Meet the Locals

The Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera The London Buddhist Vihara was the first to be founded outside Asia Tucked away unobtrusively at the Turnham Green end of The Avenue, it is easy to miss the London Buddhist Vihara (temple-cummonastery). The doors are usually closed, but don’t mistake that for a lack of openness. Nothing could be further from the truth, as anyone who has attended courses there or come across the resident monks will know well. ‘Everyone is welcome. We are open daily to visitors (8.30-11am and 2-8pm) and one of us is usually present to talk,’ explains The Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, who has been the Head Monk since 2007. ‘Also, our study classes are always popular and we try to play an active role in the community.’ The monks take a stall at the Bedford Park Festival and this year, for the first time, the Vihara is hosting an event (Roger McGough on 14 September) at the Chiswick Book Festival. Founded in 1926 by Anagarika Dharmapala (1864-1933), a global missionary who preached the Dharma in Asia, Europe and North America, the Vihara was the first to be established outside Asia. Originally located in Ealing, it then moved […]

Nick Ferran @ Shoulder & Elbow London Ltd: Eyes Wide Open

Hugo Ceramicas: Designed for Daily Life

Auriol Herford (second right) A creative oasis for all ages and abilities The Autumn term is about to begin at Kite Studios and with it an exciting array of bespoke and group classes for everyone from 18 month-old toddlers and home-schoolers to adult beginners and artist-makers. Opened in 2005, the buzzing warren of studios is the brainchild of Auriol Herford. ‘We teach pottery, drawing, painting, sewing, textiles and printmaking and our tutors are all fully trained, practising artists (including Clover Lee from The Great Pottery Throwdown). ‘The programme is arranged for maximum flexibility. All courses are bookable online, they are held during the day and in the evenings and students can choose to take a one-off “taster” session before signing up.’ Auriol’s artistic philosophy is based on learning to draw. ‘Whether from observation, the imagination or simply mark-making, I believe that drawing is the foundation of creativity,’ she explains. ‘That applies to all media – and here we work in everything from mud to oils and use everything from branches to brushes!’ Auriol and her team are passionate about engaging with children. ‘We want them to think for themselves and enjoy the freedom to experiment. If a student doesn’t naturally […]

Step off the stressful daily treadmill and indulge yourself at The Cove Spa ‘Our philosophy is quite simple,’ reveals Vikee Patel, Director of The Cove Spa on the High Road. ‘We create a tranquil environment in which experienced therapists can deliver a first-class personal service that achieves results. We aim to exceed expectations.’

Whitehall Construction: Building Excellence – Whitehall Construction has the expertise to take any project from design to completion

Whether you are upsizing, downsizing or putting a first foot on the housing ladder, Matt Goslett is the property detective

Flight Centre: Local Service with a Global Reach

The Office Dog: Would you like your dog to be a model employee? Or do you want to train a puppy or need a trusted walker? Sharon Jennings is W6’s canine exper

The Andover Arms is about to re-open under a new – but familiar – tenant

Investing in a new carpet or flooring? Whatever the budget, material or style, you’ll be spoilt for choice at The Carpetstore

The team at Chiswick Computers has the experience and knowledge to diagnose and solve your IT issues

West London Kitchens: Cool Kitchens – Whether your taste is Shaker or minimalist, West London Kitchens can design a bespoke solution tailored to your budget and lifestyle

Investing in a new carpet or flooring? The Carpetstore is the one-stop shop for all budgets, styles and textures

Dr Hala Health and Beauty Clinic: Look Good And Feel Fabulous – The best products, the latest technological equipment and friendly professional therapists… Dr Hala Mahfoud and her team provide high quality specialist health and beauty treatments

With beautifully refurbished one, two and three bedroom apartments available to rent and a dedicated on-site manager, Palace Wharf in Fulham is one of West London’s most desirable locations

Focusing on the disciplines of portraiture, figurative painting, printmaking and sculpture, the Heatherley School of Fine Art has a proud heritage as a teaching institution

Get in shape in the great outdoors with Bianca Sainty’s tailor-made fitness sessions

From tempting individual treats to gorgeous gift boxes and sumptuous hampers, Maison Samadi provides a mouthwatering chocolate and confectionary choice for all occasions

Killik & Co has been advising clients how to save, plan and invest for nearly 30 years

Chartered Practice Architects: The Garden Commute – Creating a dedicated home workspace

Bertotti Pure Italian: A Taste Of Summer – Scoop up some ice cream delight