Author Archives: Blogger

QuecumBar Reborn as Lousiana & Creole Bar Opening May 3, 2024

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The “home of Gypsy swing” in London, QuecumBar closed during Covid and was a victim of the financial pressures of the pandemic as it did not reopen.

The site, formerly The Old Woodman, at 42-44  Battersea High St remained closed and empty until March 2024 when signs of life started to emerge. It’s now been revealed that the new owners are Peacock Taverns and they’re launching a concept bar/restuarant called The Doghouse.

Described as a “Lousiana Lounge & Creole Kitchen”, the inspiration is 1930s New Orleans. The poster on the bar window promises “A wide range of great drinks, live musice and little cuisine from the deep south”.

Opening Night

The Doghouse is hosting a launch event on 3rd May 2024, with live music from Liam Joseph, a well know jazz, blues and big band swing performer. Expect the sounds of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Michael Bublé and many more.

 

 

 

Celebrating Elizabeth Braundt: A Legacy Cemented at Providence House

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In the heart of Battersea, a new blue plaque gleams in the sunlight, a testament to the enduring legacy of Elizabeth Braundt, the visionary founder of Providence House. This emblem of recognition, unveiled in a touching ceremony, marks more than just the physical space where Braundt’s transformative work began. It symbolizes the countless lives she touched and the community she uplifted through her unwavering dedication to service.

A Vision Born in Battersea

It was in the bustling streets of Battersea that Elizabeth Braundt saw the potential for change. Amidst the post-war reconstruction, she envisioned a place of refuge and growth for the youth—a sanctuary that would come to be known as Providence House. Her mission was clear: to create a haven where children and families could find support, education, and a sense of belonging.

The Unveiling Ceremony

The unveiling of the blue plaque was a momentous occasion, bringing together members of the community, local dignitaries, and those who had been directly impacted by Braundt’s work. As the cloth was drawn back to reveal the plaque, there was a collective intake of breath—a moment of shared pride and reflection on the profound influence of Providence House.

A Legacy That Lives On

Elizabeth Braundt may no longer be with us, but her spirit endures in the walls of Providence House and in the hearts of those it serves. The blue plaque is a beacon of hope, a reminder that one person’s compassion can ignite a flame that burns brightly for generations.

As we celebrate this well-deserved recognition, we are reminded of the power of community and the indelible mark one individual can leave on the world. Elizabeth Braundt’s legacy is not just etched in stone; it is woven into the fabric of Battersea and beyond.

Providence House continues to be a pillar of the Battersea community, embodying the values and vision of its founder. The blue plaque is not only an honour for Elizabeth Braundt but also an inspiration for all who believe in the power of giving back

The Asparagus Pub: A Fresh New Look and a New Beginning

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Nestled in the heart of the community on Falcon Road, the beloved Asparagus Pub has undergone a remarkable transformation. This local favourite is set to reopen its doors on Monday, welcoming patrons old and new to experience its fresh makeover.

A New Chapter with Portobello Pub Company

The Asparagus Pub’s revitalization comes under the new stewardship of the Portobello Pub Company, known for their passion for creating warm and inviting pub atmospheres. The group’s takeover marks a new chapter for the Asparagus, promising to infuse new life while honoring the pub’s rich history.

A Makeover Worth Celebrating

The makeover, rumored to be a blend of contemporary chic and traditional comfort, aims to offer a space where everyone feels at home. Regulars can expect to find their favourite spots refreshed, and new visitors will discover a place that feels instantly familiar.

A Toast to the Future

The Asparagus Pub’s journey has been one of resilience and community spirit. From being put up for sale by Wetherspoons with a hefty £2 million price tag to now standing renewed and ready for the future, it’s a story of transformation that reflects the very essence of the neighborhood.

Join us on Monday to raise a glass to new beginnings and to the memories yet to be made at the Asparagus Pub. Here’s to good food, great company, and the start of something special.

We invite everyone to come and witness the Asparagus Pub’s new era. Whether you’re a long-time local or just passing through, there’s a seat at the bar and a story to share. See you there!

Please drink responsibly. For more information, visit Portobello Pub Company’s website or follow @portobellopubco on social media.

M&S Earlsfield to open THIS THURSDAY 16th and *Golden Tickets* are up for grabs!

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The countdown is on to the opening of the brand-new, better, fresher M&S Earlsfield store on 16th November at 9am.

The show-stopping new 7,000 sq ft store will offer local shoppers a fresh market-style Foodhall, filled to the brim with great quality, trusted value produce from M&S Select Farms, an M&S Bakery offering daily baked fresh bread and pastries, and new lower prices on its Remarksable range – including Super Soft sliced bread, RSPCA Assured fresh milk, and beef mince from trusted M&S Select Farmers.

Percy Pig will be on-hand to welcome shoppers to the new store as the team hands out 200 golden tickets to the first customers through the door. Every golden ticket holder is guaranteed a win – whether it’s a free bag of Percy Pigs or freshly baked cookies from the new M&S Bakery, and to mark the occasion one lucky customer will win a £200 voucher!

The new store marks a significant investment for M&S in South West London and is designed with customers and local families at its heart. Located within the Wandle Quarter, the store is led by Connor Heaver along with a team of more than 65 new M&S colleagues, who are all excited to open the new store and offer local customers the very best service.

Connor Heaver, Store Manager at the new M&S Earlsfield store, said: “The countdown is truly on until 16th November when we can finally welcome customers through our doors! It’s been a busy few weeks behind the scenes with the whole team working really hard to put things together and we’re excited for everyone to see what the new store has to offer.

Located within The Wandle Quarter, and only a short walk away from the station, the new M&S Earlsfield Foodhall is ideal for both bigger basket family shopping or for those popping in on the commute home. The store is located at 150a-170 Penwith Road, London, SW18 4QA and is open from 8am-10pm Monday-Saturday, and 11am-5pm on Sundays.And of course, follow M&S Earlsfield on TikTok and Facebook for all the latest product and store opening news.

Three Cheers Pub Co Celebrates 20th Anniversary

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Popular Balham pub “The Bedford” has some amazing offers this summer, celebrating 20 years of the Three Cheers Pub Co which owns it, along with 8 other pubs.

Three Cheers Pub Co says “This June, July and August, we will celebrate our twentieth birthday. Twenty years ago we opened The Abbeville in Clapham and today we own nine of your favourite London pubs.

All of our birthday activity will take place throughout June, July and August 2023.”

Check out the fun below:

Drinks at 2003 prices

In honour of the year we were born, we will hold 20 one-hour micro parties, simultaneously at all our pubs, where we slash drinks prices to what they were in 2003.

Draught beer will costs as little as £2.80 a pint, house wine £2.70 for 175ml, Prosecco £3 a glass, a house spirit and mixer will be £3.40, a Moscow Mule and Cosmopolitan (noughties classics) will be £5 and for a moment it may seem as if the cost-of-living crisis is a figment of our imagination.

Timings of the flash sales will be announced 24 hours in advance via our social media channels @threecheerspubs. Give us a follow, turn your notifications on and enjoy the spontaneity.

£20 3 course menu

Cost conscious customers will love the celebratory £20 three course menu which will be available at all pubs, seven days a week this summer.

Dishes will vary between pubs and throughout the seasons but enjoy starters such as broad bean, asparagus and new potato salad with soft boiled egg and romesco; mains including pan roasted bream with samphire, spinach, brown butter as well as lemon posset with Kent strawberries and shortbread to finish.

Add a glass of Three Cheers Pub Co bespoke 2018 vintage English sparkling wine for just £5, for an even better deal! You can enjoy this offer as many times as you like.

£20 voucher

Locals will receive a £20 voucher through their letter box which can be used throughout the summer of celebrations.

Enjoy the discount on combined food and drink bills when you spend £60 or more. You can also pick up a voucher in any of our pubs which can be used as many times as you like until the end of August. Alternatively just click here!

In short, you can save a third on your bill this summer. Who’s in?

Live Music at The Bedford

The Bedford is well know for it’s live music nights, and is listed on popular Country Music listings site www.countrymusic.co.uk where you can find upcoming gigs from Country/Americana artists.

Free Waterplay Zone Opens on Clapham Common

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Lambeth Council has unveiled a state-of-the-art waterplay area at Clapham Common. It replaces the beloved but outdated paddling pool that has been a cherished destination since the 1950s.

The free-to-use facility is now open to the public, just in time for the summer holidays. Opening hours are 10pm to 7pm daily, from May to late September. Green landscaping will take place once the facility closes in September for the winter.

The waterplay is fully accessible to all children, including those with physical, developmental and sensory disabilities. It features an environmentally considerate and energy-efficient re-circulating water system to power the jet network. The design was selected in response to community needs and priorities with some 614 people responding to an extensive public consultation last year with 95% supporting the proposed scheme. Over 800 comments were submitted which helped shape the final design of the scheme.

The facility includes child-friendly toilets.

Katherine Low Settlement seeks new CEO to lead its community work

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Katherine Low Settlement (KLS), a charity that has been serving the communities of Battersea and Wandsworth since 1924, is looking for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to take over from Aaron Barbour, who is stepping down after 10 years in the role.

Aaron Barbour

Aaron Barbour

KLS provides a range of services and activities for children, young people, families, older people and refugees, with a focus on tackling poverty, isolation and inequality. Some of its programmes include Love to Learn, an education programme for refugee young people; Elders Programme, a social and wellbeing programme for older people; and Battersea Together, a partnership of local organisations working to improve the lives of Battersea residents.

The charity is seeking a new CEO who embodies its values and who will bring the strategic and operational leadership that ensures that KLS continues to deliver and expand its programmes in genuine co-production with the communities it serves. The ideal candidate will have experience of leading a complex organisation in the voluntary sector, working with diverse stakeholders and communities, developing sustainable income streams and managing change.

The new CEO will also have the opportunity to shape the future direction of KLS as it prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2024.

The closing date for applications is Monday 26th June 2023. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.klsettlement.org.uk/kls-blog/news/we-are-looking-for-our-new-ceo/ or contact simon.lloyd@nfpconsulting.co.uk

Battersea Jazz Festival returns for Summer 2023

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The lineup for the Battersea Jazz Festival 2023 has been announced and it looks amazing! The festival will showcase some of the incredible and diverse talent of the London jazz scene, as well as some special guests from around the world.

The festival will take place across various venues in Battersea from 6th to 21st July and will be free of charge for all audiences.

Some of the performers include the Hugo Jennings Trio, Nigel Price and Alban Claret, the The Sean Fyfe Quartet , and the Social London Orchestra, who will play a range of jazz styles from swing to bebop to original compositions.

You can visit their website or follow them on Instagram for more updates on the lineup and the venues.

99 years at the heart of Battersea

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Hooray for today – Katherine Low Settlement in Battersea is 99 years young!

It’s amazing that they’ve reached this ripe age. This is testament to their fantastic members over the ages, working with their staff, volunteers and partners, to shape their family here at KLS and their wider community in Battersea.

Birthdays are of course about celebrating, and they’re having cake today!

They are also about reflecting on the past, and they have such a rich history to do so, filled with wonderful people and memories. But more importantly they are about looking forward to new horizons. New possibilities. New opportunities for them to come together again with their members and residents to build a stronger community here in Battersea.

They hope you’ll join them in raising a glass and toasting Katherine Low to another 99 years.

 

1950 - Norman Wisdom opens the Children’s Playground

1950 – Norman Wisdom opens the Children’s Playground

 

KLS 100th Birthday: save the date in 2024

In 2024 KLS will be celebrating their 100th birthday throughout the year.

Please save the date 18th May 2024 for a ‘once in a lifetime’ street party for the whole community on Orville Road. More about next year’s celebrations will follow soon.

Contact KLS

Katherine Low Settlement
108 Battersea High Street
London SW11 3HP
020 7223 2845
info@klsettlement.org.uk

www.klsettlement.org.uk

Primary Schools: How to Claim Your Free Computers

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The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that can be used to teach primary school children about coding and every UK primary school can now claim 30 devices to aid teaching.

From today, all primary school teachers can register on the BBC micro:bit website, and will receive a set of devices and a resource pack between September 2023 and March 2024.

The strategic partnership is a response to research suggesting that 65% of primary school children will end up working in jobs that do not exist today*. BBC micro:bit – the next gen will support primary school children and teachers in this transition to future digital careers by accelerating computational thinking, programming, digital creativity and machine learning skills.

Matt Moore, Primary Computing Specialist at the Green Lane & Priestley Academy Trust, has been using micro:bits with his classes as part of a pilot scheme. He told us: “The children in my school love using the micro:bit. We’ve been using them in computing to create fun projects, as well as for other cross-curricular lessons including Geography, Science and PE where we’ve been using functions such as the step counter.

“For teachers who are new to the micro:bit or a bit of a technophobe, there really isn’t anything to worry about. There are loads of easy-to-follow tutorials and guidance on the website that starts off super easy. It’s a really low barrier to entry but with a really high output.”