Want to know what events are happening in Tooting, Furzedown or Earlsfield, or want to add your own event(s)? Check out our Tooting Events Page!

Halloween parties, live music, poetry, art and a Polish feast – there’s something for everyone at Tooting’s House of Ora in October! 🎃🍁

📅 Friday 23rd Oct 🪩 Tales of The Disco • 9pm • Tickets £11.50
Mark and Portia Emare bring you an epic night of disco and house music to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society in honour of Mark’s dad.
🎟️ Tickets here.

📅 Saturday 24th Oct 🎶 DJ Greg • 9pm • Free before 10pm, £5 from 10pm
Bringing you the best from the 70’s to 00’s!
🎟️ On the door

📅 Sunday 25 Oct 🥟Taste of Poland • 12- 8pm
Back by popular demand! Choose from a 90-minute buffet for £19pp, or for £10 more, add a Soplica tasting (18+ flavoured Polish vodka & liqueurs).
🎟️ On the door

📅 Sunday 25 Oct 🎤 Live&Lit • 5:30pm
A night of poetry and painting featuring an open mic and a live band.
🎟️ From £11.55 via Eventbrite

More House of Ora events HERE.

📧 Enquiries: info@wearehouseofora.co.uk
📍 House of ORA, 48A Mitcham Rd, Tooting Broadway, SW17 9NA

Pop-Up Vintage Market in Tooting this Sunday, 25th October!

Wandsworth Council, in collaboration with The Urban Vintage Affair, is hosting an outdoor market with vintage homeware, jewellery, clothing, art, accessories and more!

The Urban Vintage Affair is a homeware brand that challenges traditional perceptions and encourages creatives to view antiques through a fresh lens. Created with a clear mission: to make vintage and antique collecting feel welcoming, inspiring, and completely accessible, especially for a new generation.

The market will take place on the pedestrianised area of Totterdown Street (just outside the Tooting Market entrance), SW17 8TB, on Sunday 25th October, 12pm-5pm.

HALLOWEEN Wandsworth Common Beer & Cider Festival 🍻🎃 – Wednesday 28th to Saturday 31st October – with a SPECIAL DISCOUNT for Tooting Newsie readers (see below)!

Not a beer & cider fan? Wine & gin will also be available throughout the festival!

Get ready for FOUR days of Halloween fun in the spooky & historic Le Gothique Restaurant, Bar & Wedding Venue, Wandsworth Common, London, SW18 3SX – where better to spend Halloween than in this extraordinary building?

WEDNESDAY 28TH OCT: Preview Night, 6pm-11pm.
Be amongst the first through the doors - Tickets £50 per person which include all the beers and ciders you can drink, plus a free commemorative festival glass & programme!

THURSDAY 29TH OCT: The Festival continues! 1pm-11pm.
Fantastic day out with a huge choice of beers & ciders, hearty food and great atmosphere! Plus a free commemorative festival glass & programme, £15 per person.

FRIDAY 30TH OCT: Glam Rock Night, 1pm-11pm.
All the goodies available as before, plus 70’s Glam Rock Band “Glamstar” from 8pm in the Great Hall – prepare for a great boogie 🪩! Tickets £15 per person, free glass & programme included.

SATURDAY 31ST OCT: All day Halloween Celebration, 1-11pm!
Tickets £15 per person, FREE entry for children. During the day there will be face painting for children, a wandering magician, treats for children in their Halloween best, free witches potion juice for kids – all family & dog friendly!

There’ll be a Halloween Costume competition at 7pm, and Glamstar will be back from 8pm!

SPECIAL DISCOUNT for Tooting Newsie readers – get 20% off tickets with code TOOTING20. Tickets available via legothique.co.uk/beer-festivals

📍Le Gothique, The Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, John Archer Way, SW18 3SX

Festival of the Dead returns to Tooting and Balham, bringing a week of storytelling, creativity, performance, community celebration and organised mayhem!

Taking place across local venues during half-term, the festival invites families, adults and the wider community to explore stories and traditions surrounding witches, folklore, ancestors and the changing seasons.

The festival culminates in The Gathering – a large-scale community celebration featuring a lantern-lit procession led by a giant bird and the Rhythms of Resistance Samba Band at The Woodfield Pavilion on Tooting Common.

The evening will feature live storytelling, performances, food and drink, and the return of the hugely popular Silent Disco, which sold out last year – so get your headset booked early!

Alongside The Gathering, the wider Festival of the Dead programme includes creative family workshops and events exploring witches, hags, crones, wise women, mythology and folklore.

Festival of the Dead is created by South London Storytelling, a local organisation bringing people together through live storytelling and community events.

📅 October 24 - November 1 2026
🎟️ Tickets and full programme HERE.

🌶 12th Annual Chilli Sauce Championships 🌶 this Sunday 25th October at the Balham Bowls Club – judged by everyone attending!

Every attendee gets a voting card and gets to taste an incredible selection of homemade chilli sauces, before deciding who’s crowned the winner for 2026.

There are 45 entries so far – and it’s not all about extreme heat, with flavour every bit as important as fire. Sauces are divided into four categories: mild, medium, hot and nuclear. Whether you’re a chilli beginner or a seasoned veteran of spice, there will be plenty for you to taste and vote for. Plus the Yogurt Station will be back to cool any sizzling tongues!

Fancy entering a sauce? Find out more in the link below!

Kids and well-behaved dogs welcome!

🗓 Sunday 25th October
🕑 2pm drinks, tastings 3pm-5pm, winners announced at 6pm.
📍 Balham Bowls Club, 7-9 Ramsden Rd, SW12 8QX
🎟 £5 on the door

For more info and a link to the entry form, visit chillisaucecomp.com

Tooting Tidy’s next litter pick is this Sunday 25th October! Meet at Tooting Broadway tube station at 11am – the litter pick will cover lower Tooting High Street.

They’re also partnering with The Tooting Tavern for this pick, who’ll be providing free teas and coffees and discounted food and drinks. 🍷

Equipment provided and everyone welcome!

Extinction Rebellion Wandsworth is supporting a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing at St Alban’s Church in Furzedown on Saturday 7th November, 3pm-4.45pm.

The organisers tell us, “Introduced by Chris Packham, this 50-minute film brings together key clips from the 3-hour-long National Emergency Briefing shown to MPs and others.

“The screening will be followed by discussion of the film and what we can all do. The event is hosted by Furzedown Churches and supported by XR Wandsworth, Christian Climate Action, Greener Jobs Alliance, Greenpeace South West London, Balham Climate Action and Transition Town Tooting. All welcome!”

The event is free, but please sign up so the organisers can keep track of numbers.

📍 St Alban’s Church, 1 Pretoria Road, SW16 6RR
🗓 Saturday 7th November 3pm-4.45pm

Book your free place via Eventbrite.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your teen, Ten Dental on Balham High Road are offering up to £2,000 OFF ceramic braces until October 31st!

Ten Dental + Facial’s specialist orthodontists in Balham and Clapham have helped thousands of families achieve confident, healthy smiles, with treatments tailored to each child’s needs and the latest technology for precision and comfort.

They also offer a FREE initial consultation to assess your teen’s needs and discuss the options.

To find out more and to book a free consultation, WhatsApp 07920 581065, call 020 8675 1798, email hello@tendental.com or pop into the clinic at 156 Balham High Road.

You can also visit their website at tendental.com

Are you planning to upgrade your bathroom? Evenflow Heating & Plumbing is a small business run by Balham resident, Matthew Bridle, which specialises in complete bathroom refurbishments.

Their small team include dedicated plumbers, tilers, plasterers, electricians & carpenters – and you can find them on Checkatrade, with over 240 reviews & an average score of 9.88 out of 10.

Evenflow offer free quotes and also a 10% discount for bathroom refurbs quoted and booked in before 31st December 2026.

Please reference code ‘WINTER10’ when contacting to claim.

Matthew tells us more about his business, “Customer communication is key – from pre-work communication such as discussing options, clients sending me links to items to check suitability, to a daily progress update. Customers really appreciate being kept up to date.

“Our attention to detail and design ideas help make the sometimes disruptive process of removing a bathroom way more manageable.”

Evenflow also undertake all heating works – from changing radiator valves to complete heating installations.

To get in touch & request a free quote, call 07799 190 790 or email even.flow@hotmail.co.uk

You can also see more great examples of their work on their Instagram page.

FREE Skin Health Consultation & Visage Scan! Balham doctor-led aesthetics clinic, FACE By Balham Studios are offering a free, no-obligation skin health consultation to all new clients!

Unlock your skin’s true potential – their advanced Visage Scan goes beneath the surface to identify any concerns & craft a tailor-made plan that rejuvenates your skin from the inside out.

FACE facial aesthetics clinic (under the same ownership as Balham Dental Studio next door) offer a wide range of treatments including Microneedling, Polynucleotides, Emlift, HydraFacial, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) & hair loss solutions.

FACE Facial Practitioner, Dr Kalina Kaseem, tells us, “As part of the Balham Studios family, our treatments are delivered by highly skilled, medically trained professionals with an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all – every journey begins with a thorough consultation to design a treatment plan unique to your goals.

“We use only premium, industry-leading products within a modern, regulated clinical environment, ensuring your safety and comfort at every step.”

To book your FREE Skin Health Consultation and to find out more, call 020 8675 7210, visit their website, or pop in and meet the team!

📍114a Balham High Road, SW12 9AA.

There are lots of business offering discounts for NHS, emergency service workers and students in Tooting, Earlsfield and Furzedown!

We’ve created a list of businesses offering discounts – visit our Tooting Discounts Page to find out more. And don’t forget to check back as we update the page!

Andy Burnham has announced a crackdown on “headphone dodgers” who play loud music on public transport, reports The Guardian.

The prime minister unveils a campaign against nuisance behaviour on public transport today, Monday 19th October, alongside guidance allowing local transport authorities to levy fines of up to £100 for non-compliance.

The nationwide campaign also gives local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.

Full story via The Guardian.

BBC News reports on teenage boxer Lily Bassett from Tooting, who’s eyeing potential future Olympic glory by competing with Team GB in the Youth Olympics at the end of this month.

Lily recently won her fourth consecutive junior European Championship gold medal in Serbia after she beat opponents up to three years older than her. She is among 16 athletes across a range of sports who will represent Great Britain at the Youth Games which begin in Dakar, Senegal, on 31 October.

Marcus Luther, who started coaching Bassett at his club TM Boxing when she was six, said she has the talent to make it all the way to the top.

Full story via BBC News.

Ice hockey is back, just up the road in Streatham! 🏒 The Streatham Redhawks have made a winning start to the new season, following a successful campaign last year which saw them crowned both Southern and National Playoff Champions!

The local ice hockey team have already secured victories over Chelmsford Chieftains, Swindon Wildcats 2, Solent Devils and Invicta Dynamos, and will be looking to continue their winning streak when they return to home ice at Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre.

Fancy going along to support the team? Tickets are £17 for adults, £11 for concessions (under 16s and over 60s), or £50 for a family ticket (two adults and two children under 16).

Tickets can be purchased at streatham-hockey.co.uk

Good luck to Tooting resident Stuart, who’s walking 5km every day in October to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK!

Stuart is taking part in Prostate United, the football-themed fundraising challenge, striding out every morning from Tooting to the depths of Wimbledon, Balham, Clapham, Mitcham and Battersea – sharing photos and highlights of his walks, as well as sharing his story.

Stuart tells us, “Two and half years ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and I went into life’s injury time. In attack l have a team of brilliant and skilled consultants, doctors and nurse managers keeping me in the game with their latest tactics, and my results are steady.

“In defence I have a fantastic wife, family, friends and neighbours who put up with me when i’m not on top of my game with the hormonal sweats – and coach me to carry on.

“So I thought I would do something to help raise awareness; every time I met somebody new, I tackled them with the prostate question – ‘have you been tested?’ – passing on the prostate message hoping to save lives.

“The hormonal sweaty side effects had put me off my life game which meant no gym, no allotment, no DIY and no pub crawls!!

“But now for the comeback! I’m taking this challenge, offered by the Prostate Cancer Team, to score 31 x 5km goals in a month – I’ve already reached 100km!”

To find out more and to donate, you can do so here.

Paula and Sergiu have opened Mava Coffee at 19 Trinity Road, serving coffee (and coffee beans), pastries (some of which are too big to fit in the display cases!), Italian desserts and more! The name ‘Mava’ is a combination of their daughters’ names.

They also sell prosecco and wine to take away, and will be hosting wine-tasting and social events in the near future (check their social media for updates).

Open 6.30am-3pm Monday to Friday and 7am-3pm Saturday and Sunday to eat-in and takeaway. Oat, soy, coconut and other vegan milk alternatives available (at no extra price). And the venue is dog-friendly! 🐶

See @mavacoffeetooting (Instagram) for more info.

Congratulations and good luck to Paula and Sergiu!

Seahorse Nursery has opened at 534 Garratt Lane. The branch joins their existing sites in Southfields and Wimbledon Park.

Tours of the nursery are available. For more info, visit their website.

Congratulations and good luck to the team!

Congratulations to Rebecca Dartnall on winning the Friends of Tooting Common (FOTC) photo competition for the months of July to September, with this brilliant photo!

FOTC’s David, who judged the competition, said of the photo, “It shows life going on at dusk and picks up three bands of vegetation as your eye is drawn up the picture to the wonderful coloured clouds with the very memorable bleached tree drawing your eye back to the left hand corner.”

There were a number of excellent photos entered which you can view here.

FOTC are also running a photo competition for the months of October to December.

As usual, entry to the competition is free, and open to everyone. Photos can be of any aspect of Tooting Common, particularly one which brings out its distinctive character; and should be taken during the months concerned. It can include people, but for any close-up photos the permission of the people should be obtained. Any photos including children should be from a distance and not identify faces.

Please send photos by Thursday 31 December, to fotcinformation@gmail.com, and entitle the email ‘FOTC photo competition’.

More info about FOTC via their website.

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From live local bands and 70’s disco to a family autumn party – there’s a fantastic mix of events this weekend at Tooting’s House of Ora!

📅 Thursday 15 Oct 🎸 The London Music Showcase 7pm • Castlecombe Drive
Discover local London bands at a live music meet-up.
🎟️ Tickets £12.50 HERE.

📅 Saturday 17 Oct 🎭 St Georges Music Society
Doors 6:30pm • Show starts 7:30pm
Presenting the annual 24 hours Musical Society Show where students have exactly 24 hours to build, rehearse, and perfect an entire live performance.
🎟️ Tickets from £7 on the door

📅 Saturday 17 Oct 🪩 70’s Disco 9:30pm
Dress up in your best 70’s disco outfits!
🎟️ Free Entry before 10pm • £5 after 10pm on the door

📅 Sunday 18 Oct 🍂 Family Friendly Autumn Party 1:30-3:30pm
Join for an afternoon of dancing, games, face painting, and prizes for the best costume - plus lunch, coffee, and drinks for the grown-ups!
🎟️ Tickets £7 per child HERE (also on the door), adults free.

📅 Sunday 18 Oct 🎸 The London Music Showcase 5pm
Kosmic Sinkhole • Discover local London bands at a live music meet-up.
🎟️ Tickets £12.50 on the door

More House of Ora events HERE.

📧 Enquiries: info@wearehouseofora.co.uk
📍 House of ORA, 48A Mitcham Rd, Tooting Broadway, SW17 9NA

Battersea Park Fireworks return on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November, bigger and better than ever!

Don’t miss their iconic fireworks displays, as well as incredible performances, including a DJ set from Rudimental on the Saturday night, Arcadia’s Lords of Lightning on Sunday, and of course, live music, fairground rides, delicious street food, and winter warming drinks!

Plus new for 2026 is their Happy Hour! Get £5 drinks and 50% off fairground rides for the first hour of each night (6-7pm on Saturday and 4:30-5:30pm on Sunday)

Tickets are going fast so make sure you grab yours now! Book HERE.

Part of the queer community and looking for new friends and connections in the area? Lesbians SW London (LSW) are hosting a Brunch social at Joy Café in Tooting on 25th October, 11am-3pm (more info below), and host events throughout the year, including dating and mingling nights, socials, creative workshops and more!

LSW is a lesbian (FLINTA) queer meet-up group based in Tooting, bringing together queer women and non-binary folks across South West London. They host regular socials in Tooting, Clapham, Balham, Colliers Wood, and beyond, all south of the river.

At LSW, the belief is simple: you shouldn’t have to travel miles to find your people. Community and connection are at the heart of everything they do, so whether you’re new to London, freshly moved to SW, or a long-time local looking for your crew, there’s a place for you.

Tickets for the Brunch Social (plus more info about the group) on the 25th October are available via their Linktree.

📍Joy Café, 9 Upper Tooting Rd, Tooting Bec, SW17 7TS

The Friends of Tooting Common annual Pumpkin Parade 🎃🎃🎃 takes place on Sunday 25th October, 4pm-5pm!

There’ll be competitions for the Funniest, Scariest, and Most Artistic carved pumpkins, plus a Fancy Dress competition! There’ll be two age groups – Under 8s, and 8s & Over.

There’ll also be a parade of lit pumpkins!

EVERYONE WELCOME!

Entry fee £1 per pumpkin
No charge for fancy dress competitions
Enquiries: fotcinformation@gmail.com

The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 17th October, in seven locations around Wandsworth, including Tooting. Skips will close when they’re full, or at 12pm – whichever comes first.

Mega Skip Days are an opportunity for people to dispose of bulky items for free. Large skips are placed in neighbourhoods around the borough for all local residents to use.

The skips are open to residents of the London Borough of Wandsworth only. Proof of address may be required on the day.

The skips will be in the following places:
📍 Childebert Road, SW17 8EX
📍 Strathdon Drive, SW17 0PN
📍 Ansell Road, SW17 7LS
📍 Clapham Common west side, SW4 9AT
📍 Waverton Road, SW18
📍 Stockhurst Close, SW15 1NB
📍 Neville Gill Close, SW18 4BP

More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.

Want to know what events are happening in Tooting, or want to add your own event(s)? Check out our Tooting Events Page!

Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk, on what Rightmove doesn't tell you...

“Rightmove is brilliant for finding homes. Bedrooms, bathrooms, floorplans, asking prices… all at your fingertips. But there’s something it can’t quite capture.

“What’s the walk to the station like on a Monday morning? Is your street peaceful or bustling? Where will you grab your Saturday coffee or enjoy a Friday night out?

“And then there’s Tooting Common. Whether it’s an early morning run, a leisurely Sunday stroll, or discovering one of those beautiful, peaceful corners by the water that you never knew existed. 🌳🦢

“And here’s the thing about Tooting. Two homes just a few streets apart can offer completely different experiences of living here.

“That’s where genuinely knowing an area makes all the difference.

“Because choosing a home isn’t just about what’s behind the front door. It’s about the street, the local businesses, the people and the community you’ll become part of.

“You don’t just buy a home. You buy into everything around it. ❤️ And that’s why local knowledge matters. Find out more on Instagram and Facebook.

“Born and raised in Tooting. Looking after a small handful of homes across Tooting, Balham and Streatham personally.”

Need some property advice? Email Chuk at hello@homeswithchuk.co.uk, call 07940 546 190, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!

These are just some of the locals putting in the work at Enhance Fitness in Earlsfield – and their 6 Week Transformation Trial is the perfect way to join them! 💪

Whether you’re starting from scratch, coming back after a break or injury, or ready to push on, you’ll be made welcome from day one, with expert coaches who tailor everything to you. It’s why so many local residents have made Enhance part of their routine – and left 5-star reviews along the way.

Over the six weeks, you’ll get everything you need to come out fitter and stronger:

⭐ 12 Small Group PT sessions (max 4 people per coach)
⭐ 12 group classes – from strength and Hyrox to Pre/Post Natal
⭐ Movement & body composition assessment
⭐ Nutrition pack and support
⭐ Your own accountability coach, with weekly check-ins

That’s 24 expert-led sessions for £399 – under £17 a session, with small group PT included. Not a bad investment in feeling your best! And once the trial’s done, flexible monthly memberships are there to keep you going.

To find out more or book, visit enhance-fitness.com, email info@enhance-fitness.com or call 07716 506 009.

📍 593 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4ST. Also in Clapham Old Town!

*Trial for new members only.

If you’re looking for the ultimate Christmas night out locally with friends or colleagues, Smart Parties have the perfect way to celebrate the festive season in unforgettable style – they’re bringing the vibrant magic of The Carnivale to the heart of Battersea Park!

And if you quote NEWSIE10 when booking, you’ll get 10% OFF the ticket price!

Shared Party Nights are available at Evolution London in Battersea Park for groups of eight or more, with dates to choose from in late November and across December. Whether you’re celebrating with a small group of friends or bringing a larger team together, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Think colourful Latin street scenes, Carnivale vibes, themed bars, a 3-course feast, dazzling shows, dodgems, and dancing ‘til late.

Step into The Carnivale in the heart of Battersea – and let the festivities begin!

For full details & to book, visit their website.

Thinking about a home improvement project this autumn or winter? Local construction company, M Asllani Constructions Ltd have availability for new projects, big & small – and they’d love to help bring yours to life. Check out these fantastic examples of their recent work!

From a bespoke kitchen designed entirely around you, to a loft conversion that opens up bright new living space, clever storage solutions, or a fresh look for your business or studio – Manthi and his highly-experienced team do it all.

Manthi tells us more, ”No project is too small, and no vision is too big. We create custom solutions for every client, with every job built on detail, quality and care.”

“Our specialist services include:

• Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture – tailored designs built around your style and needs
• Carpentry & Joinery – precision woodwork for doors, wardrobes and interiors
• Flooring & Tiling – durable, stylish installations
• Painting & Decorating – seamless finishes that refresh and elevate
• Renovations, Extensions & Repairs – complete home improvements from start to finish

“Every space tells a story, and we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to get your home or business exactly how you want it – delivering results that last. – and make you very happy!

To find out more or book a free quote, call or text Manthi on 07903 208 450, email manthos09@icloud.com, or see more great examples of their work over at @asllani_constructions (Instagram)!

High-energy Balham fitness studio Rox Life are offering your first 3 sessions for just £35 – the perfect way to experience everything they have to offer!

Known for its energetic, community-focused vibe, ROX offers an exciting mix of classes to suit everyone:

🚲 Ride – immersive, music-driven indoor cycling
🏋️ LFT – strength-focused training
🔥 SWITCH – high-intensity interval training sessions
💪 Small Group Sessions

The space has been purpose-built for strength, conditioning, athletic performance & seriously good vibes – so whether you’re lifting, riding, or simply switching up your routine, there’s something for you.

And don’t worry if you’re just starting out! Whether you’re stepping into your very first class or you’re a seasoned athlete after a new challenge, the ROX coaches are there to guide you every step of the way.

To find out more and grab your first 3 sessions for £35, visit their website.

📍1 Holbeach Mews, Balham, SW12 9QX.

There are lots of business offering discounts for NHS, emergency service workers and students in Tooting, Earlsfield and Furzedown!

We’ve created a list of businesses offering discounts – visit our Tooting Discounts Page to find out more. And don’t forget to check back as we update the page!

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Tooting Bec FC Women, who beat Oxford City Football Club (who are a league above them) to progress to the First Round of the Women’s FA Cup!

They play Chatham Town FC Women on Sunday 25th October at Imperial Fields, Bishopsford Rd, Morden, SM4 6BF.

📷 @billy_sports_photography (Instagram)

We’re sad to report that Skin of Love in Tooting Market has permanently closed. However, you can still find Tony at markets around London and the South West selling Skin of Love’s natural plant-based skincare products, as well as online for home delivery, via www.skinoflove.co.uk or call/message Tony on 07931 859830.

We’ll keep you posted as to who’ll be coming next to the unit…

We’re sad to report that Rick’s Dining Room at 122 Mitcham Road in Tooting has permanently closed, after 26 years in Tooting. Rick’s great local restaurant offered wine tastings, pie & vinyl nights, menus of £15 for 3 courses, and so much more, with Rick drawing on decades of experience, including his former role as head chef of Chelsea Arts Club.

Rick tells us that he’s incredibly sad to be going, as the building was not just his restaurant but his family home as well – but the lease was up and the landlord wouldn’t renew.

However, Rick has just moved into a nearby flat and he’s looking for a new venture and considering his options – he may also sell off more of the restaurant furniture and accessories in the near future, as he did yesterday – so follow Rick’s Dining Room on Instagram or Facebook (and watch this space) for updates!

Here’s hoping Rick will open a new eatery in Tooting soon...

Work continues on the major refurbishment of the Esso petrol station at 182 Balham High Road, where the fuel pumps, tanks and underground pipelines are all being upgraded.

One of the engineers on site told us that, with millions of litres of fuel pumped through the station over the years, it was simply time for everything to be renewed. They expect the work to be finished in early December.

The Tesco Express on the same forecourt remains open as normal throughout the works.

Low-income Wandsworth residents face losing council tax exemption, reports My London, as the authority also plans a 94 per cent hike in council tax bills.

Full story via My London.

Congratulations to Earlsfield’s family-run Italian trattoria La Pernella, who have opened a second branch down the road in Balham, in the former Green Mosaic Pizza site!

Run by husband-and-wife team Mariano and Elena, and their daughter Simona, La Pernella already has a longstanding and popular restaurant on Garratt Lane in Earlsfield.

The menu includes pizza, pasta, panuozzo (folded pizza sandwich), antipasti, and more, with plenty of traditional Italian favourites to choose from.

There’s also a downstairs space which can be hired for private dinners and gatherings.

Congratulations and good luck to Mariano, Elena and Simona!

📍65 Balham High Road, SW12 9AP
Open 12pm-10pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Who caught Tooting Run Club (TRC) on BBC Morning Live last week? Dr Ranj Singh joined the local running community group as part of his Couch to 5K journey – something TRC offers training for – and was even awarded a Tooting Run Club medal by TRC co-founder, Tahir (although he needs to give it back if he doesn’t complete his training)!

You can view the full episode on BBC iPlayer – search for Series 8, episode code m0032jlh, which aired on 9 October 2026.

Tooting Run Club is a free, volunteer-led community club, and is passionate about making running accessible to everyone aged 18+, whatever your experience, pace or fitness level. No pressure, no judgement, just a warm welcome and a community ready to support you. More info via their website.

Happy 15th birthday to Ritherdon Road-based businesses Dee Light Bakery and Gallery Midnight!

Owners Dee & Johny joined forces last Saturday for a lovely celebration marking 15 years since they each opened their doors back in 2011 – with locals coming out in force to help them celebrate!

DeeLight Bakery is an Australian-owned independent licensed bakery café, while Gallery Midnight is a contemporary art gallery showcasing Johny’s original paintings, London art prints and bespoke commissions.

Dee said: “It was a lovely and special afternoon, and we really appreciate everyone who has supported us over the last 15 years.”

Here’s to many more!

Thanks to Dee for sharing these great photos!

London Vegan Runners joined Tooting Common parkrun before visiting Next Door Bakers by Kegarmo vegan café at 84 Moyser Road in Furzedown last Saturday!

Tooting Common parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event which takes place every Saturday at 9am on Tooting Common. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you! More info via their website.

London Vegan Runners have regular meet-ups in London, for vegan runners of all abilities. More info via veganrunners.org.uk

Tooting-based rugby teams Bec Belles RFC and Tooting Bec Old Boys RFC are looking for new players!

With three men’s squads, two women’s sides, and a vets team, the club welcomes everyone – whether you’re a seasoned pro or have never picked up a ball before. They’re also as much of a community off the pitch as on it, with regular club-wide socials and events allowing the teams to come together and celebrate the game.

The Belles are also a fully integrated team of deaf and hearing players, with all training and games accessible to deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users, thanks to voluntary Communication Support Workers (CSW).

Belles train on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the Men train on Wednesdays, all at 7pm on Openview in Earlsfield. The Belles are also holding a special taster training session aimed at all those new to rugby this Thursday 15th October, so do come on down!

Email becbellesrugby@gmail.com if you’re interested in joining the Bec family! 💙💛

The Happy Pot has opened in Tooting Market, serving Malaysian food!

Owner Yvette tells us, “I love traveling and I love food, so I’ve travelled around the world to try all sorts of cuisine. I fell in love with Malaysian food, and having been there several times, I wanted to bring authentic Malaysian food to London. We serve rendang, Malaysian fried chicken, laksa and much more, and we can’t wait to welcome Tooting to try our food!”

Veggie, vegan and gluten-free options available, and all food is halal. Open 10am-12pm for takeaway, plus delivery via Deliveroo.

Congratulations and good luck to Yvette and Tania!

RE-OPENED IN TOOTING: The Octavia Foundation charity shop at 36 Tooting High Street has re-opened after a refurbishment, selling adults’ clothing, cards and accessories with more goods to come (they’re currently undergoing a restock). Donations of adult clothes welcome.

Open 10am-5.45pm Monday to Saturday, 11am-4.45pm Sunday.

Congratulations and good luck to the team!

RE-OPENED IN TOOTING: McDonald’s at 42-44 Mitcham Road has re-opened after an extensive refurbishment.

The refurbishment includes dedicated areas for the different ways to order (including ordering at your table via the McDonald’s app), along with the removal of the front counter, and an area for delivery drivers.

Local McDonald’s Franchisee, Surjit Manger, who owns and operates McDonald’s Tooting, said: “I’m proud to reinvest in our Tooting restaurant! The dining area is more contemporary, and we now have separate facilities for our dine-in customers and our couriers leading to a better experience for everyone.

“It’s exciting to see the fresh new look and feel of our Tooting restaurant and I’m confident the changes will not only benefit our customers but also our restaurant team as these will help make their jobs a little easier.”

To mark the re-opening, Surjit has personally donated £2026 to the local Ronald McDonald House Tooting at Tooting’s St George’s Hospital, where he also regularly volunteers with his staff members.

The restaurant’s upstairs dining area will remain closed and will fully reopen on Friday 23rd October. Limited seating will be available on the ground floor until then.

Open 5.30am-2am Sunday to Thursday, and 5.30am-3am Friday and Saturday.

Congratulations and good luck to Surjit and the team!

Have you spotted these fantastic 1920’s ad posters at Tooting Bec tube? The ad reproductions have been installed as part of the 100th anniversary of the Northern line extension from Clapham South to Morden. Find them at the entrance on the corner of Balham High Road and Trinity Road.

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Wandsworth Council has introduced a new Fair Use Charter for e-bike and e-scooter operators, which aims to tackle obstructive parking, improve safety and take stronger enforcement action so that the schemes work better for all residents.

The Charter aims to hold operators to account for their hire e-bikes and scooters in Wandsworth, and it also sets out to take action against bad parking and dangerous riding on pavements.

A new operational team is now patrolling the borough to support compliance with the Charter by monitoring known hotspots and removing bikes that are badly parked.

The Fair Use Charter also encourages residents to report e-bikes that are parked badly, and block pavements, roads and public spaces.

Under the new Fair Use Charter, e-bike companies will have to:

• Remove dangerous or obstructive bikes within two hours of a report
• make no-parking, no-go and go-slow zones clear in-app
• stop riders parking in banned areas
• move bikes quickly to prevent clutter in busy spots.

The Charter means the Council can:

• Remove and impound bikes that operators fail to clear within two hours
• make operators pay when they fail to act
• require operators to monitor and control illegal and dangerous cycling on hired e-bikes
• publish monthly data on usage, complaints, penalties and fines.

The Council will be reviewing and monitoring progress and will make amendments to the Charter where necessary, as well as renewing and amending legal agreements with operators.

The council will also be increasing the number of e-bike parking bays and expanding some bays in busy spots to ensure parked bikes are left within the allocated space.

If you spot an e-bike that is parked dangerously or obstructing the pavement in Wandsworth, you can report it directly via the e-bike operator’s app or website, or visit the Wandsworth Council website.

There are 55 talented artists now exhibiting at Sprout Arts in Furzedown, as part of Wandsworth Artists’ Open House 2026!

Pop in to view lots of original paintings, prints and ceramics – open every day until Sunday 11th October, 11am-5pm weekdays (open until 6pm at weekends).

You can also visit artists in their home studios, local galleries and creative spaces across Wandsworth over the next two weekends – a great chance to meet and talk to lots of artists and explore their work. Pick up free trail maps in Sprout, and see artistsopenhouse.co.uk for more info.

📍 Sprout Arts, 74 Moyser Road, SW16 6SQ

The weekend events schedule at Tooting’s House of Ora is an absolute cracker!

📅 Friday 9th Oct 🍻 Students Night
Free Entry • Happy Hour 6-9pm • DJ from 9pm • 2 pints £10 • 2 cocktails £15 • 2nd burger 1/2 price

📆 Saturday 10th Oct ⚽ Arsenal Vs Leeds 12:30pm
Free shot on arrival!

📅 Saturday 10th Oct 💒 Immersive Fake Wedding Party Experience 7pm
Tickets from £40 • Watch the fake bride and groom tie the knot, without any of the actual drama! Info and booking HERE.

📅 Sunday 11th Oct 🇵🇱 Taste of Poland 12pm
Free market 12pm-5pm • Banquet from £19, 12-7pm
Info and booking HERE.

Plus lots more events coming up in October! More info HERE!

📧 Enquiries: info@wearehouseofora.co.uk
📍 House of ORA, 48A Mitcham Rd, Tooting Broadway, SW17 9NA

Toast Stores Community Market in Tooting is back this Sunday 11 October!

The market runs 8.30am-1.30pm outside Toast Stores (next to the children’s playground) and features some wonderful local makers, flowers, wine, fresh bread, oil, artwork, drinks and condiments! As Toast say, ‘all the lovely things!’

Come along for your morning fix at Toast and have a browse at what’s on offer!

Cash and cards accepted on all stalls. Dogs are of course very welcome! 🐶

🗓️ 8.30am-1.30pm, Sunday 11 October 2026
📍 Toast Stores, 50 Springfield Drive, SW17 0SL

British Comedian of the Year is BACK at The Antelope Tooting on Thursday 15th October (with £5 off tickets – see below), with a line-up featuring Jack Hester, Tevin Everrett, Ajay Rose, Joe da Costa, Bex Turner, Matt Foster, Emmanuel Paul and more!

British Comedian of the Year has a grand prize of £10,001 up for grabs (the biggest cash prize in UK comedy). Nine acts, from TV comics to young pretenders, perform their best ten minutes and you, the audience, vote who you want to get through to the semi-finals! It’s the FA Cup of Comedy!

DISCOUNT CODE FOR NEWSIE READERS – get £5 off the £15 ticket price with code BCOTY26 when booking online.

🗓️ Thursday 15th October, 7.45pm – 9.45pm
📍 The Antelope, 76 Mitcham Rd, SW17 9NG, just a 3 minute walk from Tooting Broadway tube.

🏃 “I Wish I’d Known That…” – join Instant Physio in Tooting Bec for a FREE talk on mistakes to avoid and myths to ignore before your next marathon, this Tuesday 13th October from 6pm.

If you’re training for a marathon, half marathon or just getting back into running, Instant Physio will cover the common mistakes that lead to injury and what actually matters when building your training.

📍 Instant Physio, 261 Balham High Rd, Tooting Bec, SW17 7BD
🕡 Tuesday 13th October, 6:30pm (doors open from 6pm)
🎟️ Free – BOOK HERE.

There’s lots going on for all ages in libraries across Wandsworth (including Tooting and Earlsfield) in October – full list of activities & libraries via Better UK.

Local am dram group, The Magdalene Players, are getting ready for their latest show – Compton Mackenzie’s “Whisky Galore” written for the stage by Philip Goulding and by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

The story is set on a pair of remote Scottish islands during World War 2, where whisky supplies have run dry – much to the despair of the island’s inhabitants. That is until a cargo vessel runs aground off the island, with 50,000 bottles of whisky on board. Hilarity ensues as the locals gather as much whisky as possible before the home guard can put a stop to things.

7 actresses play 25 roles – with many accents and costume changes – in a brilliantly fun show!

📍 St Mary Magdalene Hall, 210 Trinity Rd, SW17 7HP
🗓️ 15th-17th October 2026; 7:30pm (plus 2:30pm on Saturday 17th)
🔗 Info and booking: magdaleneplayers.com

Want to know what events are happening in Tooting, or want to add your own event(s)? Check out our new Tooting Events Page!

Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk, has a snapshot of the last few weeks...

“I used to do these little round-ups quite regularly… and a few people have asked why I stopped. 🙈 So here’s a snapshot of the last few weeks.

“New homes coming to market. Photoshoots and filming. Homes, including those on Longley Road and Trevelyan Road, went under offer, whilst Cheddar’s (that’s him in the first frame!) Gaumont Place was one of the homes which exchanged.

“I spent some time judging Business Launchpad’s Pathways Demo Day here at Tooting Works. And an overdue ‘Meet The Neighbours’ prize collection at Royal Mahal. 😂

“Plenty has also been happening behind the scenes, with homes on Church Lane, Gowrie Road, Fieldhouse Road and Pentney Road recently coming to the market. After a little summer break, ‘Meet The Neighbours’ will be back again over the coming weeks too – I’ve missed doing them.

“I’m really pleased for Cheddar and my sellers, as they can now move on with the next chapter of their lives whilst an excited First Time Buyer has a wonderful apartment to call home.

“October is always an important month for the property market – and with plenty already happening behind the scenes, I suspect the next few weeks will be busy ones too! Find out more on Instagram and Facebook.

“Born and raised in Tooting. Looking after a small handful of homes across Tooting, Balham and Streatham personally.”

Need some property advice? Email Chuk at hello@homeswithchuk.co.uk, call 07940 546 190, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!

✨ 28 DAYS UNLIMITED AT HUMM LONDON FOR £55 + NEW EXPERIENCES JUST ADDED ✨

HUMM London is a boutique nervous system care studio at Merton Abbey Mills, created to help you slow down, switch off and reconnect with yourself.

And right now, there’s so much happening at HUMM 😍

Alongside their regular sound baths, breathwork, restorative yoga, meditation and yoga nidra, they’ve just added Sound Bath + Indian Head Massage and Sound + Reflexology to the schedule, bringing hands-on therapies into their deeply restorative sound experiences.

And coming this October… HUMM’s Spinal Energetics Workshop ✨ A completely new experience that they’re SO excited to bring to the studio.

Founder, Jade, tells us, “What makes HUMM a little different is the way we bring different practices together.

“Rather than treating relaxation as an occasional luxury, HUMM is about creating regular opportunities for your nervous system to come out of the constant doing and return to a calmer, more regulated state.

“HUMM was born from my own experience with health anxiety and chronic headaches, when I felt completely out of control of my body. Sound was the one thing that required nothing from me, but gently showed me what a calm, regulated body could feel like.

“And now our customers tell us they leave feeling lighter, calmer and more grounded, sleep incredibly afterwards, and that regular sessions have helped them stay calm and level-headed through challenging and chaotic periods of life.”

✨ NEW AT HUMM
Sound Bath + Indian Head Massage
Sound + Reflexology
Spinal Energetics Workshop – 11th October

And if you’re new to HUMM, your first 28 days are unlimited for just £55. Come as often as you like, explore different practices and discover what works for you.

📍 HUMM London, The Long Shop, Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, SW19 2RD

£55 | 28 days unlimited | New customers

Book via hummlondon.com

Just you, an expert coach, and a plan built entirely around your goals. A few spaces have opened up for 1:1 Personal Training at Enhance Fitness in Earlsfield!

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, brand new to fitness and unsure where to start, or working towards a specific goal (fat loss, running, hybrid training and more), 1:1 PT gives you the dedicated, one-on-one attention to get you there.

Every session is built entirely around you – tailored to your goals and carefully adapted around any injuries or niggles – with your body composition and nutrition tracked along the way to maximise your results.

Enhance Fitness founder, Shane Rutherford, who has an extensive background in sports rehabilitation, tells us:

“1:1 PT is all about you – your body, your goals, your pace. It’s ideal if you’re coming back from an injury and want expert guidance to rebuild safely, if you’re new to exercise and would like to build confidence before joining one of our trials, or if you’ve got a specific target in mind and want a focused plan to smash it. Whatever your starting point, we’re with you every step of the way.”

With 5-star reviews and a genuinely personal approach to training, Enhance have helped loads of local residents get fitter, stronger and more confident.

To find out more or book a FREE consultation, email info@enhance-fitness.com, or call 07716 506 009.

You can also find out more on their website at enhance-fitness.com.

You’ll find Enhance Fitness at 593 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4ST.

They also have a studio in Clapham Old Town!

Introducing the HydraFacial at FACE By Balham Studios – a complete skin treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, hydrates & rejuvenates your skin, all in one session!

FACE are offering 30% OFF all HydraFacial bookings until 31st October!

Located at 114a Balham High Road, FACE facial aesthetics clinic (under the same ownership as Balham Dental Studio next door) offer a wide range of treatments including Microneedling, Polynucleotides, Emlift, HydraFacial, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and hair loss solutions.

FACE tell us, “As part of the Balham Studios family, our treatments are delivered by highly skilled, medically trained professionals with an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all – every journey begins with a thorough consultation to design a treatment plan unique to your goals.

“We use only premium, industry-leading products within a modern, regulated clinical environment, ensuring your safety and comfort at every step.”

To find out more or book a consultation, visit facebybalhamstudios.co.uk or pop in and meet the team!

You’ll find FACE at 114a Balham High Road, SW12 9AA.

There are lots of business offering discounts for NHS, emergency service workers and students in Tooting, Earlsfield and Furzedown!

We’ve created a list of businesses offering discounts – visit our Tooting Discounts Page to find out more. And don’t forget to check back as we update the page!

If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, please call 111 and select the mental health option. The NHS 111 service, which remains local, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The previous Mental Health Crisis Line number (0800 028 8000) is now no longer in use. Callers to this number will hear a recorded message asking them to hang up and call 111.

For children and young people, the CAMHS South London Partnership Crisis Line (020 3228 5980) is unchanged and remains available from 9am to 11pm, seven days a week. Outside of these hours, young people, parents, carers, families and professionals making referrals for a child or young person should call 111 and select the mental health option.

‘We’re like brother and sister now’ – Ali Dawson from Tooting fondly remembered Sonia as being a ‘kind teacher’. Five years after he stopped being her student, he gave her his kidney, and next year, they’ll be celebrating 10 years since the transplant.

Full story via My London.

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A new takeaway / delivery offer has launched at the award-winning Indian Room in Balham – running right through until October 31st!

GET 10% OFF + another £8 OFF your order + FREE poppadoms + FREE local delivery, when you order direct via their website at indianroom.co.uk

TO CLAIM: Simply use code AUT26 at the checkout! Minimum spend £25.

Located at 59 Bedford Hill, family-run Indian Room offers a menu packed full of delicious starters, main dishes and sides.

The restaurant prides itself on making their cuisine as healthy as possible, without compromising on taste. All dishes are prepared without using ghee and therefore, relatively low fat. They don’t use any artificial colourings, all meat is British bred from a farm down in Devonshire and only the freshest, seasonal vegetables are used in their cooking.

Most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan on request and they cater for special dietary requirements.

To order online (or book a table), visit their website.

To mark their astonishing 60th birthday, legendary local Indian & Bangladeshi restaurant Nazmins Indian Restaurant (one of Wandsworth’s oldest businesses) are offering 20% OFF the food bill for both dine-in & takeaway customers until 31st October!

If dining in, quote ‘60YEARS’ in the Special Requests box when booking a table at nazmins.com to claim. If ordering takeaway, visit their site at nazmins.com/order-online and use code: 60YEARS at the checkout to claim!

Located on Garratt Lane, in between Tooting & Earlsfield, Nazmin’s has been serving delicious food to the people of Wandsworth since 1966 – and their popularity amongst locals and quality of their food has remained consistently high ever since – winning various awards including Wandsworth business awards, ‘British Curry Awards’ and ‘Spice Times’ curry awards.

Nazmin’s owner Mayon Miah, who took over the business in 1992, is keen to celebrate the success and longevity of the business with this special offer, as a thank you to the local community.

Mayon tells us, “We’re very grateful to our regular customers who’ve supported us over the decades, and we’re also looking forward to welcoming new customers who’ve never experienced Nazmin’s before, to find out what we’re all about – and help us achieve another 60 years!

You’ll find Nazmin’s located at 398 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4HP, open 5pm-11pm, every day of the week (except Tuesdays).

To book a table, visit their website at nazmins.com or call 0208 946 2219. Quote ‘60YEARS’ in the Special Requests box when booking a table to claim 20% OFF your food bill.

To order a takeaway, visit their website at nazmins.com/order-online and use code: 60YEARS to claim 20% OFF your food bill!

Beautiful kittens Woody, Buzz, Jessie and Bo Peep had their first vaccinations and microchip with RSPCA South London this week!

These four are very beautiful, but expensive for the local RSPCA branch to rescue and rehome; each kitten costs the charity £250.

If you’d like to help, you can donate via their JustGiving page, as this will help the local RSPCA better afford the next family that needs their help.

Congratulations to Adam, who completed the Great North Run for Tooting’s St George’s Hospital Charity recently! He took on the challenge for his friend Gus, who underwent life‑saving surgery at St George’s after suffering an acute aortic dissection during their weekly 5‑a‑side game.

A year on, Gus is back on the pitch. And in a full-circle moment, Adam ended up running the half marathon with a cast on… after being treated at St George’s himself for a broken finger right before the race!

He raised over £630 and the charity couldn’t be more grateful for his incredible commitment – even with a broken finger! 🙌

If you’d like to fundraise or donate to the charity, you can find out more on their website.

Great to see Dr Bike and local police marking bikes and giving them a check-up at Tooting’s St George’s Hospital this week!

Bike marking permanently labels your bike with a unique code and registers it on a national database, helping to deter thieves and letting police identify and return it if it’s ever stolen.

You can find the team in the bicycle bay opposite A&E on the first Monday of every month for a free bike check and marking – no booking necessary.

For more info, including other Dr Bike locations around Wandsworth, visit the Wandsworth Council website.

COMING SOON TO TOOTING BEC: Be Nine Nails & Beauty is to open at 2 Tooting Bec Road (next to Tooting Bec tube) where The Station Gourmet Burgers was previously located. We’ll keep you posted...

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Morden extension of the Northern line, Tooting History Group have produced these history information boards, displayed at Tooting Broadway tube station! Have you spotted them?

Tinie Tempah in Tooting! The multi-award-winning musician, broadcaster and industry pioneer popped into Burrito Cartel in Tooting Market for some tacos and a burrito a few days ago, and posed for this brilliant photo with Burrito Cartel owner, AJ – thanks for sharing, AJ!

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We’re sad to report that Jaffna House at 90 Tooting High Street has permanently closed after trading for 35 years in Tooting. The restaurant, which opened in 1991, was the oldest Sri Lankan restaurant in London, and will be much missed.

The owners tell us, “There was no one reason for the closure, but rather it was just time for everyone to move on. We would like to thank the community who have kept this little shop alive for 35 years. Sri Lankan cuisine has become so much more mainstream over the decades, and Jaffna House has had an incredible run. But all good things must come to an end.”

Tharshini’s, who serve Sri Lankan, Tamil and South Indian food, will be taking over the premises and plan to open in the next couple of months. Tharshini’s already have a takeaway site at 307 Mitcham Road, which will remain open.

Watch this space for more details...

The Fazl Mosque in Southfields, the first purpose-built mosque in London, marked its centenary on Saturday 3 October.

Shakeel Ahmed Syed, former Regional President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK in Tooting, said, “Our community in Tooting exists because of that mosque in London. From the Fazl Mosque, missionaries were sent out to towns and cities across Britain to build communities like ours, and everything we do here began there.

“A hundred years on, we mark this centenary the way we were taught to – by helping the people around us. That is what a mosque is for. It is a beacon of peace for all.”

Shakeel and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Tooting have organised numerous community-focused initiatives to promote social cohesion, civic responsibility and interfaith harmony over the years, including community street parties, street cleaning and litter-picking campaigns, peace conferences and peace prayers, community awards recognising the outstanding contributions of local individuals, and homeless feeding programmes providing practical support to vulnerable members of society.

Shakeel continues, “Through these initiatives, we have reinforced our commitment to community service, strengthened relationships with local residents and demonstrated our dedication to fostering a more inclusive, compassionate and united society.”

The mosque, that has space for around 150 worshippers, was granted listed status by Historic England in 2018, and in March 2026 Wandsworth Borough Council awarded it a green heritage plaque.

Key dignitaries have visited the mosque over the past century including Muhammad Ali Jinnah (the founder of Pakistan), Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan (President of the United Nations General Assembly), Professor Abdus Salam (the first Muslim to win a Nobel Prize in science), HRH Prince Faisal and HRH Prince Saud, both of whom later became Kings of Saudi Arabia. HRH Prince Edward has also visited in recent years.

More info about the mosque via https://ahmadiyyauk.org/1926Centenary

Following our post about much-loved Tooting Asian grocery store Bhavin’s closing, Anil’s son Vikash has written the following about the shop and its significance in the Tooting community:

“Since 1978, Bhavin’s Cash & Carry has been far more than just a shop. For Anil Shah, his brothers Rohit and his late brother Arun, it became a huge part of their lives, their family, and the community they were so proud to serve.

“Over the decades, Tooting has changed enormously, but Bhavin’s remained a constant – becoming one of the area’s longest-standing Asian grocers and a familiar place for generations of families.

“For many people arriving in the UK and beginning a new chapter in their own lives, shops like Bhavin’s were incredibly important. It was somewhere to find familiar foods, familiar faces, advice, conversation and, above all, a sense of community. Anil, Rohit and Arun were proud to play their small part in supporting so many people as they built their lives here.

“Anil loved being there and loved the people who walked through its doors. Many customers became friends, and many of those friends became like extended family.

“There have been countless conversations across the counter, plenty of laughter, friendships that have lasted decades, and memories that will stay with the family forever.

“Making the decision to retire was not easy. When something has been such a huge part of your life for 50 years, you don’t simply close the door and forget about it. But all good things eventually come to an end.

“Anil and the family leave Bhavin’s incredibly proud of what they built together, and are thankful for the wonderful community that allowed their family business to become part of Tooting’s story.

“To every customer, friend, neighbour and family who’s walked through the doors since 1978 – thank you. The shop may have closed, but Anil’s love for his customers, the friendships made and the memories created will never disappear.

“Thank you, Tooting, for nearly 50 wonderful years.

“In loving memory of Arun, who will always remain an important part of the Bhavin’s story.”

Over 70 people flocked to Tooting’s Fishponds Fields on Saturday 26th September for their Harvest Hurrah, a celebration of their community garden’s first season! 🍅🥔🌶️

Attendees heard the story of the garden, told by those who built and planted it. An array of delicious foods prepared from garden produce were sampled: squash hummus, rosemary focaccia, chilli and tomato jam, roasted squash dahl, cumin potatoes, blackberry muffins, squash muffins, rosemary shortbread and much more!

Potatoes were harvested, with prizes for the largest and quirkiest, and cabbages were planted for winter crops.

Forever Fishponds warmly invites you to join them at the garden any Saturday from 11-1pm, apart from the first weekend in the month when it’s a Sunday. The next session is this Sunday 4th October. No experience needed, all are welcome!

To find out more and to get involved with the Forever Fishponds team, visit their website or email Foreverfishponds@gmail.com

📍91a Hebdon Road, SW17 7NW

The popular Furzedown Farmers Market is back THIS SATURDAY 3rd October from 9.30am in the playground at Penwortham Primary, with lots of new & old favourites for you to browse & shop!

They have coffee, delicious food, drinks and a great deal of gift items this weekend too! This Saturday also will include a lovely addition of free 10 minute energy reset treatments from the Pranic Healing stand!

South London Vinyl will also be there as always providing the soundtrack! 🎧
Dogs are of course very welcome 🐶

📆 Saturday 3 October, 9.30am-1.30pm
📍 Penwortham Primary School, Penwortham Road, SW16 6RJ - just down the road from Tooting!

The Woodfield Pavilion invites you to their Big Green Day of Action this Saturday 3rd October, 12:30pm-3:30pm!

There will be a host of stalls and free activities including crafts, textile repairs, petitions, campaigns, climate-related talks & films, refreshments and much more! Free entry - all welcome! 💚🌱🌳

For more info, visit their website.

Balham & Tooting Community & Sports Club hold their second annual Black History Month Fundraising Gala, an evening of food, music, poetry, entertainment and community celebration, this Saturday 3rd October – & tickets are still available!👇

The event takes place at CHAK 89 in Mitcham (address below), where guests will enjoy a formal dinner, show and dance featuring live music, steel pan, gospel, lovers rock, rhythm and blues, soul, jazz, poetry and spoken word.

A Caribbean buffet prepared by Pierre’s Finest Cuisine will be served at 7pm, and a licensed bar will be available throughout the evening.

The programme will also include a Black History Month quiz, an auction and a raffle. Auction prizes include a helicopter flight over London. Guests will also hear from dignitaries representing Wandsworth Council, with high commissioners expected to attend.

Come dressed for the occasion and enjoy a cultural evening filled with good food, music, entertainment and positive community spirit while supporting the club’s fundraising work.

Event enquiries: delsetathomazina@gmail.com
📍 CHAK 89 – Suite 1, 105 Bond Road, Mitcham, CR4 3HG

🎟️ Tickets – £50 for club members, £60 for non-members
Bookings:
• Sylvia: 07960 931845
• Lenny: 07415 716732
• Hyacinth: 07402 244051

👗 🧥 Dress code: Formal wear
Admission: Ticket holders only

AFRICAN & CARIBBEAN TOOTING FOOD TOUR, Saturday 24 Oct, 12pm-3pm!

Discover the flavours, stories and heritage of Tooting’s African and Caribbean communities on this special Black History Month food tour, celebrating the people, businesses and food traditions that have helped shape Tooting.

Led by Geoff Simmons (Planet Tooting) and Chantelle Bent (Chantelle’s Community Kitchen), the tour will take you through one of South London’s most culturally diverse neighbourhoods, meeting the people behind some of Tooting’s much-loved African and Caribbean food businesses.

Along the way, you’ll visit a selection of local restaurants, bakeries, cafés and food businesses, including Kimmie’s Jerk Joint, Chagos Bar, ENU Ethiopian and Eritrean Kitchen , Kenkey, Sunyani, Sunshine, Minerva, Ital Vital and Mixed Blessings Bakery.

Hear from the chefs, cooks and business owners themselves as they share the stories behind their food, their heritage and the traditions that have been passed down through generations.

And, of course, there’ll be plenty to taste! Sample a range of African and Caribbean flavours while discovering more about the culinary traditions that are deeply rooted in Tooting.

Info and booking via Eventbrite.

Opera in Tooting! Opera UnTouched is bringing something completely different to Tooting this October – an immersive opera experience set in a real office space!

‘The Telephone’ by Menotti is a 40-minute production perfect for an evening out. Whether you’re an opera enthusiast or have never been to an opera before, this witty love story about Ben, Lucy, and her relentless phone is relatable, funny, and the perfect way to spend an autumnal evening.

Opera UnTouched are also working with local schools in the area to help students create their own short operas – a brilliant opportunity for young people to discover opera as a creative art form.

The performance in Tooting is on Saturday 24th October at Tooting Works on Bickersteth Road, but they also have 3 other shows taking place in office spaces across South London.

Tickets are just £16.50 – and you still have time for drinks or dinner afterwards!

Full info / tickets at operauntouched.co.uk

📍 Tooting Works, 89 Bickersteth Road, SW17 9SH.

Want to know what events are happening in Tooting, or want to add your own event(s)? Check out our new Tooting Events Page!

Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk, has another gorgeous home to show off in the Hyde Farm Conservation Area, and this time it’s a house... 👀

““After the incredible response to our recent Hyde Farm post, we’re staying in this rather special pocket of Balham for the next one.

“This time, we’re heading to Pentney Road – again, moments from Tooting Bec Common – and to a home that has very much done things its own way. ❤️

“There’s period character, exposed brick, bold patterned floors, industrial touches and some wonderfully unexpected design choices that I absolutely love.

“A huge kitchen made for gathering around. A gorgeous garden hidden away at the back. Beautiful original details. And rooms that reveal something different every time you look.

“There’s even a freestanding bath in one of the bedrooms. 😍

“This isn’t a home that’s been designed from a catalogue. It’s evolved over more than 20 years into something individual, characterful and wonderfully distinctive.

“And outside? Another surprise – off-street parking for two cars. In Hyde Farm? Wow!

“There’s a LOT more to show you, but I’m not giving everything away just yet…for now, look a little closer. 👀 Find out more on Instagram or Facebook.

“Born and raised in Tooting. Looking after a small handful of homes across Tooting, Balham and Streatham personally.”

Need some property advice? Email Chuk at hello@homeswithchuk.co.uk, call 07940 546 190, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!

Toddler Art Classes are BACK at Love Art in Tooting Market!

After hearing local parents ask, “will you be doing the kids art classes again?” pretty much every week since they took over Love Art, new owners Ben & Lauren are excited to say “YES!”

Starting Thursday 1st October, they’ll be hosting a Toddler Art Class (for ages 18 months - 3 years) on Thursday mornings, 10-11am, on the central market tables just outside Love Art.

The wonderful Georgia Cowley will be leading these sessions - she is a London-based children’s illustrator and workshop leader. Her classes encourage little artists to splodge, scribble, and stamp their way towards creative joy.

Classes are bookable through the Love Art website.

The classes cost £8 per child, and they are currently booking through October. Spaces are limited so get booking!

Ben & Lauren are thrilled to be keeping Love Art as a creative hub for the area, and expanding into community based activities.

Give them a follow on Instagram to stay updated on classes and other future events – and if you’re a dog lover don’t forget to pop in and say hi to Pepper! 🐾

Looking for the ultimate Christmas night out with friends or colleagues? Smart Parties are bringing the vibrant magic of The Carnivale to the heart of Battersea Park – the perfect way to celebrate the festive season locally, in unforgettable style!

And if you quote NEWSIE10 when you book, you’ll get 10% OFF the ticket price!

Shared Party Nights are available at Evolution London in Battersea Park for groups of eight or more, with dates to choose from in late November and across December. Whether you’re celebrating with a small group of friends or bringing a larger team together, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Think colourful Latin street scenes, Carnivale vibes, themed bars, a 3-course feast, dazzling shows, dodgems, and dancing ‘til late.

Step into The Carnivale in the heart of Battersea – and let the festivities begin!

For full details & to book, visit their website.

New mums & mums-to be! If you’re looking for local fitness classes designed specifically for you, Enhance Fitness are Earlsfield’s longest-running specialists in Pre & Post Natal training! And you’re welcome to bring your little ones along! It’s also a fantastic way, through fitness, to meet other new mums in the area.

Enhance Fitness classes are designed to give new mums confidence in exercise and their abilities to train, in a safe and controlled environment. The classes are always capped at 10 people maximum to ensure everyone gets the attention and support they need.

And if you’re new to Enhance, you can try any 3 group classes for just £30 to see if it’s right for you!

Their expert coaches understand the unique needs of pre and post natal fitness, helping you build strength, regain fitness and feel like yourself again – all while knowing your baby is with you.

To find out more or book your trial classes, visit enhance-fitness.com, email info@enhance-fitness.com, or call 07716506009.

You’ll find Enhance Fitness at 593 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4ST – just down the road from Tooting! They also have a studio in Clapham Old Town.

Considering orthodontic treatment for your teen? Ten Dental on Balham High Road provide expert orthodontic care for local teenagers – and right now, you can get up to £2,000 OFF ceramic braces until 31st October!

The award-winning clinic’s specialist orthodontists have helped thousands of families achieve confident, healthy smiles, with treatments tailored to each child’s needs and the latest technology for precision and comfort. They also offer a FREE initial consultation to assess your teen’s needs and discuss the options.

Ten Dental co-founder Dr Nik Sisodia tells us, “We provide a range of orthodontic systems – including fixed braces, Invisalign, and lingual (hidden) braces – and work with teenagers to assess their dental development and create tailored treatment plans. Whether it’s traditional braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic solutions, we’ll find the right approach for your teen.

“We understand that teenagers can feel self-conscious about orthodontic treatment, so our fantastic orthodontists take time to explain all the options, answer questions, and make them feel comfortable throughout the process – helping them achieve the confident smile they want!”

To find out more and to book a free consultation, WhatsApp 07920 581065, call 020 8675 1798, email hello@tendental.com or pop into the clinic at 156 Balham High Road.

You can also visit their website: tendental.com

🧘‍♂️FREE YOGA at Hotpod Yoga South Wimbledon every Saturday in October! 🧘‍♀️

Never tried Hotpod, or just want to check out a local studio? Enjoy a free morning of yoga in their signature 37°C heated pod – calming scents, music, and expert teachers. All levels welcome!

✨ What’s on offer:
• Free classes for new customers
• Friendly, inclusive vibe
• Mats provided – just bring yourself, water & a towel!

Available Saturdays:
• 3rd October: 9am-10am
• 10th October: 9am-10am
• 17th October: 9am-10am
• 24th October: 9am-10am
• 31st October: 9am-10am

Book your spot via Hotpod Yoga South Wimbledon (£2 refundable deposit required).

📍8 Morden Road, SW19 3BH – right opposite South Wimbledon tube (just a couple of stops from Tooting).

More info about the studio via Hotpod Yoga South Wimbledon.

There are lots of business offering discounts for NHS, emergency service workers and students in Tooting, Earlsfield and Furzedown!

We’ve created a list of businesses offering discounts – visit our Tooting Discounts Page to find out more. And don’t forget to check back as we update the page!

Residential cycle storage units, otherwise known as bikehangars, can be found across Wandsworth, and are designed to provide a secure on-street cycle parking solution and can only be accessed by a member using a key.

A single bikehangar securely holds six cycles and is approximately the size of a small car, taking up half of a standard sized parking space. Each bikehangar is securely bolted to the curb or pavement.

Wandsworth Council welcomes requests from residents to help plan future installations. You can let them know if you would like a bikehangar installed on your street; the council prioritises locations for new bikehangars based on the numbers of requests they receive.

To find out more, and to register your interest for a bikehangar, visit the Wandsworth Council website.

Tooting Bec Lido closed to the public on Wednesday 30th September... but it’s open all year round for the hardier swimmers out there!

Swimmers can join South London Swimming Club for all-year round access (including from 1 October to 30 April when the pool is only open to members), with benefits including member events, access to the sauna, and lots more!

Visit South London Swimming Club to find out more about becoming a South London Swimming Club member.

📷 Photo by swimming coach Paul

The Lakeside Playground on Tooting Commons is to undergo refurbishment, with construction beginning this Monday 5th October.

Following two phases of community engagement, the new wildlife-inspired Tooting Lakeside Playground aims to offer a varied mix of inclusive play opportunities for children of different ages and abilities.

The new playground is expected to be completed in January 2027, subject to weather and site conditions.

While the playground is closed, families can visit Tooting Triangle Playground or Furzedown Recreation Ground Playground instead.

For more info, or to view the full design, visit bit.ly/TootingCommonLakesidePlayground

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10% OFF FOR NHS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES STAFF at Elaka Food City in Tooting!

The popular local shop, which stocks an amazing range of Sri Lankan and South Asian food and more, is offering a 10% discount to all NHS and emergency services staff.

Manager, Karun, tells us, “There are so many wonderful NHS and emergency services staff living and working in Tooting – including at St George’s Hospital, Springfield University Hospital and Tooting Fire Station, as well as the local police who walk the best on our streets, who all do such a wonderful job of serving the community, so we wanted to say thank you in some way!”

Just a 15-minute walk – or a short bus ride – from Tooting Broadway, and barely a minute from Tooting Thameslink station.

🕖 Open 7am–11pm, every day
📍 42 London Rd, SW17 9HP
🔗 shop.elakafoodcity.com

💸 IT’S PAYDAY! And while your bank account might be begging you to be responsible, Tooting’s L’Assaggino al Mercato has a better idea – INVEST IT IN PASTA, with 50% OFF ALL FOOD ON THE MENU and 2 SPRITZ FOR JUST £14! 🇮🇹

Head to L’Assaggino al Mercato in Broadway Market Tooting and enjoy authentic Italian food with a special Sardinian touch – because your hard-earned money tastes better with parmesan on it. 🧀

🔥 50% OFF ALL FOOD ON THE MENU
🍹 2 SPRITZ FOR JUST £14 – because one is basically just a warm-up.

Ongoing offer – every day until further notice, payday or not!

Born and raised in Sardinia, owners Manolo & Nicola have been serving proper Italian food in London since 2010, bringing their passion for authentic flavours to Tooting.

And there’s more…

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family friendly – bring the whole family, even the one who always orders from everyone else’s plate.

🎉 PRIVATE ROOM AVAILABLE – seating around 20 people, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, special occasions or any event where you need an excuse to eat a lot of pasta.

Whether you fancy sitting outside and soaking up the Broadway Market buzz, or settling into one of their relaxed and romantic indoor rooms, there’s a table waiting for you. ✨🇮🇹

So this pay day, forget investing in stocks. Invest in CARBS, SPRITZ and WINE. Your future self will thank you. 😂🍝

📍 L’Assaggino, Broadway Market, 29 Tooting High St, SW17 0RJ
📲 Book your table: lassagginoalmercato.com

New Tooting South American family-run restaurant, Streat Latin have launched a whole host of offers to celebrate their 3-month anniversary in SW17!

Streat Latin serve up Mexican and Latin American flavours in a relaxed, family-friendly setting, located in the rear of Broadway Market.

From arepas, tacos and tequeños, to nachos, rice bowls, croquetas, churros & more, there’s plenty to enjoy whether you’re popping in for lunch, dinner or drinks with friends or family, with lots of vegan, vegetarian, halal and gluten-free options!

⭐ NEW Offers!
• Every Thursday: Steak & a Pint £15
• Every Tuesday: Tacos & a Pint £13
• Every Tuesday - Sunday: Mains, Nachos & Frozen Marg £13
• Every Day: 2 Cocktails £15

📆 Open Tuesday to Thursday 4pm-11pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm-11pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm for eat-in & takeaway!

📍Unit 67-69, Broadway Market, 29 Tooting High St, SW17 0RJ

Be part of the Dons Local Action Group Big Sleep Out, returning to AFC Wimbledon Stadium on Saturday 14th November!

The annual fundraiser sees local people spend a night at the stadium, swapping their beds for sleeping bags to help raise vital funds for people facing homelessness and hardship across South West London.

The event starts at 7pm, with tickets costing £30, which includes two free drinks and breakfast the following morning.

📍 AFC Wimbledon Stadium, Plough Lane, Wimbledon
📅 Saturday 14th November 2026, from 7pm

Find out more and sign up HERE.

Dons Local Action Group is a network of volunteers working across Wandsworth, Merton and Kingston to help people facing poverty and hardship. Its work includes providing food parcels, household goods, furniture and appliances, as well as laptops through its Keep Kids Connected initiative. More info on their website.

Tooting’s St George’s Hospital Charity is delighted to announce their partnership with Run South London, London’s newest half marathon coming to Morden and Wimbledon in 2027!

As the event’s Community Charity Partner, they’ll be shining a light on their incredible hospital and the NHS heroes who care for our community around the clock.

St George’s Hospital Charity would love for you to join the celebration and run for Team George’s on 14 March 2027. And there’s plenty to look forward to along the way:

• An incredible event atmosphere across Morden and Wimbledon
• Friends and family cheering you on every step of the way
• St George’s NHS Staff Choir on the route
• The St George’s Hospital Charity team waiting to welcome you at the finish line

Run with Team George’s, support your local NHS and help make a difference to the people who rely on St George’s Hospital. Sign up via their website.

Wandsworth Foodbank has made an urgent call for support this Harvest time as demand for its services remains high.

The food bank provided more than 13,000 emergency food parcels during 2025, with almost two-thirds going to local households with children. Over the past five years, the number of emergency food parcels provided to local people facing hardship has increased by 108%.

Wandsworth Foodbank is asking the local community to support its Harvest appeal by donating non-perishable food and toiletries, making a financial donation or volunteering.

Foodbank Manager Dan Frith said: “We need the help of the community during Harvest to continue to address hunger and reduce hardship in Wandsworth, and to provide warm hospitality and hope to local people and families who don’t have anyone else to lean on.”

For the latest list of most-needed items or to make a donation, visit the Wandsworth Foodbank website.

The Furzedown Project’s Bric-A-Brac Sale raised over £700 on Saturday!

The Project also has a Christmas Fayre on 28 November and there’s an Art Exhibition on Sunday 11 October as part of Wandsworth Artists Open House.

The Furzedown Project at 91-93 Moyser Road, SW16 6SJ, is an activity centre and social hub for people aged 50 and over, who’s mission is to increase people’s sense of wellbeing and reduce social isolation. More info on their website.

Want to discover more events in Tooting, Furzedown and Earlsfield? See our Tooting Events Page for more info.

We’re sad to report that after 50 years of serving the Tooting community, much-loved Asian grocery store, Bhavin’s is to permanently close this weekend, as owners and brothers Rohit (pictured) and Anil Shah, are set to retire.

Located at 193-197 Upper Tooting Road since 1976, Bhavin’s has welcomed customers from across London over the last five decades, to enjoy the huge range of goods and produce sourced from across South East Asia and Africa.

We would like to wish Rohit and Anil a very long and happy retirement!

Local NHS staff and volunteers were awarded for their outstanding care and dedicated service at an emotional ceremony last Wednesday evening, hosted by The Traitors star and GP, Dr Amos Ogunkoya.

The third charity-funded ‘gesh CARE awards’ were held at London’s iconic Kia Oval. Colleagues at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh) were recognised at their annual ‘Oscars’, featuring tributes from grateful patients and their families.

Lydia Baker, a Specialist Bereavement Midwife at Epsom and St Helier, received over 50 nominations from the public. She won the Public Choice Award for Outstanding Care, for supporting a family whose 8-day-old son sadly died from a rare infection.

Lydia and the Maternity Bereavement Team helped bereaved parents Jodie and Ben Picknett through the traumatic loss of their son, George, in 2023.

Lydia also supported Jodie through her subsequent pregnancy and was there for the birth of her daughter, Lucy.

Jodie said: “We never thought we would see happiness again. Lydia stepped into our life quickly and held us and cared for us, to help us process George’s death. Anything we were worried about, Lydia was there on hand, texting at 3am.”

Other guests included 11-year-old Catherine L’Estrange, the first NHS patient to receive a revolutionary new treatment for a progressive form of severe blindness, following the world’s first gene therapy surgery at St Helier.

Cricket-mad Catherine, who was thrilled to be at the famous sporting venue, said: “If this treatment works, it will help me to carry on seeing things around me, and most of all I will be able to carry on reading books, which is one of my favourite things to do.”

The gesh CARE awards recognise 18,000 clinical and non-clinical staff who make a difference to patients, colleagues, and the wider community. Volunteers were also celebrated for the vital contributions they make.

Winners were crowned across 13 categories, with more than 800 nominations received – including nearly 200 for the public choice award alone.

A full list of winners can be found HERE.

COMING SOON TO TOOTING: The Happy Pot, serving Malaysian street food, is to open in Tooting Market (where Poutine was previously located).

They plan to open in the next week or so. We’ll keep you posted...

Tooting represented at the London Transport Museum! Trinity Road station (which became Tooting Bec in 1950) was designed by Charles Holden – who designed dozens of tube stations on the network – and opened in 1926.

We spotted this photo on a recent trip to the amazing museum in Covent Garden. You can buy this, and hundreds of other London Transport related photos and prints, via their website.

Who caught the stunning sunset the other night? @dermotsteedman (Instagram) did, and captured these amazing pics over Tooting Bec Lido and Tooting Bec Athletics Track (see more on our Instagram and Facebook) – thanks for sharing!

You can also follow us on:

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THIS SATURDAY IN TOOTING! The wonderful Tooting Farmers Market is back from its summer break!

Come along and join them on 26 September, 9am-2pm, at St Nicholas Church and expect an amazing mix of lovely stalls offering some of the best in food, drinks, crafts, condiments and more!

This month sees Relax in London in attendance and they are giving away a free 10 minute non touch Pranic Healing for all!

Local collective South London Vinyl Experience will be there as usual to soundtrack the day with their eclectic mix of tunes and vibes.

Come along, soak up the atmosphere, and support the many local makers and producers!

📍 St Nicholas Church, corner of Mitcham Road and Church Lane, SW17 9PP

Dogs are of course very welcome! 🐶

🎶 FREE LIVE JAZZ AT AROMÉ CAFÉ IN TOOTING this Saturday 26th September, 5pm–7pm! 🎶

Camille Rose & Joseph Leighton play live on the café’s outdoor patio, with Happy Hour 4pm–8pm – Camden Hells & Level Head IPA for £5, 2-for-1 cocktails from £12 £14 £16.

Come for the jazz, stay for the atmosphere!

Aromé is open Monday to Friday 8am-10pm, Saturday 9am-10pm and Sunday 9am-9pm serving breakfast deals, lunch deals and Happy Hour every day plus homemade cakes, including birthday cakes available to pre-order. The café also takes bookings for private hire, and the beer garden and terrace are relaxed and pet and kid-friendly!

📍 Arome Cafe, 287 Mitcham Rd, London SW17 9JQ

More info on their Instagram.

Furzedown Community Network Quiz Night on Saturday 3rd October, fundraising for Furzedown Youth Centre!

Joni the quiz at Mitcham Lane Baptist Church Hall, for:

✅ Raffles, prizes & plenty of laughs
✅ A chance to win a private tour of the BBC Newsrooms and other fantastic prizes
✅ A very special guest host – BBC newsreader Maryam Moshiri, bringing her very own Mastermind round! 🤩

Bring your friends, bring your snacks, and bring your quiz A-game! 🏆
Doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm sharp start.
Tickets £8 for FCN members, £10 for non-members.
📧 Book: events@furzedown.net

Advance booking strongly recommended.

📍Mitcham Lane Baptist Church Hall, Welham Road, SW16 6NT

More info about FCN via their website.

Join Healthwatch Wandsworth, Ruils, Tooting’s St George’s Hospital and other local organisations for a special Healthwatch Wandsworth Assembly exploring hospital discharge, how it can be understood and improved.

Healthwatch wants to hear directly from patients and carers about their experiences, what worked well, what could have been better, and what needs to change.

The event will explore experiences of hospital discharge and identify further opportunities for improvement, supporting the implementation of the NHS England Carers and Hospital Discharge Toolkit.

📅 Thursday 1 October 2026
⏰ 3pm–5pm
📍 Earlsfield Library, 276 Magdalen Rd, London SW18 3NY
🎟️ Free to attend – register HERE.

– – – – – – – –

Have you or someone you care for recently left hospital? Healthwatch England wants to hear about your experience. Whether your discharge went smoothly or not, your experience can help improve health and care.

📅 The survey is open until 9th October 2026 – please share with family and friends.
👉 Take part HERE.

The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 26th September, in seven locations around Wandsworth, including Tooting. Skips will close when they’re full, or 12 noon – whichever comes first.

Mega Skip Days are an opportunity for people to dispose of bulky items for free. Large skips are placed in neighbourhoods around the borough for all local residents to use.

The skips are open to residents of the London Borough of Wandsworth only. Proof of address may be required on the day.

More info, including details of what you can bring and when & where the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.

Bric-A-Brac Sale this Saturday 26th September at The Furzedown Project!

Find quality bric-a-brac, jewellery, hand-made children’s toys, delicious treats and more, with proceeds going to The Furzedown Project!

The Furzedown Project at 91-93 Moyser Road, SW16 6SJ, is an activity centre and social hub for people aged 50 and over, who’s mission is to increase people’s sense of wellbeing and reduce social isolation. More info on their website.

Tooting Tidy Litter Pick this Sunday 27th September from 11am!

Meet at the King’s Head pub, for a litter pick along residential streets down Upper Tooting Road. Equipment provided as usual, free coffees afterwards, and dogs and kids welcome!

More info via Tooting Tidy’s Instagram.

Harvest Hurrah at Tooting’s Fishponds Fields, 3pm-5pm this Saturday 26th September!

Friends of Fishponds will welcome local residents to celebrate the Fields harvest – the garden is brimming with tomatoes, beans, aubergines, chillies, squash and more! 🍅🫘🍆🌶

Come and taste what they’ve grown and enjoy generous refreshments, sit in their garden, and meet the friendly team (and your neighbours) and enjoy birds, bugs, and butterflies alongside the plants and flowers. 🦋🐞🐦‍ There’ll be arts and crafts too!

All ages welcome. To find out more, visit foreverfishponds.com or email Foreverfishponds@gmail.com

📍Fishponds Playing Fields’ entrance is located at 91a Hebdon Road, SW17 7NW.

Want to know what events are happening in Tooting, or want to add your own event(s)? Check out our new Tooting Events Page!

Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk, has a new three-bedroom Tooting home about to hit the market… 👀🏡

“Tucked away on Church Lane, this house has plenty of personality, a lovely flow through the ground floor, two bathrooms and a private garden out back… and, its own supply of pears. 🍐😍

“Location-wise, you’re rather nicely placed too. Tooting Common is close by when you fancy some green space, while Tooting Broadway, the tube, markets, restaurants and everything else that makes SW17 tick are all within easy reach.

“But we’re not showing you everything just yet. Instead, here are a few little glimpses of a home that’s warm, interesting and very much somebody’s own.

“The full reveal is coming soon, but Tooting Newsie followers get a little peek first. Check out Instagram or Facebook for more info!👀

📍 Church Lane, Tooting
🏡 Three-bedroom house
🌿 Private garden
🍐 Pear tree included

“Want the details - or fancy seeing it before it hits the portals? Drop me an email.

📷 @mbe.creative (Instagram)

“Born and raised in Tooting. Looking after a small handful of homes across Tooting, Balham and Streatham personally.”

Need some property advice? Email Chuk at hello@homeswithchuk.co.uk, call 07940 546 190, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!

🏸⚽ LOCAL SPORTS CLUBS: Instant Physio has been growing its partnerships with sports teams and clubs around Tooting and South West London, with two new clubs recently joining!

Ed from Instant Physio tells us, “We already partner with Tooting Run Club and Woodfield Grove Tennis Club, and we’ve recently partnered with FC Tooting Bec Women and St Margaret’s Badminton Club as well.

“We really enjoy working with local sports clubs. The idea is to support people with injuries, help them stay active and give clubs access to things like physio advice, strength and performance testing, educational sessions and member benefits.

“On Monday 28 September, Angus and I are heading down to a St Margaret’s Badminton Club training session with our force plates. Players will be able to have a go at testing things like their jump height and lower-limb strength, and everyone who takes part will go into a prize draw to win a free 30-minute massage.

“We’d really like to partner with a few more clubs around Tooting, Balham and the surrounding area. It doesn’t need to be a huge club. If you run a local football, rugby, tennis, badminton, running or other sports club, get in touch and tell us a bit about it.”

Instant Physio is a physio clinic in Tooting Bec offering physiotherapy, strength training and clinical massage, helping local people recover from injury and stay active.

📍 261 Balham High Road, Tooting Bec
📞 020 3488 2698
🔗 instantphysio.co.uk

🕘 Mon–Thurs: 8am–8pm | Fri: 8am–4pm | Sat: 8am–12pm

There’s an Open Morning at The White House Prep School in Balham on Saturday 3rd October!

The Open Morning will begin at 9:30am with guided tours with pupils from Year 6.

This year, an incredible 60% of children achieved scholarships in their 11+ exams with over 100 offers for 28 children, at schools including St Paul’s Boys, St Paul’s Girls, Dulwich College, Alleyn’s, Emmanuel, JAGS, Francis Holland, City of London Girls, Wimbledon High, Brighton College and more.

On the tour, you will be able to find out about their Super Curriculum which includes Nurture in Reception, Enterprise lessons, Choice and their Futures programme in Year 6 - areas where they can develop children’s natural curiosity to enhance their learning and interests outside the classroom.

The school offers wrap around care from 8am-6pm with 14 weeks of holiday camps if required.

The White House Prep welcomes children from ages 3-11 years old, celebrated its 40th Anniversary recently and is proud to still be family-owned and run, emphasising their core family values of Positivity, Respect, Kindness, Integrity and Perseverance.

BOOKINGS: Places for the event are limited so should you wish to attend, please RSVP by email to admissions@whitehouseschool.com

You can also find out more on their website.

The White House School is located at 24 Thornton Road, Balham, SW12 0LF.

There are lots of business offering discounts for NHS, emergency service workers and students in Tooting, Earlsfield and Furzedown!

We’ve created a list of businesses offering discounts – visit bit.ly/tootingdiscounts to find out more. And don’t forget to check back as we update the page!

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Fancy trying somewhere NEW in Tooting? 👀 The Burdi rewards app has just launched Local Offers – designed to give you another reason to discover and support independent businesses around the neighbourhood!

They’re kicking things off with 50p coffees at Cup Coffee Tooting on Trinity Road over the next week! ☕ And there are plenty more exclusive local offers to discover:

🥗 £3.99 lunch at Squeezed
🍕 £5 off at Made In Puglia
☕ £1 coffee at Molten Toffee
👔 £7.50 off dry cleaning at Cutting Edge Dry Cleaners
🍗 £5 off lunch at Kimmie’s Jerk Joint
🥞 2 crêpes for £12 at Sugar And Lemon
🥟 £1 patties at Mixed Blessings Bakery

Simply download Burdi, claim a Local Offer in the app, and pay with Burdi in-store. Pay in full as normal and the offer will be applied automatically to the payment, plus you’ll earn Burdi points to spend at local venues with every payment too!

Just another reason to try somewhere local, and keep more of our everyday spending on Tooting’s high street. 💙

Another Tooting parkrun wedding! Congratulations to parkrunners Kate and Seb who got married after joining parkrun on Tooting Common! Not only that, but it was also Kate’s 100th Tooting parkrun!

Wishing Kate and Seb a lifetime of happy years (and parkrunning) together! 🎉🎉🎉

Tooting Common parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event (walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you) which takes place at 9am every Saturday at Tooting Common, Doctor Johnson Avenue, SW16 1RT.

Find out more about Tooting parkrun via their website.

Who’s spotted the Hovis ghost sign on Upper Tooting Road in Hovis’s ‘Strength Baked In’ advert? The local sign joins other ghost signs from around the country in the ad!

Thanks to local resident Andrew for the heads-up!

Meet Tom, who’s launched the Tooting Talk Club at The Furzedown Project.

Talk Club is a UK men’s mental health charity, which helps men improve their mental fitness through free peer-to-peer talking groups like this.

Tom lost his brother to suicide in 2023 and also his business partner a few months later – it’s a sad fact that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 and that many men struggle to talk about how they really feel. So when Tom learnt about Talk Club, he was inspired to become a volunteer Talk Club Captain (not a trained therapist) running sessions in the city and now in Furzedown, where he lives.

Every session starts with one simple question: “How are you? Out of 10?” Men then explain their number, building awareness, openness, and resilience.

Sessions are free, for men of all ages, every fortnight starting at 6:30pm. The next session takes place on Wednesday 7th October. Drop in or contact Tom on 07739305216 to find out more.

📍The Furzedown Project, 93 Moyser Rd, SW16 6SJ

There was an apple-pressing 🍏🍎 event at The Furzedown Project on Saturday, to help celebrate Wandsworth’s Sustainable September!

Apples had been collected from local gardens by volunteers, including Camilla & Debbie (who leads the Project’s gardeners’ group). Lots of people of all ages enjoyed having a go at crushing (”scratting”) the apples and pressing them to make fresh apple juice – which tasted delicious!

The Furzedown Project at 91-93 Moyser Road, SW16 6SJ, is an activity centre and social hub for people aged 50 and over, who’s mission is to increase people’s sense of wellbeing and reduce social isolation. More info on their website.

RELOCATED IN TOOTING: Oscar Barbers has moved to 24 Glenburnie Road in Tooting Bec (from their previous address at 733 Garratt Lane).

The owners say, “we’re excited to welcome our existing customers, new neighbours, local families and everyone around Glenburnie Road!”

🕒 Open 10am–7pm Monday to Friday, 9.30am–6pm Saturday, and 10am–5pm Sunday.

More info via their Instagram.

Congratulations and good luck to the team!

Tooting Broadway, c. 1908! Two small newspaper boys, no more than ten years old, stand in the middle of the roadway hoping to catch the attention of tram passengers or of passing pedestrians.

Placed on the pavement by the railings of the public toilets are two of the plough carriers for the tramway service. These were carried on the trams to gather the electric current from the roadway central slot or conduit as it was called.

From Images of England: Balham and Tooting, compiled by Patrick Loobey, ISBN 0-7524-2203-0

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Harvest Hurrah at Tooting’s Fishponds Fields, 3pm-5pm this Saturday 26th September!

Friends of Fishponds want to welcome local residents to celebrate the Fields harvest – the garden is brimming with tomatoes, beans, aubergines, chillies, squash and more! 🍅🫘🍆🌶

Come and taste what they’ve grown and enjoy generous refreshments, sit in their garden, and meet the friendly team (and your neighbours) and enjoy birds, bugs, and butterflies alongside the plants and flowers. 🦋🐞🐦‍ There will be arts and crafts too!

All ages welcome. To find out more, visit their website or email Foreverfishponds@gmail.com

📍Fishponds Playing Fields’ entrance is located at 91a Hebdon Road, SW17 7NW.

A Celidh, speakeasy night, potato festival, and all the latest Premier League action on the big screen coming up at Tooting’s House of Ora!👇

📆 FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER – CEILIDH DANCING, 7PM-10PM with The Conquering Heroes – then into the evening with a DJ until 2am! A proper night of live music, dancing and good times. No experience necessary!
🎟️ Book HERE.

—

📆 SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER – BRIGHTON VS ARSENAL 3PM. Catch all the action on the big screen and enjoy our wide variety of cold beers and snacks!

CANDLELIGHT CLUB 7pm-1am. Step into an evening of vintage glamour, live entertainment and late-night revelry.Live music, cabaret, DJs and a touch of the unexpected, bringing the spirit of a classic speakeasy to House Of Ora.
🎟️ Book HERE.

—

📆 SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER – football all day on the big screen!
2pm MANCHESTER CITY VS SUNDERLAND
4:30pm FULHAM VS MANCHESTER UNITED

Plus the Potato Festival, a homemade buffet full of flavours with potatoes, 12pm-5pm!

Check out more House of Ora events HERE.

For more information, bookings or to enquire about private hire, email info@houseofora.co.uk

FREE Colour & Styling Workshop with Sadie Clayton this Sunday 20th September at Traid Tooting!

This Secondhand September, join renowned fashion academic, TV personality and artist Sadie Clayton for an inspiring, hands-on styling workshop designed to help you see your wardrobe in a whole new way.

Known for her bold use of colour and expressive approach to style, Sadie will share practical tips and techniques to help you shop more consciously, experiment with colour and make the most of the clothes you already own.

Bring one item from your wardrobe that you’d like to style for autumn.

Session 1 : 11am-12pm
Session 2: 12.30-1.30pm
Session 3: 3-4pm

Come ready to experiment, get creative and see secondhand fashion (and your own wardrobe!) differently.

Tickets are £5 but will be refunded on the day upon arrival. Info & booking via Eventbrite.

📍Traid, 57-59 Tooting High Street, SW17 0SP

Popular local community initiative and UK registered charity Tooting Run Club (TRC) is hosting its annual fundraiser at The Wheatsheaf on Thursday 1 October at 7pm, with a raffle and other activities!

Founded in 2022 by Tahir Shams in partnership with Herne Hill Harriers, TRC supports beginner and intermediate runners aged 18+, particularly women, with free running sessions, exercise classes, yoga and social activities.

In 2025, TRC delivered 300 free sessions with 15,000 attendees. The 100% volunteer led club has been supported by grants from Wandsworth Council, the National Lottery and the London Marathon Foundation, but is now fundraising to keep its programme free.

Funds will help cover track and studio hire, volunteer training, equipment, their website, and other operational costs.

The club will be at Tooting Parkrun this Saturday 19th, come along, meet the team and find out more (see the Tooting parkrun website for more info).

🎟️ Fundraiser tickets: £12.99 via Eventbrite. Search “Tooting Run Club”.
🎟️ Raffle: £5 per ticket or 5 for £20 HERE.

Can’t make it? You can donate via their Justgiving.

Local businesses can also support TRC by donating raffle prizes or sponsoring the club. Email TootingRunClub@gmail.com for more info.

FRAUD PREVENTION EVENT at Tooting Library, this Friday 18th September, 10am-12pm.

The Metropolitan Police Service, Tooting Broadway Team, in partnership with Barclays Bank, will be holding a fraud prevention event at the library at 75 Mitcham Rd, SW17 9PD. Residents are welcome to attend and ask any questions about online fraud prevention or any other crime prevention.

More info about Tooting Broadway local police here.

Breathe Melodies for Mums, a FREE programme for new mums, returns to Tooting in October!

The 10-week group singing programme for mums and their babies combines music, connection, and science to support emotional wellbeing during early motherhood.

Running from Wednesday 14 October to 16 December 2026, the sessions offer a warm, welcoming space where mums can relax, connect with others, and take a moment for themselves – no singing experience required.

The babies come along and enjoy every minute, but the sessions are designed for the mums. An hour in the week that’s about you, how you’re doing, and doing something that feels good.

Led by professional Breathe musicians, the sessions are built around uplifting songs from around the world and you don’t need to be able to sing. Nobody’s performing and nobody’s getting anything “right.” You turn up as you are, baby in tow, and join in as much or as little as you fancy.

Breathe Melodies for Mums is run by not-for-profit social enterprise Breathe Arts Health Research, and it’s backed by research showing that singing together supports new mums’ wellbeing.

It’s completely free, runs for ten weeks, and is open to new mums and babies across Tooting and nearby. Spaces are limited, so it’s worth registering early.

📍 Franciscan Children’s Centre, 221 Franciscan Road, SW17 8HQ
🗓 14 October to 16 December 2026 (10 weeks)
Cost: FREE
Who: New mums and their babies (up to 9 months)

Register HERE and learn more HERE.

The London Open House Festival was in full swing at the weekend, with events at Tooting Bec Lido, The Woodfield Pavilion and lots more locations around Tooting and London!

The festival continues until this Sunday 20th September, with events across the capital that celebrate London’s architecture, special sites and neighbourhoods, with open days and events taking place across the city). To find out more and to book, visit: https://programme.openhouse.org.uk

Want to know what events are happening in Tooting, or want to add your own event(s)? Check out our Tooting Events Page!

Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk, has a rather special home in a very special location...

“If you’ve been following me this week, you’ll know I’ve been sharing the story of Hyde Farm – one of Balham’s most distinctive and sought-after little pockets. Well… this is a beautiful home in that very location.

“And you’re catching a glimpse of it here first, before the full video (and more photos) drops next week and before it reaches Rightmove. 👀

“Set across the first floor of a handsome period home on Fieldhouse Road, this beautiful two double-bedroom maisonette was renovated by its owners for themselves, not for resale. And I think you can tell.

“The period character is still very much part of the story – sash windows, gorgeous fireplaces and lovely proportions.

“But it’s the reception room that might just steal the show. A huge bay of double-glazed sash windows fills the room with light, with a window seat looking down Fieldhouse Road towards Tooting Bec Common. 🌳

“Coffee. Window seat. That view. I could get rather used to that. 😍

“There’s also a private garden, Share of Freehold and, with the loft demised to the home, there’s potential to extend upwards in future, subject to the necessary consents. So it’s beautiful today, with the potential to grow with you tomorrow.

“Two double bedrooms. Period character. Private garden. Potential above. Tooting Bec Common at the end of the road. And all of it is in the Hyde Farm Estate.

“Welcome to Fieldhouse Road. ❤️ Find out more on Instagram or Facebook.

“Born and raised in Tooting. Looking after a small handful of homes across Tooting, Balham and Streatham personally.”

Need some property advice? Email Chuk at hello@homeswithchuk.co.uk, call 07940 546 190, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!

This is what hard work and expert coaching can do! Local resident Mike kickstarted his body transformation with Enhance Fitness’s 6 Week Transformation Trial – and was so pleased with the results that he hasn’t looked back since!

With 5-star reviews and a fantastic, supportive community, Enhance Fitness in Earlsfield have helped loads of local residents get fitter, stronger and more confident – all through a genuinely personal approach to training that delivers real, lasting results.

And there are no quick fixes here. The team pride themselves on treating every member as an individual – tailoring their Small Group PT sessions to each person’s goals, ability and starting point, so you get exactly the support you need to succeed.

Autumn is the perfect time to get started – and the 6 Week Transformation Trial (£399) gives you everything you need to see genuine change:

⭐ 12 Small Group PT sessions (capped at 4:1 ratio)
⭐ 12 Group classes (METCON, Hybrid, Hyrox, Pre/Post Natal, ZONE)
⭐ Nutrition pack
⭐ Movement & body composition assessment
⭐ Your own personal accountability coach
⭐ Weekly check-ins throughout
⭐ Access to the amazing Enhance community

With expert coaches and brilliant support behind you, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve in just six weeks!

To find out more or book, visit enhance-fitness.com, email info@enhance-fitness.com, or call 07716 506 009.

Enhance Fitness: 593 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4ST. Also in Clapham Old Town!

*Available for new members only.

✨ 28 DAYS UNLIMITED AT HUMM IN COLLIERS WOOD FOR £55 ✨

HUMM London is a boutique nervous system care studio at Merton Abbey Mills, created to help you slow down, switch off and reconnect with yourself.

And right now, new customers can experience 28 days of unlimited sessions for just £55.

Founder, Jade, tells us, “What makes HUMM a little different is the way we bring different practices together.

“Alongside immersive sound baths, breathwork, restorative yoga, meditation and yoga nidra, you’ll find experiences combining modalities such as Sound + Reiki, Nidra + Reiki, Restorative Yoga + Sound, Reflexology + Sound, cacao, Himalayan sound and more.

“Rather than treating relaxation as an occasional luxury, HUMM is about creating regular opportunities for your nervous system to come out of the constant doing and return to a calmer, more regulated state.

“HUMM was born from my own experience with health anxiety and chronic headaches, when I felt completely out of control of my body. Sound was the one thing that required nothing from me, but gently showed me what a calm, regulated body could feel like.

“And now our customers tell us they leave feeling lighter, calmer and more grounded, sleep incredibly afterwards, and that regular sessions have helped them stay calm and level-headed through challenging and chaotic periods of life.”

✨ Your first 28 days are unlimited for just £55. Come as often as you like, explore different practices and discover what works for you.

📍 HUMM London, The Long Shop, Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, SW19 2RD

£55 | 28 days unlimited | New customers

Book via hummlondon.com

Looking to transform your outdoor space this autumn? Leo, local garden designer and founder of London Garden is here to help – he’s been creating beautiful gardens across south west London for over 15 years!

The London Garden team work on spaces of all shapes and sizes – from large gardens with outdoor kitchens and garden offices, to terraces, balconies and even indoor planting schemes. Whatever your space, they can bring it to life – check out these recent local projects in Tooting & Balham!

But London Garden is about more than just beautiful design. Leo tells us more:

“I believe that gardens are more than just beautiful places – they can heal, inspire, and bring balance into our lives. Even the smallest touch of greenery – a balcony plant, an indoor corner, a carefully designed garden – can reduce stress, spark joy, and make people feel at home in their own space.

“As a father of two and someone who has always loved the outdoors, I understand how vital it is to have places where families, children, and individuals can find peace, recharge, and connect with nature.”

London Garden offer a full range of services including design and planting, building & landscaping, and ongoing maintenance – so your space continues to thrive long after the work is done.

To find out more or get in touch, visit london-garden.co.uk, email contact@london-garden.co.uk, or call Leo on 07789 186 610.

The White House Prep School in Balham is holding an Open Morning event on Saturday 3rd October!

The Open Morning will begin at 9:30am with guided tours with pupils from Year 6.

This year, an incredible 60% of children achieved scholarships in their 11+ exams with over 100 offers for 28 children, at schools such as St Paul’s Boys, St Paul’s Girls, Dulwich College, Alleyn’s, Emmanuel, JAGS, Francis Holland, City of London Girls, Wimbledon High, Brighton College & more.

On the tour, you will be able to find out about their Super Curriculum which includes Nurture in Reception, Enterprise lessons, Choice and their Futures programme in Year 6 – areas where they can develop children’s natural curiosity to enhance their learning and interests outside the classroom.

The school offers wrap around care from 8am-6pm with 14 weeks of holiday camps if required.

The White House Prep welcomes children from ages 3-11 years old, celebrated its 40th Anniversary recently and is proud to still be family-owned and run, emphasising their core family values of Positivity, Respect, Kindness, Integrity and Perseverance.

Places for the event are limited so should you wish to attend, please RSVP by email to admissions@whitehouseschool.com

You can also find out more on their website. The White House School is located at 24 Thornton Road, Balham, SW12 0LF.

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY TO TOOTING’S Staged by The Property Ladies – and they have a special offer to celebrate (see below)! 🎈

Founders Rachael and Carys tell us, “A year ago, we took a leap and launched Staged by The Property Ladies.

“We’re two mums with property experience, a love of interiors and a real understanding of what makes buyers choose one home over another.

“One year later, we’ve staged homes across London and beyond, with properties selling in days, receiving multiple offers and even being chosen over identical homes in the same development.

“It’s been quite a first year. 🥂

“To celebrate our first birthday, we’re offering 2 extra weeks of home staging FREE on all stages booked this month.

“If you’re thinking of selling, we’d love to help make yours the one buyers choose.”

📩 hello@stagedbythepropertyladies.com
📞 020 8945 3022
🔗 stagedbythepropertyladies.com

There are lots of business offering discounts for NHS, emergency service workers and students in Tooting, Earlsfield and Furzedown!

We’ve created a list of businesses offering discounts – visit bit.ly/tootingdiscounts to find out more. And don’t forget to check back as we update the page!

Wandsworth Council could raise council tax by £958 for a Band D property, an increase of 94%, under proposals described as “outrageous”, reports the BBC.

“Holy god, this is really quite special” and “a surefire hit” are just two quotes from Grace Dent in her glowing review of Wandsworth Common restaurant Rosina in yesterday’s Observer!

Read the full review via The Guardian.

📍Rosina, 35 Bellevue Road, SW17 7EF

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Following the huge success of their recent ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ offer, Indian Room Balham have launched a fantastic new Saver Menu, featuring many of their most popular dishes in a two-course meal for just £19.99pp - available every Monday – Thursday until the end of September. Customers can also BYOB on each of those days!

Reservations for a table for the Saver Menu must be made in advance on their website at indianroom.co.uk, mentioning SAVER in the comments section.

Owner, Mubin & Manager, Latif tell us: “Our Eat Out To Help Out offer was so popular last month, and with the cost of living still showing no sign of easing, we wanted to keep giving our customers a great reason to eat out without breaking the bank. Our new Saver Menu lets you enjoy a proper two-course Indian meal, made with the same quality and care as always, at a really affordable price. And you can even BYOB too!”

Re BYOB: you can bring your favourite wine or beer with you to their restaurant (total corkage charge just £3pp) every Monday to Thursday.

The award-winning restaurant offers a menu packed full of tasty dishes from across the different regions of India. Most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan on request, and they cater for special dietary requirements too. Indian Room also prides itself on healthy cooking – all dishes are prepared without ghee, with no artificial colourings, British-bred meat from a farm in Devon, and only the freshest seasonal vegetables.

To book a table, visit indianroom.co.uk, mentioning SAVER in the comments section.

Indian Room is open 7 days a week (including for lunch on Saturday & Sunday), located at 59 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12 9EZ.

Please note: this offer can be used in conjunction with any other offer.

🔥🔥 COMPETITION TIME! 🔥🔥 Local favourite Green Monkey London in Tooting Bec is celebrating the start of autumn – by giving away a fantastic Autumn Hamper (worth around £150!) to one lucky follower on our Instagram page.

The hamper includes:
☕ Free Brunch for 2 at Green Monkey
🍵 100g Matcha Powder
☕ 250g Nude Espresso Coffee Beans
🎃 Pumpkin Spice Syrup
🕯️ Yankee Candle
♻️ Reusable Green Monkey Cup
👜 Green Monkey Tote Bag

Located right by Tooting Bec tube station, Green Monkey serve freshly-brewed specialty coffee, all-day hearty brunches, along with a number of tasty lunch items and a whole range of homemade sweet treats.

You’ll find Green Monkey at 2d Tooting Bec Road (opposite Tooting Bec tube), SW17 8BD, open Monday-Friday 6.30am-4.30pm & Saturday-Sunday 6.30am-5pm.

Please note: Green Monkey’s food is not halal.

50% OFF FOOD + 2 SPRITZ FOR £14 at L’assaggino al Mercato in Broadway Market Tooting! 👀🔥

Born and raised in Sardinia, owners Manolo and Nicola have created a menu inspired by their roots, passion and love for proper Italian food!

They tell us, “Come and visit our award-winning Italian restaurant and home to some of the best pasta in London since 2017! We’re bringing authentic Italian flavours to Tooting – with a special Sardinian touch!”

🎉 To celebrate their recent opening, they’re offering:
🔥 50% OFF ALL FOOD ON THE MENU
🍹 Happy Hour ALL DAY, EVERY DAY (2 Spritz for JUST £14)

And there’s something for everyone!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family friendly, L’Assaggino is the perfect spot for a relaxed meal with the whole family.

🎉 Planning a private event? They also have a dedicated room seating around 20 people, offering the perfect combination of privacy, comfort and great Italian food – ideal for birthdays, celebrations and special occasions.

Whether you want to enjoy the buzz and energy of Broadway Market from one of their external tables, or escape into the relaxed, romantic Italian atmosphere of their two beautiful indoor rooms, L’Assaggino has a space for every occasion. 🇮🇹✨

Book your table via their website.

📍 L’Assaggino, Unit 9-11 Broadway Market, 29 Tooting High Street, SW17 0RJ

Local jam producer Suve Jams is TURNING ONE 🎉 and to mark the occasion, they’re teaming up with Graveney Gin in Tooting Market to celebrate on Friday September 25th!

Join owners Violet & Padraig and fellow Tooting independent producer Graveney Gin for a relaxed evening of Persian-inspired cocktails, mixing Graveney’s premium botanicals with Suve’s artisanal jam syrups. It’ll be an evening of relaxed cocktails, tasty nibbles and old music!

Tickets are available now! Ticket includes a cocktail and cheeseboard, with the specialty curated cocktail menu priced at just £9–£10. There will also be 10% off purchases from Suve Jams and Graveney Gin bottles for ticket holders on the night.

Whether you’ve been following Suve since their very first jar or you’re discovering them for the first time, join them to raise a glass and help celebrate an incredible first year with an independent business🥂

Space is limited – book now and join the birthday celebrations via Eventbrite.

📍Graveney Gin, Tooting Market, 21-23 Tooting High Street, SW17 0SN

Your brunch plans just found their new home at Flora in Tooting Market!

With great food and flowing drinks, Flora’s Bottomless Brunch is available every day, 8:30am-4pm, because there’s always a good time for brunch!

From £29.90: 90 minutes of free-flowing drinks + brunch dishes, including Prosecco, bottled beer, red, white or rosé wine.

£34.90: 90 minutes of free-flowing cocktails, Prosecco + brunch dishes.

Whether it’s a catch-up with your friends, a birthday, date day, or simply an excuse to get together – Flora is waiting!

Book your table via OpenTable...and make your next brunch a Flora one!

📍Flora, Tooting Market, 21-23 Tooting High Street, SW17 0SN

Howden Insurance Tooting recently held a dress-down charity day in support of The Felix Project, with employees generously donating money and food to help those in need.

Felix is one of London’s leading food redistribution charities, rescuing high-quality surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, and delivering it to charities, schools, food banks and community organisations supporting people facing food insecurity. The charity’s mission is simple: to ensure that good food is never wasted while helping people who need it most.

The event saw staff across the office come together to support this important cause, demonstrating Howden’s commitment to giving back to the local community and helping organisations that make a real difference to people’s lives.

Marian Dowling, Office Manager – Tooting, Howden, said: “Supporting charities and community organisations is incredibly important to us at Howden. We are proud to support Felix and the fantastic work they do in helping people across London while reducing food waste.

“Our colleagues were delighted to get involved by donating food and money, and it was wonderful to see everyone coming together for such a worthwhile cause. As a business, we are committed to supporting charities across our local community and making a positive difference wherever we can.”

If you would like to support Felix, please bring items such as dried pasta, rice, pulses and canned foods to the donation station at Howden Tooting, 149/155 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PG. 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Bucket Biryani has opened at 70 Mitcham Road (where Chicken City was previously located) serving biryani (of course!), dosa, kothu, desserts, drinks and more.

All food is halal, veggie options available. Open 8am to late, Monday to Sunday, for eat-in and takeaway (delivery to come). See instagram.com/bucket_b1ryani for more info.

Congratulations and good luck to the team!

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY 🎉 to the Northern line extension from Clapham South to Morden (taking in Balham, Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway along the way) – an extension that created what was, at the time, the longest railway tunnel in the world, running from East Finchley to Morden via Bank!

Its stations were Charles Holden’s first for the Underground, it introduced a new design of escalator, and Morden even came with something distinctly novel for a tube station – a car park.

The brilliant has a fascinating history of the extension on his website.

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Dancing, karaoke, the Premier League on the big screen & more at Tooting’s House of Ora in the next week – and check out our events page to see what else they have in store (including, a speakeasy night, open mic poetry, salsa and more) in the coming weeks!

📆 FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER – drinks, dancing and karaoke 10pm-2am!
Free entry – no need to book!

📆 SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER – ⚽ PREMIER LEAGUE ON THE BIG SCREEN
3pm: Chelsea v Hull
5:30pm: Tottenham v Everton
Grab a drink, grab a seat and catch all the action on the big screen.
🎟️ Free entry – no need to book!

📆 SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER – ⚽ PREMIER LEAGUE ON THE BIG SCREEN
2pm: Coventry v Brighton
4:30pm: Manchester United v Manchester City
Grab a drink, grab a seat and catch all the action on the big screen.
🎟️ Free entry – no need to book!

📆 FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER – CEILIDH DANCING 7pm-10pm
A night of live music, dancing and good times with The Conquering Heroes. No experience necessary, just get involved! Book your tickets HERE.

More House of Ora events HERE!

📍House of Ora, 48A Mitcham Rd, London SW17 9NA
For more information, bookings or to enquire about private hire, email info@houseofora.co.uk

The Lanes Farmers’ Market is BACK in Tooting this Saturday, 12th September, 10am-2pm in Springfield Park – the fantastic 32-acre park which opened in SW17 last year!

This quarterly market is situated outside The Lanes on Lapridge Drive, SW17 7FX, where you’ll find lots of fantastic local traders with food stalls, drinks, gifts, condiments, treats & much more!

Relax in London will be in attendance this Saturday providing complimentary 10 minute energy reset Pranic Healing Treatments to those in need!

Blue light discounts are offered too!

There’ll also be music & sunshine vibes throughout from South London Vinyl Experience!

Dogs are of course, very welcome! 🐶

🗓️ Saturday, 12 September, 10am-2pm
📍 Outside ‘The Lanes’, Lapridge Drive, SW17 7FX

Tooting’s St George’s Arts Week, an annual celebration of arts and creativity in the Trust’s hospitals, takes place 14th-18th September!

This year’s theme is ‘Take A Journey’, chosen to invite the hospital community to explore the many paths we take in life, from personal growth and new beginnings to new experiences, discoveries and the everyday journeys that shape who we are.

Throughout the week, patients, visitors and staff can enjoy a range of free creative activities, including music and dance performances, visual arts workshops, curation sessions and more.

More info, including how you can get involved, via St George’s Hospital Charity.

Toast Stores Community Market in Tooting is back this coming Sunday 13th September, and will now be a permanent feature in the calendar!

The market runs 8.30am-1.30pm outside Toast Stores (next to the children’s playground) and features some wonderful local makers, flowers, fresh bread, oil, artwork, drinks, condiments, and a super talented children’s facepainter!

Come along for your morning fix at Toast and have a browse at what’s on offer!

Dogs are of course very welcome! 🐶

🗓 8.30am-1.30pm, Sunday 13th September
📍 Toast Stores, 50 Springfield Drive, SW17 0SL

Tickets for the BATCA Community Awards Ceremony on 20 September at Tooting’s St Boniface Hall are now on sale!

Join BATCA (Balham & Tooting Community Association) to hear about all the nominees and find out the winners, enjoy a meal together, and mingle with other community heroes and groups. Tickets available via Eventbrite.

BATCA has received over 90 nominations for individuals , groups and businesses in Balham and Tooting in the following categories:

🎨 Promoting Arts and Creativity
Recognising individuals, teams and businesses that enrich our community through arts, culture, creativity and opportunities that bring people together.

💚 Supporting Healthy and Resilient Communities
Celebrating those who improve wellbeing, support vulnerable residents, strengthen neighbourhood connections and help communities flourish.

⭐ Community Heroes: Going Above and Beyond
Honouring those whose dedication, selflessness and impact extend beyond traditional categories and who consistently make a remarkable difference to others.

🗓 Sunday 20th September, 5.30pm-8pm
📍St Boniface Hall, 185 Mitcham Rd, SW17 9PG

Unlock Your Memory Workshop at All Saints Church this Saturday 12th September, 1pm-5pm (more info in image).

Join a fun, interactive and engaging event to discover simple techniques to boost your memory and make remembering easier. 🧠✨

📧 email@allsaintstooting.org.uk for more info.
📍All Saints Church, Brudenell Rd, SW17 8DQ

The Open House Festival returns this Saturday 12th September (running until 20th September), a London-wide festival that opens up and celebrates the city’s architecture, special sites and neighbourhoods, with open days and events taking place across the city (including Tooting!).

Visitors to the Open House Festival can explore the city’s most remarkable homes, architecture and landscapes, and learn about London’s unique heritage and communities.

To find out more and to book, visit the Open House website.

🇳🇵Local Nepalese restaurant Gurkhas are holding a special fundraising buffet THIS SUNDAY 13th September, 1pm-9pm, to support the victims of the recent catastrophic flooding in Nepal – & they’d love the local community to come together and help.

The flash floods that struck the Nepal-Tibet border region in late August have caused unimaginable devastation. More than 1,100 people are confirmed to have died, with thousands still missing, and at least 65,000 people – including over 22,000 children – have been affected. Entire communities have been cut off, with homes, roads and bridges washed away.

Now, Gurkhas in Balham are hosting a special fundraising buffet, with all profits on the day being donated to charity.

📅 Sunday 13th September
🕐 1pm-9pm
🍽️ Buffet at just £20.50 per person – and you’re welcome to donate as much more as you wish.

To book your place, visit gurkhasbalham.co.uk, or just turn up on the day.

📍Gurkhas, 1 The Boulevard, Balham High Road, SW17 7BW.

The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 12th September, in seven locations around Wandsworth, including Tooting. Skips will close when they’re full, or 12 noon – whichever comes first.

Mega Skip Days are an opportunity for people to dispose of bulky items for free. Large skips are placed in neighbourhoods around the borough for all local residents to use.

The skips are open to residents of the London Borough of Wandsworth only. Proof of address may be required on the day.

The skips will be in the following places:

📍 Welham Road, SW17 7BU
📍 Stormont Road, SW11 5EN
📍 West Hill Road, SW18 1LN
📍 Wexford Road, SW12 8NH
📍 Holmbush Road, SW15 3LE
📍 Putney Vale estate, near 14 to 44 Frensham Drive, SW15 3EB
📍 Henry Prince estate, Haldane Place, SW18 4UQ

More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.

Want to know what events are happening in Tooting, or want to add your own event(s)? Check out our new Tooting Events Page!

If you’re looking to renovate or transform your home, meet Avalon Projects, a design and build studio specialising in home renovations across the South West and the wider London area.

Founded by Harry and Jonny, who bring a combined 20 years of experience, Avalon Projects focus on expertly crafted full house refurbishments – from bespoke kitchens and joinery to premium flooring, bathrooms and interior design.

With a background in architecture and extensive experience working for leading London property developers, including Berkeley Homes, Harry and Jonny have successfully delivered and developed multiple residential properties across central London.

They launched Avalon Projects to transform ordinary homes into beautifully designed, highly functional spaces. They tell us more: “We design, manage and build every project entirely in-house, meaning there’s one team from the first sketch through to the final finish.

“We’re committed to creating stunning, practical spaces that elevate everyday living. We aim to make the renovation process as seamless as possible – no stress, no nasty surprises, just a beautifully finished home.”

Avalon Projects offer:
• Home Renovation
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Joinery
• Flooring
• Interior Design

To find out more, email contact@avalon-projects.co.uk, call 020 8778 6976 or visit their website.

Looking for somewhere special to host a childrens’ birthday party? The beautiful 29-seater private cinema at Audley Nightingale Place by Clapham South tube is available for hire!

Perfect for screening all the most popular children’s movies with friends & family, the plush cinema offers a cosy, magical setting for fun-filled gatherings. You can even order food and drinks from No3 bistro upstairs to complete the experience!

The cinema is located within Audley Nightingale Place, Nightingale Lane, SW4 9AH – right by Clapham South tube.

To find out more about private hire and availability, call 0203 510 4807 or email info@no3clapham.co.uk

There are lots of business offering discounts for NHS, emergency service workers and students in Tooting, Earlsfield and Furzedown!

We’ve created a list of businesses offering discounts – visit bit.ly/tootingdiscounts to find out more. And don’t forget to check back as we update the page!

Sidequest is a new programme for Young Carers in Wandsworth, giving them a chance to relax every weekend between 12th September-6th December, in Furzedown on Saturdays, and Roehampton on Sundays.

Every session has a one-hour headline activity, with no pressure to join in. If it’s not something that interests attendees then there’s plenty of other activities, including sports, card games, pool, table tennis, a quiet corner to relax, and more.

Young Carers that attend can bring a friend or sibling which unlocks a rewards package including discounted gym memberships and more discounts, offers and tickets for events across the borough.

If you’re a Young Carer, or knows someone that looks after a parent, brother, sister or someone else in the family, then please share the flyer and/or register online.

Alternatively, please email activecommunities@enablelc.org for more info.

Shoezone, at 55-57 Mitcham Road in Tooting, has permanently closed its doors. We’ll keep you posted as to what will be replacing it...

McDonald’s Tooting at 42-44 Mitcham Road is temporarily closed whilst it undergoes a refurbishment. They plan to re-open on Wednesday 14th October. We’ll keep you posted...

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🎉 Celebrating 5 years in Tooting! Elaka Food City at 42 London Road has become a firm favourite with locals since 2021 – and they’d love even more local residents to discover their amazing store, which stocks an extraordinary range of Sri Lankan and South Asian fruit and veg, spices, store cupboard essentials, chutneys, snacks, kitchenware and more! Plus, they’ve recently launched a website, so you can order from home as well.

Karun tells us, “We offer specialities you won’t easily find elsewhere, like Moringa and Papaya leaves, soursop, pickles, frozen fish, bread, and so much more. Why not come in and look around? And if you’re not sure how to cook something or what it’s used for, then we’ll be happy to give you advice!”

They offer same-day local delivery (and UK-wide delivery too), so you can order online (or download their free app on iOS and Android), with 10% off all online orders until 30th September 2026 with code SEP10! And they’ve got a 5-star food hygiene rating, so you know you’re in safe hands.

Just a 15-minute walk – or a short bus ride – from Tooting Broadway, and barely a minute from Tooting Thameslink station.

🕖 Open 7am–11pm, every day
📍 42 London Rd, SW17 9HP
🔗 shop.elakafoodcity.com

Good luck to Tooting Works, who’ve been shortlisted for Best Community Facility Garden at the Wandsworth in Bloom Awards! 🌷

Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road is a business centre offering a range of services from office and co-working space to virtual tenancies, event space, kitchens, and dining room and meeting room hire. More info via their website.

From balcony blooms to community food-growing sites, the Wandsworth in Bloom competition showcases the creativity and care residents have poured into greening their spaces. More info via Wandsworth Council.

Congratulations to regular Tooting Common parkrunners Pete and Angelika who got married on Friday and joined Tooting Common parkrun on Saturday to celebrate! All the very best to you both! 🎉🎉

Tooting Common parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event (walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you) which takes place at 9am every Saturday at Tooting Common, Doctor Johnson Avenue, SW16 1RT.

Find out more about Tooting parkrun via their website.

Local resident Thomas has launched Atlas51, offering a handpicked collection of custom expeditions, journeys and courses for people looking to get well beyond the usual tourist trail – from kayaking through the Okavango Delta and exploring remote Guyanan rainforest, to winter expeditions across the Norwegian Arctic wilderness!

Thomas tells us, “We’re interested in the places where the journey itself is part of the experience. Remote environments, challenging terrain, local guides and experiences that you’ll still be talking about years later.”

“Atlas51 works with specialist local operators around the world to put together trips that are immersive, adventurous and different from usual travel providers.”

To find out more, visit atlas51.co

Congratulations and good luck, Thomas!

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This Saturday 12 September, TfL is organising a family-friendly treasure hunt to mark the centenary of the Northern line extension to Morden (including Balham, Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway), which is open to all.

The treasure hunt will highlight the history, architecture and heritage of some of Northern line’s most distinctive Underground stations (designed by Charles Holden), which opened on 13 September 1926.

As part of the treasure hunt, participants will be invited to explore the route between Morden and Clapham South stations, uncovering details about Charles Holden’s architecture and the day-to-day operation of the Underground.

Starting at Morden station, teams will collect a clue pack containing a series of questions to answer at stations along the route. The treasure hunt will conclude at Clapham South station, where participants who have successfully completed the challenge will be eligible to receive a commemorative prize.

The event is designed to be completed at participants’ own pace and offers an opportunity to discover the unique features of these historic stations while enjoying local shops and cafés along the route.

More info via TfL.

A triumphant fashion show on Tuesday (8th September) night, staged by Oxfam Earlsfield at The Wandle!

All 76 looks were reworked donations, rebuilt around goth, punk and emo styles. All 19 people on the catwalk were local – regular customers, a barista from up the road, a tattoo artist and bar staff from a nearby pub!

The show was put together by 25-year-old Deputy Manager Jamie Jupp, drawing on her own roots in alternative subcultures and the community she found there and in SW London.

Items from the fashion show are now on sale at Oxfam Earlsfield, 535 Garratt Ln, SW18 4SR (and check out their alternative section too)! All proceeds raised from the show and sales of all the items in Oxfam will go to Oxfam’s Disaster Relief Programme.

Visit @alassandalad (Instagram) for more amazing photos!

📷 @alassandalad

On Saturday 5th September 2026, police officers executed a warrant at an address on Smallwood Road in Tooting.

During the operation, officers seized almost 300 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine, and arrested 2 individuals on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. Both have since been charged with drug offences and were remanded to court on Monday 7th September.

Tooting Broadway Neighbourhood Police Officers were able to obtain the drugs warrant from the court after being provided information by members of the local community.

If you have information about crime or anti-social behaviour in your area, you can report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. Visit Tooting SNT online for more info.

Sidequest is a new programme for Young Carers in Wandsworth, giving them a chance to relax every weekend between 12th September-6th December, in Furzedown on Saturdays, and Roehampton on Sundays.

Every session has a one-hour headline activity, with no pressure to join in. If it’s not something that interests attendees then there’s plenty of other activities, including sports, card games, pool, table tennis, a quiet corner to relax, and more.

Young Carers that attend can bring a friend or sibling which unlocks a rewards package including discounted gym memberships and more discounts, offers and tickets for events across the borough.

If you’re a Young Carer, or knows someone that looks after a parent, brother, sister or someone else in the family, then please share the flyer and/or register online.

Alternatively, please email activecommunities@enablelc.org for more info.

The Wandsworth Disabled People’s Forum (WDPF), run by and for local disabled people, hold meetings in the borough every three months (see below).

Akalikai Sivarajah, Chair of WDPF, tells us, “In our community, we as disabled people want to make sure that our voices are heard. Therefore, we stand in unity, with shared purpose and collective empowerment to share our views and lived experiences, to represent the changes we want to see, and work with decision makers to make a change happen.

“We are a very welcoming group, who come together to try to make Wandsworth borough more accessible and inclusive for all. Our meetings bring together a wide variety of stakeholders with the aim of learning from one another and working together for change. All are welcome to join.

“Our next meeting is on Tuesday 15th September 2026, 1pm-3pm, at Balham Library Hall, 16 Ramsden Rd, SW12 8QY.”

To register for the meeting, and to sign up for Forum updates, visit their website.

A Salsa night, Live DJ’s, Family Lunch Raves, and Premier League football on the big screen over the next couple of weekends at Tooting’s House of Ora!

📅 💃🏿 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH – SALSA NIGHT
An evening of Latin rhythms, dancing, food and cocktails as Ora transforms for a vibrant Salsa experience! 🎟️ £13 on the door.
• 8.30pm-10pm classes (3 levels, including beginner)
• 10pm-1.30am social dancing

📅 🎵 SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH – 9pm-2am: Live DJ, playing the best in R&B, Soul, Dancehall, Afro Beats, in an ‘End of Summer Party’! 🎟️ Tickets HERE.
Plus, Fulham v Crystal Palace at 3pm on the big screen!

📅 🎵 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH
• 12pm-2pm Family lunch rave with games and activities for kids
• Premier League on the big screen:
2pm Everton v Manchester
4:30pm Arsenal v Chelsea
Free entry - no need to book!

The fantastic Furzedown Farmers Market is BACK from its annual summer break THIS SATURDAY, from 9.30am in the playground at Penwortham Primary with lots of new & old favourites for you to browse and shop!

They have coffee, delicious food, drinks and a great deal of gift items this weekend too! This Saturday also will include a lovely addition of free 10 minute energy reset treatments from the Pranic Healing stand! South London Vinyl will also be there as always providing the soundtrack! 🎧

Dogs are of course very welcome and will be serviced by the wonderful Baileys Canine Kitchen! 🐶

📆 Saturday 5 September
🕰️ 09.30-13.30
📍 Penwortham Primary School, Penwortham Road, SW16 6RJ

Charity Fashion Show in Earlsfield, Tuesday 8th September!

As part of Oxfam’s Second Hand September, Jamie (Deputy Manager at Oxfam Earlsfield), has chosen to showcase alternative styling, assisted by Luka from Jimmy Choo’s Fashion Academy!

There’ll be lots of upcycled, patched and reimagined clothing, with 16 local alternative models wearing the outfits.

All proceeds raised from the show and sales of all items will go to Oxfam’s Disaster Relief Programme.

📍The Wandle Pub, 332 Garratt Ln, SW18 4EJ
🗓 Tuesday 8th of September, 6pm-9pm.

There’s lots happening for all ages in libraries across Wandsworth (including Tooting) in September – full list of activities and libraries via Better UK.

Want to know what events are happening in Tooting, or want to add your own event(s)? Check out our new Tooting Events Page!

Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk, says there’s a whole season ahead to make the most of everything Tooting has to offer... 🍂

“From trying somewhere new to eat, to making time for the Common, supporting a local independent or simply noticing the bits of Tooting we all walk past without really seeing… this is my little Tooting Autumn Bucket List – find out more on my Instagram.

“And because no Homes With Chuk post would be complete without at least one homes mention 😌 – if moving has been on your mind, the final few months of the year can also be a good time to stop saying ‘we really should…’ and start working out what that move might actually look like.

“Food, markets, green space, local businesses, hidden history and homes – all part of what makes Tooting feel like Tooting.

“Born and raised in Tooting. Looking after a small handful of homes across Tooting, Balham and Streatham personally.”

Need some property advice? Email Chuk at hello@homeswithchuk.co.uk, call 07940 546 190, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!

Looking for a midweek quiz night in Tooting or Clapham – without straying far from the Northern Line? Red Fox hosts weekly quizzes at The Tooting Tavern and The Railway Clapham, with more quizzes around London!

📍The Railway, 18 Clapham High St, SW4 7UR
Right by Clapham North station
Tuesdays at 7pm

📍The Tooting Tavern, 196 Tooting High St, SW17 0SF
Just minutes from Tooting Broadway station
Wednesdays at 8pm (and a special Star Wars quiz this Sunday 30th August!)

Expect general knowledge, music, pictures, current affairs, questionable team names, and plenty of chances to prove you know things nobody ever asked you to know.

Grab your smartest mates, jump on the Northern Line (or just walk down the road) and come find them!

More info via the Red Fox Quizzes Eventbrite.

Join local wellness practitioner Gizelle Renee for an immersive 3-hour cacao & self-care experience on Sunday 13th September – set in the breathtaking Barts North Wing, one of London’s most remarkable historic spaces!

There are now only 20 tickets left – and the first 10 Newsie readers to book can enjoy 20% OFF with code NEWSIE20 - see booking link below!👇

Gizelle tells us what’s in store: “We’ll begin by slowing down and stepping away from the demands of daily life as we gather to share ceremonial cacao. Throughout the afternoon, you’ll be guided through meditation, breathwork and reflective activities, with opportunities for conversation, journalling and connection in a warm and welcoming environment.

“The experience will close with an immersive sound bath using crystal bowls, chimes and layered sound. Everything is provided for your comfort, including yoga mats, cushions, blankets and eye masks.

“Whether you’re completely new to cacao or already enjoy it regularly, this is a chance to pause and experience cacao, meditation and sound in one of London’s most extraordinary hidden gems. Just come comfortably dressed and arrive as you are.”

On the day, guests will also enjoy some lovely touches from Gizelle’s wonderful sponsors – Douvalls Beauty, Avalon Pilates, I Am Scentered and Spritz Wellness – plus the chance to win a beautiful Spritz Wellness gift set!

Book your ticket HERE – use code NEWSIE20 for 20% OFF (first 10 readers only!).

📍 The Great Hall, Barts North Wing, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE

Katie’s Pilates has been a much-loved part of the area for over 15 years – and Katie has now expanded her timetable to include pure Strength classes, as well as her new Strength & Core, combining the magic of Pilates with the benefits of strength training.

Katie is offering the first class FREE to new clients throughout September!

Whatever your age or ability, Katie’s classes in Tooting, Balham, Streatham and Furzedown (and online!) are open to all.

Katie tells us more: “As with all my classes, everyone is welcome – male or female, 40+ or not, experienced with weights or completely new to lifting. Wherever you’re starting from, there’s no judgement here. If 1kg is where you’re at, start with 1kg – we’ll build your strength from there, together.

“There’s a lot of noise and confusion around strength training, but it really can be simple. Building and maintaining muscle strength can support your muscle mass, bone health and even your sleep – and it’s never too late to start.

“Come as you are. Start where you are. Get stronger from there.”

Katie is offering the first class FREE to new clients throughout September – so why not give it a go? Check out her NEW WEBSITE for full details on all the classes on offer.

Kickstart your fitness after summer with Enhance Fitness’s 21 Day Trial! The popular gym on Garratt Lane in Earlsfield is the perfect place to get back into your routine as September rolls around!

Whether you’re returning after a busy summer, getting back into it after a break or injury, or simply looking for that extra bit of accountability, the 21 Day Trial includes:

⭐ 6 Small Group PT sessions (capped at 4:1 ratio)
⭐ 6 Group classes

All for just £139!

With 5 star reviews, a fantastic community, and a personal approach to training, Enhance have been helping hundreds of local residents get fitter and stronger.

What makes them different? Their Small Group PT sessions are capped at just 4 members to 1 trainer – one of the only gyms in London to do this – giving you all the benefits of 1-1 personal training at a fraction of the cost.

Group classes include METCON (strength), Hybrid (strength & cardio), Hyrox endurance training, Pre/Post Natal (babies welcome!), and weekend Mixed sessions – all led by their fantastic team of experienced coaches.

No matter where you’re starting from, with Enhance’s expert coaches and supportive community behind you, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

To find out more or book, visit enhance-fitness.com, email info@enhance-fitness.com, or call 07716 506 009.

You’ll find Enhance Fitness at 593 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4ST – just down the road from Tooting. They also have a studio in Clapham Old Town!

*Trial available for new members only.

Get the deepest clean possible for your teeth with Ten Dental’s ‘Airflow’ treatment – available as an add-on to a normal scale & polish or hygiene visit.

Ten Dental co-founder Dr Nik Sisodia tells us more: “The innovative EMS AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master system with Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a game-changing system, offering the gold standard of dental hygiene treatment.

“The advanced spray technology allows for a powerful treatment, dramatically cleaning and polishing your teeth and reaching all those hard-to-reach areas, whilst remaining extremely gentle and minimally abrasive.

“The system effectively removes biofilm (a sticky film of harmful bacteria), stubborn stains, plaque and discolouration using a combination of warm water, compressed air and very fine powder particles. These components allow for gentle yet thorough cleaning, both above and below the gumline, disrupting the bacteria before it can do any lasting damage.”

To find out more and book in, WhatsApp 07308 716 397, call 020 8675 1798, email hello@tendental.com or pop in!

Ten Dental is located at 156 Balham High Road. You can also visit their website at tendental.com

There are lots of business offering discounts for NHS, emergency service workers and students in Tooting, Earlsfield and Furzedown!

We’ve created a list of businesses offering discounts – visit bit.ly/tootingdiscounts to find out more. And don’t forget to check back as we update the page!

The results for the Trinity ward (covering parts of Tooting Bec and Balham) by-election have been declared. Cllr Georgiani (Labour Party) won the seat with 1,558 votes. Cllr Georgiani joins Cllr Kirsten Botting (Local Conservatives) as ward councillor for Trinity ward. More info via Wandsworth Council.

A Tooting convenience shop has lost a battle to sell alcohol until 2am, after the Met Police raised concerns this would add to anti-social behaviour and violence in the area. KK Convenience Store (known as Niru) at 82 Tooting High Street applied to extend the hours it could sell alcohol from up to 11pm to 2am every day.

But the Met Police and Wandsworth Council’s environmental services and licensing officers opposed the application, as the shop is in the Tooting Broadway Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), where applications should be refused if they are deemed likely to add to problems in the area.

Full story via MyLondon.

We’re sad to report that the RSPCA South London charity shop at 71-73 Upper Tooting Road is to close in October.

The charity said on their social media, “To everyone who has shopped, donated or simply popped in for a chat at our Tooting shop, we want you to hear this from us directly.

“After a lot of thought, we have made the difficult decision to close the shop this October. It has been running at a loss for some time, and as a small locally run branch, we simply cannot keep funding that loss without it affecting the animals and the welfare work we exist to do.

“Nothing changes yet. We are open as normal right up until closing, and every visit, every purchase and every bag of stock you donate between now and then still funds real local animal welfare work.

“Thank you for years of support, there is more to come on this soon.”

Find out more about the local charity via their website.

For three years, Tooting resident Daniel Edwards had an explanation for his dodgy tummy – a late night, IBS or, as he joked, a “dodgy kebab”. But when the 43-year-old’s symptoms became impossible to ignore, doctors discovered a 10cm tumour and diagnosed him with stage 3 bowel cancer.

Daniel, a director at Heathrow Airport, said he began having bouts of diarrhoea around once a month in 2021. This continued for three years until he said it came to a head in August 2024, when he feared he would “poo himself” while DJing on a Brighton Pride float alongside Diane Carson from BBC show The Traitors.

Now, the south Londoner is using drag, glittery toilet seats and an inflatable colon to make talking about poo and cancer less taboo, with Booty Call CIC, an LGBTQ+-led community interest company hosting events to raise awareness about bowel cancer.

Full story via My London.

CLOSING DOWN SALE at Star Fabrics in Broadway Market, with fabrics starting at just £1 per metre!

Mr Singh is sadly closing his unit in a few weeks, after 16 years trading in Tooting, and is offering amazing deals on fabrics, abayas, scarves, net curtains, ribbons, accessories, vinyl tablecloths and much more.

📍Unit 105-7 (close to the north entrance), Broadway Market, 29 Tooting High St, SW17 0RJ
🕙 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday, 11am-5pm Sunday

The unit will be available for rent after Mr Singh has left – call/message him on 07878 456022 for more details.

Local food charity Be Enriched would like to thank each and every volunteer who supports their weekly Tooting Community Canteen!

The charity says, “Our Community Canteens are spaces of hope, powered by the selflessness of our incredible volunteers. 🥰💛🥹

“The Tooting Community is a shining example of connection and love, where guests come together every Friday lunchtime to share a meal and break free from social isolation.”

Be Enriched has been using food to bring people together, reduce waste and tackle social isolation for people facing socio-economic inequality for over a decade. If you’d like to support their work, please donate or sign up to volunteer via their website.

Free bicycle safety checks in Wandsworth with Dr Bike! 🚲🩺

The team deliver a regular Dr Bike service at Wandsworth’s three main hospitals – St George’s and Springfield in Tooting, and Queen Mary’s in Roehampton. They also run sessions at community spaces in Balham, Battersea, Clapham, Putney, Tooting and Wandsworth Town.

Dr Bike will perform minor adjustments including:

• Safety checks/M check
• Checking that your brakes are working properly
• Pumping up tyres
• Cleaning and oiling chains, time permitting
• Indexing gears, time permitting
• Identifying additional work which may be required
• Offering professional advice and pointing you in the right direction

Please note that electric bikes and hydraulic brakes cannot be checked or fixed.

No need to book – just turn up with your bike and wait for your safety check.

More info and a list of upcoming locations via Wandsworth Council.

COMING SOON TO TOOTING: Sphinx, a Maltese 🇲🇹 Pastizerria, is to open in Tooting Market (in the space that The Lone Fisherman previously occupied). We’ll keep you posted...

Local resident Swati has launched Ainara Nourish, a range of energy balls made from whole foods like dates, nuts, and seeds – plus they are 100% vegan, completely UPF-free, and contain zero refined sugars.

Swati tells us, “We offer exciting flavours like sesame and cranberry, dark cocoa velvet & coconut and cardamom.

“These delicious artisanal bites are an ideal grab-and-go option to power your morning workout, to enjoy as a wholesome afternoon pick-me-up, or a dessert replacement for you and your kids!”

Order by DMing @theainaranourishco on Instagram or via their WhatsApp catalogue at wa.me/c/447349918842. They have discounts running until the end of the month and are offering a free gift to anyone who quotes Tooting Newsie!

Congratulations and good luck to Swati!

Did you know that Tooting High Street and Upper Tooting Road (part of the A24) have Roman roots?

The next time you walk, drive or cycle along these Tooting roads, you’ll be following a route with a history stretching back almost 2,000 years.

The roads lie on the presumed line of Stane Street, the Roman road linking London with Noviomagus Reginorum (modern-day Chichester).

Stane (an old spelling of “stone”, which was commonly used to differentiate paved Roman roads from muddy native trackways) Street was built during the period of Roman rule in Britain, with its route passing through what is now South London, including Tooting.

So while today’s Tooting High Street / Upper Tooting Road is lined with shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, its route has a history stretching all the way back to Roman Britain!

Who was lucky enough (and awake enough!) to catch the lunar eclipse in the very early hours of this morning last week? Tooting resident and photographer Simon was, and captured these fantastic photos over Tooting Common – thanks for sharing!

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Tooting’s St George’s Hospital is currently hosting an exhibition showcasing the history of the hospital. Using artworks from the St George’s Art and Heritage Collection, and items generously reproduced from the City St George’s Archives and Special Collection, this exhibition traces the history of the hospital from its origins at Hyde Park Corner to where it stands today.

This project is part of the “Our Hospital: conserving, curating and responding to St George’s Art and Heritage Collection’ project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and is a three-year project focusing on conserving, cataloguing, reinterpreting and digitising St George’s Hospital’s unique Art and Heritage Collection so it can be enjoyed by many more people.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund believes heritage should be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. As the largest funder for the UK’s heritage they are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage.

City St George’s Archives and Special Collections preserves records, rare books, artefacts and artworks relating to City St George’s, University of London. The history of St George’s medical school is closely linked with the hospital, and students have benefited from the close relationship since 1733. The Archive is open to all by appointment. For more information please email archives@sgul.ac.uk

The exhibition is in collaboration with Arts St George’s, part of St George’s Hospital Charity, is the arts programme for St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. They provide opportunities for patients, visitors, staff and the wider community to engage with creative activities and enjoy cultural experiences, helping improve the experience of being in hospital.

To find out more and to support their work, visit St George’s Hospital Charity.

You can view the exhibition in the main corridor on the ground floor of The Lanesborough Wing.