Relocate & Renovate Design & Build, Schools, Eating out, Health clubs, Shopping & more. Richmond & Twickenham
Interview: Mark Welsh p.2
Interview: St Catherines’ Girls School p.6
Welcome to Richmond p.11
Interview: Ultimate flooring p.16
Pubs & Live Music p.18
Interview: Studio 3 p.20 High Street Best p.22
Interview: 3s Architects p.24 Richmond Arts p.26
Interview: Wild Thomas Gardens p.28
Tell us a little of the history of your school.
St Catherine’s is a Catholic girls’ school located in Twickenham, beside the River Thames. With over a century of experience in independent education, we welcome girls of all faiths and backgrounds to our vibrant community.
Our school motto, “Not Words, but Deeds,” and the inspiration of St Catherine of Siena guide us to encourage girls to explore their spiritual, academic, and personal potential. We foster a caring environment where every girl is valued and supported to discover her unique gifts and talents.
What would you say is special about a school life at St Catherine’s?
At St Catherine’s, we prioritise individual growth and community spirit. Our experienced teachers promote personal, spiritual, and academic development, leading to success and self-confidence. Girls are encouraged to be curious, creative, and resilient, and to contribute wholeheartedly to the school community.
Our strong, all-girls education, rooted in the values of the Sisters of Mercy, blends seamlessly with our commitment to academic excellence for girls of all backgrounds. From the Prep School to the Sixth Form, girls engage passionately in their learning, developing knowledge of themselves and others.
Are there any facilities you are particularly proud of?
St Catherine’s offers a thriving and purposeful atmosphere, with a variety of extracurricular activities to cater to diverse interests. From early morning Yoga to after-school sports, girls can extend their learning, make new friends, and discover their talents.
We encourage girls to be courageous, ambitious, and innovative, and to engage actively with the world around them. We are proud to have a large field, netball and tennis courts, a long jump track, a swimming pool, science labs, food and nutrition rooms and a chaplaincy. We invite you to visit St Catherine’s and experience the unique and inspiring atmosphere of our school.
What sporting facilities do you have?
At St Catherine’s, we are committed to fostering a love for sport and fitness in every student, regardless of ability. We believe that offering a diverse range of sports opportunities not only promotes physical health and well-being but also helps build confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement through both participation and competition.
Our students excel across a variety of sports, including netball, swimming, trampolining, athletics, football, tag rugby and cross-country. In the Prep School, girls swim twice a week, while in the Senior School, they enjoy one weekly swimming lesson.
The PE curriculum changes each year, providing students with the opportunity to experience a wide range of sports, such as badminton, volleyball, tennis, cricket, football, tag rugby, handball, gymnastics, pop lacrosse, and fitness. We also offer a variety of sports clubs before school, at lunchtime, and after school.
Do you have an alumni association?
Yes, and if you are a former pupil or member of staff, St Catherine’s School would love to hear from you. There are multiple reasons why being part of an Alumnae group is beneficial from building business connections to organising reunions and fundraising events and social networking. To sign up, please fill in our contact form via our website.
AND SO THE ADVENTURE BEGINS. You are free-spirited. You don’t play by the rules. Your life is an adventure… why should your wedding be any different?
A very warm welcome to Richmond and the surrounding areas from all of us at Hamptons.
You will be moving into one of the most highly regarded towns in London. Desirable homes, tree lined avenues, diverse shops and restaurants and an eclectic, vibrant population.
Hamptons has been matching people with property that’s right for them, locally, nationally and internationally, since 1869. We were pioneers, setting standards that few of our rivals could match and this hasn’t changed since.
Today, 150 years after we first set up home in Pall Mall, with 15 decades of finding property and looking after people under our belt, our clients now consider us to be their, ‘home experts’.
Our Richmond office opened in 1988 and today, some 33 years later , we are one of the best known agencies in the area.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Gilbert -Head of Sales
Damian Kenley- Head of Lettings
Congratulations, if you are house hunting in Richmond you have already won. A home in this great area with all it offers, automatically makes you the envy of many. Now in order to make your transition as smooth and hassle free as possible Hamptons have put together this great guide which will help you choose the best schools, learn a little about planning and building control, read tips on where to shop, eat and lot’s more, all packed into one little guide with clickable links.
Perhaps most importantly we have researched some of the leading local professionals and experts who can help you add value and personalise your soon to be new home. A big WELCOME and enjoy
Richmond was founded following Henry VII’s building of Richmond Palace in the 16th century, where Queen Elizabeth I spent her final days. A village sprung up around the palace, including the Richmond Bridge and a great many Georgian terraces were built around Richmond Green and the Hill. The JMW Turner painting from circa 1820 shows the view from Richmond Hill over the Thames, surrounded by peaceful meadows. Other famous former and current inhabitants include Virginia Woolf, Sir David Attenborough, Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood.
Internationally acclaimed for its quality of life and for the fifth time in 2019 voted London’s happiest place to live, Richmond strikes the perfect balance between London and country living.
Lying eight miles southwest of central London, Richmond is steeped in history and houses one of the most scenic stretches of the River Thames, incorporating Richmond Bridge (London’s oldest surviving Thames crossing – circa 1777). It is popular with British and overseas families alike, who are attracted to its beautiful surroundings, such as Royal Richmond Park with its 2,500 acres of wonderful deer inhabited parkland, once a favourite hunting ground for the Sovereigns of yesteryear. The stunning view from the summit of Richmond Hill over Petersham Meadows and the Thames Valley is now protected by an Act of Parliament. Picturesque Richmond Green was once a jousting ground for Henry VIII’s former riverside Palace and is today home to more gentle pursuits, such as Sunday afternoon cricket.
Richmond Park encompasses almost 2,500 acres and is the largest of London’s Royal Parks and the biggest enclosed open space in London.
The area is particularly known for its beautifully preserved Georgian homes, with several famous residences still standing including Downe House, The Wick and various parts of the original Richmond Palace. Richmond Green features many Georgian and Victorian townhouses and newer houses and flats. Most of the charming cottages are tucked away off the town centre while some Art Deco flats can be found in Sheen Road. Popular addresses include The Alberts, Richmond Hill, East Twickenham, Petersham and North Sheen.
Tell us a little about the background of Ultimate Flooring?
The Ultimate Flooring is a wood flooring shop local to Richmond upon Thames. We work with the world’s leading suppliers to provide only the highest quality wood, laminate, and vinyl floors. With over 25 years of experience working with numerous high-profile clients from London and the home counties, we provide a truly bespoke service for supply, installation, and renovation at the best possible rates.
What are your most popular products and styles?
Our most popular floors tend to be from our designer brands, such as Ted Todd, Quick Step, and Original Timber. Because of our excellent relationships with our suppliers, we can guarantee the best prices on some of the most sought-after floors. Our herringbone ranges have always been incredibly popular, as the style is classic and elegant. However, recently a lot of clients have been opting to use our renovation services to restore their existing floors. This option allows for a bespoke, personalised finish whilst also being environmentally friendly.
Is there a project you are most proud of?
While we are proud of every project we complete, our most rewarding projects are those which require creative and intelligent solutions to overcome a difficult problem. In one instance, we encountered a floor which had underfloor heating pipes laid close to the surface. We needed to cut through the floor to access the joists but could not do this without potentially cutting a pipe. A simple but costly solution would have been to take up the entire floor from the edge to access the joists in the middle. However, the solution we arrived at was to let the floor cool down overnight, and then switch on the underfloor heating and use a thermal imaging camera to view the pipes under the floor. We could then cut through without damaging a single pipe. This solution saved our client two weeks of work in their home and thousands of pounds.
Will you visit a clients home to advise them what to choose?
We are happy to arrange obligation-free surveys for all our clients. It is advisable to visit our showroom on Richmond Hill to see our full range of styles, grades, and finishes, but we will always visit to measure and assess what work is required. During these visits, the client has the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.
What is the best thing about working in South West London?
Working in South-West London is ideal for us because we are accessible to such a range of clients. It ensures that we get a wide variety of different project types in many different areas – from commercial flooring in hotels and skyscrapers to residential projects in town houses and flats. There is no project too hard for our skilled floor fitters, and South-West London provides plenty of exciting work. We have completed projects across London and the Home Counties and have even sent fitters to commercial projects in Brighton, Birmingham, and even Manchester.
Richmond Vault Beer Cellar & Restaurant
Craft beers carefully sourced from around the world are offered on rotation at this compact bar.
www.richmondvault.co.uk
Roebuck
A Taylor Walker pub and beer garden at the top of Richmond Hill, with views over The Thames. www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk
White Swan Richmond
Off-the-beaten track, country-style pub with Modern European menu, open fire and beer garden. whiteswanrichmond.co.uk
The Cricketers
Pretty tavern dating from 1770 overlooking the green, with real ales and a British pub menu. www.cricketersrichmond.com
So Bar Richmond
A table service cocktail bar seconds from Richmond Green. Specialising in fresh fruit cocktails, well-made classics and home-made tapas. www.sobar-richmond.co.uk
The Angel & Crown Period pub with bare brick walls, offering sport TV, craft lager, cask ales & British food. www.angel-and-crown-richmond.co.uk
Red Cow
The Red Cow of The Ram Pub Company offers a Pub and Dining experience that aims to be a home from home. www.redcowpub.com
Richmond Vault Beer Cellar & Restaurant
Craft beers carefully sourced from around the world are offered on rotation at this compact bar. www.richmondvault.co.uk
Tap Tavern Richmond
Busy, urban pub with a cozy vibe & outdoor seating offering bar food, craft beers & small-batch gin. www.taptavern.co.uk
Shouldyou wish to wet your whistle in Richmond you could hardly have a wider choice. ‘Old school’ inns and taverns, cocktail bars, live music venues, gastropubs, they all abide aplenty in Chiswick. Here are a few suggestions but the best way to find your ‘local’ is surely to take the air and simply explore.
The White Horse, Richmond
Spacious, low-ceilinged pub with wooden floors, mismatched tables and an ‘edible’ beer garden. whitehorserichmond.co.uk
The Marlborough Pub with Chesterfield sofas, flock wallpaper and a huge garden that includes a barbecue area. themarlboroughrichmond.co.uk
The Old Ship Richmond
Traditional, wood-panelled pub with a carpeted bar and a courtyard garden, serving British food. www.theoldshiprichmond.com
Why should people appoint an interior designer instead of managing their own project?
Engaging with an interior designer has many advantages. Here at Studio III, we are professionally trained (in our case at the prestigious KLC School of Design). We have the skills and the talent to see the property’s full potential, utilising the entire space and adding value to the quality that living in a welldesigned space brings, as well as upon future on-sell. We understand that form follows function. Aesthetics are important of course, but ensuring the interior is practical and functional is a priority. By following a rigorous and iterative design process, we will get it right first time for our clients, saving them time and money. Our experience and strong relationships with contractors and suppliers is why our build projects run smoothly, taking away the stress for our clients, and ensuring we bring the design vision to life.
What type of projects get you most excited? Our philosophy is that our surroundings should enrich lives and enhance wellbeing. This is what excites us! Striking the balance between function and aesthetic, place and personality is intrinsic to our human-centred design. Transforming our clients’ spaces into
inspirational places, where their daily lives are improved and lasting memories are created, is what makes every project rewarding and exciting!
What makes Studio III different?
Passionate and creative, with a love for problem-solving our studio is special in how we harness the “power of three”; our client, our creative minds and our skilful contractors. A true collaboration to realise and fulfil our clients’ needs and tell their stories. As mid-life career changers with diverse life and industry experience – from finance to the creative arts we bring a unique combination of skills, talent and a wealth of knowledge to our design approach. Each and every one of the journeys we go on with our clients is one of trust and fun!
In developing a style for a client’s property who takes the lead or is it a collaborative effort?
All our projects begin by listening to our clients’ stories and then translating them into personal visual narratives. For us, it’s about understanding how our clients experience their space. That’s different for everyone and it’s why we don’t have a particular ‘house style.’ Put simply, we listen, collaborate and create.
Is there a project that you are most proud of?
We are so proud of all our projects! But if we had to pick one it would probably be one of our very first projects, the complete re-design and refresh of a family home located in Barnes Village. Not only was this an amazing opportunity for Studio III but it was a real privilege to work with our wonderful client to create a much-needed sanctuary that is now a warm and welcoming home for the family to relax and connect with the things that matter most in life.
Enjoy an artisan coffee, while exploring great fashion boutiques right in the picturesque heart of Richmond!
Artisan Coffee
Freshly-ground coffee along with cakes and sandwiches in a bright, contemporary cafe. https://artisancoffee.co.uk
GAIL’s Bakery Richmond
More than 30 types of bread are offered at this chain bakery serving coffee, breakfast and lunch. www.gailsbread.co.uk
The Ivy Cafe Richmond
All-day cafe-style dining from The Ivy with a casual air & Modern European menu of familiar dishes. theivycaferichmond.com
Tide Tables Cafe
Hip veggie and vegan cafe in converted arches with a large, tree-shaded terrace next to ferry dock. www.tidetablescafe.co.uk
PAUL Richmond
Cake cake, glorious cake! It’s what we do best at PAUL and we’d even say our cakes are a slice above the rest! www.paul-uk.com
Kiss the Hippo Coffee Richmond
Kiss the Hippo has become a totally carbon negative coffee brand. www.kissthehippo.com
Coffeeology
Speciality coffee, home baked cakes and fresh juices. a place with soul and real people. www.coffeeology.me.uk
11 Coffee & Co. Sheen 11coffee.co.uk
Feather & Stitch
16 King St, Richmond
TW9 1ND
www.featherandstitch.com
Anna Boutique
A unique shopping experience with an Italian twist
44 Hill Rise, London
TW10 6UB www.annaboutique.com
Anthropologie
Chain selling boho-chic womenswear, shoes, accessories & home decor (some feature wedding attire).
70-72 George St, Richmond
TW9 1HE www.anthropologie.com
Sheen Uncovered and Ruby Blue
281-287 Upper Richmond Rd W, London SW14 8QS
https://www.sheenuncovered. co.uk
www.sheenuncovered.co.uk
Whistles
19 Hill St, Richmond TW9 1SX www.whistles.com
Sweaty Betty
Chain retailer of fashionable women’s sport and exercise clothing, underwear and accessories.
2 The Quadrant, Richmond
TW9 1BP www.sweatybetty.com
2 Paved Ct, Richmond
TW9 1LZ
www.toa.st
Rocket & Wolf
424a Richmond Rd, East Twickenham, Twickenham
TW1 2EB
www.rocketandwolf.com
May London
Sheengate Mansions, 245 Upper Richmond Rd W, London SW14 8QS
https://www.shopmay.co.uk
Please tell us a little about the background of 3S Architects?
3s architects was founded as a partnership in 2000 by a German and an American architect with the core idea to add creative modern designs to character and period properties. 3s Architects is now a limited company headed by founding director Reinhard Weiss with a team of experienced architects specialising in private residential projects. With our international background and former experience from leading London and international practices, we are bringing new ideas and technologies to every project. We believe, private properties deserve as much attention to detail as commercial and civic projects. We aim to add value through sound conceptual and technical design to build high quality and long lasting homes which will stand the test of time. Over the last 20 years we have realised hundreds of projects – renovations, extensions and new builds - and we continue to contribute to our local community as well as building projects across the UK and international locations.
What is your definition of a great architect?
A good architect is a professional, who listens to their clients to interpret their brief, and through his or her architectural experience prepares designs to an advanced level, overseeing a project from concept through to completion. Throughout a project and on site, the architect represents the client, and they should be competent in all aspects of the design and building process, and accomplished at communicating with a multitude of consultants, manufacturers and tradesmen/builders to prepare and coordinate the designs. They will be good leaders with strong vision who can convince everyone involved which direction the design and project should lead throughout the process. As an individual, they have exceptional design skills and an aptitude for lateral thinking with a strong design style and ethos. They are optimists and enablers, able to provide direction to the client to achieve the best designs possible. They are flexible enough to adapt to situations as they arise without being thrown off course from what it is that will give the project and architecture integrity. Much of the process in architecture is a team effort - great architecture is born out of great team work, good clients, consultants and good contractors with the architect taking the lead.
What words of encouragement would you give to a potential client who is considering making that first call to you?
Extending your house or building a new home can be a daunting task, but with a good professional team, creative designs and the correct preparation nearly anything is possible. Designing and building your dream home is a journey full of challenges, but it can be an exciting and rewarding process. Choosing an experienced architect with a good track record, as your trusted partner, makes the building process for the client as enjoyable as possible.
What major changes have you seen during your time practising in London in terms of clients demands and design trends?
The underlying demand to bring more light into period properties connected with the desire for more habitable spaces; to improve the connection, traditional houses have with their gardens and landscape; extending at basement level with cinema rooms and gyms; reconfiguring internal spaces to improve the flow with open plan arrangements, embracing modern designs and interiors by introducing innovative products and materials as well as advanced technologies. And recently the addition of garden pavilions as home offices or recreational spaces.
Tell us about a residential project you are most proud of?
Most of our projects have something unique – with inspiration drawn from the physical context or an intimate relationship between the inside and outside and connection to a garden landscape. It is difficult to choose any single project as the one we are most proud of, but there are a number that stand out. Some of our best residential design projects are when we are able to transform a mundane or unlock a badly laid out house to create an inspiring and light filled home which has a positive identity and character. Redesigning the inside and out, reinstating historical character where needed and contrasting this with simple well-crafted modern designs can bring a timeless clean elegance.
Perhaps one of our favourites was the redesign of a family home in Kew for the former owner of the Rock Garden Café, a restaurant and venue which attracted famous bands for gigs in the 80s. The client was great fun bringing a lot of their personality to the project. They deliberately bought the ugliest house on the street because they knew they could do almost anything they wanted to it. When we first saw the house it was very poorly laid out, with multiple changes in level across the ground floor and a stair located within the centre which was dark and an obstacle. We redesigned & extended the house from top to bottom, added a new basement, extensions, replaced the original stair with a modern open tread stair with a glass façade overlooking the rear garden and opened the space up to improve the flow of the house with great connection to the garden. Others include the refurbishment and extension of a property on Sheen Road, owned once by one of three daughters of a local property developer, with its cantilevered glass extension hovering above the rear garden. Amongst our most exciting projects currently under construction are a new villa on the Greek island of Lefkada which nestles semi-buried into a steeply sloping site overlooking the sea and a modern copper clad house in the rural village of Dummer.
Your favourite aspect of life in South West London?
SW London has all the elements for a good life – boasting the largest green open spaces in London including Hampton Court, Bushy Park, Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park, and the meadows around the river Thames; its strategic position with easy access to London as well as the countryside of Thames Valley and its benefit from the great mix of people and cultures London has to offer, which brings with it fresh views and a willingness to explore new ideas expressing itself in their architecture and design.
3s architects
17A Princes Rd, Richmond TW10 6DQ 020 8332 9966
www.3s-ad.com
Richmond town centre is a true cultural hotspot, hosting galleries, museums, two famous theatres and two excellent cinemas.
Richmond Theatre is one of the most successful theatres in the country presenting a wide range of quality drama, record breaking musicals, opera, dance and family entertainment each year. It welcomes a quarter of a million theatre goers to over 40 outstanding productions annually and is a venue for local arts organisations charities to meet, perform and enjoy the theatre Theatresonline.com
Richmond Theatre
The present Richmond Theatre, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, is a British Victorian theatre located on Little Green, adjacent to Richmond Green. It opened on 18 September 1899 with a performance of As You Like It.
1 Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QH 0333 009 6690 www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre
Orange Tree Theatre
The Orange Tree Theatre is a 180seat theatre at 1 Clarence Street, Richmond in south-west London, which was built specifically as a theatre in the round. It is housed within a disused 1867 primary school, built in Victorian Gothic style.
1 Clarence St, Richmond TW9 2SA www.orangetreetheatre.co.uk
Puppet Theatre Barge - Richmond
Described as one of London’s more elusive treasures, it is an established 55 seat theatre with comfortable seating and all modern facilities and is unique. 87 Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 6UT
Richmond Shakespeare Society “ One of our best Amateur Companies” (Essential Surrey)
The Mary Wallace Theatre, The Embankment, Twickenham TW1 3DU www.richmondshakespeare.org.uk
The Richmond Shakespeare Society (Registered Charity No 276271) performs eight productions a year at The Mary Wallace Theatre, by the riverside in Twickenham. Our programme includes a vast array of plays from all eras, from Ancient Greece, Shakespeare to the modern day. Our Summer Show is an open-air production in the gardens of neighbouring York House.
After working in the film and television industry for 10 years as a camera assistant and then a stills photographer, Jake decided a change of careers was in order and started to work with a landscaping company. Over the last 5 years Jake has developed a healthy (?) obsession with plants, having loved the natural world from a young age. Karen is a painter and is a very natural designer and has a design and project management background. For the last few years, Jake had been wanting to create a gardening company that put more emphasis on healthy outdoor spaces and investing in local eco systems. In 2020 the time was right and we decided to combine our skills and start Wild Thomas Gardens.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?
The ethos for Wild Thomas Gardens was born from the idea that gardens can be beautiful, inspiring places that are not only beneficial to our wellbeing and mental health but are an incredibly important way to give back to the land we live on. We wanted to build a company that focused on the environmental aspects of gardening to create spaces for people and wildlife to co-exist.
If gardens are thoughtfully designed, they are a fantastic way to be able to care and contribute to the health of our cities and to ensure the survival of species that are so important for our environments wellbeing. We feel the opportunity to create ‘wilder’ gardens will lead to happier people, happier wildlife, and if enough people start gardening with a looser hand, it will benefit the planet as well. Through Wild Thomas Gardens we have combined Jakes knowledge of plants – he is a an RHS qualified Horticulturist – and Karen’s organisational and design skills to create a gardening company that we would want to hire. A company that places emphasis on creating beautiful outdoor space that gives back.
WHICH PROJECT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
All of them!
WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS FROM RECEIVING THE INITIAL PHONE CALL?
We arrange a time to come and have a look at the site and take measurements. When we are there, we talk through your ideas and how you want to use your space. Once we have your wish list, we create a design around this and present you with a plan drawing and plant file which illustrates the plants that we want to use. We plant according to aspect, taste and style, and also time of year. It’s very important to work with the seasons and use plants that perform at different times of year so there is always something interesting happening!
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT RUNNING WILD THOMAS GARDENS?
Getting to work outdoors and creating beautiful, useful and beneficial spaces for people and wildlife to enjoy.
Richmond is a great destination for a family trip offering entertainment for kids of all ages. We’ve picked some of the most popular family-friendly things to do and sorted them into a handy list.
Richmond Park has protected status as an important habitat for wildlife and is a National Nature Reserve, London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest and a European Special Area of Conservation.
Richmond Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of 2500 acres. Enjoy a long relaxing stroll or enjoy a more energetic bike ride with hire available inside the park or a hilly off road run.
Kew is London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site offering unique landscapes, vistas and iconic architecture from every stage of the Gardens’ history.
Our collection of living plants is the largest and most diverse in the world. www.kew.org
The present Richmond Theatre, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, is a British Victorian theatre located on Little Green, adjacent to Richmond Green. 1 Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QH www.atgtickets.com
The Museum of Richmond tells the story of Richmond from prehistory, through its rise in prominence as a royal residence in the medieval period to its modern status as a centre of the arts and fashion.
Caring for and giving access to the rich history of Richmond. www.museumofrichmond.com
The Library Pot
Eat, Play, Laugh at The Library Pot. There’s an eclectic menu for lunch and dinner, accompanied by a selection of over 650 board games. All sorts of Vegetarian and Vegan options. You will find a diversion to suit you. www.librarypot.uk
Petersham Meadows
Petersham Meadows were a part of the estate attached to Ham House from the early 17th Century until the latter years of the 19th Century.
Truly wonderful canoe, kayak and paddle board adventures in Richmond upon Thames, London… Whether you are after a gentle introduction to kayaking or an active office Summer party or some inspiring SUP Yoga with some pretty great people, you have come to the right place.
www.backofbeyonduk.com
The House route showcases some of Ham’s finest rooms and collection, including fabulous cabinets and tapestries, paintings by Constable and Reynolds, ornate lacquered furniture, ceilings painted by Antonio Verrio, and beautiful gilded interiors. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house-andgarden.
Where our children spend most of their week and how they are being educated is a decision which should take some serious consideration. We have put together this list of suggestions to make your life a little bit easier. Many local schools and nurseries offer free tours so please go and visit your choice options before making that final important decision.
Richmond’s schools, both state and private, enjoy an excellent reputation and include Oftsed-rated ‘Outstanding’ primary schools The Vineyard and Marshgate. The German School London in Petersham is another of Richmond’s landmark schools; in 1969 Hamptons sold Douglas House to the Federal Republic of Germany to create this now famous school.
The Richmond upon Thames School Richmond upon Thames School, is a co-educational secondary free school located in Twickenham in the London Borough of Richmond, south-west London, established in September 2017. It is part of the Richmond Education and Enterprise Campus that is being created at the site of Richmond upon Thames College. Egerton Rd, Twickenham TW2 7SL www.richmonduponthamesschool. org.uk
The Vineyard School
Nestled at the top of Richmond Hill and situated within stunning grounds and first class facilities, The Vineyard has been proudly educating locally in Richmond for over 160 years, finding its final home on our current school site here on Friars Stile Road.
The Vineyard School, Friars Stile Road, Richmond, TW10 6NE
www.vineyard.richmond.sch.uk
Marshgate Primary School
Our high specification building is set in landscaped grounds with spacious play areas, green areas, ecology area and pond. Located at the bottom of Queens Rd and opened in 2002.
157 Queens Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 6HY www.marshgate.richmond.sch.uk
The German School London
All are independent schools accredited and supported by the Federal Republic of Germany. We cater to pupils from Kindergarten through the bilingual Abitur and the IB diploma. www.dslondon.org.uk
How was Retro House Design established?
Design is still viewed as elite only, and so not enough people benefit from it; I think innovative design can drastically improve our houses often at little cost. I enjoy creating elegant and timeless, yet comfortable spaces that reflect the needs, identities, and aesthetics of each client. The goal is to create a compelling space, that no matter where life takes you, home is always your favourite place to be.
What’s different about your company?
Expressing the client’s vision in a timeless creation. Designing unique spaces and creating comfortable homes with a lasting aesthetic that evolve with your life. It is a pleasure to get to know my clients and understand their lifestyle and habits so as to offer a made to measure experience. My favourite part of the project is my client’s reaction when they step into their new home for the first time and they can’t decide which room is their favourite as they constantly go back and forth to compare and choose their new bedrooms.
What encouragement would you give to a potential client who is considering contacting you but maybe hesitating?
I understand the limitations of a budget and believe that great space doesn’t need to be expensive. Bringing in an architect early on can protect and add lasting value to your investment, ensure that the works are undertaken in the most efficient manner, ensure maximum functionality and give you pleasure every day you spend living in your home.
Is there a project you are most proud of?
Working for a young development company that had bought a mixed-use building in Oxford, the shop on the ground floor became vacant as businesses suffered during Covid. The developer wanted to imagine a space that would have the flexibility to be used in different ways given the uncertainty coming out of the pandemic.
I created a plan for a space that could work either as a retail unit, an office, a home office or a two-bed flat. We built a glass atrium that acted as a corridor to a two-room rear extension, whilst enhancing the feeling of space and light. Adding a kitchen in the middle of the property created a separation that could be used to divide the client space from the rear offices in a commercial configuration or the living area from the sleeping area in a residential configuration.
Favourite thing about living and working in South West London?
We are very lucky we live in a city with so much history and a very rich architecture. The inspiration is everywhere around us, the lovely and unique nature, the river, it’s in the air we breathe; I take and use it to create a place that works for my neighbours, somewhere they can feel right at home.
Leading a hectic life? Need somewhere to tone your body, recharge your muscles or simply stretch? We have put together the best locations for you to do just that. Whether you fancy going for a swim or need regular fitness classes, we know that our recommended providers will do their best to keep you in shape.
Richmond Hill Health Club
19 Lewis Rd, Richmond TW9 www.richmondhillhealthclub.co.uk
Digme Fitness
Digme is a beautiful, high tech spin studio in Central Richmond. It has fantastic instructors, friendly staff and an amazing and encouraging group of riders. Highly recommended. Spencer House, 23, Sheen Rd, Richmond, TW9 1BN www.digmefitness.com
Nuffield Health - Fitness & Wellbeing Gym
Twickenham Stoop Stadium, Stoop Memorial Ground, Langhorn Dr, Twickenham TW2 7SX www.nuffieldhealth.com
PureGym London Twickenham
Unit 1 Heath Rd, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham TW1 4AW www.puregym.com
Virgin Active
Rugby Stadium, South Stand, 196 Whitton Rd, Twickenham TW2 7BA www.virginactive.co.uk
Anytime Fitness
1st floor, Regal House, 70 London Rd, Twickenham TW1 3QS www.anytimefitness.co.uk
David Lloyd Hampton
Staines Rd, Twickenham, Feltham TW2 5JD www.davidlloyd.co.uk
Rock And Rose
Colourful, flamboyantly decorated restaurant mixing antique and modern, with an international menu. 106, 108 Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 2PQ www.rockandroserestaurant.com
Gaucho Richmond
Designer furnishings and cowhide fabrics create a lavish backdrop for Argentine food and wine.
Riverside, The Towpath Richmond, Richmond TW10 6UJ www.gauchorestaurants.com
Bill’s Richmond Restaurant
Contemporary European chain dishing up separate breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus.
1-3 Hill Rise, Richmond TW10 6UQ www.bills-website.co.uk
Buenos Aires Argentine Steakhouse
13-19 The Square, Richmond TW9 1EA
Prime Argentinian steak specialist Buenos Aires majors in moody interiors, South American artwork and Latin music www.barestaurant.com
Cafe Mamma
Family-run Italian spot with long history in the area serves pizza and pasta plus children’s menu. www.caffemamma.co.uk
The Petersham Restaurant Views over the Thames from discreet hotel restaurant with modern British menu and afternoon tea.
Nightingale Ln, Richmond TW10 6UZ www.petershamhotel.co.uk
Al Boccon Di’ vino
Intimate, traditional Italian restaurant serving multiple courses selected by the chef.
14 Red Lion St, Richmond TW9 1RW www.nonsolovinoltd.co.uk
Sebastian’s Italian
Using the finest and freshest ingredients our chefs pride themselves on creating mouth watering dishes. All our pizza’s are cooked fresh in our real wood fired oven. This ensures our customers experience the true flavour of Italy.
12 King St, Richmond TW9 1ND www.sebastiansrichmond.co.uk
The Ivy Cafe Richmond
All-day cafe-style dining from The Ivy with a casual air & Modern European menu of familiar dishes.
9-11 Hill St, Richmond TW9 1SX
www.theivycaferichmond.com
Dragon inn
Chinese favourites as well as Vietnamese, Malaysian and Thai dishes in simply decorated setting.
130 Sheen Rd, Richmond TW9 1UR
www.the-dragon-inn-chinese-restaurant.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral
Hanana Sushi
49 Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 2NQ
www.hanana.co.uk
Chatora - Contemporary Indian Restaurant
With dining on 3 levels and bifold doors leading onto a small terrace, you can sit somewhere different every time you come. The experienced owner and 3 chefs represent the North, East, South and West of India. Generously proportioned, original dishes are authentically spiced and burst with flavour.
100 Kew Rd, Richmond TW9 2PQ www.chatora.co.uk
Richmond Vault Beer Cellar & Restaurant
Craft beers carefully sourced from around the world are offered on rotation at this compact bar.
5 Hill St, London, Richmond TW9 1SX www.richmondvault.co.uk
L’assaggino
A newly established Italian pasta Restaurant with traditional values- fresh food, simple ingredients and good wine. We only use fresh, carefully sourced and seasonal ingredients to make all our beautiful, rustic dishes.
9 Paved Ct, Richmond TW9 1LZ www.lassaggino.co.uk
‘Virtually’ all you need
Some suggested local social media groups to help you connect, learn, buy, sell and have fun.
Richmond
This Facebook Page has been created by the Community Engagement Team, part of the Community and Partnerships Division of the London Borough of Richmond Council. www.facebook.com/groups/RichmondVillage
My Richmond
My Richmond is a local influencer & online marketplace supporting local businesses in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames www.facebook.com/myrichmond.london
Richmond Mums
Your local guide to what’s happening and new in Richmond, Kew and surrounding areas for you and your families. www.facebook.com/RichmondMum
Richmond UK Mums
Richmond Mums is open to all mums, dads and carers who live in the Richmond and surrounding areas, London, UK. www.facebook.com/groups/989895257700195
What’s On In Richmond
A site where you can both post about and find out what’s on in Richmond, Surrey. www.facebook.com/groups/1579513558954013
Richmond Dads Group
@richmonddad -Connecting fathers in the Richmond, VA area through meetups, blogs, workshops and more. Part of the City Dads Group.
Richmond Theatre Creative Learning
@Richmond_CL - Delivering inspirational creative learning experiences for all ages including school and community groups
@RichmondTheatre supported by Richmond Theatre TrustPerforming arts
Richmond Mums & Dads
@RichmondNetMums
Updating you about parents’ networks in the London borough of Richmond-Upon-Thames, local news, and other thoughts! (ex-Netmums Meetups)
You should inform your Local Authority of where you are moving from and where you are moving to around a month before you move. You can do this here..www.richmond.gov.uk/search_results?qt2=moving+house+&ct= You’ll need to include the forwarding addresses for every adult in the property that pays council tax.
Search for information and services from your council. Information for residents about Richmond town Council including council tax, bins and recycling, schools, leisure, streets and parking, this and lot’s more at the below link. www.richmond.gov.uk
If you are thinking of making changes to your property, you may need to apply for planning permission and / or Building Regulations approval. If you’re not sure which applications to make, please use the guidance below to help you to decide what you need to do.
Please note that many developments will require both.
Planning is the process of deciding whether a proposed development should go ahead or not. It uses national and local policies to consider the development in its context and may look at the impact of the work on neighbours and the wider community, existing architecture, the land, the layout, and existing or proposed infrastructure (such as drains, transport and schools).
You will probably need planning permission if your proposed development will do any of the following:
• create a new building, or change the use or appearance of an existing building
• affect the sunlight, privacy or outlook for neighbouring properties
• affect the nearby area with noise disturbance, smell or fumes
• work on or around listed buildings or any conservation areas
• affect traffic volumes, road safety or access
• change the density of development in an area
• use significantly different materials or finishes from nearby properties
• have an effect on existing trees
www.richmond.gov.uk/search_results?qt2=Planning+appeals&ct=
Building control applies national statutory regulations to ensure the structural quality of any building work, in areas such as safety, public health, accessibility, and the materials used. Most substantial building projects (such as an extension, knocking down walls or converting a garage or loft) will need Building Regulations approval.
www.richmond.gov.uk/search_results?qt2=building+control&ct=
