Supporting our local business & freelance community!
UPDATED - 11 JUNE
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#loveLocal
Local businesses now need our support more than ever!
They make us proud of our High Street, adding culture and colour as well as providing local jobs and money which stays and circulates in the local economy.
Yet one in five small businesses across the UK are in danger of running out of cash by the end of April, according to reports.
Here are some ways to support the local economy and loads of freelance workers through this rough period.
Or a chance to nominate someone that's missing by emailing kensalqueenspark@gmail.com
BEFORE WE START........
Below are businesses and people that have been nominated so far.
If someone is missing - and there will be many - then please say and they'll be added.
A whole website could be taken up for NHS staff and essential services personnel so we'd like to say a massive THANK YOU here and now.
The same goes for all our neighbours that have been keeping chemists open and the postmen and delivery folk that seem to be working harder than ever. And all the local staff at Tesco, Sainsburys, Co-op and elsewhere for being brave enough to be there.
Thank you. x
KENSAL AREA
TAKE AWAY FOOD & DRINK
The Parlour has performed a business 'pivot' to now run a brilliant "Marketplace", open 10-4pm 7 days a week.
There is also an online Shopify order website in addition to their own.
Products updated daily! Currently including sushi!
Email hello@parlourkensal.com or phone ahead options 020 8969 2184.
You can rely on fantastic food for delivery from Vicki's (a personal favourite, which opened again on Monday 27th April.
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Guy of Rise & Vine says they are now offering a click and collect or walk-up service at the shop entrance. Otherwise "We're offering free delivery in a roughly 1.5mile radius of the shop.
We can also deliver further afield by courier to anywhere in the UK for a very reasonable packing and delivery charge, offering 10% discount on 12 or more bottles of still wine AND to any frontline healthcare heroes on all still wines and beers.
We've also arranged a couple of deals with our suppliers to offer And Union beers and Flora & Fauna wines at special reduced prices to healthcare heroes. After a couple of kind souls made this offer themselves, we're encouraging other customers to donate a bottle of wine or a couple of beers to healthcare heroes' deliveries (we're not taking a single penny for these wines/beers).
Hana Sushi is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm to 9.30pm.
This is a tiny but brilliant sushi delivery service on Chamberlayne Rd, led by Brahim, who will give you a 15% discount if ordering online.
As with all shops, ordering direct allows restaurants to avoid paying 25% or more commission to the likes of multi-national companies such as Uber/deliveroo/Just Eat.
So you can enjoy the same food, tip the driver and know the restaurant is getting more of your money to invest in your great food. Without costing you a penny more.
Hana's own website with menu can be found at: https://hana-japanese.com/
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Minkies is back! Takeaways only (for now). Open from 8am.
Fantastic news!
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The William IV is sailing through the storm and is now offering wine boxes and other liquid essentials :
- Dorothy’s spritz box (Aperol, Prosecco, soda water, oranges, aromatic herbs from our garden)
- Captain’s box (3 bottles of our most popular wine)
- King’s box (5 bottles of superior wine + 2 bottles of beer) *
- Emergency Negroni Premix bottle (30 cl, 70 cl)
Box from £35
The offer is developing so do visit www.WilliamIV.london regularly for new packages, prices and ordering.
Pick up at the pub 3.30 - 9pm Thursday - Saturday (786 Harrow Road, NW10 5JX)
*** Home delivery available (morning slots only)
Buy wine 🍷 to support our/your pub and please do share with friends. Cheers 🥂
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Comptoir V on Station Parade are now open Tues-Sunday 5pm-10.30pm with delicious vegan food for takeaway or delivery.
If you order direct much more of your money goes to the restaurant (instead of middlemen): "it’s cheaper and we deliver further!".
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Le Comptoir is delivering from its menu which you can access by clicking here.
Sonora Cafe & Kitchen on College Rd is open again for takeaways.
They serve great treats like huevos rancheros tacos, choconana bread, coffee etc.
Open 9-12pm.
'THAT' GYOZA GUY
Priya reports: "Michael, who cooks and sells the amazing gyoza (dumplings) at the Farmer’s Market has opened a new takeaway shop, Joli, in Kilburn Lane near The Paradise, open 12-10pm seven days a week.
He sells freshly cooked gyoza, laksa, rendang, stuffed steamed buns, partha bowls, wraps and more. It is takeaway or delivery. Order at livejoli.com
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Max Luca (also above) is offering a very popular, great-priced vegetable set (pictured above) - 0784-344-2395 - catch him at Taste of Chamberlayne
Station Cafe has also opened again for deliveries, to a huge number of positive comments on 'Kensal Rise Community.' on Facebook (pic via Caroline).
The Island is back for a limited amount of Sunday roast deliveries!
Order online on the Friday by 5pm to make sure you don't miss out.
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PIZZA
Che Buono!
Sacro Cuore is back!!!! Time to get proper pizza again.....
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The Kensal Store has a great range of groceries and garden plants. You can either shop instore or order from them. They deliver for free with a minimum spend of £20 within a one mile radius. Call 0770 736 0457.
They very generously supported the "Gift Your Neighbour" food initiative by Salusbury World by donating takings from Thursday plant sales and their deli on Tuesdays - over £300!
A HUGE thank you to Raheel and the family team!
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BUTCHERS
Brooks of Chamberlayne Rd are open 10am-5pm, except Mondays. Paul and Flo can allow three customers at a time.
BAKERIES
Crazy Baker on Harrow Rd will deliver to Kilburn, Kensal, Queens Park area. And is now delivering you Sunday roast, with all the trimmings, "hot to your door'!
SALUTE TO OUR FANTASTIC 'CORNER SHOPS'
"Corner" shops such as Runners on Chamberlayne Rd, Pelican News on Chamberlayne and Nisha on Okehampton are open and well-stocked.
Neighbours have also thanked the Maliks on Park Parade and Mo on College Rd for being open and so thoughtful.
A HUGE thank you to our local chemists...and supermarket staff
There is a huge list of local heroes before evening mentioning NHS staff, but Linda has asked for a special shout-out to Greenfield and Dollmead in Kensal Rise.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
The team who have designed the new Lexi 2nd screen community hub, RISE Design Studio, are "still offering our architectural services as usual and would like to spread the word that it is actually a great time to tackle the design part of the building process while in lock-down so that projects can start swiftly once it is over".
GIFTS
A lovely email from Avril: "Rise is our fantastic gift shop that is packed with lovely things - It was one of the first "nice" shops to take the gamble and open up in Kensal Green over well 10 years ago - the staff are excellent and can suggest great present ideas Fantastic choice of cards and the window display is AMAZING! We love Rise!" Deliveries only.
Mickey's Fish of Chamberlayne Rd is open again for takeaway and delivery.
LEISURE - big call-out!
The Lexi Cinema invite everyone to watch a selection of great movies online with them and urge everyone to consider buying one of their fantastic value memberships to help them..
Cable Co coffee and banana bread to your door?
Or - maybe thanks to the intense of lobbying of Sophie of Wrentham - Ashley is open again to barista you a perfect flat white and stop you messing it up at home.
Cable has strict social distancing; very hard for such a sociable guy...
Here's the delivery full menu
And it's great news to hear Wild Card is back as a kiosk!
Great coffee; lovely people.
DELIS
L’Angolo on 120 College Road is great for all things Italian and have been trying hard to stay open, with limited hours – so call first 020 8969 5757
Great to have Urban Soul (College Rd) back for takeaway or delivery within 1km, supplying meals to finish at home with a two-day shelf-life.
Orders by text only for orders the following day.
The menu is here.
Nooki are also open to online orders and have launched a charity initiative to raise money for NHS heroes.
Cat says "we are selling cards, gifts, kids gifts, accessories and clothing with free local delivery and returns".
The Whippet urged its many customers to pre-buy Gift Vouchers for when they reopen, started a Sunday 8pm pub quiz and now are offering a terrific range of food and drinks for takeaway/delivery.
You can walk round the store clockwise with strict social distancing.
Chine on Chamberlayne Rd has a fantastic range of plants and composts, with deliveries every day or so.
Tracy is even using Facetime to help customers choose from its wide range of gifts - see the 'Buddha story' attached here.
FRESH PASTA 1990 - GLUTEN-FREE
"My mother and I, based in Kensal, have recently started fresh, homemade, gluten free organic food delivered locally for free. We also have vegan and dairy free options. Mum is Italian so she introducing all her knowledge from the good old days when everything was handmade.
All the products we use are gluten free and organic - we like to support local business so we buy from our neighbours. We also offer 20% discount to all the NHS staff. You can find us on instagram and Facebook under @1990glutenfree.homemade.london.
Laura makes her "deliciously beautiful" cakes in Kensal Green and generously supports lots of charity initiatives.
She "believes in wholesome carefully sourced ingredients, inspired flavour combinations & classic pleasures all beautifully set-out on her website and instagram pages www.lauralaura.co
Also totally delicious is Kensal Green-based Emma @mrshollingsworths - a quick click to Instagram will reveal her fantastic range of treats.
QUIZ NIGHT
Hilary recommends Kensal Rise's "Seventh Heaven" as brilliant online Quiz Masters.
They have had over 100 teams on their weekly zoom challenges, including many of the home-stuck QPCS mums and dads.
50% of money made has gone to Foodbanks via The Trussell Trust - see our section on local foodbanks here.
NAILS
My name’s Lucy and I work in Kensal Rise as a freelance nail artist! I’d love to be put on the local business page you’ve created, such a great idea.
My business is called Lucy London and I usually do nails on clients but since the pandemic began I’ve been creating press-on nails delivered to your door for you to apply at home.
My Instagram is the best way to keep up to date with me - @lucylondonbeauty
Mimosa has been making homemade peanut butter fora while now and is now opening a mini-business whereby she is donating 50% of proceeds to NHS charities.
The butter has no palm oil or added sugar or salt and she can make crunchy or smooth depending on your palate.
She will deliver to you and it's just 80p per 100g, with size of jars depeneding on availability after donations.
The pic is of her own product yesterday!
It's (been sometimes) perfect Rose weather - surely give Kensal Rise's Mike a call on 07917 220 232?
Chiara Grifatini of College Rd is an artist who hand paints unique natural patterns onto high quality fabrics. An amazing present or stylish treat for home.
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Is there a special business or individual you'd like to highlight here?
If quarantining has brought out your inner Marie Kondo and you’ve been decluttering your wardrobe, why not make some cash from those unloved designer pieces?
Local small business, Closet Concierge, a preloved designer wear online shop has thankfully had steady sales but they’re running low on new stock.
If you have designer clothes, shoes and accessories get in touch, as they are still doing 'no-contact' pick ups locally. 079 7987 8676 or message anita@closetconcierge.co.uk. or on Instagram @closetconcierge_london
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QUEENS PARK
DELI TO YOUR DOOR
The Salusbury Winestore is open Monday - Sunday, 10am to 7pm with a delivery service within a two mile radius of the shop.
Min order of £50, with a £5 delivery charge waived for all orders above £100. info@salusburywinestore.co.uk; 020 7372 6664
GROCERIES
Planet Organic on Salusbury Rd (020 3985 5410) are open and - as Magda points out - have been impressively insisting on hand gels at the door before going in to touch anything. Stefano has said his team are helping customers in great need and are making excess food available via the OLIO App.
The Wolfpack on Lonsdale Rd road is now open again for takeaways.
Click here for their entertaining social media.
The Salusbury Foodstore is open for Deliveroo orders or by calling 020 7328 3287
BUTCHERS
Provenance of Salusbury Rd are now very busily doing deliveries: 10am-4pm "with lots of fresh product and recharged butchers!" Delivery orders via deliveries@provenancebutcher.com
Virginia of QPARA nominates them:
"...because of the quality of their produce and the fact that there has not been a butcher on Salusbury Road for many, many years. Provenance is a sign of a return to shopping within walking distance of your home where the shop knows the 'provenance' of its goods. More please - the butcher, the baker the candle stick maker....and the fishmonger.
The owner is very supportive of the Farmers' Market, which I also rate very highly."
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You might not be allowed on the beach, so why not have the beach come to you?
Queens Park Cafe may have closed ...but the business behind it, Hoxton Beach hasn't.
Fancy getting some of your favourite treats delivered to your door?
You can also now pick-up from Queens Park cafe.
Michiko Sushino are reopening for takeaways, 6pm-9pm with the possibility of opening further depending on progress.
Available also on deliveroo.
FREE BOOK BUNDLES for the over-70s?
Beautiful book gift subscriptions?
No wonder Sam's Queens Park service has so many followers and fans....
"Hi, I’m Jess, I grew up in Mid Wales and am now based in NW London with my girlfriend Lara, Idris who is nearly 5, and a goldfish called Kenny.
I take photos of LGBT+ and feminist weddings in London and beyond. I also do portraits, music, branding and more".
Check out some stunning photos at www.photosbyjessrose.com/
RIGS & GIGS
www.rigsandgigs.com is an audio visual event production hire in Saltram Crescent, run by Niki. Read some of their glowing feedback here.
MASKS
Home-made masks are a way to avoid the dullness of plain white ones?
Available from Iva Jancula for £3 each, made with 100% cotton.
Andrea also makes fabulous ones from 100% cotton, two layers of fabric and adjustable elastic straps. £7 child size or adult from £9, with free delivery via 07872 329 646
Tabitha Robertson is a local aromatherapist who has been giving holistic massages in the neighbourhood for over 20 years.
She has stock of the best organic aromatherapy products on the market at a discount during lockdown and can deliver.
You can contact her on 07960 334133. www.tabitharobertson.com. www.ila-spa.com www.ilapothecary.com www.la-eva.com www.wilderbotanics.com
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Queens Park artist Monica Maja Richardson has a stunning range of clothes and paintings, as well as a studio at Canalot Studios.
She very generously donated a painting for our kensalqueenspark.com annual online auction and is generous also to be offering 30% off anything on her website: www.monicamajarichardson.com
QUEENS PARK FARMERS MARKET - you don't have to social distance every week at our brilliant Farmers' Market. You can follow stall holders news on this Facebook site and also contact them direct about food deliveries. www.facebook.com/QueensParkFarmersMarket/
"Hi, I'm Susan.. usually I sell my cakes by the slice at Queens Park Farmers market and now delivering whole cakes to local folk.
After all there are still birthdays, (albeit restricted) get-togethers and virtual celebrations :-) Speak soon x" susanbroom@uwclub.net
Has your business doing something special you'd like to highlight?
Or would you like to nominate someone?
WILLESDEN
BUTCHERS
O'Farrells on Willesden High Rd's last update was as follows (5/4):
Hi Guys!
Hope you are all keeping fit and well and most importantly staying safe 😊 I would just like to say a quick thank you to all my customers, old and new, for your continued support and understanding at this really difficult time.
We are finally coming to terms and getting to grips with the situation we have found ourselves in and we are now able to open for longer hours than we have been - Monday to Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm and Saturdays 7:00am-4:00pm.
You will be pleased to hear that the sausage gate issue has been rectified as unfortunately my sausage man is still off sick. However, I have found the time myself to start making these again after a 30 year break! 😅
We are still able to do home deliveries 🚚 but as this has become more and more popular understandably, it has now gone from a 24 hour to a 48 hour transition and please note 📝 if you place an order on a Saturday, you will not receive it until the Monday/Tuesday. Telephone ☎️ orders placed on a Friday may not be able to be processed until the Monday.
Once again thank you for your cooperation with all the changes we have had to introduce and we look forward to seeing you all very soon 😀
Please stay safe, all the best - Dennis and the Team.
Miss the pub but don't miss the Pub-less Quiz! At The Swanson, aka your place.....(for hopefully not too far into the distant future!)
CHILDREN'S LEARNING
Kernjit, based in Willesden, has developed activity materials used to home school her two children. She says she "loves the support from the home education community and also families with children with ADHD or Autism has been wonderful. I love that children enjoy using the activity binder and I hope your child will too". She will home deliver. www.welovereadingactivitybinders.com
CHILDREN'S DANCE
"I’m a local mum of two and my Diddi dance classes have had to close down during this time. I have moved my sessions online in the hope that I can keep going (somehow) and hopefully help keep my self-employed teachers in work.
We usually have classes in Kensal Rise & Willesden Green. Many thanks, Gina"
"Hi, together with my sister we manage a Piano school in Willesden Green. Since schools closure we've moved all our lessons online. We have lost students due mainly to parents losing jobs, but we are doing ok... for now.
We are now offering piano lessons online, only from 5 years old. We offer a reduced price until July. More details can be found here: https://www.mmqpianostudio.co.uk/prices Thanks, Elena."
Has your Willesden-based business doing something special you'd like to highlight?
Or would you like to nominate someone?
Hi, as a local children's author and single parent struggling with my daughter's school closure and lockdown, I wanted to share a book reading with you that may be of interest to our community.
My daughter and I worked together on this last week for her school friends, and I've uploaded it to Youtube here It might keep some kids entertained, (quiet!!), for a few moments, and the end of the video directs you to some free children's activities available for download.
I purposely haven't included any information about buying any of my books as I wanted this to be a FREE resource for parents.
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HARLESDEN
BAKERY TREATS
Treat yourself to London Lockdown prices for Den Bake Shop's delicious brownies.
They will be delivered to your door by Royal Mail! You may have tasted Denbake's delicious treats at the Maqam Centre (and other shops!).
She has wide range of other cakes and treats. Check them out here.
Tameriz Deli has been recommended by Julia from the Harlesden mutual aid group.
1 Stop Fresh Fruit & Veg have been highly recommended by Paul K and is run by a Harlesden-born "grafter" who will deliver across the area.
Julia Straker Hair is offering a free ladies cut and blow for NHS & Care Staff. "So, for every hair appointment you book, I will match it with a FREE hair cut for them over a four week period. (after end of lockdown)".
In addition, anyone booking an appointment, that is furloughed /no income after job loss, I will trim (every pun intended! 😁 ) 20% off your regular cut & blow dry price or total bill if you have a colour etc.
Thirdly during this period & for a further four weeks after, all other KEY WORKERS will be offered a half price cut & blow.
CYCLING
Harlesden Area Action (HAA) would love to nominate Sparks - a brilliant bicycle shop in Harlesden.
"We feel fortunate to have a friendly, reliable, family-run bicycle shop at our doorstep".
Has your Harlesden-based business doing something special you'd like to highlight?
Or would you like to nominate someone?
BRONDESBURY
ORGANIC FOOD
The Olive Tree on 152 Willesden Lane is getting big shout-outs from neighbours for still offering its organic food. Call to check if open 020 7328 9078.
DELIS
Cuore Deli, 27 Sidmouth Road (corner Mt. Pleasant), has also been open 8:30 am - 6:30 pm M - S, 9 am - 2 pm Sun. "Great social distancing, food and coffee!"
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Paella Thursdays
Damn.....this didn't stay an insiders' secret for long. Local foodie Nick Friedman sells over 200 seafood, chicken and vegan paellas every Thursday. You can take your chances on the day but order before Thursday to guarantee you don't miss out.
For collection or delivery between 16h00 and 19h00. www.jamonjamon.co.uk/paella-thursdays
Ayela Bakes has been making delicious baked products for our "Gift Your Neighbour" parcels and her brownies are the absolute best!
You can order from her via her Instagram page..
KILBURN
COMMUNITY RADIO
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K2K Radio provides a platform for people to share their voices and passions with the world. DJs presenting a mix of great tunes, random endeavours and local updates.
Now we are housed in the Granville with a global reach, wonderful conversation and a sprinkle of convivial banter interlaced with great music. We offer free radio production inductions, train budding studio managers and aspiring presenters to allow them to experiment and flourish to industry standard levels.
Join us! create a show | help run the station | listen in | learn studio management The station run by you and for you #K2KRadio @KilburntoKensal ktokradio@gmail.com
GIFTS/ACCESSORIES/FOOD
"I'm offering Free UK Delivery on all orders on the online store www.lilyking.co.uk and local doorstep drops in the Willesden Green / Harlesden / Kensal Rise / Queen's Park areas as a lot of my customers are based in these areas".
Don't forget you can still enjoy Fish & Chips, courtesy of the Kilburn Arms on Willesden Lane.
LOOK OUT ONLINE FOR......
YOGA/PILATES/PT
Maciej Gross of Gym Locomotive at The Tay on Wrentham is now offering clients his strength and mobility classes online. I can personally strongly recommend him!
And "Lizzie Barker PT" offers very popular, informal and friendly group sessions in Tiverton Green, as well as PT. Try out an online class?
Or, Amy of ACB Pilates is offering her very popular Maqam Monday & Friday classes online. Just £5 per session. Classes are 45 mins long and are now daily at different times of the day
Nxtphasefitness, Queens Park, will also put you through your paces on their IG TV.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NXTPHASEFITNESS/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nxtphasefitness/channel/
They aim to release a new workout every Tuesday "to cater for different tastes and fitness levels" with last night "dropping a ‘Circuits Training’ workout!"
Local mum and personal trainer, Mariangela, is a level 3 personal trainer who trains at homes and also has a very popular Tiverton Green group class.
She says she thought she was a techno phobe but is really enjoying the online sessions which you can view here.
UPDATE 23 May: "my online sessions are still going strong and I will start tomorrow with a small outdoor group doing a full body work out in a local park. I also do 1-1 sessions in the park or people's private gardens, with social distancing rules adhered at at all times".
Suzy of Seraphinapilates (pictured above) has been very highly recommended by Charlotte, Maire, Nicola, Maxine,
Phil and Margeaux.
They describe her classes (now online) as follows: "Suzy is an amazing pilates teacher who I've known and learned from for about 8 years now ..."
Phil says: "...she's moved her classes online and they're an absolute life-saver during lockdown".
UPDATE 23 May: "My classes remain virtual by my equipment studio for 1-1s reopen next Saturday with safe distancing...looking forward to getting back to those springs"
Yoga teacher, Rani Arduino, lives in Kensal Green and runs very popular adults and children's yoga classes. She is now also online and very generously only suggests donating what you can afford.
Family yoga sessions are offered every Weds and Friday at 4pm.
Kilburn-based Rachel (Level 3 personal trainer and Level 1 Cross-fit coach) is offering free zoom home workouts,
Catch them Mondays at 6.15pm, Fridays at 11am or Saturdays at 12pm (the latter for beginners).
Or check-out @rachfitpt on instagram to immediately start trying out exercises of different levels.
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Yogaloft is offering Yoga, pilates and more classes on zoom, booked via the Mind Body App.
Sybil of www.7therapies.com has posted a very useful range of osteopathy techniques online, which you can view here.
She is also offering "Vital Virtual" sessions for one week only (week commencing 4th May) in return for a donation to the NHS.
Thank you also to Sybil for her wonderful cooked items for Gift Your Neighbour.
Award-winning Ayurthedic products company Mauli Rituals (based at the Tay on Wrentham) are offering yoga and "Breathwork with Bittu".
You can catch a recording of Bittu's class already and/or join a Pranayama Masterclass every Tuesday and Thursday morning on the Mauli Instagram channel.
The aim is to guide anyone through the different forms of Vedic breathing and their key benefits.
Yoga with Lesley
Priya recommends Lesley's weekly live stream classes for all levels. "Mindfulness, slow flow stretch and release & pranayama"
Mon 10.30am
Tuesday 6:30pm
Thursday 10.30am
Friday 10am
Classes by donation and free for NHS & key workers
Instagram @lesley.yoga.london
Lesley is also teaching a zoom yoga flow class class Wednesday 10.30 am @gracelandsyard
Class packs available
COOKERY
Samantha says "I run lessons: 'The London Cake Academy' and 'Cakes; Swissybuns' and am in the process of making online classes. Beginner sugar modelling is £10.00 starting on May 4th at 11.30am to 1pm, continuing daily with different animals etc.
I will have a buttercream techniques and piping class and a sugar flowers class added soon also. 07889686360"
Cooking Masterclass
You can catch a streamed or recorded masterclass from the wonderful recipes of Laura Leaver of Kensal Green (aka Heirlooms & Wooden Spoons).
Classes are free with a suggested donation to selected food charities.
Laura's daughter Dot is also offering children's classes assisted by Laura....and has a brand-new YouTube channel!
A huge thank you to Laura & Dot for their beautiful gifts every week to our "Gift Your Neighbour" initiative.
Bravo to Brent Music Service (BMS) for offering primary schools free music tuition online.
BABY/TODDLERS
Sing and Sign franchise - we teach baby signing through music classes to help your baby communicate and to aid speech development in toddlers. We have moved our classes online and will be starting a 10 week term from next week.
There are a few options you can choose from but they all include at least one LIVE class per week (via Zoom) plus a weekly recording that's been put together by head office that you can watch as many times as you like each week. So tonnes of content for you to get your teeth around whilst stuck at home and such a good opportunity to get your little ones communicating with you as soon as possible! Plus you can see an interact with other people! harrietroberts@singandsign.co.uk. Stay safe everyone, Harriet x
CARTOON-MAKING - PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
"I would like to offer some short one-to-one online lessons on how to create an animation at home and for those who have Photoshop, a basic course on how to use it. Keep safe
Dora Martinkova (dora@schoolingtheimagination.co.uk). Here are some videos to past brilliant creations, many of them seen pre-main movie at the Lexi.
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MINDFULNESS
Ciaran of @mindfulkidslondon has been posting great ideas to help keep children at home active.
GRACELANDS YARD deserves a category to itself, offering an incredible range of options from free trial yoga classes, Soothing Sound sessions, ballet tots, jivamukti, Qigong, ukelele, piano, guitar, flute, sax, clarinet and lots more......click on @gracelandsyard?
Jessica Paton, QPCS Mum and trained mindfulness teacher, is offering tips for protecting mental health during this crisis, plus upcoming online courses: mindfulness for teenagers (from mid May) and Compassionate Mindful Resilience to respond to these times (from early June).
You can find out more @MindfulMumza on Facebook/Instagram or mindfulmumza.blogspot.com
PARENTING SUPPORT
Therapist Magda Wozencroft is offering "Parenting in Lockdown" webinars to help those struggling with parenting during this crisis. The webinars are donation based, so fully accessible to anyone in need. www.magdatheraphy.co.uk
NEARBY & LOVE OUR AREA!
GROCERIES
Artisan Bakery plan to deliver high-quality French bread on Weds, Fridays and Sundays - send order 48 hours in advance to bdpartisanbakery@gmail.com.
Natoora in Portobello are giving food away to a number of charities and have made their Chef's App available to households to order direct.
Ruth of APRATA reports:
Parker Dairies - place an order online or via 020 8520 5943; Steve the local milkman will call on you, offering all sorts of milk and alternatives, bread, cheese, honey, yogurt, potatoes, bacon, sausages, even composts and bird food. Most is locally sourced, including their N17 honey.
Another recommended milkman is Peter Bircham at Hampstead Premier Dairies in NW6: 07956 355 502. He also delivers in glass bottles, supplies milk, bread, free range eggs, etc.
Bella (Portobello market) is recommended by Dundonald Rd neighbours for fresh fruit and veg at good prices and is very happy to deliver - 07949 524 652.
Paddy also gives her a shout-out for her donations to the Avenues Youth Project pop-up kitchen (see our Foodbank services section).
MAN-IN FRESH PASTA
Davide has emailed to say "We have a fresh pasta company in Stonebridge Park.
We used to work only with fine dining restaurants but we are now delivering to families in the neighbourhood and put together different boxes to keep selling our pasta and other groceries.
The menu is here and orders to orderspasta@gmail.com. There will be a discount code every week and new recipe. Leave a note if you need food more urgently (e.g. you cannot leave the house and have no-one to shop for you) and we will prioritise.
Juicy Lucy is offering deliciously healthy catering including vegan food, including delicious soups and "bite me balls" you can see @juicylucyskitchen
A little or a lot of Little Lusciousness?
Rosie has been strongly recommended by Priya. She's been running pop-up restaurants and supper clubs for the last 10 years. She's based in Maida Vale and cooks seasonal produce, including cook meals on request. She can also donate a meal(s) for every 4 she cooks to anyone in need.
For example, chicken, chorizo, bean and squash stew with green sauce (£6 per portion) GF, DF; homemade tacos (£11 for 2 portions) GF, DF; Red lentil, butternut squash, spinach and wild garlic dahl (£5 per portion) V, VG, GF, DF; and delicious sticky banana cake loaf (8 portions) £12
Check @alittlelusciousness for menu changes or email for latest menu & orders: rosie@alittlelusciousness.com or call/WhatsApp 07876 647484
A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO...
Thank you Community Response Kitchen, Max Luca, Den Bake Shop, A Little Lusciousness, Livejoli, Man Inpasta, Heirlooms & Wooden Spoons for supporting "Gift Your Neighbour" across Kensal, Queens Park, Brondesbury.....more about that initiative and their help is here....
We always salute Cable Co for their great coffee but especially the free coffee offered to show respect and appreciation to our wonderful NHS and medical staff in the area.
Fantastic work by the Piccolo team in Kilburn for lovingly preparing bags of free food for the NHS team at the Royal Free.
Thank you also Tony & Kyle at Daniels Estate Agents on Chamberlayne Rd for printing several thousand leaflets for local houses!
Margeaux recommends a local eco delivery company. Patoka is based in Wembley and delivers all around Kensal, Kilburn, Queen's Park, Harlesden, Brondesbury and beyond.
Chloe, who runs the business, also lives in Kensal "so we frequent lots of the businesses that you recommend, and love them!"
www.patoka.co.uk and Insta/FB @patoka.eco.store; @PatokaEcoStore (twitter).
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Bagsoflove.co.uk - run by a Brondesbury couple - for printing over 4,000 of the Covid mutual aid leaflets for Brondesbury, Queens Park and Kensal Green and for offering thousands of batches (up to 25) of high quality washable fabric face masks they would usually use for customised printing.
These have been used by teams at The Granville, The Avenues and the Pakistan Cultural Centre in Willesden.
Leslie and Dee of the Granville Community Kitchen are especially grateful not only to bagsoflove (above) but also call-out Queens Park Pharmacy.
SUPPORTING ARTISTS
Not strictly local, but a great idea hosted by @matthewburrowsstudio.
Due to Covid, many artists have found themselves without work, teaching, technical support, gallery work, exhibitions and sales.
Buyers are invited to bid for art costing up to £200 and when an artist has earned over £1,000 the artist commits to buying another artists work for £200 or less.
LOVING LOAVES
A lovely initiative by @kensalrisen who lovingly prepare delicious loaves for NHS and other lucky handpicked people they admire.
And - although they've been doing this for years - full marks to the Lexi cinema for still continuing to collect Brent Foodbank donations twice a week!
As well as sharing lovely stories and old family recipes on Insta, Ida restaurant have also been really busy supporting the local charity QPG Community & Sports hub with lovely home made food three times a week (QPG is also supported by SeaShells Fish & Chips every Thursday).
200,000 meals in 100 days?
Huge respect to Daksha Versani and her truly-amazing Community Response Kitchen team in Alperton. Their volunteers have made over 90,000 meals for NHS staff and dozens of our local charities, reaching hundreds of vunerable people across Brent
She has now launched a GoFundMe so her team can prepare and deliver over 200,000 free meals across our area over the next three months.
And a lovely story about Irit of Chamomile Cafe in Belsize who donated 900 free range eggs to Brent Mutual Aid groups.
180 were shared with vulnerable Harlesden families and 700 with Foodbank Sufra NW London.
Bravo also to Costa Coffee on Salusbury Rd. Thanks to store manager, Seema, they made their entire perishable stock available to North Paddington Foodbank. before having to close last week.
Love Thy Neighbour?
Last word to The Paradise (we mean "Parlour"! :-)
