adds to the environment of the market. It has a really nice vibe to it and I felt at home there straight away.

Which other makers do you admire?

One of the painters I really admire is Jane Askey. She travels quite a lot and paints stunning still life beach scenes full of energy, bright colour and pattern. I follow her on Instagram and am totally in love with her painting style.

What is the biggest challenge and the thing you love the most?

Working for myself as an artist was always a dream of mine and so now that I'm actually doing it I am so happy but sometimes it can be daunting. Some days it can be hard to find inspiration to paint or work on new designs or sort out some advertisement. There are a lot of different hats to wear as a creative and a lot to be thinking about, from planning for future exhibitions and markets, tax and admin and then creating new work.  So I think my biggest challenge is organisation and time planning! Keeping positive is key to being happy and enjoying the work.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?

When I'm not working I enjoy visiting local green spaces for long walks and bike rides with my partner. I am a total nature lover and love to be outdoors and am definitely happiest when out exploring and covered in mud!

Thanks so much Sophia. 

You can win one of Sophia’s pieces and LOTS more in our super competition... read on for details. 

Competition

We have one of our best prizes yet up for grabs – a hamper filled with goodies from some of the Fox Market makers including:

Wilde and Sinclair

Sophia's Illustration

Benjamin Finch

The Green Kitchen

Brand Posh

Peter Dunn Glass

Denalis Jewellery and Cards

Handmade in Ealing Chocolates

Gourmet Imports

Aqua Handmade Books

CraftyK21

It will be on display at the market on Saturday 9th December and we will announce the winner live at the end of the day!!

To enter all you have to do is visit Ealing Insider on Facebook or Instagram (or BOTH to double your chance of winning!) and like one of the posts about the Fox Market and comment with your favourite Ealing stall holder / maker / artist / photographer. We would love it if you would follow Fox Market and Ealing Insider too!  

The competition will be open from Tuesday 28th November until 4.30pm on Saturday 9th December. The winner will be drawn from a ‘hat’ and announced at c 5pm.

I can’t wait to see you at the market on Saturday 9th December!

Love,

Ellie

The Ealing Insider

xoxox

Competition Terms and Conditions

To enter all you have to do is visit Ealing Insider on Facebook or Instagram, like one of the posts about the Fox Market and comment with your favourite Ealing stall holder / maker / artist / photographer. 

You may enter on both platforms so can have two entries. 

The competition is running from Tuesday 28th November to Saturday 9th December 2017.

All entrants names will be entered in to a ‘hat’ and the winner will be selected at random on Saturday 9th December, and announced live around 5pm from the Fox Market. 

The winner’s name will be published across the Ealing Insider platforms of Instagram and Facebook and we will contact them directly to arrange delivery of the prize within the Ealing area.

The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except for Fox Market W7 and the Ealing Insider.

This week we welcome Hanwell’s Phoebe, founder of fun greeting card and stationery brand Unicorn Jack. Her designs combine playful, humorous illustrations and sweet sentiments. I am a personal fan of her alpaca!

Read on to find out more about her and how you can be in with a chance of winning a bundle of her gorgeous Christmas cards and her new cosy penguin enamel pin badge - perfect for winter. 

Tell us a bit about Unicorn Jack, how did it come about?

I have enjoyed Arts and Crafts since childhood and developed an interest in digital art. As my creations became more popular among my friends and family, I found managing the level of production challenging. I started an Etsy shop in 2015 with ten greetings card designs. I was simultaneously studying for a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration. I decided to combine the skills I was learning with my personal style and creativity. A couple of designs did well (a few not so well) and I continued to develop my illustrations over the next two years. I’m still learning and evolving and love trying new things.

At the beginning of 2017, I decided to re-brand my whole business and started Unicorn Jack which I feel encompasses everything that I have learnt and my signature style. I now make greetings cards, enamel pins and gift tags and hope to expand my product range in the future.  

How did you choose the name Unicorn Jack?

Inspired by Japanese ‘Kawaii’ culture, my illustration style is very cute and quirky. Most of my designs feature funny animals with little puns. I am also very proud of my British heritage and produce all of my products in the UK. I wanted to find a name that reflected my business identity and my roots. Therefore, a play on words came about turning Union Jack into Unicorn Jack. I love a good pun!

Who is the person behind the brand?

My name is Phoebe and I have lived in the same house in Hanwell all my life. I am now in the final year of my Graphic Design and Illustration Degree and expecting a new addition to the family in February. In my spare time, when I’m not doodling new card ideas or studying, I enjoy learning Japanese and playing video games, both of which inspire the playful ethos of my brand.

Which has been your most popular product?

The first was my Otter Birthday card ‘Have an otterly great birthday’ which was popular from the start. I have since done a little re-design on him, softening the colours and text. When Christmas came around my humorous Grumpy Cat took the top spot. My origami cards are popular in one of my stockists in Ealing and at my monthly craft fair stall customers are often entertained by my Unicorn Jack enamel pin.

Which other makers / artists do you admire?

Having previously worked in a printmakers gallery, I found a lot of inspiration from contemporary printmakers including London based artist Jess Wilson. She uses bright, funky colours and beautiful hand-lettering to create unique and thought provoking images that have always caught my eye. I also enjoy the works of cartoonist, writer and illustrator, Gemma Correll who creates amazingly funny doodles that always tickle my funny bone.

What do you love about Ealing? Where do you enjoy spending your time?

I have a lot of fond memories growing up in Ealing; walks around Walpole park in the changing seasons, seeing fantastic performances at the Questors Theatre and meeting my partner and love of my life in the Grove pub!

What is your favourite independent shop in Ealing?

It’s got to be Mooch on Northfield Avenue. They have such a fantastic variety of items from local makers and brands, I can never leave without something grabbing my eye! It’s my go to shop for gifts.

Where can people see and buy your things?

I have been selling my creations online on my Etsy shop since 2015 which is the best place to buy my products online. I also have my own website.

You can also find my products locally at:

- For Arts Sake, a lovely local gallery and framing shop.

- The Fox Inn tea barn. 

- Craft markets including The Fox Vintage & Craft Market and The Sugar and Spice Flea Market. I love these - it’s always lovely to meet customers and other local makers. The next one I’ll be at is The Sugar And Spice Flea Market on the 18th November held at the beautiful Grange Pub in Ealing.

 - They can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook.  

What's next for Unicorn Jack?

I am constantly coming up with new ideas for cards and plan to expand my collection in the new year. I also want to make a new enamel pin design so watch this space!

Instagram Competition

To win a super Christmas card bundle and the fabulous cosy penguin enamel pin badge (as pictured below), all you have to do is comment on one of the Unicorn Jack photos on the Ealing Insider Instagram account answering the question ~ if you could choose any animal for a pin badge, what would you choose and why?

Thanks so much for talking to us Phoebe! 

Love,

Ellie

The Ealing Insider

xoxox

The competition small print:

·        To enter, you must comment on one of the Unicorn Jack photos on the Ealing Insider Instagram account answering the question ~ if you could choose any animal for a pin badge, what would you choose and why?

·        The competition is running from Tuesday 14th November 2017 until Monday 20th November 2017.

·        All entrants’ names will be entered in to a ‘hat’ and the winner will be selected at random on Tuesday 21st November 2017.

·        The winner’s name will be published on the Ealing Insider’s Instagram on Tuesday 7th November and we will contact them directly to arrange to get their goodies to them.

·        The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except Unicorn Jack and the Ealing Insider, as long as they will be in the UK for so the prize can be posted to them. 

I absolutely love Frank and Salvi, Pitshanger Lane’s beautiful clothing and accessories boutique. It is full of stunning contemporary brands and is just as stylish as anything you might find in central London. Last time I popped in, I left with a navy leather jacket and a tassel necklace. It is another example of a fabulous Ealing independent retailer and another reason to shop local and independent. 

I recently met with its owner Francesca, an inspiring local woman who has followed her dream and set up her own business. Read more to find out about the business and for details of a super competition on Instagram. 

How did the idea for Frank and Salvi come about?

I used to work on photo shoots for fashion and interior brands and whilst I was working for other companies I was always dreaming of setting up something in my own name. Becoming my own boss was always what I wanted later on in life, then a surprising vacancy came up on Pitshanger Lane and I couldn't miss the opportunity. 

How did you come up with the name?

The name Frank & Salvi was an easy choice for me, named after both my Granddads Francesco and Salvatore. Being from an Italian heritage, family is everything. 

How long has the business been going?

This November we will have been open for four years...eeeek! 

How and where do you source your beautiful products?

I am lucky enough to be a buyer in a time of social media, so we are able to test different brands from across the world as and when we like. However, the brands our customers (as well as ourselves) absolutely love and go back to time after time are mainly British and Danish. 

What brands are your favourites?

I must say I love all my brands in store. However, the brands that I am always scoping out for inspiration are Sandro, Maje and Sezane. As well as & Other Stories as they are great quality and are high street prices. 

What are your current best sellers?

Autumn is my favourite buying season. We have a big variety of jumpers and jackets which are selling very well as we approach the colder months.  The colour blush is popping up throughout the season and this chunky knit that just arrived from Numph ticks all the right boxes.     

What is your biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge I face is not having a team in store on a day to day basis to bounce ideas off. However, I am very lucky to have a keen family and friendship group that are always such a big support. 

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Go for it!!! Life is too short to think ‘what if?’. Just be fully prepared that success doesn't happen overnight and you have to put in lots and lots and lots of your time and effort in to make it work. The best thing is you can create your own business to suit you, that's why I love it! 

How long have you lived in Ealing?

All of my life, so 28 years (well Perivale, does that count lol?)

When you aren’t working where do you love to go in Ealing?

When I'm with the girls we love to go to The Duke of Kent for a cosy drink. For family meals we love Santa Maria Pizzeria and Osteria del Portico and my boyfriend and I have a slight addiction to the Hare and Tortoise. 

Who else do you love on Pitshanger Lane?

I love all my fellow traders! I really try to use the lane for most things and these are the places you will find me when I am out and about down the lane:

For a little pampering, I love Heavenly Hair. When I need gifts for the family I usually head over to Fiona at The Pitshanger Bookshop or Stems Flower Gallery for beautiful flowers and grab a card from Present Company. Belinda at Harrison’s Deli always sorts me out for delicious goodies. My Mum loves the Portuguese custard tarts they have.

When I'm being healthy I head down to Temple Pharmacy as they have a great selection of gluten and dairy free snacks so I stock up here for the week. If you haven't already tried pistachio butter from Meridian, give it a go. They have lots of different flavours there and are all so delicious.

But if I need a sugar kick I go to Rachel at Cinnamon for a lemon and coconut slice or Ben at Oscar’s for a juice to keep me going through the day. 

Then if I have had a long week, I might treat myself to a Thai takeaway from Sisters Cafe. The girls in there are great and so friendly. Or if I have the time I will cross over the road to Hook and Cleaver butchers. All the guys who work there are fantastic at advising me on what’s in store to get and give great cooking tips.

I am so proud to work alongside them all. 

Frank & Salvi will be open on Sunday 26th November, along with some of the other shops on the lane when the Christmas lights will be switched on. Follow us on social media to find out more information. 

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Website

Instagram Competition

To win the gorgeous clutch bag, mirror and a £20 gift voucher for Frank and Salvi pictured below, visit the EalingInsider on Instagram and comment on one of the Frank and Salvi pictures answering this question ~ apart from Frank and Salvi, who is your favourite independent business on Pitshanger Lane? 

A winner will be drawn at random on Tuesday 7th November 2017 and announced on Instagram. (Full Terms and Conditions below).

Thanks Francesca for inspiring us and for your beautiful boutique!

Love,

Ellie

The Ealing Insider

xoxox

For more loveliness please follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

The competition small print:

·        To enter, you must comment on one of the Frank and Salvi photos on the Ealing Insider Instagram account answering the question ~ apart from Frank and Salvi, who is your favourite independent business on Pitshanger Lane?

·        The competition is running from Tuesday 31st October 2017 until Monday 6th November 2017.

·        All entrants’ names will be entered in to a ‘hat’ and the winner will be selected at random on Tuesday 7th November 2017.

·        The winner’s name will be published on the Ealing Insider’s Instagram on Tuesday 7th November and we will contact them directly to arrange for them to collect their prize from Frank and Salvi on Pitshanger Lane. 

·        The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except Frank and Salvi and the Ealing Insider, as long as they will be in the area to collect the prize. 

At the end of Northfield Avenue are the longest surviving allotments in London. They are a stunning haven amid the hustle and bustle of Ealing with a wide variety of wildlife. There are 141 plots with a wonderful community of plot holders of all ages including those with young families and many who are retired. There are over 70 people on the waiting list which is no surprise.

To bring the allotments to life for you, I would like to introduce you to three plot holders who really treasure the space and get a great deal from it. 

Hello Francesca, Alix and Mardien!

Hello! My name's Francesca.

I'm 38 and I live just around the corner from the allotments. I put my name down for an allotment in 2011 when my daughter was a baby and finally got my plot in March 2015. I had never done any gardening or growing previously, but living in a social housing flat with no outdoor space, I wanted some green space we would otherwise never be able to afford. 

When I got my plot it was overgrown with brambles and pretty daunting. I had no idea what I was doing and spent the first six months just digging and clearing. My daughter was four by then so she was big enough to help and over the first few months we both fell in love with it. It was amazing to have this space to transform. I get a sense of immense pride at having turned an overgrown untended plot into a useful, happy place to be.

If ever I'm in a bad mood, a walk through the allotments and some vigorous weeding will sort me right out. I love the meditative quality of gardening. It requires just the right amount of focus and attention that everything else just melts away. It’s brilliant be able to plant a seed, raise it, tend it, and at the end you get something to eat! We love growing potatoes (they're the most fun to dig up), raspberries, tomatoes, beetroot, parsnips, green beans, courgettes, carrots, peas and cucumbers. This year, none of our peas made it home because they all got eaten raw off the plant by hungry and excited children who just couldn't wait! 

I love living in Ealing and when I'm not at the plot I'm a big fan of our independent restaurants. Haru Sushi and Ramen in West Ealing does incredible Tonkotsu and The Walpole in South Ealing is always amazing, as is the Lebanese from Ya Sham.

Hi! I’m Alix.

I’m 36 years old, married to Ian and we have two daughters Lola (six) and Mina (two). We have lived in Northfields for nine years. This is the fourth year we've had our plot. We'd been on the waiting list for four and a half years.

A lot of produce is coming to the end of its season so we're getting the last tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, green and purple beans. That said, we have a few things that will last through the autumn such as squashes, as well as what will be the components of our Christmas dinner: potatoes, parsnips and Brussel sprouts.

I just love the green space. I grew up in the remote countryside so London was a culture shock when we moved here. The allotment is my place of calm and respite away from the crowds. I also have a stressful job so it really helps me unwind and provides much needed balance and perspective to my life. 

My girls really enjoy the freedom of the allotment which they don't get anywhere else. They are also learning some valuable lessons about the importance of nature and where our food comes from.

When I’m not in the allotment I love running round the many parks in Ealing or taking a (very) slow walk through them with my two girls. When we're not trying to consume our surfeit of courgettes, I'm often in one of Ealing's many amazing pizza restaurants such as Franco Manca, L'Oro di Napoli and Da Moreno.

Hello, I am Mardien.

I am 37, originally from the Netherlands. I have lived in London for 16 years with my husband. We live in West Ealing. We’ve had our plot for two and a half years now and were on the waiting list for a few years. Living nearby we always walked past the allotments fantasizing about having our own one day. Over three years ago we started volunteering on the monthly volunteer days the committee holds to maintain the site.  We were very excited when we got a plot offered to us for rent, we had a lot of clearing up to do when we got it but it was all the more fun to see it turn into the plot we love now.

We love having flowers on our plot including lots of big dahlias, sunflowers, cosmos and gazanias. We grow raspberries and apples, red and white onions, leeks, beetroots, potatoes, dwarf French beans, corn, butternut squashes and pumpkins, parsnips and carrots. The carrots and the dahlias won some awards at the local Ealing and Hanwell allotment show earlier this month! We also have a herb patch and a small pond with some frogs (one of which we call Bernie).

Pete (my husband) and I enjoy working on the plot together as a couple, and being in nature is important especially when living in a big city and leading busy lives. I have some health issues and spending time outside being active is hugely beneficial and the produce we grow is organic so that’s another plus. We have become friends with other plot holders and we have got to know the animals we share our site with too including foxes, frogs, birds, fish and cats. We love watching them go about their lives and their routines.

I work in Ealing and go to the Eden Fitness gym after work or during lunch hours sometimes. We mostly cook at home but if we do get some food out it’s Taste of Lahore for a takeaway or Kathmandu for dinner and Pho for lunch and The Forrester’s for a drink. I love visiting TK Maxx or the charity shops like Oxfam, Mary’s living and giving and Cancer Research for fashion bargains. 

Halloween Pumpkin Trail

Later this month, on Saturday 28th October between 3.30 and 7.30pm they will be opening their gates to the public for the annual Halloween Pumpkin Trail. I went last year and it was great fun with some fantastic spooky plots to see with the best pumpkin carving I have ever see... also tea and cake, mulled wine and beer. For more details and to see some very cute flying pumpkins click here 

Save Northfields Allotments

Unfortunately, Northfields Allotments face the threat of development. To read more and to sign the petition to save Northfields Allotments if you haven’t already done so, please click here.  

Read more in this recent article from the Guardian

Please do take a moment to give your support.

Follow Northfields Allotments

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Until next time! Enjoy the Pumpkin Trail.

Love,

Ellie

The Ealing Insider

xoxox

Photo credits - with thanks

A few of you read my first blog post back in June when I started my project to  bring some of Ealing’s highlights to you this spring and summer. My focus has been on finding great places for ‘me time’ and treats including coffee shops, pubs, restaurants and temptations from our independent shops, artists and makers. 

The Ealing Insider started as my project for the Digital Mums Social Media Management course. But it has become so much more. Although the course is now concluding, the Ealing Insider will go on and I thought it would be nice to introduce myself properly. 

Hello! I am Ellie 

I moved to Ealing six years ago (because of a man!) and fell in love with it. That man is now my husband and we have a little boy who has just turned four. As with many new parents, the juggle and the corporate world was no longer enjoyable / healthy so I set up my own business freelancing in Recruitment and Talent Management. Social Media is a huge part of this and an area I enjoy, so I took the plunge and became a student again to broaden my experience in the social media space.

This summer 

I have got to know some wonderful Ealing people this summer who you will have seen on my blogs including Charlotte Berridge, Lorna Kyle and Lucy Savage of Handmade in Ealing (or Lucy Chocolates as I call her) who even let me loose in her chocolate making kitchen. 

Charlotte and me at the Ealing Half Marathon

Lucy and me in All Original. 

I have introduced you to local businesses I know and love including Laura Downes Jewellery and Marie-Clare Cooks.

I have joined the weekly #EalingHour twitter chat and have enjoyed the banter and GIFs every Tuesday. I have even met some of them in real life over tea and cake. 

I have discovered new places because even after six years in Ealing there are new places to find all the time; either new openings, re-brands, or just places I hadn’t yet discovered. Hello to Ginger and Moore, Bob’s Cafe and Nepal Restaurant.

I have shopped. A lot. For research. For my project. For the independents. For you. It has been awesome and I have no plans to stop. (Special mentions to: Frank and Salvi on Pitshanger Lane, Mooch and Klein and Wallace on Northfield Avenue and All Original at Ealing Green who I have got some lovely goodies from. See my Instagram for some of my guilty pleasures.) 

I have become even more passionate about supporting our independent shops, artists and makers and got to know about the Just A Card campaign and Handmade Hour, both doing great things to showcase indies. I have now got the Etsy app (see above point re shopping) and I will do everything I can to support Ealing’s Indies. 

I have had the privilege to study alongside a fabulous peer group of fellow Digital Mums on weekly Google hangouts and this month we were all in London at the same time and met in real life. I suspect our Whatsapp chat and support will continue long after the course finishes.

So what’s next?

Coming soon on the blog are Northfields Allotments ahead of their fabulous Halloween Pumpkin Trail and the W7 Fox Market with a super competition before their upcoming Christmas markets.

I have made a personal pledge to support independents by doing all my Christmas card and gift shopping from indies and am hoping I might tempt some of you to join me (share your posts and photos with the hashtag #IBelieveInIndies).

I am going to change my logo to one hand painted by the wonderful Jules aka Now Then Sunshine who has been painting my weekly instagram quotes because I think it better represents the Ealing Insider. 

Indie shops, makers, photographers, artists, cafes, restaurants, pubs: I have your back and will do everything I can to support your businesses. 

Shoppers: I am here for you. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it! ;-)

Thank you for all the likes, comments and fun so far. Here’s to lots more of it. Please keep in touch.

Lots of love,

Ellie

aka The Ealing Insider

xoxox

Do follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. 

I am always excited to discover talented people in Ealing and am delighted to introduce you to Handmade in Ealing’s wonderful Lucy Savage – our very own chocolatier.

Read on to find out how you could win a hamper of her delicious chocolates and where you will be able to meet her this Saturday 16th September with samples and special offers! 

How did you start making chocolates?

About 16 years ago I decided I would make my own chocolate Easter eggs so I taught myself chocolate tempering and stocked up on moulds and couverture chocolate from ‘The Home Chocolate Factory’, a start up company selling chocolate to home bakers.

Wow self taught! As a non-expert, is making chocolates hard to do?

If only I had known just how troublesome chocolate making really is! Yes, it is hard. It doesn’t always work, it is extremely time consuming and the science behind tempering must be ‘felt’. You can’t ‘see’ when it is correct. But when it does go right, it makes for unique and beautiful products which are worlds away from high street chocolate. I have been on a variety of courses, including at Barry Callebaut, one of the biggest chocolate companies in the world who have their huge UK headquarters in Oxfordshire.

When did it start becoming a business?

When I heard about the new Ealing Food market, run by Kate McKenzie at EatMeDrinkMe in Autumn last year, I suddenly thought ‘I want to sell at markets’. I had always been a keen baker and all round foodie and thought if I was ever going to produce products for a market, they would be made of chocolate. 

It was super busy in the run up to the Christmas period. I was flat out preparing during the week whilst still trying to work. I generally work a couple of days a week for a film company (my previous working life was in Film Distribution), with a great team. I equally love this work and in truth it is paying for me to make chocolate at present.

How has this evolved?

After a few market appearances over Christmas and a period selling in a local gift shop, Jane West from All Original on Ealing Green approached me to stock some Valentine’s Day Chocolates. Around the same time Kate (EatMeDrinkMe), asked if I wanted to be part of a team of four seller/designers taking over an empty shop in Acton as a ‘pop-up’ for eight weeks.  We spent time working in the shop as well as making products, so I was working non-stop to create Valentine’s Day, then Mother’s Day and then finally Easter products.  I chose this route as opposed to investing in a market stall which I realised I just wouldn’t have the time to do. I also hosted a chocolate and wine tasting event at Abbotshill Wine Bar with the owner Susie. 

Fast forward to summer and my products are doing really well at All Original and I’ve been able to attend quite a few markets, meeting and sharing chocolate with keen local chocolate enthusiasts. I have also graduated from my home kitchen to a commercial kitchen in Park Royal (just two days a week at present) which has allowed me to increase my production level five fold. I am now bursting with products which I need to find homes for!

What’s next for you?

To invest in a market stall and prepare for Autumn and Winter including the Christmas markets.  I love meeting customers and seeing them try my products and then buy them. Customers tell me what they like about my products and I can see what price points work, which adds to the ongoing learning experience. I am also launching in a deli in Ealing in October (watch this space!).

I would really like to get into as many Ealing based food establishments as possible, including coffee shops. I am currently developing bespoke small bars which could contain their own coffee. I look forward to presenting them to our excellent Ealing coffee shops.

I also want to branch out into corporate gifting, creating wedding favours and petite fours for events. 

I am hosting a chocolate making event for the WI and a chocolate party for teenagers and I would like to do some more tasting events or chocolate making classes.  Can you imagine a prosecco and truffle making afternoon for example? [Yes please! – Ealing Insider]

What is the best advice you have had about your business?

It was early on and it was from someone who had set up their own business from a passion like mine and it was to think very hard about whether you just want to turn a passion into a hobby or seriously into a business. Could you live with it 24/7 and can you really make it a viable business. I think I am still questioning this and it will take some time until I can realistically see me making a living from making such an artisanal handmade product.  

What are your favourite chocolates?

There are so many chocolates I love and chocolatiers I admire. My favourite producers include The Chocolate Society in Somerset, Leeds based Lauden Chocolates, Eponine in Cheshire and chocolate God that he is, London based William Curley.  They all create the most amazing flavour sensations and are award winning.  I do a lot of research (!) and am currently collecting ‘bean to bar’ produced chocolate bars in the UK which is a growing part of the chocolate industry.  I’ve also just attended the Speciality Food and Speciality Chocolate show in Olympia and got to meet chocolate couverture producers and chocolatiers.

My base foodie desires involve peanut butter and chocolate, (even spooned out of a jar and mixed with melted chocolate!) or any caramelised nuts mixed with chocolate. I love real fruit purees in silky smooth ganaches like passion fruit which I recently used paired with dark chocolate. Also crunchy poppy seeds and blueberry puree caramel paired with the strong flavour of pine nuts caramelised into a hard caramel and crushed in make a crunchy base layer. Using herbs or flowers, such as lavender or fresh mint and spices from fennel to cardamom, cinnamon and sumac which when paired with different profiles of chocolate can make strangely perfect pairings.

What is your most popular chocolate?

Salted caramel is still very popular and I get asked for it a lot.  I make a milk chocolate based salted caramel chocolate with either a hazelnut paste layer or more recently a chai spiced version.  I also make my own caramelised white chocolate (Caramac anyone?!) but it is darker and richer in flavour (and I am told mine is better!)

Dark chocolate is also becoming more popular with people who see it as a more healthy option for a sweet treat as well as appreciating the deeper and more multi layered flavour profiles you can get. I also think palates are becoming more refined and we are more intrigued by deeper flavours. In the cooler weather my single origin dark chocolate bars, (chocolate made from beans sourced from particular cocoa bean growing area) were popular. This Autumn/Winter I am adding more ‘inclusions’ into the bars.  New flavours include smoked sea salt and green raisins and raspberry oil and crystallised rose pieces.

What is your favourite chocolate?

I can’t choose just one! I love pomegranate molasses (sharp), rose oil (perfume) and pistachio (crunchy aromatic nuts) in dark chocolate. I also really like lime with dark chocolate so I mix crushed cardamom seeds with lime zest which has been steeped in cream for an hour, then mix with a dark fruity chocolate, cream and butter. 

Last week as we officially started Autumn I took my new ‘adult’ toffee apple chocolate to Ruislip’s Duckpond market and it went down very well.  I did a version with spiced honey vodka and another with apple vodka.  The hard caramel pieces mimic the toffee apple biting experience of our childhood.

I like pairing chocolate, whether in a bar or a truffle, with contrasting flavours like sweet white creamy chocolate with finely ground strong almost bitter coffee granules and stringent cocoa nibs or dark chocolate with salted caramel crunchy pieces and candied orange.

Where do you source your ingredients?

I source my high grade couverture chocolate from a French brand owned by a Swiss company. It contains cocoa butter. I also use mainly single origin chocolate from cocoa bean growing areas with varieties in flavour and mouth feel, rather than mass produced chocolate designed to be the same every time. 

I am very keen to use local and UK based products where I can. I’ve made Lavender truffles using Ealing honey (by Clare Vernon).

I have also used Lavender gin from a Yorkshire based gin distiller. Today in the kitchen I made up some mini milk chocolate bars flavoured with real lavender steeped first in cocoa butter. Tomorrow I’ll be using some of my garden mint in a dark chocolate.

I’ve just contacted a gin distillery in Cornwall who have a gin product profile based on clotted cream.  I want to attempt to produce a cream tea based chocolate with a strawberry jam layer, white chocolate ganache and sultanas. If it works it will be on the menu for Summer ’18.

What do you like most about Ealing?

Green open spaces and a feeling of community. After commuting to Soho for so many years Ealing provides a wonderful contrasting place to a hectic work environment. 

It also offers all kinds of inspiration for me, for example the excellent Persian food stores we have around West Ealing with their rich abundance of nuts and other delicacies. I have started using barberries (a very tart fruit often used in savoury Persian dishes which I hadn’t come across before). I add them to dark chocolate, slightly salted almonds and green raisins.  

What are your favouring places in Ealing?

There are so many and most are focused around food! Pitshanger Lane as a whole street as it is a peaceful place to hang out on a Saturday morning after the working week. I love sitting for hours in Oscar’s Café, appreciating the warm hospitality of Ben (don’t tell him I said this) and his team. I like buying the beautiful bread from Pitshanger Bakery. 

Abbotshill Wine Bar, with gorgeous deli food and the best wines, friendly staff and great events. Charlotte’s Place and W5 which are so classy and up there with West End eateries. Beehive Café for healthy food, great staff and excellent coffee, and cakes from 11 Coffee & Co. in North Ealing and Papillion on Northfield Avenue.

Non food related I love the parks, in particular Pitshanger Park for tennis and running. And lastly, the best gift shop All Original who are so supportive of local designers/makers and an absolutely perfect retail partner.

Where can people buy your chocolates?

My chocolates are stocked in All Original at Ealing Green, and this Saturday 16th September I will be there from 11am to 4pm for a ‘Meet the Maker’ session. Please come along and say hello and try some samples of my chocolates. I will also have some special offers. 

You can order any products by sending me a message via my social accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

I will be at selected markets from now until Christmas - just see my social pages for market details. I hope to have my website up during the Autumn ready for Christmas orders where I shall be introducing e-commerce so you’ll be able to order direct from the website.  

Facebook competition time!

To be in with a chance of winning a gorgeous seasonal mixed chocolate hamper similar to the one pictured above, simply like or share the original blog post on Ealing Insider’s Facebook (the pinned post at the top). Easy!

The competition is running from Tuesday 12th to Monday 18th September 2017 and the winner will be announced on Tuesday 19th September.

The hamper will be hand delivered to the winner in the Ealing area.

Thanks Lucy 😊

Love, 

The Ealing Insider 

Xoxox

 Competition Terms and Conditions

To enter the competition simply like or share the blog post from the Ealing Insider’s Facebook page (the pinned post at the top of the profile).

The competition is running from Tuesday 12th to Monday 18th September 2017.

All entrants names will be entered in to a ‘hat’ and the winner will be selected at random on Tuesday 19th September.

The winner’s name will be published across the Ealing Insider’s social media platforms and we will contact them directly to arrange delivery of the prize within the Ealing area.

The prize hamper will be similar to, but not exactly the same as the one pictured. It will feature a selection of seasonal chocolates by Handmade In Ealing. 

The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except for Handmade in Ealing and the Ealing Insider. 

I am a big fan of Charlotte Berridge’s designs and have her ‘Ealing Queen of the Suburbs’ print at home. I am over the moon she agreed to feature on the blog. She is a real local favourite and lives in Northfields.

Read on to find out more about her and how you can win one of her fabulous Ealing Pubs prints.

When did you start designing?

I did a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration at Bath Spa university and worked in magazine publishing for many years. I had a highly successful career and won lots of industry awards working on many of the big magazine titles. My last full time role was Creative Director of Marie Claire UK. Just over four years ago I decided to take some time out to deal with some health issues. It was a difficult time for me so I decided take the bold and very scary step not to go back. I didn't really know what I'd do, but I knew my job wasn't making me happy anymore.

What happened next?

I always enjoyed drawing, so one day I sat down and started work on a set of illustrations. As they came together I started to wonder if other people might like them too so I booked a stall at the Northfields Christmas Night Market to see what people thought. It was a great deadline for me to pull together a collection and work out how best to present it all. It was a great success, my stall was buzzing with customers and I really couldn't believe how many compliments I received! 

That was in Christmas 2015. I had 10 products, since then I've added new prints every month and expanded my collections to include Hanwell, Chiswick, Acton, Richmond and Kew. 

I love the feedback I get from my customers and I can't quite believe how it's all come together. It's been a big learning curve running my own business. It's exhausting at times, it's harder to switch off than I ever realised and dealing with all the financial stuff doesn't come naturally to me. I've ploughed everything back into my business to produce more products so it's meant a big shift in our lifestyle but I'm loving it and my new pace of life. I've loved meeting new people and have forged some fabulous new friendships with fellow local business owners. Working for yourself can be very lonely but there is a great community of like-minded entrepreneurs in Ealing and we are all very supportive of each other. 

Who or what has inspired you most over the years?

I'm lucky to have come from a very creative family. As kids we always filled our time making & drawing. I find inspiration in the smallest things and can have a million ideas a day. Working out which ones to pursue is always a hard decision and not having time to do them all is really frustrating too! 

What useful advice you have been given?

Two things have been especially useful: 

1. If you don't try it, you'll never know! 

2. Concentrate on one thing. Creatives are able to come up with endless ideas but it’s best to be known for one thing, otherwise people find it hard to categorise and therefore remember you.

How long have you lived in Ealing?

I've lived in London ever since I left college and in Ealing for nearly eight years. It's not an area I knew until we moved here and I instantly fell in love with it. I clearly remember skipping down the road after my first visit to the Red Lion grinning from ear to ear, knowing we'd found the best place in the world to live! 

Where are your favourite places in Ealing?

Walpole and Lammas parks are my absolute favourite places. After I left my job every day I'd take a walk through the parks and they would boost my energy. I love watching the changing seasons and think we are so lucky to have such beautifully kept green spaces all around us.

My favourite cafes are Papillon, The Moon and Maybe, Paperback Coffee, Electric Coffee and Artisan ... if you ever see me in a Starbucks shoot me! For a non pub drink with a uniquely local vibe it has to be Abbotshill, the Owl and Pussycat or the Dodo Micropub.  

We have so many fabulous independent shops, cafes and restaurants on our doorstep. It's these local businesses that make our area unique. It may be easier to shop online and at supermarkets but supporting our local community is much more rewarding and essential to stop the homogenisation of our high streets. There is a fabulous campaign, the ‘Just a card' campaign that I love telling people about. justacard.org want to encourage people to buy from designers, makers, independent galleries and shops. All purchases, however small, even ‘just a card’ are vital to the prosperity and survival of small businesses.

You have some many lovely designs – which are your favourites?

Thank you, I'm so glad you like them! My Walpole and Lammas park illustrated map prints will always be my favourite. I created limited edition prints of these for my first ever stall and when they sold out last year I was both elated and a little sad at the same time. I launched a new set of screen prints earlier this year and I love them just as much.  

What has been the most popular?

My most popular designs are my pub prints. Everyone has a story to tell of a great night spent in each pub. It's funny how people are a little embarrassed at first to say they've been to them all, but I remind them how lucky we are to have such a great choice of different places to go. It takes some pretty extensive (ahem) 'research' to ensure I'm happy with the pubs I choose to draw so that always makes them fun to illustrate too! We are surrounded by fabulous architecture and historic buildings in West London, I love being able to celebrate that and make people feel proud of our little corner of London.

Keep reading to find out how you can win one of Charlotte’s Ealing pub prints...

Where can people see (and buy!) your work?

My full collection is in All Original (20 Ealing Green, W5 5DA) It's a wonderful independent shop where a collection of designers and makers rent shelf space alongside the owner Jane's carefully chosen ever changing original gifts. It's such a great concept for a shop and brimming with fabulous ideas.

Some of my prints are also available in Mooch. It's round the corner from my house on Northfield Avenue (and also coming to Pitshanger Lane soon!) Sandra and Ev launched their shop just over a year ago and it scooped a well-deserved trophy for 'best newcomer' at the prestigious independent retailers awards earlier this year. I was really happy to work with them to design their distinctive logo.  

You can also buy my work via my website and find me and my stall at various local craft fairs and events. 

September will be a very busy month for Charlotte. You will find her at:

Crafted W5, outside Ealing Town Hall - Saturday 2nd September

Brentford Festival, Blondin Park - Sunday 3rd September

BEAT (Borough of Ealing Art Trail) - Friday 15th to Sunday 17th September

Ealing Half Marathon race village, Lammas Park - Sunday 24th September

Instagram competition!

To win one of Charlotte’s beautiful Ealing Pub prints, pictured below, visit the EalingInsider on Instagram and comment on one of the competition photos to let us know which is your favourite Ealing pub and why?

A winner will be drawn at random on Tuesday 5th September 2017 and announced on Instagram.

We are looking forward to hearing your favourites!

Follow Charlotte on:

Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Thanks Charlotte :-)

Love,

The Ealing Insider

xoxox

The competition small print:

·        To enter, you must comment on any of the competition posts on the Ealing Insider’s Instagram with your favourite Ealing pub and why.

·        The competition is running from Tuesday 29th August to Monday 4th September 2017.

·        All entrants’ names will be entered in to a ‘hat’ and the winner will be selected at random on Tuesday 5th September 2017.

·        The winner’s name will be published across on the Ealing Insider’s Instagram the evening of Tuesday 5th September and we will contact them directly to arrange delivery of the Ealing Pubs print.

·        The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except Charlotte Berridge and the Ealing Insider.

·        The favourite pubs in Ealing will be collated from the entries and shared in a later blog post.

I am pleased you have been enjoying my weekly Monday Motivation Instagram quotes painted by the talented Now Then Sunshine and this week you have chance to win the stunning original art work for ‘Be-YOU-tiful’ pictured here.

The picture is unframed, on watercolour paper size 35cm x 25cm, with the circle measuring approx 24cm x 24cm.

How to enter

Simply comment on the competition photo (the same as pictured above) on the Ealing Insider Instagram account with your favourite Ealing happy place. 

The competition will run from Tuesday 22nd August to Saturday 26th August. A winner will be drawn at random on Sunday 27th August 2017 and announced on Instagram.

We are looking forward to hearing your favourite places you love in Ealing and may feature some of them in future posts.

Good luck!

Love,

The Ealing Insider

xoxox

The small print

·        To enter, you must comment on the competition post on the Ealing Insider’s Instagram with your favourite Ealing happy place.

·        The competition is running from Tuesday 22nd August to Saturday 26th August 2017.

·        All entrants’ names will be entered in to a ‘hat’ and the winner will be selected at random on Sunday 27th August 2017. 

·        The winner’s name will be published across on the Ealing Insider’s Instagram the evening of Sunday 27th August 2017 and we will contact them directly to arrange delivery of the painting.

·        The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except Now Then Sunshine and the Ealing Insider.

·        Some of the quotes may be used in future blog posts or across the Ealing Insider platforms of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

When I was planning my 40th birthday party, I asked around locally for ideas of caterers. By far and away the most popular name was Marie-Clare Cooks. A local Ealing dweller she has her own business catering for events and was a delight to work with from menu development, through tasting and then on the big night itself she and her team were fabulous. I am passionate about supporting our local businesses and am so pleased to be featuring her on the blog.

Read on to find out more about Marie-Clare, her business and how you can win some delicious goodies for a friend who deserves a treat.

When did you start cooking and why?

I always liked cooking but it really became of interest to me when I became a homeowner in my mid twenties. As I love to entertain, I had to learn to cook so that I could feed visiting friends and family!  In my thirties, I realised that I am an entrepreneurial spirit at heart and although I had enjoyed an interesting and enjoyable few years in a marketing career, it was time to see if I could make a living from doing what I enjoy most.

Tell us a little about Marie-Clare cooks?

Marie-Clare Cooks is a family-run catering business. We love what we do and we think that shows in our service too. We are happy to create a bespoke menu for any event or meeting and we also do great home delivered food.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Ina Garten, an American cook who quit a job she hated, bought a deli called the Barefoot Contessa and ran a catering business for 30 years. She has a similar style of cooking to mine; rustic, no fuss and home made. It's all about the flavour combinations. She has inspired me to trust my instincts when it comes to developing new and interesting recipes. 

Closer to home, my father was a great cook and I wish I could have learnt more from him but sadly I was only 22 years old when he passed away and I was much more interested in partying back in those days. I do, however, want to learn more about Indian/Portuguese cooking in honour of his heritage.

What is your proudest moment so far for Marie-Clare Cooks?

The proudest moment is when a client gives their heartfelt thanks for making their event run smoothly, with delicious food and friendly efficient service. This is what really motivates me. 

What is the most useful piece of advice you have been given and from who?

I have three, all from my Mum who is my rock! Always believe in yourself, learn from your mistakes and never look back, only ever look forward. 

If you were hosting a dinner party for four guests dead or alive who would you choose?

Stevie Wonder, Graham Norton, Ina Garten and my Dad. How’s that for an interesting mix? Dad and I are big Stevie fans. Now to decide what I would cook... 

How long have you lived in Ealing?

I was born in Harrow on the Hill and moved here when I was ten, but I still consider myself born and bred in Ealing. I love it here. This is my home and my community and the only place I want to live in London.

What are your favourite places in Ealing?

So many! For relaxing and catching up with friends l enjoy Papillon, W7 Emporium and Abbotshill.  To eat The Grove, The Rose and Crown, Ealing Park Tavern, Charlotte's Place, Monty's and Tapelia. For shopping All Original and Cheddar Deli.

When you take a break, what do you enjoy doing for some 'me time'

There hasn't been much time for a break lately due to work demands, but when I get time I do love a leisurely pub lunch and walk along the river. I enjoy art galleries and going for a walk around a National Trust property. I also worship the sun and will happily lie on a beach for a few days.

What are your future plans for Marie-Clare Cooks?

To keep expanding our customer base and repeat business. I also have plans in the background that could involve a You Tube presence and developing a well loved product of mine I would hope to see on supermarket shelves in the not too distant future. Watch this space!

Competition time!

We all have a friend who deserves a little treat and you can win someone you care about some delicious goodies from Marie-Clare including a batch of her scrummy gooey chocolate brownies, some French liqueur and some of her delicious hand made Chilli Jam.  

All you need to do is follow Marie-Clare Cooks and Ealing Insider on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Then:

On Facebook: On the Ealing Insider competition post, tag a friend who deserves a treat and tell us why. 

On Instagram: On any of the Ealing Insider competition photos, in the comments below tag a friend who deserves a treat and tell us why.

On Twitter: Retweet the competition post on Ealing Insider and reply to the competition post tagging your friend and saying why they deserve a treat. 

The competition will run from Tuesday 15th to Monday 21st August 2017. The winner will be announced across all Ealing Insider platforms on Tuesday 22nd August. Good luck!

How can people find contact you and find out more?

Via my website and all the main social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Or you can reach me via e mail at [email protected] or call 07932 042 993.

Thanks Marie-Clare :)

Love,

The Ealing Insider

xoxox

Competition Terms and Conditions

To enter, you must follow both Marie-Clare Cooks and Ealing Insider on either Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and comment on any of the competition posts across Ealing Insider’s platforms of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter tagging a friend and why they deserve a treat. 

The competition is running from Tuesday 15th to Monday 21st August 2017.

All entrants names will be entered in to a ‘hat’ and the winner will be selected at random on Tuesday 22nd August.

The winner’s name will be published across the Ealing Insider platforms of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and we will contact them directly to arrange delivery of the prize within the Ealing area.

The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except for Marie-Clare Cooks and the Ealing Insider.

You have been enjoying my weekly Monday Motivation Instagram quotes painted by the talented Now Then Sunshine and this week you have chance to win the stunning original art work for ‘Throw kindness around like confetti’ pictured here.

The picture is unframed, on watercolour paper size 35cm x 25cm, with the circle measuring approx 24cm x 24cm.

How to enter

Simply comment on the competition photo (the same as pictured above) on the Ealing Insider Instagram account with your favourite motivational quote. 

The competition will run from Tuesday 1st August to Monday 7th August. A winner will be drawn at random on Tuesday 8th August 2017 and announced on Instagram.

We are looking forward to hearing your favourites and may feature some of them in future posts.

Good luck!

Love,

The Ealing Insider

xoxox

The small print

·        To enter, you must comment on the competition post on the Ealing Insider’s Instagram with your favourite motivational quote.

·        The competition is running from Tuesday 1st August to Monday 7th August 2017.

·        All entrants’ names will be entered in to a ‘hat’ and the winner will be selected at random on Tuesday 8th August 2017.

·        The winner’s name will be published across on the Ealing Insider’s Instagram the evening of Tuesday 8th August 2017 and we will contact them directly to arrange delivery of the painting. 

·        The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except Now Then Sunshine and the Ealing Insider.

·        Some of the quotes may be used in future blog posts or across the Ealing Insider platforms of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. 

I am delighted to be featuring Ealing’s designer Lorna Kyle on the blog. Read on to find out more about her journey and how her creative business has evolved and where you can find her art work and cards.

When did you start making cards?

I’ve always been ‘arty’ and love making things but the card making started when my four children were at primary school. They were always off to lots of parties and whereas I remembered to buy the presents for the parties, I always forgot to buy the cards, so I started drawing and making my own. School mums began to approach me saying that they would like buy them, so I rented a table at the school Christmas Fair, filled it with cards in little baskets and sold out.

How did it turn into a business?

Boosted by my early success, I approached other local schools and sold at their summer and Christmas Fairs. From there I moved onto small local Craft Fairs and then larger regional ones. It really was a brick by brick building process, for my own confidence as well as for building up the range of cards that I wanted to make. Nearly 18 years on now, I’ve sold all over London including Covent Garden and Carnaby Street.

How did it evolve?

It was never my intention to sell wholesale to shops so for many years customers could only find me at Craft Fairs and would bulk buy from me there. I’ve built up a very loyal following and I sell at some wonderful Craft Fairs, but for a small business to survive, you have to keep open to all possibilities. A few years ago I launched a website showcasing some of my cards and growing artwork and that has proved invaluable.

My greatest opportunity arose about four years ago when I was approached by Catherine Hansla to sell in a new Craft and Gift shop in Ealing called ‘All Original’. Designer/Makers rented shelves by the month and therefore could charge their own prices for their work and no commission would be taken by the shop. This has been a fantastic venture for me and my sales have gone from strength to strength. I have a double shelf display, one for my cards and one for my eclectic artwork. The shop changed hands at the beginning of 2017, Jane and Steve West are the new owners and it continues to thrive and grow.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I don’t look to other card designers. Ideas have never been a problem for me and walking into a good haberdashery shop (increasingly hard to find though) gives me enough ideas for ages!

What's the most useful advice you have had?

Keep ‘stepping away’ from your product and view it through your customers’ eyes. Research your market, look for ‘gaps’ and don’t keep making the same old stuff. Keep your work fresh and up to date.

Which has been your most successful card design?

One of my best selling designs has been my 'Dresses'. I hand cut each of these and although it is labour intensive, I just build it into my working day. The Liberty Tana Lawn fabric ones are always the first to sell out.

What do you love about Ealing?

Although I was born in North London, I have lived all my married life in Ealing. My children were born and schooled in the borough so I have first hand experience of all the lovely parks and leisure activities.  The Summer is wonderful in the borough with all the Festivals that happen here. We have already booked our tickets for the fabulous Comedy Festival.

Of course I love All Original for shopping! Over 30 designers rent shelf space now and wonderful products are always on display.

My husband and I enjoy eating out in Ealing and visiting all the super coffee shops. We are spoilt for choice as to where to grab a flat white and while away an hour or two. We are fans of Artisan, The Moon and Maybe and Electric Coffee to name a few.

What is your favourite thing to do for some 'me time'

I love popping into town and just walking around London especially now that I have joined Instagram and I love snapping away. Also I’m a big fan of rummaging in charity shops. I like to think that I always find a bargain although my husband might disagree!

See Lorna’s work at:

All Original, 20 The Green, Ealing W5

The Avenue Vintage Market, West Ealing on the last Saturday of every month

Her website

Various Craft Fairs throughout the year 

Follow Lorna on:

Instagram  Facebook  Twitter

 Love,

The Ealing Insider

We are so lucky to have lots of fabulous independent businesses in Ealing for some well deserved ‘me time’ or a little treat. Here are eleven of my personal favourites and I would love to hear from you about yours. There could easily be a ‘part two’ to this blog!

For shopping... 

Mooch

Mooch is a gift shop on Northfield Avenue which opened just over a year ago. I will confess to being a Mooch addict. I even asked for Mooch vouchers for my birthday and regularly pop in and come out with an ‘essential’ new purchase - a candle, some cards (they have some very funny ones) and most recently a huge straw bag with bright pink tassels. It is awesome. The owners and team are really down to earth, give great service and make time for a little natter if it is a quiet moment. 

Instagram  Twitter  Facebook 

All Original

This treasure trove features the work of lots of local artists and designers including bags by Louison D’Or, prints by Charlotte Berridge, art and cards by Lorna Kyle and loads more including jewellery, ceramics and candles.  Perfect for gift shopping. I also love their blackboard which stands just outside with great quotes on.

Instagram  Twitter  Facebook 

Klein & Wallace

Another fabulous new addition on Northfield Avenue packed full of beautiful clothes, shoes and accessories which are in my opinion very reasonably priced. They bring a bit of bling to the area and always have very tempting window displays. They have a spacious changing room and a welcoming team who really make you feel at ease. Perfect for a bit of self gifting for treats like these stunning gold espadrilles I simply ‘had’ to have. 

Instagram  Facebook

For pampering...

Lavender Hair & Beauty

There are so many salons in Ealing, but this is my personal favourite for hair, nails and treatments. It is on Northfield Avenue close to Lammas Park. Basilio colours my hair beautifully (and also has his own range of products). He was also very kind to my little boy when he had his first ever hair cut. They have lovely pampering treatments and a relaxing environment and it always smells of lavender. There is a fab pedicure room with two big chairs side by side and I love going with a friend. 

Facebook  

For a coffee and cake break...

The Moon & Maybe

This absolutely beautiful cafe is a little haven at the St Mary’s end of South Ealing. It has a wonderful garden at the back with funky art work and furniture. I enjoy escaping for some quiet time in there reading. I always want to take their beautiful engraved spoons home with me (but I won’t!). It has such a great feel and the team are warm and welcoming. Recently they have started doing pop ups and yoga.

Instagram  Facebook

Papillon Deli & Patisserie

An established name on Northfield Avenue just by Lammas Park I have been a regular since moving to Ealing seven years ago. I used to visit for lazy brunches before family days, desperate tea and cake trips with a new baby and now family trips. Sometimes I still get in on my own and have their pasta of the day which is always delicious. They have the best huge colourful mugs in Ealing which I always request for my tea. They always have a tasty selection of cakes. 

Facebook

No.6 Coffee

New and very welcome indeed at Boston Manor parade, just opposite the tube station is No.6. Hip industrial chic, they have great coffee, tea and cakes and a down to earth team. I sat in there and worked for a few hours the other day and got chatting to Paul the manager and didn’t feel pressured to rush off. Christian the barista has one of the best moustaches I have ever seen. Seriously.

Instagram  Facebook

For something stronger...

Abbotshill Wine Bar and Deli

I had a long overdue first visit a few weeks ago with my book club and love it. It has such a relaxed atmosphere. The wine flows very easily and the evening flies by too quickly. They have great wine and deli snacks and some super deserts. They have also started a great range of pop up collaborations with local chefs along with other events. A real gem. I will be going back regularly. 

Instagram  Twitter  Facebook

Charlottes W5

If I want to feel cosmopolitan I head to Charlottes W5 and sit at the bar. They have a great selection of food and drink including a wide range of gin. It is also a great space in the day and they are very welcoming of freelancers who want to work there. They have free sparkling water, which is a great touch and a delicious breakfast menu.  Their sister venues are also excellent.

Instagram  Twitter  Facebook

The Plough Inn

My Northfields ‘local’ for more than five years and even though we are now closer to Boston Manor I still think of it as my local. I love it. Great for eating and drinking outside in the garden in summer or inside near the open fire in winter. Our book club started here and it is a very happy place for me, especially sitting at one of the high tables with a large glass of red. They have regular events of all sorts including music and quiz nights.

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  

For a bite to eat...

Santa Maria Pizza

A South Ealing treasure and winner of many awards. Amazing pizza. Amazing. It is always super popular so you have to go expecting to wait, but it is worth it. Cosy and compact, bustling and with a quick turnover it isn’t the sort of place you would stay all evening. We usually pop in and get our name on the list then go next door to the Red Lion while we wait... although you can now also order Santa Maria pizza in the Red Lion. Bonus!

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

What are your favourite places? Please post your photos with #EalingTreats or comment with your favourites and I will get working on part two!

Love,

The Ealing Insider

Laura Downes is a fabulous Ealing based Jewellery designer. I first discovered her work when my neighbour gave me one of her pieces for my birthday – the navy hand rolled beads (which I am wearing as I type!) I found her Instagram account filled with stunning jewellery and I was hooked. She sells from her home studio so I became a regular visitor and a proud wearer of her work.

Read on to find out more about Laura and how to win one of her stunning necklaces. 

How did you start designing jewellery and when?

I first started designing and making jewellery as a teenager in North Wales. My friend Kate and I started a company called the fantastically titled ‘Essential Earrings’ and we sold our pieces at local events and in gift shops. I grew up in a seaside town in North Wales and I’ve always been obsessed by fashion. I used to buy magazines like Vogue, Elle and The Face from our local newsagent and pore over the pages. We’d then go to local charity shops to try and recreate the same look. Making jewellery was an extension of this love for fashion and still is. 

My son Ted was born three years ago and when he slept in the day I found I had this spare time. I wanted to do something for me so I started making jewellery again. This time I made pieces that I wanted to wear myself. After a baby you often can’t go straight back into your old clothes (if ever!) so jewellery was the perfect way for me to express my style. 

I started giving the jewellery to friends to get their opinion on it, but I think Laura Downes Jewellery was properly born as a business when the utterly stunning and bohemian haven The Cross in Holland Park bought some pieces from me. That was a defining moment for my confidence as a designer. 

You have so created many lovely things; tell us about your top three

My neon bright bracelets were my first serious piece that I sold. I played around a lot with this design to get to the product I love now. They originally had tassels on them. I think they are a good price point for a present or as a treat for you.

 My other favourites are my colourful hand rolled clay beads. These are simple and yet really striking. I love spotting these on people around West London. A friend was recently in New York wearing some orange ones and someone came up in the street to ask after them – that’s pretty thrilling for me!

The third is my Sun Circle pendant necklace, again I’m proud of the process I went through to get to this design from sourcing the materials to the idea of celebrating the curve of a woman’s neck. I love it. This is the design you can win in our competition (details below).

What is your most proud moment for Laura Downes Jewellery so far?

I’ve honestly had so many. Every day seems to bring something exciting. Whether that be Natalie Imbruglia or Laura Whitmore wearing my jewellery on their personal social media accounts, to a note from the truly spectacular Anya Hindmarch saying she loved my Neon Brights to a male former first artist of the Royal Ballet rocking a Sun Circle pendant.

Closer to home it is when local women buy a piece from me or even more amazingly come back to buy more. It’s a real compliment when stylish, hard working women see my designs as a treat. That makes me proudest.

What business advice have you been given that has helped you?

I recently met Jane Shepherdson, the former CEO of Whistles at a networking event. She has to be one of the most impressive business women out there. I took the opportunity to give her a piece of my jewellery. At midnight the same night I received a long email from her saying she liked my product and giving me the most valuable business advice including some ideas for evolving my website and advice on building relationships with potential clients. I was blown away. 

What other useful advice have you been given that has stayed with you?

Hustle and Fox said never use the word ‘just’, as in ‘I am just a jewellery designer’. Style Me Sunday said each morning to look in the mirror and tell yourself who you are and what you want to be. These inspiring women were on a panel event together from which my overall impression was to ‘take your seat at the table’. Women supporting women has been a real theme for me since starting this company.

Who would your dream customer be?

I love the way French women dress, so probably someone like Caroline de Maigret or Isabel Marant or someone effortlessly cool like Diane Kruger. 

What do you enjoy doing when you have some ‘me time’?

Running a business from home and having two small children means ‘me time’ is so precious. My husband works in New York for a week every month so our lives can feel crazy busy. I love exploring London. I’ve lived here for nearly 20 years now but I still get a buzz from the energy of the city. I love going for lunch with friends and having people over. Our house is always pretty busy.  My husband makes the best gin and tonics and there is nothing better than lighting our fire box and sitting in the garden in the evening with a delicious G&T! 

Where are your favourite places in Ealing?

Ealing is a great place to live. I’ve lived all over London but am so glad we moved here. We’ve made some of our best friends in this gorgeous supportive community. 

I love the parks. I spent so much time walking around them when the children were small. I love the feeling of green space in Walpole and the design of the park. It’s also great in the summer with all the festivals. We watched an outdoor production of Alice in Wonderland in the rose garden a few years ago and that was beautiful. 

I think ‘Nuki’ the Thai restaurant on Northfield Avenue is consistently delicious, unpretentious and very reasonably priced. I also love Charlottes W5 for brunch and the design of the building. 

Your hashtag is #Luxhippie – what does it represent?

I’m very proud of #Luxhippie. I came up with it to represent me and the kind of customer I think would wear LDJ. It’s someone who has a bohemian edge and enjoys clothes or pieces with a story. I think they enjoy travel and experiencing other cultures and would prefer to hunt for an item of clothing than just buy the first thing they see. Brands they might wear are Isabel Marant, Masscob or Muzungu Sisters but they’re also not afraid to wear a fabulous £3 skirt from a local charity shop if the look works. 

So really not far off from the teenager in North Wales busy making her jewellery and rummaging through vintage – just now with far better shoes! 

Competition

Laura is giving away a gold Sun Circle Pendant to one lucky reader! To be in with a chance of winning:

Follow both Laura Downes Jewellery and Ealing Insider on Instagram or Facebook (links below)

Comment on any one of the competition posts across the Ealing Insider platforms with your favourite place in Ealing for a treat or some ‘me time’. 

The winner will be selected at random on Sunday 9th July. 

(See below for full Competition Terms and Conditions.)

You might enjoy these...

Laura’s Instagram,  Facebook and website

The Ealing Insider’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Love,

The Ealing Insider 

xoxox

Competition Terms and Conditions 

To enter, you must follow both Laura Downes Jewellery and Ealing Insider on either Instagram or Facebook, and comment on any of the competition posts across Ealing Insider’s platforms of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter with your favourite place in Ealing for a treat or some ‘me time’.

The competition is running from Sunday 2nd July 2017 to Saturday 8th July 2017. 

All entrants names will be entered in to a ‘hat’ and the winner will be selected at random on Sunday 9th July.

The winner’ name will be published across the Ealing Insider platforms of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and we will contact them directly to arrange delivery of the gold Sun Circle Pendant.

The competition is open to anyone who follows the guidelines above, except Laura Downes and the Ealing Insider.

The top ten favourite places in Ealing will be collated from the entries and shared in a later blog post.