Forum Topic

What's new on Churchfield Road?

Does anyone know what's going to open where the blue DIY shop used to be at the Morrison's end of Churchfield Road, near Kalinka?  A smart floor was being laid when I passed today. Hope it's a pleasant welcoming cafe/eatery/meeting place as that end of Churchfield Road is lacking in such a place, in my opinion.

Emma Smyth ● 5032d68 Comments

I dont even know what's going on in the shop next to Lavelli'sAnyone?

Sara Nathan ● 5032d

Emma, anything that will tidy up that end of Churchfield Road would be a help. Why do the commercial premises and the flats above always put out their rubbish on the pavement all over the weekend?  They must all have a vermin problem.....!!

Dee Cook ● 5032d

Dee,The creeping bags in the street problem is getting worse across the borough and comes from three sources.  The council’s contractor Enterprise is very bad at picking up its own green street cleaning bags.  Once the first bag gets left then the rest pile in.  Typically residents above shops are loath to store their rubbish on their own premises as they should and think it is OK to fly-tip.  It isn’t.  If you live in a small flat I understand that you might not want to provide space to store your own rubbish but dumping it on the street isn’t acceptable.  Everyone else observes the rules.  All businesses are required to dispose of their own rubbish and have what is called a commercial waste agreement.  They are not allowed to store rubbish on the public highway.  They can transport their rubbish over the pavement but they may not store it there.  Too many businesses fly tip or use the street to store their waste for the convenience of themselves and/or their rubbish contractors.  They need to make arrangements that don’t inconvenience the public.  The people that enforce the rules are the much diminished (halved) envirocrime protection team.  I suggest that you raise the issue with them.  The guy you want to talk to is Jim Flanagan (FlanaganJ@ealing.gov.uk).  Copy your mail to his team leader  Rona Gibbs (GibbsR@ealing.gov.uk).  One of your neighbours in Derwentwater Road collared me about the fly-tipping behind the shops when I was out with Boris in May and I was able to get these guys to improve situation.  It takes constant nagging to keep the bags at bay.

Phil Taylor ● 5032d

Perhaps this can be raised by the Churchfield Community Association at their next meeting when the shopkeepers are present?  The shop keepers are worried about doing business in the area, but are not prepared to deal with their waste in the right and proper fashion.I know a little about Commercial Waste Agreements and the Duty of Care to dispose of refuse correctly, all of this is OK, but what's needed is some enforcement of the rules and regulations which the Labour Council unfortunately does not want to tackle, else they might lose votes perhaps?  But they need to realise that those who are dumping often do not live in Ealing!I have been reporting all this to the Council for many, many years.  Perhaps what I should be doing is posting on this site the numbers of the properties which are breaking the rules?Perhaps the Council could let us know what the refuse collection days for both the Commercial collection(s) and the Residential collection(s)are in Churchfield Road in order that all residents concerned about this obvious problem can monitor and report to the Council?There is also a problem of A boards and other items placed on the public footpath illegally, thus making it difficult for the blind and disabled to walk along the pavement safely.  But that is another enforcement issue which the Council does not want to tackle, or perhaps has the resources to do so in today's financial climate.

Dee Cook ● 5032d

And there's a new hairdressers (yes another one) being done up next to the eyesore of a pet shop. I think it's Polish.

Mark Bird ● 5031d

has it gone down hill so much ,, i remember a good cf  loads of community spirit ,, but im talking 10 years ago

Jerry Lynch ● 5031d

There's loads of community spirit, Jerry.And a bit of rubbish too.But there are new businesses, cafes, people hanging out, activities of all sorts, events.Don't you let Doris persuade you it's all grim. It isn't.Like all urban areas, there are problems and challenges but I would say (apart from the ghastly Enterprise rubbish debacle) these are mostly less than they were when you left. Or maybe just different.

Sara Nathan ● 5031d

The old Nara(?) was being refitted the other day, so too was the old Aston Rowe (?) who have moved elsewhere in Acton, and the short-lived photo studio place near the florists.Let's hope no more hairdressers or nail bars.

N Roberts ● 5023d

The old Nara is going to be a pancake place with Illy coffee - opening Boxing Day apparently.The shooting star photographer between Pro-hans and Heart and Soul is opening as a wedding/birthday/cup cake shop in January - run by another part of the Taank familyAnd an up-market off-licence will be between Pro-hans and Anthony Bell. Also January or February I think.

Sara Nathan ● 5022d

Cup cakes, booze and pancakes.  Will they survive?

Nicola Howard ● 5022d

I did suggest that January maybe not the best month for opening cake shop - but I think they have a flourishing business making special occasion cakes to order - so that might be a cushion.

Sara Nathan ● 5022d

If we want nice shops, people are going to have to use them - even if they are a bit more expensive than supermarkets

David Fawcett ● 5022d

Have much more local shopping this year than recently - boycotting Amazon is quite liberating in some ways!

Sara Nathan ● 5022d

I split my time between Hackney and Acton (my girlfriend lives here). Lots of small independent shops have revolutionised places like Broadway Market and turned them into places you really enjoy spending time.But it only works if people vote with their wallets and spend their money in the shops they want to keep. If Chuchfield Road is to realise it's potential (and I think it has lots), it will only do it if the people who live in and around it decided to suport them.Nothing the government or the council can/will do is as important as this. If people buy their bread and cheese and wine in Waitrose or Morrisons or Sainsburys, then those shops (who will always win on price) will win on the street too and the independents will go to the wall.

David Fawcett ● 5021d

On behalf of Aston Rowe, I can confirm that we are only in the process of refurbishing our office into a contemporary double fronted office to reopen in January. In the meantime we are operating from a temporary office in Warple Way and its business as usual.

Billy rowe ● 5021d

Thanks for the clarification!

N Roberts ● 5021d

So we're doing alright for cakes and hairdos, but great news about the wine shop!  All we need now is a cheese shop to go with the wine.  I'm not into cakes.

N Roberts ● 5021d

Hi - I'm the owner of the wine shop (Park & Bridge) that will be opening in Churchfield Road early next year. While I live nearby, my sister lives near Broadway Market in Hackney and it did give me some inspiration. I intend to offer wines, craft beers, ciders and spirits that you cannot find in the supermarket plus wine-related accessories and gifts. I can't compete with supermarkets on price. But I can compete with them on selection, advice and overall experience. I'm looking forward to becoming part of the street.

Paola Tich ● 5020d

Will you be selling the Sauternes?  Sweet and white around a tenner a half bottle.

Nicola Howard ● 5020d

I'm with you - having just invested a small fortune in Comte from Mortgage and Bankrupt in Turnham Green Terrace (and you have to reserve it) I'm all for gourmet cheeses at Acton prices.

Sara Nathan ● 5020d

Hi Paola,all,Welcome to the street! I look forward to visiting your shop.. will you be doing a nice range of organic wines, I hope so? Where abouts on Churchfield Road will you be?I live in the house/shop next to Lavelli (you mentioned earlier in the post Sara) which is being done up at the moment. Unfortunately it isn't going to be a nice exciting shop... although if I could live in a cheese shop I would! Just our house.. but I hope to make it look nice and I believe my neighbor, Lawrence, will also be doing up the surveyors in the new year.. Turnham Green Terrace here we come. Lucy

Lucy Smith ● 5020d

I plan to sell several dessert wines and hope to include a Sauternes if I can find a good one at a good price. If not, something very similar. It's great to know what people want. Thanks!

Paola Tich ● 5020d

Thank you. There certainly will be organic/natural/biodynamic among the range. The shop will be at 73. If I can fit some cheese in, I will!

Paola Tich ● 5020d

So it won't be any sort of retail? What a shame as it is a very promising area and surely is fitted very well for trade. Will you be keeping the shop window?We won't be Turnham Green Terrace if shops and restaurants and other businesses become either residential - or even worse - predominantly estate agents.

Sara Nathan ● 5020d

Organic wine? Artisan cheese? Has W3 suddenly twinned with Hackney?

David Fawcett ● 5018d

There's also something happening on the north side near the plumbing place - building out a wall that is supposed to have plants in the top to contain outside table space. But couldn't glean any more.

Sara Nathan ● 5017d

There's building work - or something that looks like it - going on at the old three spice.Anyone know what that's for?

Sara Nathan ● 5015d

The pancake/ coffee shop (old Nara's) is already looking cool. Go Churchfield Road!

Mark Bird ● 5015d

Opens Boxing Day doesn't it?May have to stroll along...

Sara Nathan ● 5015d

Anyone tried the Nara place yet?

Sara Nathan ● 5011d

No, not tried the Nara place but having seen the (very) close up pictures my children took of me during Christmas Eve supper and posted on Facebook to family all over the world, I feel that I should!

Maria Pettit ● 5010d

I've no idea what it's really called but it hasn't opened yet - though Nara says they will next week complete with Illy coffee, Crepes and galettes and several tables and a counter.Looks promising.

Sara Nathan ● 5010d

Sign up outside the old 3 Spice today saying a new Indian is coming, with an 'award winner' chef.

N Roberts ● 5008d

Goodo- though I liked the original 3 spice and that couldn't make a go of it and our existing Indians don't seem crowded. Maybe the top chef will bring in a new clientele

Sara Nathan ● 5007d

...........so who is going to open a book/map shop?  Don't ask me, I'm too old.

Dee Cook ● 5007d

It's a shame that the small coffee shop at the level crossing didnt work out. I am convinced that if it was turned into a Children's bookshop/ clothes/ vintage sweet shop it would be welcome. So many mums/pops go to the park and the nursery up that way, and it would be lovely to see some of the handmade knits/crafts we saw at The Christmas market there.Or is it just me?

Ros Guthrie ● 5007d

Wouldn't it have to be very pricey to cover costs? And people buy children's toys and books on the internet for very little.Laura at the Village Trading Company a little further along certainly has a lot of toys and maybe some books. I'm not sure the street could support another like her.

Sara Nathan ● 5007d

Sara - Anokha is busy every time we go there. Let's hope the new place is as nice

Mark Bird ● 5004d

Certainly do - Anokha had three full tables at 2100 this evening and two at 2200. No idea how many takeaways in between.I hope it's enough as we go there often.

Sara Nathan ● 5004d

anyone know what happened to the chinese take away in the vale,it was a good one and it has now been closed for a few months? We also need a replacement for the cafe in the park it is never open.Also a cheese shop would be most welcome, or fishmongers.

Lesley Mfon ● 5004d

Is the cafe in the park really never open - or is it just that its closed in bad weather and its been rotten and wet for months?

Sara Nathan ● 5004d

I don't understand why it doesn't open in bad weather. surely people are just as likely to want a hot drink when walking their dog or playing with their children. Neither dogs nor children mind rain in my experience. The heating needs attention though, so that may be the problem.

Maire Lowe ● 5004d

Last time I went there it was very lively and the borscht soup was really delicious. A new lady had taken over - is she not there any more?

Clare Gittins ● 5004d

How recently?Is Gabriella not doing it any more?

Sara Nathan ● 5003d

I really love Churchfield Road and its many diverse shops. But I wonder if Ken had got his way and the tram had gone down Uxbridge Road how would Churchfield Road had coped with all the diverted cars? Would it have been an absolute nightmare or would all that traffic and footfall regenerated the area?

Phaddaeng Thumraksa ● 5003d

Just drove past and it was open, throbbing with people and balloons and looked rather jolly.

Sara Nathan ● 5002d

Big question.Is the creperie open for Sunday brunch?This is urgent!

Sara Nathan ● 5001d

It was open.And the coffee is very good. The crepes tasty though not hot for some reason.When they have the teething troubles sorted, it's going to be a fab addition.

Sara Nathan ● 5001d

Also noticed today -  Poet's Brasserie has work going on inside!

Mark Bird ● 5000d

I noticed two new middle eastern places on the high street.  One (Palm something?) down opposite the bingo hall and  the other (Fountain cafe?) near Bombay Bistro.And the cheap shoe shop by Superdrug that was apparently closing down yet again... isn't after all.

N Roberts ● 5000d

Where's the Creperie and what's it called? I must be going blind, but the last 3 times I've driven down Churchfield road I couldnt see it

Paul Grady ● 4999d

It's called - imaginatively -  "Creperie,Poets Corner" but there's no sign up. It's right next door to L'oriental so opposite the Oaks.

Sara Nathan ● 4999d

Only started yesterday apparently...according to very nice - and local - builder.(who was impressed at the speed of the bush telegraph round here!)It's going to be a charity shop for CAPE on the Uxbridge Road.http://www.c-a-p-e.co.uk/Change of use from restaurant just came through.Opening next month.

Sara Nathan ● 4999d

Just seen a note on the door of Namaste, Indian take away at the bottom of the High Street, to say they are moving to 122 Chuchfield Road. Not sure where that is.

Chris Hurley ● 4998d

3 Spice was/is 122 Churchfield Road

Ellie Rose ● 4998d

Ah it makes sense now. The award winning chef?!

Chris Hurley ● 4998d

I havent been to the Creperie yet but it's a welcome addition.  They sell Illy coffee, I'm told, which is a plus.  Went into Anthony Bell today and I noticed they have an offer or two on.  If you book your next appointment within 8 weeks you get a discount, can't remember what it was, but it was well worth having and, of course, I booked my next appointment!  Also, if you introduce a friend, both you and the friend get 15% off (I think that's correct!)  Went into Lavelli's in Chiswick last week.  Very nice.  Made a change, but I did feel guilty and scurried back to Acton pronto.

Angela White ● 4997d

Problem is that everyone I know almost already goes to either him or Pro-hans. So that's a no-no.I'm on drugs with horrid side effects - one is enhanced hair growth - I oscillate between the two businesses but could keep several beauticians going on my own at the moment. Yuck!

Sara Nathan ● 4997d

Cafe in the Park is under new management who seem very nice, much longer opening hours too: 9-5 on weekdays.  I just spent a pleasant morning with my son there.

Rupert Picken ● 4997d

I am so glad you have enough hair growth to keep 2 businesses going on your own!!  There has to be an upside to that kind of problem and keeping businesses alive and well in Acton is surely a pay-off!  :-)

Angela White ● 4997d

If ellie and co hadn't gone on hols, I'd be there more than once a week at the moment!

Sara Nathan ● 4997d

Sorry to here the problem.  I have had adverse side effects from my last spinal block, so it's back on the electrolysis needle.  I go to The Treatment Rooms at Toni and Guy, Chiswick High Rd.

Nicola Howard ● 4996d

I had a puncture yesterday and abandoned my bike against their gates - brilliantly locking the back wheel so they couldn't change the inner tube.Huge thanks to all who helped me with their phone number but mostly to them for staying open when I rushed up, panting and asked them to repair it while I waited.Lovely local service "because you are a regular customer"

Sara Nathan ● 4996d

Lavelli's, Londis etc are open and hummingTrains are, if not running, at least walking.Londis has salt for about 90 pence a drum.

Sara Nathan ● 4987d

I went into the Pancake Cafe on Churchfield Road today for the first time.  Lovely lemon pancake, yum!  One of the best I've tasted and not your usual type.  The coffee was gorgeous but could have been hotter for my asbestos mouth.  Very pleasant surprise and cheap-ish prices.  I've read postings about the staff not smiling.....they tried today, I have to say and were pleasant, so no problems there.  No less friendly than Lavelli's!Had my hair done in Anthony Bell's as well and they are still offering the rebooking discount, which was very welcome by me!  :-)

Angela White ● 4960d

Had pancakes today at the creperie beaubourg near the pompadou centre and think the poets corner team should visit on a fact finding mission. About the same price, twice the size, speed and temperature. It must have to do with scale, focus and experience I think. (Liberal use of calvados helps!)

Sara Nathan ● 4960d

Oh to be in Paris, eating crepes, with my love...Meanwhile back on Churchfield Road a pigeon dropped a gift on my hair today.

Emma Smyth ● 4959d

It's funny, isn't it....that can happen in Paris too but it just seems so much more romantic! ;-)

Angela White ● 4959d