INTERVIEWS WITH CHERRYHEALEY, CHARLOTTEBERRIDGE AND LUCYNOGUERA
1 Emily Fawell, Nutritional Therapist at Bridge to Health www bridgetohealth co uk | 2 Francesca Vuoto, Owner of Frank and Salvi www frankandsalvi com | 3 Anja Forkert, Personal Trainer at ABF Fitness, www abffitness co uk | 4 Justine Masters, Facialist and Skincare Expert at Triyoga www justinemasters london | 5 Dominika Kaliszewska, local food blogger www pollyeatslondon co uk | 6 Dr Aoife Naughton, Oculoplastic and Ophthalmic Surgeon at The Clinic Holland Park, www theclinichollandpark com | 7 Mark Hodson, Wim Hof Method instructor, www wimhofmethod com/instructors/mark-hodson-3 | 8 Aysha Tahir and Katy Marshall, Owners of Greenka, www greenka uk | 9 Nadia Gaur, Blo Bar Ealing, www b1obar com | 10 TH, Gents of Ealing, www gentsofealing com |
11 Fiona Kennedy, Owner of Pitshanger Bookshop, www pitshangerbooks co uk |
12 Maria Morales Sainz, The Wild Patio www thewildpatio co uk
We are so proud to launch the first issue of Ealing Living Magazine, Ealing's only lifestyle publication dedicated to providing a platform for our multi-talented residents. The magazine was born out of a genuine feeling of surprise that there wasn’t a magazine in this bustling metropolis already! We have delicious restaurants; we have fabulous independent shops; we have superstar creatives; we even have one or two celebs where was the local publication to champion their cause? Well… here it is, advocating for Ealing’s finest. I’ve so enjoyed putting together this first issue, which has proven to me what I already knew - Ealing is filled to the rafters with pretty magnificent individuals I hope you enjoy getting to know them too
I had the honour of interviewing the very lovely TV presenter and Ealing resident, Cherry Healey, who is known for co-presenting the popular BBC Two show 'Inside the Factory' along with many other outstanding documentaries I also have the pleasure of shining the spotlight on two of Ealing's creative bods: author Lucy Noguera and artist Charlotte Berridge. We also have beauty, fashion and lifestyle news, a Father's Day gift guide and so much more!
LOUISA MAIDWELL, EDITOR
EALINGLIVINGMAGAZINE@GMAIL COM
At what stage in your life did you first move to Ealing?
In 2019, I was living in Shepherd's Bush with my two kids in a lovely, but quite small house They shared a room, which had worked really well but, as they turned into bigger, louder human beings and felt it would be amazing to move somewhere they could have their own space Plus I was starting to crave a garden and trees I didn't know Ealing at all but once I started looking I fell in love! It is green and beautiful - the road up to my house feels like being in the countryside It's so peaceful I then found a house that ticked all my boxes I knew it would be somewhere I would live for a very, very long time I could envision the kids growing into smelly teenagers there and having their own space to make Tik Toks and play loud music And there was a garden for me to escape to Unfortunately, I had the double whammy of a tricky selling situation and Covid down looming but was so lucky to have brilliant estate agents (shout out to sh and Parsons on Askew Road!) that t above and beyond not just to sell my perty but helped when buying the Ealing perty became problematic as well It was a simple process to get the house - I ht have had a few teary moments let's just that! I still wake up and have coffee in my hen and can't believe I actually live here!
ou were telling someone about Ealing had never visited, how would you cribe it?
ike having your cake and eating it There much green and space that sometimes it sn't feel like being in London Where I live e is a real sense of commu ks to an amazing man calle y brings people together er Bunny, part Santa! I abs street I live on Yet whils ng of being in the country a mainline train station, the Piccadilly line, tons of buses abeth line (don't get me sta derful that is!) It's actually e et into Central London from from Askew Road where I e are also tons of great shop eat - I sound like an estate y! I am still in the honeymoon p
Do you have a favourite watering hole?
We absolutely love The Grange - it has the best roasts in London I know that's big chat but I stand by it! We go often and spend hours playing board games - it's such a cosy, friendly spot - they have such a lovely team
Where have you had your best Ealing meal?
Sorry to be boring but it's The Grange first and foremost, followed by Ta Ke near Ealing Common tube station They have the best sushi I have ever eaten Again, big chat but just go and try it
Is there a part of Ealing that you find particularly inspirational or where you find peace?
I love the area around Walpole Park - the park itself is absolutely beautiful and the little boutique shops and cafes make it feel so peaceful and relaxing
Tell us what you ' re up to and what's next for you
Series 7 of Inside the Factory is on nowyou can watch it on BBC2 at 8pm on Tuesdays I'm also writing a book at the moment that will be out in January next year but I'm not allowed to say more than that at the moment! I also run a course to teach people the techniques of how to manifest powerfully, how to grow in confidence and work out what they want from life (in a nutshell!) and we have our next one starting on May 1st You can get tickets via the bio on my instagram
...and when it comes to the frame, the bigger, the better!
Did you know wearing sunglasses is just as important as wearing a hat to protect against UV rays? We caught up with Ealing resident Aoife Naughton, Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic surgeon, who shared some helpful tips on how to prevent UV light exposure and how to protect your eyes from damage Aoife is based at The Clinic, Holland Park
UV light ages all structures of the eye Corneal damage, cataracts and macular degeneration are all possible chronic effects from UV exposure and can ultimately lead to decreased vision The eyelid skin is the thinnest of the whole body UV damage induces dryness, wrinkles, accentuated skin furrows and increases your risk of skin cancer The damage to your eyes and skin from the sun ’ s UV radiation is cumulative, meaning your risk for developing sun- and UVrelated eye and eyelids will continue to grow throughout your lifetime
Sunglasses are must-have eyewear, helping protect from the sun and its reflective rays ’ impact to your eyes and your vision In addition, wearing a broad brimmed hat and daily SPF 50 to the skin help to mitigate risks of UV damage. Furthermore, choose glasses marked 100% UV protection The single most important thing to look for when buying sunglasses to protect your eyes is that they block 100 percent of UV rays Check for ‘CE’ marked UV400 lenses, or British Standards BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013.
When it comes to the frame, the bigger the better Consider buying oversized or wraparoundstyle sunglasses to limit UV rays from entering the sides of the glasses, thus offering optimal protection Price is actually not necessarily related to protection Sunglasses don't have to be expensive to be effective Inexpensive sunglasses, labeled as 100 percent UV-blocking are a better choice than designer sunglasses with no protection
Children’s eyes are particularly vulnerable to damage from the sun ’ s UV rays Their developing lens allows 70% more UV rays to enter the eye, compared to an adult Try to keep your child out of the sun during peak hours Seek out the shade during the sun ’ s peak hours, especially during the Summer The sun ’ s power hours are usually midday to early afternoon Again, sunglasses with 100% UV protection is a must If your child is still cruising around in a stroller, make sure it has a shield or cover on it
Some contact lenses offer UV protection But these lenses are not enough to keep your eyes safe from sun damage UV-blocking contact lenses provide good protection to the insides of the eyes, but it's important to look after the outsides of the eyes and eyelids too Supplement with sunglasses, marked 100% UV protection, for maximal protection
MAXMARA £150
GUESS £120
A KJAERBEDE £32
If you ’ re signed up for the Osterley 10k in June, the Ealing Half Marathon in September or even if you ’ re just a keen runner, Anja Forkert from ABF Fitness has a few recommendations on how you can ensure that you ’ re fully warmed up beforehand:
“I always like to do mobility warm-ups as they’re more effective when it comes to preparing the body for a work-out I would recommend incorporating the following into your pre-run warmup
nd up and open up legs p yourself nice and tall and age your core Bend your t leg and touch the ground in middle but keeping your ck straight Only go as low as r back allows you to Do 30 onds on one side and 30 onds on the other side
This stretch concentrates on the back and opening up the shoulder Sit back onto your heels and then put your palms on the ground with your back straight Reach through the space between your arm and your knees with your opposite hand and then lift up and stretch towards the sky opening up the chest Do 30 seconds on one side and 30 seconds on the other side
Do a normal forward lunge making sure that the back knee drops Lift the arm on the side of the front leg and reach to the sky, then twist to face the direction of the side of the front leg I find this to also be a great stress reliever Do 30 seconds on one side and 30 seconds on the other side
Get into the plank position, from that step forward making sure everything is engaged and that your hips are high and not collapsing Bring forward your right leg so that your foot is on an equal line with your hands Stay in that position for 30 second, return to the plank and bring forward your left leg for 30 seconds ”
Emily Fawell, Nutritional Therapist, based at Bridge to Health in West Ealing gives us the low down on how we can achieve a balanced diet in a nutrient deficient world.
Our soils are depleted of nutrients due to farming practices, which means that the vegetables and fruit that we eat have lower nutrient levels than they would have done 70 years ago Particularly affected are minerals such as selenium, calcium and magnesium In addition to this supermarkets store fresh produce for a long time before it hits the shelves and during this time some nutrients' levels will diminish Some produce is also picked before it is ripe, meaning that it’s never reached its full nutrient potential
Add to this the over reliance on processed foods which are mostly low in nutrients – 56% of the calorie intake of average UK resident now comprises of ultra processed foods (mass produced bread, ready meals, processed meats, crisps, biscuits, cakes, breakfast cereals etc)
Many of us are stressed (which causes us to use up micronutrients at a faster rate) and if we live in an urban environment we are subjected to pollution (which requires the body to use up its intake and stores of antioxidants)
This all means that it’s very difficult to ensure that we are getting a diet rich in micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that we get from food) and taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement might help bridge this gap
In my view you get what you pay for when it comes to supplements If you are paying very little for a multivitamin then the forms of the nutrients that it contains are likely to be cheap and that usually means that they are difficult to absorb (for example calcium in the form of calcium carbonate or chalk), and therefore you are unlikely to see much benefit from taking them Look out for unwanted ingredients such as artificial sweeteners and colourings
I think it’s worth seeking the advice of someone who is qualified to recommend supplements (such as a qualified Nutritional Therapist) to make sure that you are taking a supplement that is right for you, particularly if you are taking any medication as there could be unwanted interactions
Where possible I like to test for deficiencies (via GP blood tests or private tests) before recommending supplements such as iron, Vitamin D, B12 or folate to ensure that I am recommending the right dose
Feeling stressed or anxious? Trying to maintain family harmony during the Summer holidays or long weekends? Wishing to maintain your composure?
Mark Hodson, Ealing resident and the borough's only Wim Hof Method instructor, suggests five things you can do to help yourself:
1 Cold water on the face / wrists In a stressful moment or in anticipation of a difficult situation, splash your face with cold water or run your wrists under the cold tap Both tap into deep-rooted sensory mechanisms that help to calm the body and mind
2 Cold showers! Cold showers help you feel invigorated at the start of the day and help calm the body at the end of the day ready for sleep (do one or the other, or both) Increasing the time under cold water each day is a super simple way to build up your stress resilience over time and help you feel fabulous
3 Focus on your breathing - counting Focus on your breath to reduce your stress There are many “counting” methods A favourite traditional method is to inhale for 5 counts and exhale for 6 giving you a total of 5-6 full breaths per minute
4 Breathe through your nose Our mouths are designed for eating and talking, and our noses for breathing Breathe slowly and deliberately through your nose to lower blood pressure and increase nitric oxide in the bloodstream Deeper, slower breathing calms the body Look away from your screens, relax the shoulders, and practise this frequently during the day for prolonged health benefits
5 Take yourself into nature A garden, park or a patch of grass will suffice Put your phone in your pocket and walk barefoot if you can Let your senses admire the nature around you - colours, sounds, smells, textures and space Breathe slowly and deeply, as described above - let the calm settle over and through you
Sleep is essential to every process in the body, affecting our physical and mental functioning the next day, our ability to fight disease and develop immunity, our metabolism and, of course, our ability to remain patient with our kids during the long Summer holidays! Here are our top three products to help you achieve a really good night's sleep
The Wallflower Studio is a conscious slow fashion brand, founded by Laura in 2021 Laura designs prints, by hand, always drawing upon nature as a starting point These prints are then brought to life on silk clothing, accessories and stationery Everything is produced in the UK, nothing is mass produced, and some of the pieces are a complete one-off Laura designs everything from the heartVivacious, fun, quirky - celebrating the female figure in all its glory!
The Wallflower Studio can be purchased at The Curated Collective in Ealing Broadway and online at www.thewallflowerstudio.co.uk
SIRENS is excited to present newest collection, their “S Garden” with hand-pa watercolour prints inspired b romance and rebirth of s Charmed by the birds and bees English garden when the sun s warming your skin and the sce meadow blooms fills the air wanted to create a collection would take you from a garden to a day at the races and your friends wedding
SIRENS was created during pandemic by two best friend exclusive hand-painted prints, limited runs of 200 per style Designed in London www.sirenslondon.com
Bottlebee makes handmade jewellery from sustainable gold and silver. The owner, Seena, designs jewellery and makes it by hand in her studio in Hanwell Wherever possible she will melt excess metal from other projects and make something new Absolutely nothing goes to waste and even when filing, the silver and gold particles are kept and used
Bottlebee jewellery can be purchased directly at www bottlebee co uk and a selection is stocked at All Original, 20 Ealing Green, W5 5DA
Francesca Vuoto, of Pitshanger Lane's Frank and Salvi, tells her favourite trend of the season and how to wear it on the streets of Ealing
After watching the Rejina Pyo SS23 catwalk, it's evident that the 90’s colour block is here to stay, and we ’ re so happy about it! We are pulling inspiration from the stunning bright and vibrant colour palettes of Rejina's catwalks, juxtaposed with neutral base colours of stone, beige and creams We love asymmetric hems, one shoulder tops and sheer detail layering pieces, which are all very much on trend and adaptable for all ages
We have a fun and wearable collection in Frank and Salvi on Pitshanger Lane, which captures all these elements, and we can help you look fabulous for any upcoming holidays or Summer parties
We have some gorgeous bold wide legged pants (1), which are £75, from our bestselling Danish brand NUMPH which have the perfect earthy undertones mixed in with brighter oranges and blues in a smudgy based print which allows them to suit all skin tones
Style them with one of our one shoulder cami tops (2), £35, which will make you look like you have made much more of an effort than you really have - it's super flattering! Add your favourite denim jacket and a classic pair of sandals and you ’ re good to go! These breathable leather sandals (3) from Emu Australia, £85, would work perfectly to finish off the look
REJINA PYO SS23
MINT VELVET
£65
REISS
£98
THE ONE-PIECE IS NO LONGER RESERVED FOR YOUR NAN
BODEN
£85
MANGO
£35.99
AND OTHER STORIES
£55
HAPPY SOCKS
£59.95
£79.95
£60
BODEN £45
£39.95
Mooch was opened in May 2016 by Sandra and Evelyn, two local residents who met at the school gates of Mount Carmel Primary School when their youngest children became best friends
We had both been making our own products while our children were at school This eventually led to having stalls (always next to each other) at local West London artisan Makers markets We often met with other artisan makers and always said that their products would be great if we ever had a shop So, when an empty shop on our local high street (we live a stone’s throw from the first shop so are true locals!) became available our vision was always to support small independent makers and designers and we have worked with lots of people who we met at the markets, who we still stock to this day And Evelyn still produces beautiful jewellery which we, of course, sell at the stores
We have four shops: two along Northfields Avenue, one on Pitshanger Lane and one on Fulham Road We are also due to open our fifth store in Barnes this Summer We stock a mixture of carefully curated, well known brands (mostly with a good environmental and ethical story) as well as lots of small independent maker designers with whom we have developed close relationships Our aim is to offer products that are not easily found and help small independents springboard into the wider retail community
We have a mixture of brands that do particularly well for us, including One Hundred Stars who make the most gorgeous kimonos, gowns and bags Aery and St Eval Candles are both strong brands with good environmental and ethical stories
Our locally themed products based on the local Ealing Area designed by the wonderful Jessica Hogarth sell well throughout the year In our children’s shop we sell Albetta Clothing which is an organic children’s clothes and toys brand; Tenderleaf toys which are made from sustainable wood and use non-toxic paints We are also one of the biggest JellyCat stockists in West London.
We stock well over 100 brands so it’s almost impossible to choose a favourite! We also have a huge range of greeting cards and last year won an industry award for the Best Independent Card Retailer in London and the South East
We have some new products arriving from India in the Summer as we recently visited Jaipur where we met with the producers and were able to meet with the artisan makers and watch them produce the most beautiful products These products will include clothing, jewellery and nightwear We wanted to develop more of our own products, and it was very important for us to visit the manufacturing sites so we could be confident in our purchasing choices and be able to see what conditions these were being made in
Shall Astonish the World by Nina Stibbe: A wise and witty novel about the ups of long-term female friendship 2. The Midnighters by Hana Tooke: this new novel features a girl called Ema who feels that she doesn’t fit in with the rest of her family, but on a trip to stay with her uncle in Prague, she meets Silvie, with whom she has all sorts of covert adventures. 3. The Bullet that Missed by Richard Osman: The third novel in this very popular and gentle crime series set in a retirement village, now out in paperback 4. None of this is Serious by Catherine Prasifka: A debut novel set in Dublin about a group of young people confronting the enormity of life after leaving university 5. La Vie: A Year in Rural France by John Lewis-Stempel: The author’s account of his first year as a peasant farmer in France, learning to make his own wine and the secrets of truffle farming 6 Good Pop, Bad Pop by Jarvis Cocker: A paperback edition of the author’s entertaining life story about the fascinating jumble of assorted objects he came across when sorting out his loft. 7. Looshkin: Oof! Right in the Puddings! by Jamie Smart: The second book in the hilarious Looshkin series from the author of the ever-popular Bunny vs Monkey range 8. Friend: Poems by Young People by Kate Clanchy: Poems about love, loss, parents, God and growing up written by a diverse group of teenagers from their own experiences 9. Constructing a Nervous System by Margo Jefferson: A fusion of memoir and cultural analysis which takes in jazz and blues icons, Black dancers and athletes, white supremacy in fiction and much more viewed through the spectrum of the author’s own life experiences 10 Breathe: Tackling the Climate Emergency by Sadiq Khan: Seven ways that environmental action can get blown off course and how to get back on track 11. A Line Above the Sky by Helen Mort: A woman who has always loved the exhilaration and risk of climbing re-evaluates this enthusiasm on becoming a mother A fascinating insight into the art of climbing as well as beautiful descriptions of the natural world 12. A Kidnapped West: The Tragedy of Central Europe by Milan Kundera: An examination of Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, arguing that their place in history has been overlooked by the major powers of Western Europe
FORMA HOUSE SUPER DAD MUG £15 AT MOOCH, PITSHANGER + NORTHFIELDS
COFFEE SUBSCRIPTIONS
£48 00 - £416 00 AT ELECTRIC COFFEE COMPANY, HAVEN GREEN
REINETA VOUCHER FOR DINNER
ANY VALUE AT REINETA, DICKEN'S YARD
PINK FLOYD GLASS COASTER
£20 AT ALL ORIGINAL, EALING GREEN
GREEN TRIUMPH II BY BARRY GOODMAN £204 AT FOR ARTS SAKE, EALING GREEN
At what stage in your life did you first move to Ealing?
I’ve lived in Ealing for many years now, even before I was married and had children I moved here for my first teaching job which was at Christ Church Junior School on Ealing Broadway
If you were telling someone about Ealing who had never visited, how would you describe it?
It’s a great place to live, lots of parks and with everything you need close by! It also has tubes to get into central London easily and Heathrow is 25 mins away
Do you have a favourite watering hole?
I go to Coffee shops more often than pubs, and Ealing is brilliant for those The Court of Miracles on Northfields Avenue has the best coffee in Ealing for sure
If I had to choose a pub, then I would say The Foresters or The Plough
Where have you had your best Ealing meal?
Tapelia also on Northfields Avenue That’s our go-to family favourite
Is there a part of Ealing that you find particularly inspirational or where you find peace?
I love Walpole and Lammas parks as I have spent so much time in them with my family and my dogs over the years so they are full of memories too
Tell us what you ' re up to and what's next for you.
My first children’s book Swop The SatsumaSized Secret came out in 2021 and my picture book Herman Needs A Home in 2022, since then I have visited over 100 schools to talk about being an author, my books and to encourage reading for pleasure
The visits are either virtually or in person and I have absolutely loved them all I make sure my books have layers, so they can be read and used in different ways They always include a theme which can be explored in more detail For instance, Swop introduces sign language as there is a deaf character and Herman has a central theme of the effects of plastic pollution on the environment - whilst also being an adventure story about hermit crabs
The second Swop book in the series – Swop The Daring Dinosaur Detective – is coming out this Summer It’s another 7+ chapter book, very readable and Dyslexia friendly in terms of layout and font It’s set on a school trip in The Natural History Museum which is my favourite museum in London
I am currently planning my school workshops and talks ready for this launch and look forward to building relationships with more local schools over the coming year Ealing is very lucky as it has so many amazing schools!
Summer brings with it warmer weather and the opportunity to enjoy our gardens more often. We questioned Maria Morales Sainz from The Wild Patio about what we should be getting up to from a gardening perspective at this time of year.
What should we be planting now?
Now that the frosts are over it is time to be planting out tender perennials and annuals These are the plants that fill the Summer border with colour: dahlias, cosmos, nicotianas and sunflowers
How often should I be watering my new plants?
Newly planted plants need frequent watering to help them get established in the borders. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil around them and make sure that it is always moist Not waterlogged, just moist
Should I prune my roses now?
Definitely not! The right time to prune roses is just before they start to come out of dormancy For Ealing that is around February-March, depending on how cold and long the winter was that year When roses are actively growing their canes are full of sap, so we should only deadhead them and not do any hard pruning
How can I prevent my plants from wilting in the late afternoon sun?
Watering deeply early in the morning should help plants stay hydrated throughout the day, and applying mulch around the roots should help to stop water evaporation But as our Summers are getting warmer due to climate change we might need to adapt our gardening habits to that, and plants that were typically used in full sun, might now do better in dappled shade if they keep wilting
What are the best plants from Summer gardening?
Two of my favourite plants for Summer borders are Verbena bonariensis and Salvia microphylla: they both flower all Summer long all the way until the end of autumn, they cope well with the heat and pollinators absolutely love them
The beautiful sunflower, which has so wonderfully bejewelled the pages of the first issue of Ealing Living Magazine, is the perfect symbol of Summer Bright and bold, they represent adoration, loyalty and longevity and are known as happy flowers Aysha Tahir and Katy Marshall, founders of Greenka, share a few expert tips on how best to grow these magnificent plants:
"Sunflowers can grow up to 2 meters tall and fair best in full sunlight Their large, yellow flowers grow up to 25cm in diameter They are a type of daisy that's annual and grows from seeds and will bloom in the Summer, flowering for up to two weeks
TOP TIPS:
Plant their seeds from April - May
Sunflowers need well draining soil
A peat-free multipurpose soil with some perlite is ideal
At least six hours of sunlight is recommended for strong growth
Water regularly to avoid soil drying out until they are ready to plant out at the end of May
Don't be stingy on organic matter when planting them and use bamboo cane or similar to help them grow. "
£20
LA REDOUTE
£42
THE NINE SCHOOLS
£145
ANTHROPOLOGIE
£8
DOLCE AND GABBANA'S BLU MEDITERRANEO COLLECTION EVOKES
THE FEELING OF LAZY SUMMER VACATIONS
CREATE YOUR OWN HOLIDAY VIBES WITH THIS CALMING BLUE AND WHITE TREND
BARKER AND STONEHOUSE
£189
dMMADE IN JAPAN
£18
At what stage in your life did you first move to Ealing?
We moved to Ealing about 14 years ago when my partner and I decided to buy a house together I didn’t know Ealing at all, but instantly fell in love with it
` If you were telling someone about Ealing who had never visited, how would you describe it?
It’s so green and leafy Everything you need is on your doorstep yet it’s so quick and easy to get into Central London Ealing is a massive borough (I live in Northfields) yet every area has its own wonderful village feel It’s definitely a very friendly place and the area is steeped with history too From architect John Soane’s original country retreat (Pitzhanger Manor) to Ealing Studios the home of classic British Film making and the Art Deco beauty of the Hoover Building, there are fascinating stories at every turn
Do you have a favourite watering hole? It’s so hard to choose a favourite when we have so many great pubs in Ealing My Ealing Pubs Illustrated Print features 14 fabulous historic locals, all throughly researched both inside and out! West London pubs would probably be my specialist subject if I was ever on Mastermind!
Over the last few years I’ve really enjoyed visiting micropubs too Smaller, usually one room freehouses, where the focus is on great beer from independent breweries and conversation I’ve made so many great new friends including at The Dodo Micropub in Hanwell
During lockdown, Lucy (the owner of The Dodo) asked for my help to design a label for her Dodo of Hanwell Gin This was a great project to work on, supporting a fellow female-led local business through such a difficult time cemented a strong friendship and has lead to a couple more label collaborations with her too Check out the Dodo of Hanwell Rum, it’s delicious and pop to their infamous Cheeseboard Sunday (first Sunday of the month) in your diary too
Thankfully, the iconic Red Lion on St Mary’s Road recently reopened The pub is affectionately called “Stage Six” by the actors, directors and staff from nearby Ealing Studios In the Studio’s heyday when they had 5 stages, the staff couldn’t really announce they were sneaking out for a pint so they would say they were popping to Stage 6 The Red Lion’s new tenants are the team behind The Andover Arms in Hammersmith so it’s great to know it’s in safe hands
Where have you had your best Ealing meal?
Bronek’s on Northfields Avenue is fantastic. The fish is so fresh and it’s such a quirky little place, it’s a real neighbourhood gem
Is there a part of Ealing that you find particularly inspirational or where you find peace?
Walpole Park is my absolutely favourite place I walk across it most days and love watching the seasons change I first drew the park, just for me, as I simply loved every little corner of it and it’s from that first illustrated map that my business began
Tell us what you ' re up to at the moment. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks booking in my Summer events I pop up at lots of West London fairs over May, June and July so I’m adding a few more West London Areas to my portfolio You’ll find me at Richmond May Fair, Green Days (part of the Bedford Park Festival) in Chiswick, and Barnes Summer Fair to name a few I’ve recently added a few more historic West London Station illustrations to my collection as I was invited to take my stall to The London Transport Museum’s Acton Depot open weekend last month It’s such an amazing museum, with an incredible array of old buses, tube trains, transport signs and original poster artwork Keep an eye out for their next open weekend, it really was brilliant
EALING GROCER from £5.00
The children's holidays are long (oh! so long!) and if the UK is blessed with weather like we had last year, you may be looking for a nearby body of water to take the kids There are several options within easy reach of Ealing - time to pack your swimmers, slap on the suncream and get ready to take a dip!
RUISLIP LIDO - Only 20 minutes from Ealing by car, Ruislip Lido is a 700-acre woodland nature reserve and home to a gorgeous natural lake Technically swimming is not allowed but there is a very sweet train that can take you around the lake
FRENSHAM BEACH - Another unlikely beach can be found in the middle of a large common in Farnham, Surrey Great for swimming and for building sandcastles and there's also a fantastic sculpture park within walking distance
THREE SHELLS BEACH, ESSEX - Only an hour and a half away from Ealing (on a good day), this family friendly beach is a lovely sandy spot and near to the amusements of Southend-on-Sea
AMORINO from £4.90
CREAMS from £8.95
Remember those heady, child-free days when you used to see air travel as an exciting part of the adventure? You arrived at the airport a whisker before the gates closed, travelled only with a carry-on containing a bikini, a sarong and a pair of wedges and then sat on the airplane listening to a Summer playlist and planning which beaches and bars you were going to patronise? You now have children Travel will never be the same again
But have no fear, ELM has collated 10 top tips for flying with kids Happy Travels and God speed
1. Pack light
It may seem like an impossibility but try to pack as little as possible Remember that it’s unlikely that you’ll be staying at the airport so anything you ’ re taking you’ll have to transport across an unknown airport, to a taxi rank or coach and through a hotel resort And travelling with less means less time standing at the baggage reclaim and a reduced likelihood of leaving any of it at arrivals
5 Be wise with your entertainment choices
Colouring pads and crayons are a fool’s game You’ll just spend the majority of the flight picking crayons up off the floor An alternative idea is to buy one of the Water Magic Books - it has one pen that you fill up with water that can be tied to the seat with a ribbon, with which they can colour the whole pad
Similarly, don’t bring an assortment of little toys You’ll just spend the entire journey scrabbling around under the seat and the ‘favourite’ one will inevitably get lost
6. Pack an airplane picnic
I always found that putting together an assortment of tupperwares of mini sandwiches, bits of cheese, bits of ham or chicken, cut up fruit, oaty bar bites, raisins etc was an excellent way of dragging out the airplane picnic and thus fulfilling their incessant need for snacks
7 Encourage sleep for the very little
If your child is still having naps, try and stick to the routine by letting them sleep in the buggy if you ’ re in the airport or on your lap if you ’ re in the airplane The environment is so overstimulating that things will only be made worse if they miss a sleep (even if the nap is shorter!) It also helps if they’re sleeping during take off and landing as the likelihood is that their ears will hurt If they are awake, breastfeed or give a bottle to the little ones and take a chewy sweet for the larger ones
2 Arrive early
Don’t make a rod for your back Plan to get there early and go earlier than that There are very few things that are worse than running across an airport with two small children and an assortment of baby paraphernalia Give yourself time to contend with the inevitable obstacles in your way - poonamis, lost dummies and passport misplacements are easier to deal with when you have a bit of time
3 Take advantage of early boarding
This is genuinely one of the only privileges of travelling with small children Take it It might seem like the most ridiculous idea to spend longer on the aircraft than you need to but you’ll be able to get your luggage in the overhead bins without fighting with the other passengers and you’ll be able to set up camp in a slightly less frenetic atmosphere
4 Screen time
Controversial topic but I’ve always found screen time to be an excellent distraction during flights When my kids were small, I would download a shed load of Hey Duggy and Octonauts onto my laptop pre-trip I bought two sets of headphones and a two-piece headphone jack so that they could both watch the screen at the same time It was rare that it held their attention for the entire flight but even 15 minutes of quiet time felt like a little piece of heaven
8 Lying is paramount
OF COURSE in the wider world, lying is bad But in the case of flying with kids, a little bending of the truth won’t do any harm If your children are anything like mine and start asking “ are we nearly there yet?” before we reach the M40, explaining that there’s still 2 5 hours left in the confines of their seat will just create problems for yourself The answer is always “Nearly there, darling ” And for goodness sake, if there’s an interactive map, don’t explain it to them
9. Expect ‘looks’
Unfortunately, people can be really horrible When I was flying once with my 18 month old who was suffering with sore ears, I overheard a woman saying “Why can’t she just shut that child up?” I cowered in my seat and fought back tears Don’t be like me Children cry They get bored; they’re uncomfortable; their ears hurt If people don’t understand that, they’re the fools not you with your normal child with normal human emotions
10. Clearly mark your bag with a big colourful bow (or something similar) It’s never been so important to pick up the right bag You don’t want to be hanging around for hours with squalling kids waiting for luggage that has already been nabbed by someone else And if you take someone else’s, what if it doesn’t contain Calpol?
YOU NOW HAVE CHILDREN. TRAVEL WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN.
By the age of 35 hair loss is common in nearly two thirds of men and by 50, 85% of men will have lost a significant amount of their hair.
Bald spots are typically caused by androgenic alopecia, which is both the most common hair loss type for men and the typical cause of thinning and balding crowns, as well as receding hairlines
It’s often a bone of contention amongst those who suffer from hair loss Many men experiencing a receding hairline see it as the first sign of ageing the first indication of not being so invincible after all
We talked to Iman Hosseini at Pitshanger Lane’s Gents of Ealing about thinning hair and any tricks on how they would best disguise it:
“One of the mistakes many men make is to try and grow their hair longer to cover a thinning spot However this often backfires as you can see through it I would always recommend a shorter length and regular cuts to keep it neat I would particularly keep the sides shorter as it better disguises the lack of density on the top of your head
I would recommend a side parting as you can style it over the top of the thinning area to disguise it It’s also less noticeable because you expect to see a certain amount of scalp with a side parting
I would use American Crew’s Fortifying Shampoo and then choose your styling products carefully If you use greasy hair products, the hair will clump together which exposes more of the scalp ”
It's hard to reverse the loss, but you can work on the the hair you ' ve got with the right products Here are our pick of the stylers
One of the most flattering and versatile hairstyles for the Summer is loose, tousled beach waves. Nadia Gaur at Blo Bar Ealing gives us her top tips on how to create the look
We want to make sure our clients' hair maintains its healthy appearance long after their appointments so we will always prep the hair by using a heat protector Our favourite is PLI (Techni Art) from L’Oréal which is activated by the heat
We will also ensure that the hair is hydrated by using an enriching serum such as Mythic Oil from L’Oréal, and Olaplex 6 which conditions and strengthens
At the salon we tend to use GHD Curlers or Cloud Nine Straighteners to create the curl, depending on the desired look Curlers make a neater curl, whereas flat irons are a better choice if you want a messy, effortless look
Section out the hair and start to curl the hair in sections of about 1 inch Alternate the direction that you ' re curling the hair around the iron so that it's a much more casual effect
Finish with L’Oréal Professional Hairspray Infinium Pure or ABC (authentic beauty concept) Working Hairspray and shake it out Softly brush it through or scrunch and leave it for a tighter finish
If you ' re looking for a tool that might be able to help you to create your waves, there are countless types out there that give different curls; from tightly defined ringlets to loose waves Here are three top picks that'll give you a similar look with different levels of effort And remember, if you ' re using heated products, use a heat protectant spray!
MERMADE PRO MINI HAIR WAVER £69
WYLERA CORDLESS HAIR CURLER £109
KITSCH SATIN HEATLESS CURLING SET £11.90
Heading to warmer climes or just sitting out in the West London sunshine? We talk to Justine Masters, The Alternative Facialist who is based at TriYoga, Dicken's Yard, about the importance of SPF
What is SPF?
SPF is Sun Protection Factor This indicates the level of protection a sun cream provides against burning For instance, if you usually burn after 20 minutes in the sun then applying a factor 20 SPF will protect you 20 times longer than that.
What is the the difference between UVA and UVB?
UV stands for ultraviolet Radiation UV rays are responsible for making our skin tan and burn UVA is a form of UV radiation responsible for skin damage, allergies, and skin ageing UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skins dermis which can cause skin cancer, wrinkles and sunspots as they penetrate clouds and glass With regard to ageing, most of our wrinkles are caused by over-exposure to the sun The sun breaks down our collagen and elastin fibres, which are the building blocks in our skin These proteins keep our skin supple and firm UVB rays cause a different type of damage like the redding of your skin, skin cancer and melanoma UVB does not penetrate as deeply as UVA
What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin and act as a shield to prevent any penetration at all Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin like a sponge which causes a chemical reaction to take place and converts the heat which dissipates from the skin Depending on what type of SPF you get (oil, cream or sprays), always apply 30 mins to an hour before you are exposed to the sun Make sure you rub into the skin and do not miss out areas like the ears, back of the neck, nose, feet, chest, and neck as these can often be forgotten
How much should I use?
For the body you need about a shot glass or two table spoons worth. For the face, apply two lines of sunscreen directly onto your index and middle fingers first, starting from the base of the fingers to the very tips Then you use this to apply to your face and neck
Obviously, the safest way of achieving a tan is with a sunless tanner. Our pick of the fake tans is Norvell, a Paraben Free, Gluten Free, Non-Comedogenic, Cruelty Free, Sulphate Free, 100% Vegan and Nut Allergy Free brand The Vivid collection is infused with the Natural Color Complex, blended with natural ingredients to protect and nourish a long, lasting tan No sun exposure for a just-off-the-beach-colour! (Oh, and it's the fake tan of choice of the make-up artists on Strictly!)
Ealing Living Magazine is very much a passion of mine and I’ve been very excited about it for months now, but it is a fairly hefty endeavour So, when The Massage Company offered me a treatment at their Ealing branch I jumped at the chance to take an hour of peaceful solace
The Massage Company is fairly unique because they offer a subscription model, presenting you with the opportunity to incorporate monthly massages into your wellness routine As a working mum I would say my wellness routine leaves a lot to be desired, enjoying much of my ‘ me time’ when on the tube to and from meetings or during short-lived toilet breaks But I, like so many others, really ought to work on that As is championed by The Massage Company, occasionally prioritising yourself is absolutely essential to your mental health and, therefore, to the way in which you interact with with your friends and family In short, a massage a month is the new apple a day It’s good for you
The Massage Company is located on Oak Road; a little oasis of calm right smack bang in the middle of things Entering the building I was greeted by a sea of friendly faces, welcoming me to the spa and talking to me about my specific requirements when it came to my visit Their offerings include Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Swedish Massage and Maternity Massage
For my 50 minute treatment, I chose a Swedish Massage, the most popular, whose goal is to improve circulation and promote relaxation through soothing your muscles. My massage therapist, Harmeet, began by making sure I was comfortable with the treatment, and giving me a bit of a low-down of what to expect from my appointment The massage involves long, kneading strokes, combined with rhythmic tapping strokes and movement of the joints The treatment targets the uppermost layer of muscles and aims to relieve muscular tension, of which I have a lot in my shoulders, neck and upper back
Within the spa, they use their own products; cocktails of essential oils including lavender, bergamot, camomile and cedar wood which all serve to relax both your body and mind The oils not only reduce the friction during the massage but, of course, their sweet aromas sent me into a delightfully deep, relaxed trance For me, highlights included the time spent on my horribly knotted shoulders and the facial massage, a new one for me, which even gave attention to my eye sockets Relaxation from head to toe
As the treatment wrapped up, Harmeet left me with a warm washcloth to remove any excess oils and allowed me to get dressed She then guided me back to the lounge where I gathered my wits for school pick-up, and rehydrated with a cool glass of water Who knew an hour at Ealing Broadway Mall could be so relaxing?
The Massage Company is offering Ealing Living Magazine readers an introductory offer of £49 95 for a 50 minute massage as well as a complimentary upgrade to incorporate hot stones, aromatherapy, a fantastic foot treatment or a scalp massage to the offer For non-members, the 50 minute massage usually costs £119 95 The QR will be valid for 3 months from this issue's publication date (17th May, 2023 )
A lovingly handcrafted, super-premium, gold awardwinning gin distilled in the heart of Ealing by the Duncan family who have lived here for five generations It celebrates everything they love abou Ealing - the great cultural heritage, diversity, joie de vivre and strong community spirit (20% of profits are pledged to good causes addressing loneliness and social isolation)
The recipe combines 12 of the finest botanical (Juniper, coriander, cardamom, angelica, clove, pink perrecorn, orange zest, cassia bark, rosemary garden mint, scented rose and chamomile flowers the final four are inspired by the beautiful parks and gardens of Ealing
Available at Navarro, Pulp, Reineta, TST and Vindinista Wine Shop and online a www ealingdistillery co uk
RRP: £44 50
Pearly Queen Honey is a collective of urban beekeepers whose ambition is to keep and protect bees and help educate the public about these wonderful creatures
Our range of delivous urban honey from all over London demonstrates the range of flavours that can come from our wonderful city You can help do your bit for bees and help support our community of local urban bee keepers
To buy Pearly Queen Honey from bees in Ealing, visit www pearlyqueenhoney com and contact them directly Price is £8.50/jar or £23/3 jars
Sourdough bread is made of just four ingredients: flour, water, salt and time For this reason, Flavia from Semola, a micro bakery based in Ealing, only chooses the best quality ingredients that are both organic and local
Wildfarmed flour is made from a diverse variety of wheat grown alongside a variety of plants, grasses, and legumes This method of growing provides a nutty, depth of flavour full of nutrition, not available from a single strain, while constantly improving the soil in which they are grown
Available online at www semolabakery com from £4 50 (focaccia slice)
The Ealing Relish Company was developed during the first lockdown, when the catering business run by the company ' s founder dried up Looking for something to do, he started cooking, starting with marmalade and quickly moving onto chutneys and relishes
Since then the company has evolved and has won prizes (including a gold star at The Guild of Great Taste Awards) and their Smoky Tomato Relish is used as an accompaniment to a burger within a wellknown local chain
Available at Harrison's, Reineta, Element Coffee Shop and Bondi Juice (Acton) and online at www theealingrelishcompany co uk
RRP: £5 95
Perivale Brewery is a modern microbrewery based on Horsenden Farm in Ealing, a short walk from Perivale underground station in West London They value flavour over fads, and make use of everything on their doorstep; homegrown hops, foraged fruits and herbs, even the honey that inspired their original signature beer, Veripale
Available online at www perivale beer and at the Horsenden Farm shop from £3/ bottle
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 big fat garlic clove, minced or finely chopped
30 g butter or 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
2 tsp sweet paprika
2 tsps hot smoked paprika
2 tbsp red wine
60 ml cider vinegar
500 ml passata
2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
3 tbsp demerara sugar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
30 minutes - 1 hour
Perfect for the Summertime, this tangy sauce will liven up any barbecue! Make it for use with hamburgers, ribs or chicken... or in burritos or tacos! All we need now is a spot of sunshine, a bit of charcoal and a cold beer, and we ' ve got ourselves a party!
Melt the butter in a pot with a thick bottom, add the chopped onion, fry until soft and translucent, then add the chopped garlic and stir Fry for five minutes but be careful not to burn the garlic
Next, add the sweet and smoked paprika Fry the mixture for two minutes, and then add the red wine, vinegar and passata Stir and add the rest of the ingredients Cook for at least 30 minutes on very low heat, if you want a thicker consistency, keep simmering for up to one hour Pour the sauce into a food processor and process until smooth, you can use a hand blender like I did Adjust the taste to your liking
This recipe was provided by food blogger and Ealing resident Dominika Kaliszewska Dominka's blog Polly Eats London offers up step-by-step guides on how to create an array of fabulous recipesOne of my absolute favourite parts of Ealing is Ealing Green Home to fantastic independents such as For Art’s Sake and All Original; the delightful Grove pub and two of Ealing’s most notable attractions, the Studios and Pitzhanger Manor, restaurant Meadow fits very nicely into this busy landscape
Launched in 2021, Meadow was opened as an Italian fusion Braseria and cocktail bar, offering a contemporary take on traditional Italian cuisine The restaurant was co-founded by Igor Matrosov, who is behind some of London’s favourite brunch spots including Las Banderas, named as one of the 'best-selling brunches' in London by Secret London
The restaurant is beautifully designed, with lots of greenery and a large Insta-poser wall The bar area has dedicated staff and a fantastically varied drinks menu
At the heart of the menu is a custom-built charcoal grill which was custom made in Dorset and uses 100% ethically produced, distilled English charcoal which brings a distinctive ‘flavour of the forest’ to the dishes at the restaurant
Meadow sources sustainably and the menu evolves with the seasons As they boast handmade, fresh pasta I was compelled to order prawn linguine, whilst my husband opted for chargrilled octopus (he has a thing where if octopus is on the menu, he has to order it ) Both were deliciously flavoursome: juicy prawns and soft, perfectly seasoned pasta and a succulent octopus dish with tasty peperonata and Salsa Verde.
It was a delightful meal for the warmer months; light and fresh and, topped off nicely with a cold, crisp glass of Vinho Verde
If, like me, you like wine but browsing a restaurant's wine menu fills you with dread, Vivino might be the perfect app for you. Vivino is the world's most downloaded mobile wine app and largest online wine marketplace, currently boasting a community of 50 million wine enthusiasts, who turn to the platform for its personalised recommendations, unbiased rating system, and expansive selection of wines from more than 700 marketplace partners worldwide
So next time you ' re in a restaurant, rather than simply choosing the second on the list, why not check out Vivino and make a more considered selection?
Pack some food and roll out the blanket for picnic season When the weather is so pleasant it almost feels a crime not to enjoy a lovely spread in one of Ealing's beautiful parks
What you do for your picnic comes down to personal preference, but the elements remain the same: a beautiful location, a comfy blanket and some delicious treats Here's some inspiration to help you plan your perfect picnic
Travel Light
Keep your picnic swag as concisely edited as possible When you find the perfect spot, all you’ll need is a blanket and your portable feast
Pick the right spot
Look for somewhere scenic and idyllic, lush and grassy, and with plenty of natural shade Aim to set up under a tree to make sure you can utilise the shade in case it gets too hot, and make sure that there's plenty of surrounding space for children to run around
Take Food You Can Pick Up Easily
Stuff with built-in handles, like chicken drumsticks, fruit on skewers, and corn on cobs, is all inherently picnic friendly
Choose Enamel
Enamel plates are light, easy to pack and carry, and practical - they won't get soggy under the weight of a couscous salad and a dollop of houmous
Pack rubbish bags and wet wipes
They’re effortless to haul home, and when you need them you really need them
1½ cups gin
1½ cups Strawberry Rhubarb Simple Syrup (see opposite)
1 oz lemon juice
Ice cubes
1 bottle (750 mL) sparkling pink Moscato
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
4 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
2 cups chopped frozen strawberries
Celebrate Summertime with this perfect sunny cocktail:
Place the gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a pitcher filled about one-third with ice
Pour in the Moscato and then add the lemon slices Stir with a long-handled bar spoon and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving
FOR THE STRAWBERRY RHUBARB SYRUP:
Place the water in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a slow boil Add the sugar and stir until dissolved Add the rhubarb and strawberries and simmer for three to five minutes, stirring occasionally Remove from the heat and let cool Strain into a sealed glass jar and store in the fridge for up to two weeks
THE SILENT SHOW
18-19 MAY|25-26 MAY
LAMMAS PARK|GUNNERSBURY PARK
FOODIES FESTIVAL
27-29 MAY
SYON PARK
