Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsleter
Christmas events, volunteering opportunities, free family holiday activities & food clubs, new openings, community spaces, awards for local businesses, and lots more!
Join St Boniface RC Church, Tooting for their Christmas lights switch-on, this Sunday 14th December, 4.45pm, with a carol service and a raffle draw at 6pm! All welcome!
📍185 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PG
POP-UP FARMERS MARKET THIS SUNDAY IN TOOTING! Liz, the fantastic force behind Furzedown Farmers Market, brings some festive cheer to the old Springfield Hospital site at Lapidge Drive!
Pop by from 10am to 2pm for a dazzling array of the best traders from Furzedown Farmers Market, offering up a super selection of goods! And every single one of these amazing traders will be offering a blue light discount!
And the market is dog-friendly! 🐶
Don’t miss out on the fun this weekend, and keep your eyes peeled for more excitement in 2026, as Liz plans even more markets for the area!
📍Lapidge Drive, SW17 7FX
The Snowman comes to Tooting! Watch the classic animation on the big screen – with live orchestral accompaniment – at Mitcham Lane Baptist Church on Thursday 18th December, 4pm and 6pm!
Graveney Music presents two screenings of Raymond Briggs’ ‘The Snowman’ with live orchestral accompaniment and soloists from Graveney School. A magical Christmas treat for all the family, this half-hour concert is a perfect way to get into the festive spirit for all ages!
£8 adults / £5 children under 10 (babes in arms free).
Book via Ticketsource.
📍 Mitcham Lane Baptist Church, 230 Mitcham Lane, SW16 6NT
Sign up for Be Enriched’s FREE family Holiday Activities & Food Clubs in Tooting and Lambeth! 🎄🍽️
Be Enriched’s Food Bus is running fun, food-filled holiday sessions this Christmas for families across London. Kids will enjoy:
👩🍳 Cooking workshops
🎨 Creative activities
🍎 A healthy meal
🤝 Time to play & make friends
All completely free!
📍 Tooting sessions:
29th, 30th December & 2nd January – The Food Bus, Longley Rd SW17 9LD, 11am–2pm
📍 Lambeth session:
23rd December — Brixton People’s Kitchen, SE11 6EE, 11am–2pm
Spaces fill up quickly — info and sign-up here.
Ceremonial Cacao Mornings are coming to Tooting Bec Lido!
Every Thursday, 7-8am from January 2026, local wellbeing practitioner, Gizelle Renee (Head of UK at Keith’s Cacao) will host 50-minute sessions designed to energise your mornings, kickstart your weekend, and bring focus, calm, and mental clarity.
Gizelle tells us more:
“Through the gentle power of Mother Cacao, you’ll reconnect with your inner energy and realign with your most centred, grounded self.
“Expect: Cacao, breathwork, guided meditation, and a short immersive sound bath.
“Bring: Just you. Feel free to bring a cushion, blanket, or journal for extra comfort.
“Cacao is a wonderful complement to swimming! Before a swim, it gently boosts energy and focus without the crash of caffeine. After a swim, it supports relaxation and recovery, replenishing body and mind with magnesium, antioxidants, and heart-opening calm.
“I can’t wait for locals to join me in January for this beautiful Thursday morning ritual at the Lido!”
To book your place, visit their Eventbrite page.
To find out more about Gizelle and her Clapham studio offering sound, reiki, yoga, meditation, and cacao classes, visit her website.
The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 13th December, in seven locations around Wandsworth, including Tooting.
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:
• 5 Mellison Road, SW17 9AS
• Webb’s Road, SW11 6SD
• 5 Cardinal Place, SW15 1NX
• 2 Endlesham Road, SW12 8JU
• 1 Birdhurst Road, SW18 1AR
• York Road estate - Ingrave Street, SW11 2SA
• Alton estate - Danebury Avenue, SW15 4DH
More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.
Tooting-based property advisor, Homes With Chuk, shares a recent success story about how he achieved above asking price for a Tooting client!
“My seller, Nayna, lived in and owned her home for over 20 years, so choosing the right agent really mattered to her. She invited a few agents round, heard a range of valuations, and chose to work with me because the strategy felt right (and realistic).
“We completed the sale last week, exactly 8 weeks after the offer was accepted. It would have been 7, but a last-minute hiccup arose, which I handled quietly behind the scenes. My job was to achieve the best price with minimal stress, ensuring that she never had to worry about it.
“And yes...we achieved above asking price (a rarity in the current market) – however, much of that resulted from the planning and strategy that I put forward prior, and she trusted me to implement it. Although I achieved a strong price, the purchase remains excellent for my buyer because the marketing price was competitive...a win-win!
“I always feel a tinge of sadness when a sale is complete – you build such a genuine rapport with your sellers and buyers, but that’s why I only take on a select number of homes at any one time. The personal side really does matter to me.”
Nayna adds, “Chuk’s communication was outstanding. He would reply to messages during out of work hours, on evenings, and on weekends (including Sundays!). He constantly kept me updated with voice notes and messages, and was always making sure I knew what was happening. I never had to chase him once.” Watch her full testimonial at Homes with Chuk!
If you’re thinking of selling in 2026, Chuk is always available for a chat – and even if he can’t accommodate, he’s happy to offer advice. To find out more, email Chuk at hello@homeswithchuk.co.uk, call 07940 546 190, DM Homes With Chuk, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!
If you’re looking to renovate or redecorate either the inside or outside of your property next year, Balham-based construction business, Costa Construction have availability for jobs from January 2026!
Costa (a Balham resident) & his team have been busy working on lots of local properties recently – check out these great examples of their work!
Their team are now available to quote and book in new projects, large & small, for next year.
Costa tells us more:
“Whether you’re considering a loft conversion, extension, new kitchen or bathroom, complete refurbishment, or bespoke storage solutions for your home, our team of highly experienced and reliable builders, carpenters and decorators will help bring your vision to life and transform your living or working space.
“We work on all types of residential and commercial projects, large and small, interior and exterior, pay great attention to detail and can advise on all aspects of renovation and construction, including colours and materials.
“As well as a high-quality service, we focus on excellent customer service, ensuring that we finish each project on time and on budget.”
To get a free quote and find out more, email costamatraku@gmail.com, text / call 07340 042048 and see @costa_construction_12 (Instagram) for more examples of their work!
Looking for local commercial space? Zennor Trade Park on Weir Road in Balham has just released newly-refurbished units perfect for growing local businesses.
The steel truss frame units range from 2,319 sq ft to 5,333 sq ft – with modern specs including LED lighting, electric roller shutters, and excellent natural light. They’re built to a high standard with brick and blockwork elevations and internal heights reaching 4.75m at the apex.
Located just 8 minutes walk from Balham Station, the park offers 24-hour access, onsite CCTV, car parking, and all the essentials (capped gas supply, WCs, EPC B rating).
Whether you’re in retail, light industrial, or need warehouse space, these units could work for various business types.
For more information, contact joint letting agents: Ted Johnson (BNP Paribas) on ted.johnson@realestate.bnpparibas / 07353 167 632 or David Thebald (Grant Mills Wood) on davidt@grantmillswood.com / 07974 231 352.
You can see further information via Rightmove.
Zennor Trade Park is located on Weir Road, Balham, SW12 0PS.
Local dog store Balham Bark is all set for Christmas! Located on Emmanuel Road on the edge of Tooting Common, owner Trevor – along with Chief Tasting Officer Rita, his 3-month-old Miniature Schnauzer – have the perfect gifts for your four-legged friends this festive season.
You’ll find natural, healthy dog food and treats (including low-fat, high protein, grain and gluten-free options, plus treats for dental hygiene), warm winter jackets, gorgeous collars and leads, fun and tough toys, professional grooming supplies, and incredibly comfy beds, blankets and throws.
Whether you’re shopping for puppies, older dogs, or those with sensitive tummies, Trevor has carefully curated a range to suit every dog’s needs.
Located within the same premises as Handsome Hound Dog Grooming at 72 Emmanuel Road (on the edge of Tooting Common), Balham Bark champions quality brands from the UK and Europe, with a focus on craftsmanship and responsible sourcing.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4.30pm, and Sundays 10am-3pm in the run-up to Christmas!
Congratulations to local dental clinic Ten Dental who won ‘Best Referral Practice of the Year’ at the prestigious ‘Private Dentistry Awards’ 2025, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London last week!
Not only that, but their receptionist, Catarina Pita won ‘Best Receptionist of the Year, London’ and their nurse, Lea Omosule was Highly Commended for ‘Best Nurse of the Year, London’
Ten Dental Co-Founder, Nik Sisodia tells us:
“We’re absolutely thrilled with these accolades for our practice and our team. These awards are a reflection of the trust our patients place in us, the collaboration of our referring colleagues, and the dedication, passion, and heart of every single member of our team.
“We’re so proud of our Catarina and Lea — two individuals who represent compassion, professionalism, and the highest standard of care — and proud of our entire team for creating the kind of practice where excellence isn’t an occasion, but a culture.”
“To our patients, thank you for choosing us. To our referring dentists, thank you for trusting us. And to our incredible team – thank you for showing up every day with purpose, integrity, and care.
“This is more than recognition — it’s motivation!”
You’ll find Ten Dental Balham located at 156 Balham High Road, SW12 9BN – and with a clinic in Clapham too.
You can find out more about the practice on their website.
Congratulations to Tooting’s Royal Mahal, who were awarded “Best Restaurant 2025” at the prestigious 10th annual Asian Food & Restaurant Awards last week! 🎉
Director Arfan tells us: “This award is a testament to the exceptional talent and commitment of our teams. We are also deeply grateful to our customers for sharing their special moments with us at our newly refurbished restaurant!
“We look forward to continuing to serve with precision, passion, and purpose, and to raising the standard of hospitality across the UK!”
Find Royal Mahal at 32-36 Upper Tooting Rd, SW17 7PD. More info on their website.
We’re sad to report that the Tooting Wandsworth Oasis branch at 234-250 Mitcham Road is to permanently close next Saturday, 13th December.
Following a strategic review, the trustees have decided to close the branch, as well as 3 shops that are no longer financially sustainable. These are Balham and Mitcham Lane (which have already closed), and Putney.
Raewyn Jones, CEO of Wandsworth Oasis, said, “This has been a very difficult decision, but one we believe is necessary to protect the long-term mission of Wandsworth Oasis. By focusing our resources on our strongest shops, we can continue raising vital funds to support people living with HIV. We are deeply grateful to our staff, volunteers, and communities who have stood with us, and we remain committed to our vision of a world where HIV does not stand in the way of health, dignity, and equality.”
The charity will continue to operate 4 shops across South London and Islington, which remain profitable and central to its fundraising efforts in Islington, Clapham, Battersea, and Tooting.
The charity is also exploring partnership opportunities with like-minded organisations to strengthen its mission and maximise impact.
Customers and supporters can continue to donate, shop, and volunteer at Wandsworth Oasis stores, with every purchase contributing to grants for organisations working with people living with HIV. Find your nearest branch via their website.
Now available in Tooting Sainsbury’s – Hayman’s London Dry Gin, beautifully gift-wrapped – and for just £20 while on promotion!
With their distillery in Balham, just 3 miles from their original family distillery (dating back to 1863) in Chelsea, Hayman’s remains family-owned and 100% independent. And they still make their gin using the same 160 year old family recipes.
Their beautifully hand-wrapped bottles are perfect for giving as a gift to a loved one (including yourself!) this Christmas.
Sainsbury’s Tooting is located at 71-77 Tooting High Street.
To find out more about Hayman’s, visit their website.
Tooting Community Kitchen (TCK) volunteers were up before dawn (with a full moon still in the sky!) on a very cold and icy morning last week to get their Friday morning foodbank set up!
They had lots of fruit and veg for their guests, including pumpkins and celeriac, as well and bread, pastries, cereals, tinned goods, rice, pasta, and some other little bonus treats too.
TCK aims to help alleviate poverty in SW London by helping feed the homeless and those in need, and provide them with other vital resources.
If you’d like to help with donations or volunteering, you can find out more via their website (where you can also find their list of weekly events).
The Tooting Christmas tree lights are ON! The tree’s lights were turned on earlier by Councillor Jeremy Ambache, Mayor of Wandsworth, with the help of children from local schools earlier.
There was also a Christmas market at St. Nicholas Church, with singing from local schoolchildren, donkeys, food, and much more!
You can find the tree at the junction with Church Lane and Mitcham Road.
Free taster sessions at Tooting Common Women’s Institute (TCWI)!
TCWI tells us, “we provide a vibrant community where women develop new skills, share experiences, build lasting friendships & amplify their voices on issues that matter, improving their lives & those of others.”
Join them for a free taster session – meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 11am-1pm at the Tooting Bec Lido Pavillion.
To find out more, email infotootingcommon@surreyfedwi.org.uk
Tooting and Wandsworth residents have access to a borough-wide network of warm, welcoming Community Spaces during winter, with a hot drink, friendly chat with neighbours, and easy access to council services.
Council buildings and community-run venues are open to residents across the borough. Residents are welcome to meet their community, enjoy light refreshments, and in some venues, share a meal. Most services are completely free for Wandsworth residents.
A full directory and map of Community Spaces is available via the Wandsworth Council website.
Wandsworth Council’s cost-of-living hub provides useful information and support for all residents, including
• Free Warm Packs for eligible residents to conserve energy in their homes and stay warm this winter.
• Eligible residents can get 50% to 100% discounts on a wide range of services, including leisure, education, events, and essential services
• Crisis Assistance payments
• Entitled To calculator to check what benefits you may be eligible for
• Council Tax reduction
Full info via Wandsworth Council.
Howden Insurance Tooting is one of 100+ UK local branches giving away free owl reflector stickers this winter, as part of its ‘Street Wise’ safety campaign. The initiative aims to boost visibility during darker months and protect young pedestrians on their journeys to and from school.
Matt Hillier, Tooting Branch Manager, Howden, says, “Every winter, the risk of road accidents increases, and tragically, young pedestrians are among the most vulnerable. According to the 2024 Reported Road Casualties* in Great Britain, 409 pedestrians lost their lives in road collisions last year. Over 19,000 pedestrians were injured, with children aged 16 and under making up 11% of all casualties and most incidents happening during morning and evening commuting hours.
“Visibility is key to safety. To help children stand out, we’re giving away free owl reflector stickers. These fun, stick-on companions are designed to make kids more visible to drivers – especially during the busy school run – and are designed to stick onto bags, coats, or bikes. They’re bright, bold, and built to help kids stand out in low light.
“Insurance isn’t just about policies and premiums – it’s about people. That’s why we focus on understanding what matters most. Whether it’s balancing cost with the right cover, navigating complex risks, or simply feeling seen and heard, Howden goes the extra mile to make sure clients never feel like just another number.”
To collect your owl sticker, pop into Howden Insurance Tooting,149/155 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PG. Find out more about Howden by calling them on 0208 672 3375, or by visiting their website.
*Source: GOV.UK
A fleeting glance of James Bond Wimbledon – captured today from the bus on Upper Tooting Road! 🚲
McCarthy’s Irish Bar & Deli has opened in Broadway Market (where Tokova was previously located), serving traditional Irish food, drinks, snacks and more!
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to when the market closes. More info via their Instagram.
Congratulations and good luck to Ursula and the team!
COMING SOON TO TOOTING: Gail’s Bakery is to open a branch in part of the former Morley’s site at 103-111 Mitcham Road, alongside a new 90-bed hotel for Zedwell Hotels.
The news was announced by Archie Morriss, Director at GCW Property Consultants.
We’ll keep you posted...
Flashback to July 2019, when we spotted this lovely old fire engine 🚒 from the borough of Douglas on The Isle of Man, enjoying a leisurely run out on Tooting High Street!
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