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Around Askew Road: our guest blogger’s top five parenting gems
We'd like to welcome to the Northfields blog, our guest blogger Jessica who caught our attention with her blog New Mumblings. Based in the Askew Road area, near one of our offices, we thought Jessica was the perfect person to tell you all the best spots to frequent if you have kids in tow in the Askew Road area. Over to Jessica…
Guest blog by Jessica of New Mumblings:
When I first moved to the Askew Road area – or the ‘Askewniverse’ as it’s been dubbed – I was more concerned about where my boyfriend and I could enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch with the papers (Louche was our favourite). But fast forward a few years and we’re now married and two has become three, so life has definitely changed! My maternity leave meant I’ve spent a lot of time exploring our local area and now working part time, my toddler and I are out and about here a lot. It’s a great place to live – here are five of my parenting gems around Askew Road.
Lavelis
Our favourite local independent coffee shop and bakery – the staff here have known me from bump to baby and they make a real fuss of my daughter when she comes in. With children’s books, some games, a mini table and ample high chairs, this is a great spot for a delicious flat white, babycino and homemade almond pastry to share.
Wendell Park
Following the children’s playground refurbishment around a year ago, this is a great spot for younger and older children. There’s a generous play area, apparatus for all ages and a good amount of swings (a toddler essential!) The main park is large and well tended and there’s also a quieter picnic area which is fenced off, so no dogs are allowed.
Askew Library
My daughter recently got her own library card – which she found very exciting – but they offer so much more than books here. Askew Library runs a fantastic singing and reading sessions for children throughout term time – we started coming here for baby bounce when she was just 3 months old and she still visits at least once or twice each week. Staff are friendly and the library is well stocked and maintained following a revamp a few years ago.
The Eagle
The large garden is the main attraction in the summer, but this Askew Road pub is also friendly and welcoming in the winter, with a decent children’s menu and lots of space for children to explore after the meal. We came here a few weeks ago with friends and they really enjoyed the food and relaxed atmosphere.
Acton Park
Venturing a bit further afield I love Acton Park which has a lot of green space, great paths for scooter practice and a good playground. There’s a zip wire for older children and plenty of equipment for little ones. There’s also a Children’s Centre which was a great help during maternity leave. The park cafe has just had a makeover, now offering a bigger range of food, coffees and ice creams and a great range of children’s toys.
With longer, lighter spring days there’s no better time to get out and about – happy exploring!
Who is Jessica? 
Jessica is a new-ish mum living in and loving the Askew Road area of west London. She's most likely to be seen sipping a flat white, reviewing local events and chasing around after her active toddler – often all at the same time. A Cornwall native, she also relishes escaping to the coast when she can. She lives with her husband and, as of March 2012, little girl.
She blogs at newmumblings.com
She tweets @newmumblings
And also instagrams: newmumblings
Thank you Jessica for agreeing to share the inside scoop on getting the most out of the ‘Askewniverse’ as a parent. If you are thinking of moving to the area around the Askew Road, our office (near the Ginger Pig) will be able to help. Give our Askew Road office a call on 020 8740 8833. Or tweet us @Northfieldslive.