The newest trader in Hammersmith says plans for a new cinema and rejuvenation of King Street is a great way for the council to give back to the community.

Natig Mammadov, opened his first business – a French styled coffee shop in King Street, called Laissez Faire – earlier this month.

“The plans to improve the town hall and the western end of King Street are wonderful,” says Natig.

“H&F is a fabulous place to live and run a business. It’s a lovely part of London that is nice and peaceful and most importantly safe. I thought about putting up shutters and I realised there was no need. It’s an amazing neighbourhood.”

Lawyer turned entrepreneur

Natig moved to London three years ago from New York where he worked as a lawyer.

The H&F entrepreneur who is originally from Azerbaijan now lives just across the river in Putney.

Natig and his team of four opened Laissez Faire in early January after an extensive renovation, with everything from the ceiling to the floor being torn out and rebuilt.

The modern fresh décor of wooden tables and leather sofas makes it a great place to have a tea or coffee, as well as enjoy Natig’s favourite bits of French cuisine – baguettes, ham, cheese and pastries – all imported straight from France. 

The Laissez Faire manager recalls how he stumbled upon the empty unit in King Street – and immediately fell in love with it. “I wanted to have the place the moment I set my eyes on it. It’s a great spot,” adds Natig. “The biggest problem was deciding upon a name. I had 50 possible names and then one day my friend came up with Laissez Faire that wasn’t even on my list.”

Natig has plans to hang the artwork of local artists, which will be up for sale, on the walls of his coffee shop.

For more details on how to display your artwork at Laissez Faire, email Natig at enquiries@aecor.co.uk. Laissez Faire is at 198 King Street, London W6 0RA.

New cinema coming soon

Hammersmith & Fulham Council plan to build a new cinema, redevelop Hammersmith Town Hall and regenerate the western area of King Street.

“We want to breathe new life into this part of Hammersmith and continue our regeneration projects across the borough,” said Cllr Andrew Jones, H&F Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration. “We are striving to make H&F the best place to live, work and socialise in Europe.”

Building more genuinely affordable homes

The council and their new development partner A2 Dominion, a not-for-profit housing provider, plan to build:

• A modern new cinema
• At least 50 per cent genuinely-affordable housing for local residents
• Demolishing the ugly Town Hall extension
• A new public space in front of a restored Town Hall
• Staying within the massing and height of the former scheme
• New affordable, flexible office space for business start-ups
• A new arts quarter alongside new cafes, shops and restaurants
• Improved green spaces to help link King Street to the riverside
• Inclusive design to ensure excellent disability access
• Measures to green the environment and minimise the buildings’ carbon footprint.

Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, one of the world’s leading firms of architects, have been commissioned to work up the new scheme.