In the dense jungles of Jawai, there was a legend about a mysterious creature known as the Casual Leopard.
Unlike other leopards, who were fierce hunters and stealthy prowlers, this leopard was said to be different. It wandered lazily through the trees, often lying on low branches or strolling along jungle paths as if it had all the time in the world.
The Casual Leopard wasn’t feared like the other big cats. In fact, villagers whispered that it had a strange calmness about it, as if it saw through the hustle and rush of life. The leopard would sometimes sit by rivers, watching the water flow with a serene gaze, or stretch out in the sun with its shades on, completely indifferent to the scurrying of the other animals.
No one had ever seen it hunt, but it was never hungry. Some said the jungle itself provided for it, recognising the leopard’s peaceful nature. The birds didn’t flee when it passed, and even deer would graze nearby, unbothered by its presence.
The villagers believed that the Casual Leopard had a secret wisdom, a deep understanding of the balance of nature, time, and life. Occasionally, travellers claimed that if you were lucky enough to spot it, it would lock eyes with you, and in that moment, you would understand the importance of taking life at your own pace — being fierce when needed but always appreciating the moments of calm.
And so, the legend of the Casual Leopard lived on, a reminder that sometimes, the greatest power is found not in speed or strength, but in the ability to simply be still.
- Scott Hallsworth -
Freak Scene, the pan-Asian restaurant run by Australian chef Scott Hallsworth (ex- Head chef of Nobu and one-time founder of Kurobuta), opened back in March 2018 right in the heart of Soho, after popping up the year before in Farringdon. Freak Scene came to Fulham in March 2023. Freak Scene Sushi and Robata came to Balham in 2024.
Casual Leopard joined the Freak Scene Restaurant Group in October 2024.
The Freak Scene Restaurant Group
Freak Scene Restaurants is a restaurant group with locations in London’s Parsons Green, SW6 and Balham, SW12.
Since 2024
Casual Leopard came to 5 Ramsden Rd, London SW12 8QX Balham in September 2024.
Locations
Freak Scene in Fulham:
28 Parsons Green Lane, London SW6 4HS
Freak Scene Sushi & Robata in Balham:
1 Ramsden Rd, London SW12 8QX