We love our London mums and their local know-how! In our Mum in the Hood series we speak with mums around the greater London area to find out what they love about where they live. This week we spoke with Becca Maberly, a mum of two boys in Furzedown, who works to help support other mums.
Let’s meet her now and find out what her favourite spots are in this family-friendly South West London neighbourhood…
Please introduce yourself…
I’m Becca and I am the founder of A Mother Place which is all about support, straight-talk, self-confidence and great snacks. I offer honest and reliable guidance and expert advice to anyone at any stage of their parenting journey!
I create online courses on pregnancy, postnatal and parenting starting at just £7. I wrote a book called ‘Nobody Tells You…‘ which is full of honest stories about the things that no one tells expectant mothers about pregnancy, going back to work after having a baby, and everything in between.
I have two boys, Wilfred and Gus aged 12 and 10. They were absolutely terrible babies and I hated the whole postnatal/newborn phase, but..it was thankfully just a phase and they are just awesome now and I am definitely a happier and more confident mum!
Which area do you live in, and what do you love about it?
I live in Furzedown which nobody has ever heard of! It’s in between Balham and Tooting and Streatham, in South West London. I grew up in South London and I am pretty sure I will die here too!
I love the fact that we are in London, yet it’s so green and leafy where we live, with multiple parks and commons on our doorstep. I am really thankful that my children are growing up in such a diverse and multi-cultural neighbourhood. Their friends all live within walking distance and there is a really lovely creative and caring vibe in Furzedown.
Where do you like to hang out with your kids?
We spend most of our weekends on the football pitch as they both play for local clubs. But when we are not doing that, I love heading to the Southbank or China Town to do something cultural, walk along the river and grab some dim sum!
The kids also love going to watch AFC Wimbledon play at the new stadium just down the road on Plough Lane.
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What are your favourite local family-friendly eateries?
Cut the Mustard on Moyser Road for the most awesome bread and pastries. Naked Loaf of Moyser Road for dreamy Sourdough Pizzas – the truffle pizza is insane. Tooting Market for all the BEST restaurants in London – especially recommend Tsukiji Sushi Fusion and Boom Bap Burger.
What are your favourite local independent shops?
Life of Fish on Moyser Road for the best quality and best priced fresh fish and amazing condiments!
Morleys Tooting on Mitcham Road- its a mini department store that has everything you need like last minute birthday presents, stocking fillers, kitchen equipment etc and the prices are usually as good as Amazon. It’s been there for more than 100 years!
What local activities do you and your family take part in?
Sports! Sports! More Sports!
My boys swim, play football, cricket, hockey, waterpolo, squash and do cross country.
So I spend a lot of my time hanging out on Tooting Common, at Tooting Leisure Centre or just ferrying them around and clearing up the mud and mess they leave behind them and washing a lot of polyester clothing!
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Where’s your favourite place to escape in your area for a little solo time?
Locally, it’s got to be Tooting Bec Lido for a swim and a chat with mates over tea and a slice of cake.
Bit outside my hood but highly recommended… Every year I go to Paris with my sister and my mother! It’s the dream weekend. We eat and drink and chat and walk and nap. That is all. No time for shopping or culture! We come back refreshed and ready to parent again.
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Where’s the best place for a night out with friends / date night?
I love going to Tooting Market for drinks and food with my husband! We also love going out to eat at Sea Garden & Grill and Barra10. And for very special occasions, Scotts in Mayfair is always my number one choice!
What’s the best hidden gem in your area?
I would say Moyser Road in Furzedown. We have a pizza restaurant, a fab cafe, a fish shop, a posh chemist, a florist, two hair salons, a nail place, a dog groomers, an art gallery, a dry cleaners and two convenience stores that are open early to late and sell everything you need from fuses to gluten-free crackers to Cook ready meals and advent calendars!
Follow Becca and learn more about her courses and book (and her amazing snacking finds!) on her Instagram and Website
