We asked the mums nominated for London’s Best Mummy Blogger what they love about their corner of the city. Read on to find out some of their favourite spots to hang out as a family, for date night, for girls’ night out, or for some elusive ‘me’ time—from Notting Hill to Brixton and beyond. Stay tuned for the next group in a few days!
Christina Pickworth, This Mama Does:
Christina Pickworth, I live in lovely Streatham Common. My husband has lived here for 17 years and I (doing what I promised myself I would never do—move south of the river for a boy!) moved here 7 years ago because his place was about five times bigger than my Shepherd’s Bush flat.
I love the community spirit here—our road is legendary, from the endless hand-me-downs generously given for our children, to supporting other people’s kids on their sports day if their own parents can’t go, or the good luck plant someone brought me last night because I’ve got a big work thing coming up.
We are very lucky to have great family-friendly pubs in The Bull (for the fab garden) and The Railway (for cake and reading the library books), which our kids love, as well as Streatham Leisure Centre, a short walk away and perfect for swimming trips and soft play. I can’t wait until the kids are old enough to take them to the ice hockey! The Rookery is also a beautiful little oasis of calm at the top of Streatham Common where there are often community events. And we spend a lot of time in our neighbours’ houses!
For date night we love a pub quiz or to eat some great food and sink some drinks. I’ve reviewed for Brixton Blog in the past and can highly recommend Salon, Kricket and Naughty Piglets in Brixton. For girls’ night, anywhere with a wine list is good for me really! ‘Me’ time I don’t get very often, but I got some vouchers for Emma Wilson Urban Spa in Streatham for Mother’s Day and I’m really looking forward to using those—as soon as I get a minute…
Lucy Donnelly, Teetering on the Edge
I live in a little place called Chesham that’s technically Buckinghamshire but classed as London as it’s still on the tube! I love it as it’s the best of both worlds—a sweet little market town in the middle of the beautiful Chiltern Hills, all the convenience of London but with a rural view. My kids lead a simple life but I can still enjoy a crazy night out in the Smoke.
We are so lucky as there is so much on our doorstep. We live across the road from a heated outdoor pool and tennis court so a lot of time is spent there. Or we are just a short drive from a walk along the river at Berkhamsted or Marlow. We also love the Aquadrome and its award-winning cafe in Rickmansworth [read The MotherHood’s review of the Aquadrome here]. We are in such a good location here, the choice is endless.
Then you can’t beat a good family pub with a brilliant kid garden that you can easily get a table at. The Black Horse Inn Chesham is wonderful. It’s in a super pretty location, the garden is so big it even has footy goals, and the food is great. The White Hart at Whelpley Hill, about two miles outside Chesham, is very stylish and has the garden of dreams for kids—loads of den opportunities and hay bales to climb.
Old Amersham for date night—The Crown, Artichoke or Gilbey’s. There’s a craft brewery shop here in Chesham that is buzzing on a Friday and Saturday night, especially in the summer. Then there is a really traditional fab pub that’s pretty to boot in Chesham old town called The Queen’s Head—these are great with friends. Beaconsfield is great for a girls’ night out and just a short cab ride away.
Laura Rutherford:
I live in Notting Hill. I’ve always loved the very bohemian vibe going on, totally multicultural and pretty in all seasons. I know how lucky we are to live in such a sought-after area and never take it for granted.
I love the coffee culture so you’ll often find me on my second cup of tea in Coffee Plant on Portobello Road. As a family we enjoy the tapas restaurants on Tavistock Square where the kids can scoot around outside. My Harry loves any opportunity to have lunch from The Grain Shop on Portobello. Come rain or shine the best place for the boys to run loose are in Holland Park or Kensington Gardens.
On a date night we love nothing more than eating out at E&O Restaurant on Blenheim Crescent—downing some cocktails and then continuing at a local pub. We’re pretty spoilt for choice with some awesome bars and pubs on our doorstep. And besides, it’s always nice being able to walk home!
Lorna Hayward, The Mumblings
For me, Wandsworth offers a leafy alternative to the hustle and bustle and general mental side of London (which equally I love but in small measures). Plus, it’s taken a while but I’ve finally met some amazing mamas around here and I love having good women on my doorstep.
With the kids we head to Wandsworth common—it’s five minutes from our home and we have a cracking local, The County Arms, which is fabulously located on our walk home. The girls often have a little cry if we don’t go in for a drink or pub tea, which let’s face it—is GENIUS!
Tooting Market, Brixton Village, Pop Brixton—all of these are basically on our doorstep and we are SO lucky to have an eclectic selection of places to eat, drink and get merry! Not forgetting the newly opened Neverland in Fulham—a pop-up beach with food stalls, where you bring your own booze—I know! AMAZEBALLS!
