Where in west London do you live?
I live in Kensington – it is central and has great schools. All of our kids’ schools are within walking distance and we live in a lovely leafy street.
What inspired you to start up members’ kids club Maggie & Rose?
Quite honestly because there was absolutely nowhere to go with my four kids. I got sick of mediocre classes in smelly church halls and unfriendly coffee shops. I wanted somewhere warm and homely to meet friends, do lovely classes with my little ones and have fond memories of their childhoods. At the time no one was doing it – so I did. It really is such a lovely place. We have awesome members and a great team – I am such a proud mama.
What has been your favourite event you’ve had so far?
We put on an amazing art exhibition at the Saatchi gallery for our favourite charity Starlight. We had all these great artists working with kids to create art to exhibit and sell at the Saatchi and raised £150,00 for the charity – it was great and we hope to repeat the madness next year.
Where do you like to take the kids on a lazy Sunday afternoon?
Usually to our favourite café Locanda Ottoemezzo in Thackery Street, for toasted focaccia and cake. We all buy mags from the little newsagent and eat, read and catch up. Most Sundays we can be found curled up on our sofa watching movies.
What’s your fave treat in the Maggie & Rose café?
Our lovely chef Belles makes the most divine brownies possibly in the world – they are dangerous and the recipe is top secret so we have no idea what is in them.
Do you have any coping tips for new mums?
Motherhood is so challenging and we all cope with it in different ways. The guilt of wondering if we are doing it right gets to all of us. My best advice is to try and take a break and get some ‘me time’ even if it is just to take a nap. I see so many exhausted mums trying to battle with their little ones (myself included) as it makes it so much harder if you are shattered.
What do you like cooking with your kids?
My kids have been raised in the M&R cooking school by Belles. They all love cooking and I come home to all sorts of weird and wonderful concoctions – not all edible but I love that they give it ago. They all love helping out when we have dinner parties and the girls love making things pretty.
What’s in your fridge at the moment?
Oh dear – I have just had a look and it is not looking good… Certainly not enough to feed my family – time to go shopping!
Where’s the best child-friendly place to eat out in West London?
The usual suspects – Pizza Express and Carluccio’s do the best kids’ menu in that it is not totally boring and predictable, plus they have colouring activities. They are also good value.
What could you not live without?
My mum – she is my best friend and my inspiration, plus she makes the best curries ever.
Where do you go to escape?
I am not a spa girl but when I need to I go to the Cowshed. It is just the right balance of calm and cool – I have no idea what’s in the massage oils but they are bliss – sorts me out every time.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
In general it is a crazy time for my family and the club, with all the school plays, birthdays and then Christmas – it gets rather insane. I am excited about our new book, which is due out in November. I adore this book and had so much fun writing it as it is straight from my home. All the things we do as a family are in it and I am so proud to be able to share the things that make Christmas so special in my family with everyone.
