We love our local London mums! 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 Danae Dade of West Dulwich. Discover what she loves about her ‘hood!
Please tell us a little about yourself…
I am Danae, wife of one, mum of two. I am American and moved to London eight years ago from New York City to start a new chapter in my life. I was formally a wholesale footwear sales manager, but I have always had a passion for food. I created an online vegan bakery cookie&biscuit in 2014, and followed that up with a plant-based catering company – The V Spot in 2016. I love how nourishing and delicious food can connect people in the most magical ways. Our kids, Frankie, 7, and Bowie, 3, are my daily reminders to stay present and enjoy the little things in life.
Which area do you live in, and what do you love about it?
I live in West Dulwich, South East London, and I LOVE our artistic, leafy and friendly part of the city. Our neighbourhood is very family friendly, with loads of cafes, parks and events that everyone can enjoy. I love that we can get into central London in under 30 minutes, but we also have little spots that make one feel as though they are miles away from the city. That’s what I call balance.
Where do you like to hang out with your kids?
We love Dulwich Park, the dinosaurs at Crystal Palace Park, and Peckham Levels on rainy days.
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What are your favourite local family-friendly eateries?
The Rosendale pub has a great play area and is very vegan friendly. The Paxton pub also has a small play area and the best chips and gin bar!
What are your favourite local independent shops?
Dulwich Books; my family are avid readers/book lovers and the staff here is absolutely brilliant keeping the kids engaged while I peruse the cookery and wellness books. Wigwam, our local toy shop is owned by a local mum and she always has the best stock for Friday treats, last minute birthday party gifts and of course Christmas shopping
What local activities do you and your family take part in?
My daughter studies tap and modern dance at the South London Dance school, drama classes at the South London Theatre, and swimming lessons at West Norwood Leisure centre. My son is content at the moment doing laps on his scooter or bike at the park, climbing trees in the Dulwich woods, until we find a gymnastics and football class for him to join.
Where’s your favourite place to escape in your area for a little solo time?
With two kids, and two businesses I don’t get to yoga class as much as I would like but my favourite studio is the amazing The Shala, which is also home to my favourite holistic therapist Carly of Amma Wellness who does the best massages, and Reiki treatments.
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Where’s the best place for a night out with friends / date night?
It has to be Peckham Levels, great tunes, multiple bars, and loads of food, you can’t go wrong really.
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What’s the best hidden gem in your area?
This is a tough one! I think the little markets on Haynes Lane in Crystal Palace is amazing. Full of vintage vendors, and market shops such as The Store Cupboard and Roots and Cycles which stock zero waste/bulk pantry and household items. And it is also home to the first market I ever traded at the award winning Crystal Palace Food Market which runs every Saturday.
You can follow Danae and her food businesses via these links:
