Pictured is Fulham cider entrepreneur Victor Zasadzk
Fulham cider entrepreneur Victor Zasadzki says Hammersmith & Fulham is a growing hotbed for artisans and craftspeople.
Pilango, which is situated under the railway arches off Munster Road, is the latest exciting arrival in H&F after Victor opened his popular cider business in Fulham last year.
And he has found a talented hub of local entrepreneurs to work with, who he believes have the potential to turn H&F into a ‘craft village’.
“The borough is booming with exciting craft, food and drink businesses which have the chance to begin, flourish and thrive here,” said Victor.
“The council gives local entrepreneurs a fabulous chance to turn their interests and passions into a real business with initiatives like the traffic-free markets. Together we can make H&F a real hotspot for exciting new artisans and craftspeople.”
Initiatives like the traffic-free seasonal markets and the Made in H&F pop-up shop are the result of the council’s Industrial Strategy (pdf 2.6MB) which aims to make H&F the best place to do business in Europe.
Community collaboration
Victor has embraced the vibrant community of local businesses in H&F hosting flower arranging workshops, art classes and book groups with them.
He also organised a Spanish themed weekend with Fulham-based sherry company XECO and a French cider and cheese fest last summer to mark Bastille Day.
All this took place at Pilango, a former black cab repair shop in Munster Arches, which Victor has transformed into a cider lover’s paradise. Or as he likes to call it ‘cider’s embassy in London’.
Pilango is the home of a vast collection of ciders from across the globe including Australia and South Africa.
“We literally have ciders from all over the world. Wherever an apple can grow, we have a cider,” added Victor.
He made his first batch of cider with the apples from the back garden of his uncle’s house, using just a juicer and blender, and has not looked back since.
Entrepreneur support
Are you setting up your own craft or creative business in H&F and want to be part of a growing local network of entrepreneurs? Whatever stage you’re at, get in touch with Nicki Burgess at nicki.burgess@lbhf.gov.uk to find out more.
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