YUMMY MUMMY SEPTEMBER ISSUE
I M A G E : Q U E E N S PA R RO W
YUMMY MUMMY
[SHOPPING]
BABIES & KIDS PUMPKIN PATCH Celebrate a baby’s first Halloween with this handmade crochet baby cardigan. Soft, seamless and beautifully textured, it’s perfect for cosy autumn days, pumpkin patch visits, seasonal photos, baby showers and thoughtful new baby gifts. thebritishcrafthouse.co.uk
COOL COMFORT SAFARI TALES “Lyons Den” is Victoria’s take on the classic toile de Jouy wallpaper, reimagined to tell the enchanting tale of an animal-led safari. This design brings a whimsical twist to the traditional pastoral scenes typically associated with toile, replacing them with a vibrant and imaginative narrative where animals take centre stage. victoriasandersdesign.com
Kids will have a comfortable day out in these jelly sandals. Adjustable buckle on the sides ensure that they stay secure on their feet, and an extra strap around the back offers additional support. marksandspencer.com
OH CRUMBS! Bake, decorate, build, and play with our Dolly Bake & Craft Kit – a creative activity box where kids make a family of dolly-shaped biscuits, decorate them with icing, and craft a little house to pop their biscuits in. craftandcrumb.com
SNAP HAPPY Capture the Magic with this Kiimento Model A Minnie Mouse or Mickey Mouse Camera. A rugged, minimalist design made for travel, playtime, and everyday wonders. very.co.uk 280 SEPTEMBER 2026
WE LOVE This Spellbound Sequin Witches Hat for Halloween! rockahulakids.com
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THE BABY SHOW 2026 Sponsored by Pampers Friday 23 – Sunday 25 October 2026, Olympia London
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he Baby Show is back, celebrating 25 Years as the UK’s favourite baby and parenting event. A one-stop shop for products, services and advice, it is the nation’s largest shopping destination for all things baby – and at the heart of the UK’s parenting journey. Helping more than two million expectant parents and families discover the latest products, exclusive shopping opportunities, hands-on product demonstrations and trusted expert advice. Visitors can compare, try, and buy products and enjoy exclusive deals from hundreds of brands. From independent boutique companies and online stores to the biggest baby brands in the industry, including: Tommee Tippee, Silver Cross, Mamas & Papas, MAM, Baby Planet, Stokke®, Maxi Cosi, Mama Bamboo, Cybex, Nuna, UppaBaby, iCandy and more! For visitors keen to discover boutique and emerging independent brands, first-time exhibitors this year include BIBS, Baby MORI, The Original Birth Connection, Petit Wagon, KikkaBoo, MUFFIK, Graco, More Than Foil, The Baby Health Box, Mount Made, Ena Baby, Yes Merino, Messy Jessie’s Creations and Bloom Bag. Returning features to the show include the
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“Try and buy products and enjoy exclusive deals from hundreds of brands”
much-loved Live Talks Stage. With complimentary expert-led talks from pregnancy, birth and parenting specialists, the Live Talks Stage is designed to support and empower parents at every stage of their parenting journey. The hugely popular Buggy Testing Track will be returning, where parents-to-be can try the newest and best prams, buggies and pushchairs on a range of different terrains, while receiving expert advice from Project Baby, ensuring they purchase the right pushchair for their lifestyle. The event ensures hassle-free shopping with a baby in tow, with a dedicated baby-changing area, for those planned (or unplanned!) changing stops, where visitors can sample complimentary nappies and wipes. There’s also The Baby Feeding Café, where parents can feed their baby, or visitors can indulge in a moment of calm at the Obaby Meditation Station. The Baby Show remains the one place where families can get hands-on with the latest innovations, speak to experts and access exclusive show-only offers and discounts they won’t find anywhere else. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit thebabyshow.co.uk
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NOW OPEN:
The Ampersand Hotel Launches Science-Inspired Family Suite in South Kensington
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he Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington has opened its Science Family Suite, one of London’s most imaginative family offerings. Building on the success of its immersive Science Afternoon Tea - one of London’s most popular family experiences, the new luxury suite, which sleeps up to four guests, arrives just in time for the summer holidays, offering a memorable stay for both international visitors and UK staycationers. Inspired by the neighbouring Science Museum and South Kensington’s renowned cluster of cultural institutions, it reflects the area’s long-standing association with discovery, innovation, and design. Created to engage younger guests through immersive storytelling, the suite transforms the traditional family stay into an interactive experience. The children’s bedroom is designed as a playful universe of exploration, centred around a bespoke rocket-style bunk bed, complete with celestial detailing and interactive elements that encourage curiosity, creativity, and rest after a day spent exploring the surrounding museums. The adjoining master bedroom offers a more refined interpretation of the theme, balancing playful design with the hotel’s signature elegance.
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Rich textures, considered finishes, and The Ampersand’s distinctive velvet headboard create a calm and sophisticated retreat for parents, while maintaining a cohesive design narrative throughout the suite. Designed with families in mind, the suite provides generous shared space, practical functionality, and an en suite bathroom featuring a bath-and-shower combination, complete with Malin + Goetz amenities. The layout allows for both connection and privacy, ensuring a seamless stay for guests of all ages. Beyond the suite, the experience extends into one of the hotel’s most celebrated offerings: the Science Afternoon Tea. A theatrical, experimentled experience, it features dry-ice flowing cake stands, dinosaur-shaped biscuits, and jam served in petri dishes, bringing a sense of play and discovery to the traditional afternoon tea. Now one of London’s most sought-after family-friendly experiences, it provides a fitting complement to a stay in the capital’s museum district. Rates starting from £739 per night. The Ampersand, 10 Harrington Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3ER @ampersandhotel ampersandhotel.com
“The experience extends into one of the hotel’s most celebrated offerings: the Science Afternoon Tea
YUMMY MUMMY
FROM FILM SETS TO
FAIRYTALE FASHION celebrating the wonder, freedom and magic of childhood.
Opening the gates to the enchanting world of Queen Sparrow The debut collection features The Flower Moon, a naturally dyed petal dress designed for flower girls and faerie play, The Flutter, a beautifully crafted wing jacket for little free spirits & disco divas, Fly Me to the Moon, handcrafted silk wings and The Treasure Trove, a keepsake wash bag
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or over two decades, BAFTA-nominated Set Decorator Stella Fox helped bring some of cinema’s most enchanting worlds to life, working alongside some of the industry’s most celebrated filmmakers. Her acclaimed productions include Emma, Oscar-winning Judy and Disney’s Snow White. Today, she brings that same eye for colour, passion for storytelling and craftsmanship to Queen Sparrow—a British children’s wear brand creating one-of-a-kind wearable art garments and accessories. Lovingly made from carefully sourced pre-loved textiles, every Queen Sparrow creation is designed to inspire imaginative play while
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designed to accompany childhood adventures, holidays and sleepovers. As well as many other whimsical costumes. Queen Sparrow’s creations are a poetic tribute to nature & sustainability Inspired by English wildflowers, woodland adventures and vintage textiles, Queen Sparrow embraces a slower, more thoughtful approach to children’s fashion, blending an enchanted fairytale vision with sustainable style. Rather than following trends, each collection is created to be worn, loved, repaired and eventually passed on, giving beautiful materials a second life and encouraging families to treasure clothing for years to come. These impeccably crafted costumes are sourced & fabricated exclusively within the U.K, reducing transportation emissions & making sure the clothes are as green as they are captivating. “I’ve spent my career creating worlds for film. With Queen Sparrow, I wanted to design a world where children could step into their own stories—where beautiful clothing encourages imagination, adventure and creativity. – Stella Fox, Founder of Queen Sparrow The result is not just clothing; it’s a statement – a testament to the idea that fashion can be a force for good, leaving a positive, magical impact on both the wearer & the world.
children aged 3-9 years old. Before founding Queen Sparrow, Stella Fox spent over twenty years creating richly detailed worlds as a Set Decorator in the film industry. A BAFTA- nominated & British Film Designers Guild-winning creative, she has worked on acclaimed productions including Emma, Oscarwinning Judy & Disney’s Snow White, alongside some of the industry’s most celebrated filmmakers. Queen Sparrow is a natural continuation of her love of storytelling, colour & craftsmanship - transforming thoughtfully curated fabrics into heirloom pieces - designed to inspire wonder, imagination & adventure. queensparrow.com
About Queen Sparrow Ltd Queen Sparrow’s creations are a poetic tribute to nature, sustainability & the boundless wonder of childhood. Impeccably crafted garments are made entirely from pre-loved fabrics, blending an enchanted fairytale vision with sustainable style. These wearable art garments are not just clothes; they are tiny heirlooms, carefully woven with stories waiting to be told. We are a proud U.K. based brand, sourcing & fabricating everything exclusively within the U.K. minimising our carbon footprint, reducing transportation emissions & making sure our clothes are as green as they are captivating. For SEPTEMBER 2026 287
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UK’S LARGEST OFFICIAL
HARRY POTTER STORE W To open on Oxford Street - 4th November 2026
ands at the ready, magic is coming home! Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences is opening the UK’s largest official Harry Potter Shop on 4 November 2026 at The Ribbon, 134–140 Oxford Street, creating the ultimate Harry Potter shopping destination in the heart of London. Spanning a total of more than 21,000 square feet, with two levels of retail space, the Oxford Street flagship is inspired by Diagon Alley, bringing one of the wizarding world’s most iconic locations to life through immersive environments, enchanting discoveries and exclusive experiences around every corner. Visitors can explore beautifully themed spaces, discover one-of-a-kind products and uncover magical moments created especially for witches, wizards and Muggles alike. Warner Bros. Discovery has also unveiled the first official concept artwork for the shop, offering fans an exciting first glimpse inside the magical new destination ahead of its opening this November. 290 SEPTEMBER 2026
“Following the success of our Harry Potter shops around the globe, opening the Harry Potter Shop in London is a truly special milestone. We’re incredibly proud to bring the magic back to the city where Harry Potter’s story began. There’s no better place to create a destination that celebrates the magic, creativity and storytelling that has captivated generations of fans around the world.” “Step inside and you’ll feel as though you’ve walked straight into Diagon Alley. Every detail has been designed to transport fans into the wizarding world. Whether you’re local to London or visiting from afar, we can’t wait to welcome fans through our doors this November,” shared Karl Durrant, Senior Vice President, Retail Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences.
DISCOVER THE FLAGSHIP The Oxford Street location has been designed to immerse fans in the wizarding world through extraordinary environments, exclusive products and unforgettable photo opportunities.
“Step inside and you’ll feel as though you’ve walked straight into Diagon Alley. Every detail has been designed to transport fans into the wizarding world. Whether you’re local to London or visiting from afar, we can’t wait to welcome fans through our doors this November”
THE DETAILS To learn more about Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street, visit HarryPotterOxfordStreet.co.uk And to keep up to date on all events and news, follow Harry Potter Shop’s social channels:
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Diagon Alley – From the moment guests step inside, they’ll find themselves surrounded by the bustling sights, sounds and spirit of the franchise’s most famous shopping street. Hidden magical details and authentic design touches make every turn feel like a new discovery. The Ukrainian Ironbelly Dragon – Towering over the Gringotts area, the Ukrainian Ironbelly Dragon creates one of the flagship’s defining visual centrepieces, watching over visitors just as it did above the Gringotts Wizarding Bank. The Leaky Cauldron – Pull up a chair and take a break from your magical adventures at this all-new food and beverage experience, created exclusively for the Oxford Street flagship. Fans can enjoy Butterbeer™, Frozen Butterbeer, Hot Butterbeer, Butterbeer Ice Cream and an irresistible assortment of Butterbeer-inspired treats.
The Knight Bus – Towards the rear of the store, fans will discover a full-sized Knight Bus, creating one of the flagship’s signature photo opportunities and bringing one of the most memorable magical vehicles to life. Oxford Street Exclusives – No trip to the Harry Potter Shop would be complete without taking home a little magic. The Oxford Street flagship will offer an exclusive collection available nowhere else, including: • The exclusive Diagon Alley Wand • An Oxford Street exclusive Harry Potter Funko Pop! • Full range Oxford Street collection • Exclusive MinaLima artwork inspired by the Knight Bus and Diagon Alley • An exclusive Butterbeer label collection There are even more magical surprises waiting to be revealed before opening day - you never know when a little more magic might escape!
Instagram.com/HarryPotterShop #HarryPotterShop Tiktok.com/@harrypottershop J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter novels are loved by millions of fans worldwide. Eight blockbuster Harry Potter films and three epic Fantastic Beasts films bring the spellbinding action to life on screen. Fans can also feed their passion through innovative consumer products and thrill at spectacular locationbased experiences - including six theme park lands at Universal Studios locations around the world. Wizards, Witches and Muggles alike can also explore behind-the-scenes secrets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. For the latest Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts news and features, visit harrypotter.com.
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Ready, Set, Roar! Run Wild for tigers at London Zoo. 20 September 2026
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amilies are being invited to Run Wild through London Zoo this September, in a brand-new family-friendly fun run - helping global conservation charity ZSL protect endangered tigers and wildlife around the world. Swinging beside the ring-tailed lemurs, swooping past the vibrant Scarlett Ibis, and trotting by the red river hogs, participants in the new event - open to children aged 4–15, alongside parents and guardians - will get exclusive early access to London Zoo. Designed for all abilities and fitness levels, there’s a gentle one-mile fun run for younger children and first-timers. A scenic 5K route that also ventures through Regent’s Park, is open to participants aged 11 and over, beginning in the Zoo before looping through Regent’s Park and returning to finish inside London Zoo.
FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A LONGER CHALLENGE. Part of global conservation charity ZSL, which this year marks its 200th anniversary, London Zoo supports the protection of many critically endangered species – including Sumatran tigers. With fewer than 400 individuals estimated to remain in the wild, London Zoo plays a key role in the conservation breeding programme for Sumatran tigers and has led on veterinary studies and training to support the protection of the species in the wild. Every participant who crosses the Run Wild finish line will receive an exclusive medal and fullday entry to London Zoo to continue the family 292 SEPTEMBER 2026
fun, spend time in nature, and support conservation, all in one memorable day out. Fundraisers who raise more than £80 will receive a free tiger plush toy, while those raising over £200 will be entered into a prize draw to win a family membership to London and Whipsnade Zoos. With just 1,000 places available, early registration is encouraged. Entry to Run Wild at London Zoo is £35 per participant and includes full-day admission to the Zoo. Discounts are available for members, patrons and fellows of the Zoological Society of London. Participants can find out more and sign up at londonzoo.org/runwild
“Designed for all abilities and fitness levels, there’s a gentle one-mile fun run for younger children and first-timers”
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HEALTHY MIND, HEALTHY BODY:
The Benefits of Preventative Health Screening Dr Angela Rai of The London General Practice discusses the benefits of Health Screening.
DR ANGELA RAI General Practitioner & Medicines Management Lead MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, Dip Cardiology, PGCert Anti-ageing Medicine (Distinction)
THE DETAILS
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ealth Screening, as part of a preventative package, is a recognised part of modern medicine. Advances in technology and medical science mean that signs of disease or other health issues can be detected much earlier than before, so that action can be taken at an early stage with the potential opportunity to improve quality of life and future outcome. To get the most from health screening it is recommended that the package is tailored to the individual, taking into account family history, personal medical history, gender and age. It is also important to avoid ‘over testing’ or undertaking screens when there is no clinical indication for concern. Common causes of future health problems include lifestyle and family history, and health screening can reveal changes which if implemented could result in positive impacts on health and wellbeing.
“Health screening can reveal changes which if implemented could result in positive impacts on health and wellbeing” Health screens now assist in identifying, diagnosing and treating people who show symptoms of memory or cognitive impairment. A combined, Healthy Mind - Healthy Body Assessment is likely to be suitable for anyone who has concerns about their wellness or memory, and 296 SEPTEMBER 2026
The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL Tel: 0207 935 1000
The London General Practice undertakes a wide range of health screens. If you would like to enquire about health screening then please contact the Practice on 0207 935 1000 info@thelondon generalpractice.com
in particular anyone: • experiencing memory difficulties and who wishes to understand the reason for this. • who is concerned about a family history of memory issues • seeking to check their current health status, or get advice regarding a general issue with their health. The package includes an examination with a medical consultant who is a recognised cognitive expert and a set of investigations designed to identify a wide range of possible causes of memory difficulties. This service responds to the knowledge that early diagnosis and access to the best treatments for memory and other cognitive symptoms significantly improves clinical outcomes. Figures show that it is possible to reduce the risk of dementia by up to 30% by controlling other risk factors, such as blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and cholesterol.