Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
A local fashion show, two much-loved businesses under new management, the Lido opens for summer, lots of local marathon runners, local elections, football players wanted, new openings and much more...
Our weekly newsletter is sponsored by Tooting’s family-run Lahore Karahi – a local institution since 1995! – who are currently offering 20% OFF all collection orders when you order direct via their website at lahorekarahi.co.uk. Ts & Cs apply.
Charity Fashion Show in Earlsfield (just down the road from Tooting), Monday 1st May, 7pm!
Oxfam Earlsfield holds its fourth Annual Fashion Show, hosted by Home Community Cafe, in collaboration with The Horn Runway, at St Andrews Church.
This year’s show will feature vintage items from the 1940’s to the early 2000’s, plus items by new designer Andreia Marques, with all outfits showcased by professional runway models
Entrance is free, but a donation to Earlsfield Foodbank and a purchase from the Home Community Café is encouraged on the night.
Tickets available online, or from Oxfam Earlsfield (535 Garratt Lane) or Home Community Café, or on the night.
📍 St Andrews Church, on the corner of Garratt Lane and Waynflete St, SW18 3QG.
There’ll also be an After Party at The Halfway House pub at 521 Garratt Lane.
Run, Scoot, Walk returns to Furzedown on Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May! Local residents will be running, walking and scooting their way around Furzedown and they’d love you to join them!
All ages and abilities are welcome on this FREE community Bank Holiday event!
You can join at any point on the map – just get your RWS maps / cards stamped at each checkpoint along the way. And there are medals at the end!
More info via Furzedown Community Network.
Breathe Melodies for Mums, a FREE programme for new mums comes to Tooting in May!
Delivered by Breathe Arts Health Research, 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 Tuesday 12 May to 14 July 2026 at the Franciscan Children’s Centre, the sessions offer a warm, welcoming space where mums can relax, connect with others, and take a moment for themselves – no singing experience required.
Unlike traditional baby groups, Breathe Melodies for Mums puts mothers at the heart. Each session introduces simple, uplifting songs from around the world (no nursery rhymes), designed to boost mood, reduce stress, and strengthen the bond between mum and baby.
Sessions are relaxed and baby-friendly, whether your baby is feeding, sleeping, or crying, everyone is welcome. Mums can take part as much or as little as they like.
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance.
More info on their website and visit here to register.
📍 Franciscan Children’s Centre, 221 Franciscan Road, SW17 8HQ
Bioblitz and Open Day at Fishponds Fields in Tooting, Saturday 25th April, 2.30pm-4.30pm – all welcome!
🐦 Become a Bioblitz wildlife detective and help identify the teeming species in Fishponds Fields to build up a biodiversity picture. Spot plants, flowers, trees, birds, bugs and butterflies. Use the fun app iNaturalist to help identify what you see, or go round with one of the expert Fishponds team. Children can use illustrated sheets of birds, bugs and flowers. There’ll be prizes for the child and grown-up that finds the most!
🏏 You’ll also have the chance to see and influence the vision for transforming the dilapidated changing rooms into a top class facility for sport and the community – have a look at the emerging plans and help shape the design.
🧑🌾 And see the community garden taking shape! Work is going on to create a vegetable and flower garden. Newcomers and experienced gardeners are welcome – a great chance to make new friends and learn new skills.
🖌️ Inventive community artists will lead a range of art and craft activities for children and adults, plus there’ll be homemade cake & biscuits, and hot & cold drinks.
ℹ️ Find out about Forever Fishponds – the official ‘Friends of the Fields’ – as they review the past year and seek your ideas about making the Fields an even more flourishing and welcoming place.
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
Have you got skills you can share? Local sustainability group Transition Town Tooting host ‘Tooting Can’ on Saturday 9th May, an event all about sharing and celebrating the skills in Tooting’s diverse community!
Cooking, growing, sewing, singing, dancing, making or mending and more: the community of Tooting has an abundance of skills and talents!
The event takes place on Saturday 9th May, 12pm-4pm, at United Reformed Church, Rookstone Road, SW17 9NQ. To find out more and to sign up, visit the TTT website or email transitiontowntooting@gmail.com to get involved!
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT IN TOOTING: Ben and Lauren have taken over Love Art in Tooting Market, ensuring that the much-loved local shop remains open. They tell us more:
“We are thrilled to announce that we are keeping Love Art open in Tooting Market. We’ve lived in Tooting for 8 years, and so when we saw that Claire was moving on from this amazing business and looking for someone to take it on, we knew we wanted to step in!
“We’ll be keeping the same ethos that Claire held - promoting independent and local UK artists and makers. Stop by for all your greeting card, wall art, and gift needs! And to meet shop dog Pepper - our tripod lurcher who absolutely loves new people.
“We will be keeping Love Art as a creative hub for the area, and expanding into more events and community based activities. Give us a follow, and watch this space for updates, events, and all things Love Art!”
Ben also runs Ben’s Game Club, a local board gaming events company.
Find Love Art in Tooting Market, 21-23 Tooting High St, SW17 0SN.
Wandsworth Council elections take place on Thursday 7 May 2026. All 58 seats of the Council will be up for election across all 22 local government wards (including wards in Tooting, Furzedown and Earlsfield).
The deadline to register to vote at the elections is midnight on Monday 20 April 2026. You can register to vote online in less than 5 minutes on the GOV.UK website. You will need to have your National Insurance number to hand.
The deadline to apply to vote by post is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
All candidates for each ward are shown in the statement of persons nominated notices, which can be found under official notices.
Full info, including how to register, and links to lists of candidates, via Wandsworth Council.
Tooting Bec Lido opens to the public on Friday 1st May!
From 1st May to 30th September, the Lido will open every day with two sessions per day, alongside lane swim times to kickstart the season.
To book a ticket to the Lido, including a free Access for All ticket, you must register for a free membership on the Places Leisure website.
For each session, 130 free tickets will be available for eligible residents under Wandsworth’s Access for All scheme. Access for All gives eligible residents 100% to 50% discounts on everything from gym sessions to swimming lessons, wedding ceremonies to event tickets.
Every day 250 free tickets will be available at Tooting Bec Lido to Wandsworth residents on means-tested benefits.
For more info, visit Places Leisure.
Tooting Bec Lido is 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 31 March 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.
📷 @slsclido (Instagram)
Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk chats with mortgage expert Katy Eatenton about the current mortgage market...
“There’s been plenty of movement in the mortgage market recently — with some lenders pulling products and others increasing rates — so if you’re thinking of buying or moving this year, it’s important to understand what’s happening and how it could affect you.
“I caught up with Katy for a chat (earlier this week) and we covered:
📈 What’s happening in the mortgage market right now
🔑 What to do if you’re in a position to move soon
👫 How things are looking for first-time buyers
🏠 The types of homes currently selling quickest in the local area
“The market may have shifted slightly, but opportunities are still very much there for well-prepared buyers and sellers.
“If you’re thinking about moving and want to understand what the current landscape means for you, you can watch the video via Instagram or Facebook.”
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!
Special fitness offers at Abi’s Fitness on Trinity Road in Tooting! Try 3 Personal Training sessions for £145, or grab 10 Group Classes for just £120!
Abi tells us, “At Abi’s Fitness we focus on helping every client reach their individual fitness goals in a supportive, community-based environment. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to push your training to the next level, we work with you to build strength, confidence and consistency.
“Our services include Personal Training, Group Fitness Classes, Couple Training Sessions, and Nutritional Support — all designed to help you achieve real, sustainable results.
“We believe fitness should feel motivating and welcoming. Our studio is built around community, accountability and helping people become the best version of themselves.”
To find out more or to book your sessions, visit abisfitness.com
📍196 Trinity Rd, SW17 7HR
📞 07984 658357
Audley Club at Nightingale Place in Clapham South is welcoming new local members! The private luxury health club primarily serves residents of Audley’s retirement living flats, but also offers a limited number of memberships to locals aged 45+ who’d like to enjoy their superb facilities.
Their membership is inclusive of the Gym, Pool, Steam Room, Sauna, Jacuzzi and Classes.
There’s no joining fee - and you can either join as an individual or apply for joint membership.
Personal Trainers are also available if you wish to book a private session.
Audley Club’s opening hours are Monday – Friday, 7am - 9pm; Saturday & Sunday, 8am - 9pm.
To find out more, or to book a tour of the Audley Club facilities, please call 020 3802 1581, email nightingaleclub@audleyvillages.co.uk, or pop in and see them at 3 Nightingale Lane, Clapham South, SW4 9AH.
You can also visit their website.
There’s a fresh new look at Dental Art Implant Clinics on Balham High Road. The clinic has undergone a complete refurbishment, both inside and out, and is now welcoming new patients for general, aesthetic and implant dentistry.
Dental Art Implant Clinics is one of the leading clinics in South West London for dental implants, with hundreds of outstanding reviews and happy patients. If you can trust a clinic with complex treatments like implants, you can feel confident they will take care of all your dental needs.
Their experienced team offers a full range of services, including general dentistry (check-ups, fillings, hygiene), cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, veneers, smile makeovers), dental implants (from single tooth to full mouth restoration - all on 4 & all on 6), Invisalign and teeth straightening.
The newly refurbished Dental Art Balham clinic provides a calm, modern environment, equipped with the latest technology to make every visit as comfortable as possible.
New patients welcome.
To book a consultation or find out more, visit their website, call 020 8672 7722, WhatsApp 07454 386724 or visit 143–145 Balham High Road, SW17 9DL.
£1 COFFEES at Flora in Tooting Market with Burdi! ☕
To celebrate Flora joining Burdi, coffees are just £1 until Thursday 23rd April – only 100 coffees available, so once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Pay with Burdi and your coffee is just £1 (extras like syrups charged as normal).
It takes less than a minute to set up Burdi — download it before you head down, then just open the app and follow the steps to pay in-store.
Every time you pay with Burdi, you earn points back to spend like cash at Flora and other local independents in Tooting Market and across Tooting. So your morning coffee today = money off your next drink, dry cleaning or dinner!
Flora is a Tooting Market favourite — great coffee + brunch, good people, and exactly the kind of local spot Burdi loves supporting!
Download Burdi via the Apple App Store or Google Play. And if you’re a local business who’d like to sign up, please email hello@burdi.app
T&Cs apply. 100 £1 coffees available until 23rd April 2026 at Flora, Tooting Market, London, SW17 0SN. One standard sized coffee per customer who pays with the fully downloaded Burdi app.
More info via burdi.app
Good luck to local resident Elle, who’s running her first London Marathon this month to raise money for local charity, Tooting Run Club (TRC)!
Elle says, “Tooting Run Club (TRC) isn’t just about running, it’s a proper community – a place where you go to clear your head after a long day, meet genuinely lovely people, and realise that getting active can actually feel fun, not intimidating.
“What I love most is that everyone’s welcome. Whether you’re chasing a PB or just fancy an easy jog and a chat, you can show up exactly as you are and feel part of something supportive.”
TRC is a free, volunteer led, award winning community making running accessible, social, and inclusive for adults across Tooting. It supports beginner and intermediate runners aged 18 and over, helping more people get active, while creating a safe and welcoming space for women and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
You can donate to Elle’s fundraiser via her JustGiving.
TRC is also keen to hear from local businesses interested in sponsoring the club. To find out more about the club, visit www.tootingrunclub.com or email tootingrunclub@gmail.com
Good luck to Tooting resident Izzy, who’s running the TCS London Marathon 2026 to raise money for Children with Cancer UK – a charity whose vision is a world where every child and young person survives cancer.
Izzy tells us, “I am honoured to be running alongside Team Connor’s Corner - in memory of Connor Owlett, a wonderful lad who inspired everyone around him that they should never give up. Sadly, Connor suffered from an aggressive leukaemia, and after seven months of fighting was laid to rest 2 days before his 9th birthday.
“The bulk of my training has taken place in Tooting – from doing multiple laps around the common in the dark, wind and rain to luckily now more sunny trots along the high street. Tooting is such a lovely place to train - and is home of course to the best recovery carbs in Daily Fresh Naan! I’m also so grateful for Crossfit Tooting for making me fall in love with fitness in the first place and without which, I would never have believed I could run this far. I’ve also had amazing support from Sin Run Club, a Tooting running group that I’m a proud member of!”
“All donations, however small, would be so greatly appreciated for this deeply important cause. All proceeds will raise more vital funds and spread awareness for Children with Cancer UK.”
For more info and to donate, visit her donation page.
Good luck to Tooting resident Sophie, who’s running the Manchester marathon this Sunday in memory of her father who recently passed away, and to fundraise for the MND Association.
Sophie tells us, “My Dad was diagnosed with motor neurone disease back in 2021, and sadly passed away on 27th March 2026. It was in April 2025 that I decided to start running – because I find it therapeutic, but also to run for my Dad and raise money for the wonderful charity.
“The past 3 weeks have been very sad, but I’m looking forward to running on Sunday in memory of my incredible Dad.”
To find out more and to donate to Sophie’s fundraiser, visit her Justgiving page.
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Flora SW17’s Paint n’ Bubbles events in Tooting Market are proving a huge success, with budding artists turning up every month to show off their painting skills, and enjoy bottomless drinks & tapas – and their next one is on Saturday 25th April, 4pm-6pm! 🎨🥂
What’s included:
🍽️ Bottomless Tapas (2 tapas per person — a special menu will be available on the day)
🥂 90 minutes of free-flowing drinks, including:
• Prosecco
• Bottled beer
• Wine (red, white & rosé)
🎨 All painting materials included:
• Canvas
• Paint brushes
• Home frame
• Plastic apron
✨ Paint, sip, and enjoy an afternoon filled with great food, drinks, music, and creativity! 🌸
🎟️ Tickets are £35.99 – pre-booking only via Flora.
📍Flora at Tooting Market, 21-23 Tooting High Street, SW17 0SN
The Furzedown Project’s Perambulators is their long established walking group who meet every month for walks of between 5 and 10 miles, within easy travelling distance from the Project on Moyser Road in Furzedown.
The most recent outing saw 14 Project members walking to Richmond Park and enjoying the amazing views across King Henry’s Mound.
The next Furzedown Perambulators walk is on Tuesday 28th April, where there’ll be walking along the River Wandle from Colliers Wood to where it joins the Thames at Wandsworth. It’s a level walk of about 5 miles on solid paths with an easy bus journey back to Tooting.
Fancy joining them? They welcome new members any time – please contact the Project reception or email Philip southlondoner23@gmail.com
They also have shorter, relaxed walks locally with the Furzedown Strollers, led by Robert pobble@cix.co.uk
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.
New players wanted! Local women’s and non-binary football club Tribal Football are recruiting players of all abilities, but are especially in need of players for their development squad!
No experience needed and low pressure - if you can’t make every game, just show up when you can!
Training takes place up the road in Balham on Wednesdays, with League matches taking place on Sundays in Waterloo (5 & 7 aside).
For more info, register your interest HERE.
NEW TO TOOTING: Kushi Kitchen & Bar has opened in Broadway Market Tooting, serving Hyderabad inspired food, specialising in biryanis, mixed grills, curries and more, alongside wines, beers, and soft drinks (with 15% off until this Sunday)!
Find them at Unit E4-E5, where Blend Bar was previously located. All food is halal, and vegetarian options are available.
Open Tuesday to Thursday 1pm-11pm, Friday 1pm-11.45pm, Saturday 1pm-12.45pm and Sunday 12pm-10pm for eat-in and takeaway (delivery to come).
More info, menu and ordering via kushikitchen.co.uk
Congratulations and good luck to Akki and the team!
House of Ora opens this weekend in Tooting Broadway – and the management would love local residents to pop by over the coming days to check out the new look venue (which used to house the Tooting Tram & Social), which they have extensively refurbished.
The first week will be a ‘soft launch’ period - no booking required (first come, first served) and entrance will be free (except for the ‘Writer’s Block’ this evening). House of Ora’s website will go live in the coming days.
Here is the ‘Soft Launch’ schedule:
THURSDAY 16TH APRIL
• Writer’s Block (7pm-10.30pm) – A special Open Mic night of poetry and music to kick things off. Book via link in bio @writersblocklondon
FRIDAY 17TH APRIL — GRAND OPENING (doors open 6pm)!
• Live music
• Jam sessions throughout the evening, musicians are welcome to join in
• DJ sets until 2am
• Art installations
• Food & drink service begins
SATURDAY 18TH APRIL
• Brewed Awakening: Coffee rave (10am-2pm)
• Open House: Vendors, food, drinks in free-flow format (2pm-8pm)
• DJ sets (8pm-2am)
SUNDAY 19TH APRIL
• ‘European’ Brunch (11am-4pm)
• Local Art & Craft Vendors (11am-4pm)
• Games and activities for kids (2pm-4pm)
• Salsa classes (4pm-6pm)
• Salsa DJ Gustavo open format dancing (6pm-9pm)
• Daffodil House band (9pm-10pm)
• Open format DJ (10pm-midnight)
House of ORA is a brand new cultural space where music, art, fashion and community come together – hosting everything from late-night DJ sets and live music to art exhibitions, writing groups, media launches, family activities and curated pop-ups.
To reserve a table for a meal or book the venue please call 0208 6721723
Enquiries: info@houseofora.co.uk / more info via houseofora.co.uk
House of ORA is located at 48A Mitcham Rd, Tooting Broadway, SW17 9NA (the former Tooting Tram & Social venue).
Congratulations & good luck to the team!
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