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 Kathy, a mum in Richmond and childrens’ book author. Let’s meet her now and find out what her favourite spots are in this family-friendly South West London neighbourhood…
Please tell us a little about yourself…
I am Kathy Weeks and I have two children. Evie (9) and Teddy (8), we live in Richmond.
I have had a very varied career and so believe that it is never too late to try something new. I have worked on the music counter at WH Smith, been an investment banker, a waitress, a property developer, investigated missing millions for The Sultan of Brunei, founded a consulting business, worked for HM Treasury restructuring banks, oh….and cooked dinners at a care home for the elderly. I was better at some than others.
Most recently I have started writing books for children which is wonderful. My new fiction series for children aged 9 – 12 is called ‘What’s New, Harper Drew?’. It is the diary of the feisty, funny Harper who is navigating the hilarious antics of her family one day at a time. She is confident and knows her own mind so, if you are looking for a funny book about family life then this is for you!
If you’d like to find out even more about the book or buy a copy you can head here.
Which area do you live in, and what do you love about it?
We are lucky to live in the centre of Richmond and we really love it. I love the park and the river and all the coffee choices! Richmond has the buzz of being in London and the calm of being in the countryside. It is the best of everything.
Where do you like to hang out with your kids?
If I am not on the side of a football pitch, we love Kew Gardens. There is so much space and hidden places to explore. You’ll always end up somewhere you haven’t seen before when you go there.
What are your favourite local family-friendly eateries?
There is a wonderful Italian restaurant in Richmond called Sebastian’s. The food is fantastic, the kids love their pizzas and the staff are just so warm and friendly. My favourite coffee is from Kiss The Hippo on the high street. I loved it as a place to sit, drink coffee and eat scrambled eggs… and maybe do a bit of book writing too.
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What are your favourite local independent shops?
There are lots of great independent foodie shops in Richmond. Petersham Nurseries is a great place for a coffee, cake and a beautiful plant to take home. A Cena is another great Italian restaurant which does really beautiful food. And, my kids love love love Flavourtown. Well, maybe not just the kids, their cakes are incredible. The day they made the Harry Potter sorting hat cakes was a huge deal in our house (one Gryffindor, two Hufflepufs and a Slytherin!)
What local activities do you and your family take part in?
Richmond Theatre is fantastic, and we are hoping to go as much as we can now that the pandemic restrictions are easing. My son is part of the Excel football team where the relentlessly positive Coach Tom is always cheering the boys on. My daughter is in to drama and goes to the SW Little Voices group where they put on some pretty great plays and musicals.
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Where’s your favourite place to escape in your area for a little solo time?
I go to a gym nearby called Fuel Training. It is owned by two absolutely brilliant people (Jo and Alice) and wow, do they work you hard. They have also built a wonderful local community of people (young and old) who are interested in fitness. It is brilliant.
Where’s the best place for a night out with friends / date night?
For a night out with the girls there is nothing better than getting dressed up and going for cocktails at The Ivy. It always feels special there. For a date night, the view from the restaurant at The Petersham Hotel is very romantic. JMW Turner thought so too.
What’s the best hidden gem in your area?
Fuel Training definitely. And also the Terrace Gardens. It is a steep piece of parkland that is beautifully landscaped and looks out over the river. So many trees for kids to climb and places to hide. Great fun.
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