Each month we feature a mum who tells us what’s great about her London hood. This time we talk to Julie Montagu, a Wandsworth mother of four, yoga instructor, author and health and wellness advocate. She tells us what she loves about her corner of London.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a yoga teacher in London at triyoga Chelsea and that’s my second love. Of course, my first love is my family as I’m a mother of four kids: Emma, 19; Jack, 16; William 13; Nestor 11, and a wonderful husband too! I divide my time between London and Mapperton in Dorset where the family estate is and where we are in the process of launching weekend yoga retreats!
I am super passionate about self-care and created over a year ago my women’s membership wellness site truly-julie.com, which helps women keep self-care at the forefront of their priorities each and every day. I’m also the author of three international bestselling books: Superfoods, Eat Real Food and Superfoods, Superfast. And my fourth book Recharge: A Year of Self-Care to Focus on You was just realised at the start of this year in January.
This year also marked a real ‘dream come true’ for me as I launched my own yoga school called Whole Self Yoga. Not only does the school provide courses for students who wish to become yoga instructors, but for women who are looking to revitalise and renew their life so that they become who they are meant to be: confident, healthy, happy and grounded by equipping them with yoga teaching that is grounded in theory and applies to modern life. Through movement, nutrition and practical inspiration they are able to see what’s possible for their life.
And lastly, I am a QVC America presenter for the gorgeous skincare brand Liz Earle, so 2018 invoices a lot of trips to NYC and back! OH, and lastly last, I will be one of the presenters for the BBC covering the Royal Wedding: Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle, which is very exciting!
Which area do you live in, and what do you love about it?
We are based in Wandsworth and I love this area of London so much because of all the green space! From Wandsworth Common to Clapham Common, it’s green this side of the river. I also think it’s very family focused, and therefore a great place to raise a family.
Where’s your favourite family-friendly eatery?
I love Brew on the Northcote Road and the one in Wandsworth Town. I think it’s cosy and the food is outstanding.
Where’s your favourite place to escape in your area for a little ‘me’ time?
Down the road from us within walking distance is the cutest café called Cafe Fleur. It’s very well-hidden, which I love, but the breakfasts and brunches are great—so are the coffee, juices and tea! It’s also rather close to Southside Mall, which now has a Planet Organic so I can get a lot of good shopping done too!
What local activities do you and your family take part in?
My 16-year-old, Jack, has been playing football every Sunday on Wandsworth Common since he was 6! He’s been going to the common and playing with his friends for 10 years now and that’s what I love about this area—it’s very community focused and Jack has made some real friends for life. As a family, we play tennis on Wandsworth Common as well—come rain or shine. We all cycle up to the common and play for an hour and then grab something usually HOT to drink at the local cafe next door to the courts to warm us up.
Is there a little hidden gem in your area you’d like to share?
Well, that goes back to my escape question. Cafe Fleur is 100% a hidden gem in Wandsworth.
Find out more about about Julie at: truly-julie.com
