Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
African Caribbean Food Month, Wandsworth Artists Open House, Visit My Mosque Day, a green plaque unveiling, new openings, Bill Bailey comes to Tooting, community gardening, and much more this week!
Wandsworth Artists’ Open House 2025 takes place on the weekends of 4-5 and 11-12 October – a FREE borough-wide celebration of art, creativity and community!
Over 200 local artists across almost 100 venues will open their homes & studios in Tooting, Furzedown, Balham, Battersea, Wandsworth, Putney, Southfields, and Wimbledon & Delta studios over 2 weekends.
Enjoy two free weekends celebrating art and community and meet local artists, designers and makers; explore creative spaces, browse and buy original artworks, paintings, ceramics, photography, printmaking, sculpture, jewellery, textiles, gifts & more.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a curious newcomer, or simply seeking creative inspiration, Wandsworth Artists’ Open House welcomes all. It’s a chance not only to experience and collect high-quality art but also to support local artists and small creative businesses, learn about artistic techniques and engage with the borough’s vibrant creative economy.
For more info and a list of venues, artists, and trails maps, visit: www.artistsopenhouse.co.uk
Wandsworth Artists’ Open House 2025 is part of the London Borough of Culture Calendar, supported by Wandsworth Council.
African Caribbean Food Month starts today, Thursday 2nd October, in Wandsworth, offering an opportunity to connect, learn and celebrate the rich culinary traditions of African and Caribbean cultures.
There are events all over the borough, including children’s half-term cooking workshops, Jamaican, West African & Caribbean Supper Clubs, a guided Tooting food tour, Mission Kitchen tours, a Jollof-off, storytelling, a cocktail class, music events, and much more!
For full info and booking, visit Welcome to Wandsworth.
Tooting Islamic Centre hosts a community open day this Saturday, 4 October. Part of the national Visit My Mosque Day at Tooting Islamic Centre, locals of all faiths and none are invited to explore the Mosque, learn about its history and significance to Muslim and civic life, and meet those who worship there.
The day will feature an insight to the activities of the Mosque, refreshments, a calligraphy taster, a chance to observe prayer, and to learn more about Islam.
Chair, Arshad Daud, said: “We are delighted at the level of interest in this event. We look forward to welcoming our friends and neighbours at a time when all communities in our vicinity need to come together; catching up over tea and snacks and in the spirit of dialogue and friendship, giving them an insight into the history of Balham Mosque & Tooting Islamic Centre, the contribution it makes to the lives of Muslims locally and beyond; and what goes on in the Mosque on an ongoing basis.”
Cllr Paul White of Wandsworth Borough Council said: “I know first hand all the good work that the Mosque has been doing for communities in Balham, Tooting and beyond, as well as the rich spiritual connection which it hosts daily. I am looking forward to the event which I hope will help bring people together and build bridges between communities.”
More info via their Facebook and Instagram.
📍Tooting Islamic Centre, 145 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7TJ
The fantastic Furzedown Farmers’ Market is BACK again this Saturday 4th October, 9.30am-1.30pm, at Penwortham Primary School playground in Furzedown, just down the road from Tooting – and it’s going to be jam-packed with plenty of fresh produce (including fruit & vegetables), food stalls, drinks, gifts, condiments, treats for dogs (who are very welcome!) & much more!
The popular and diverse market is a fantastic place to enjoy a Saturday morning / lunchtime, with 30+ top quality stalls from local traders!
As well as this Saturday, the Market takes place on the first Saturday of every month, with the next dates being:
• Saturday 1st November
• Saturday 6th December
Furzedown Farmers’ Market is located at Penwortham School, Penwortham Road, SW16 6RJ – just down the road from Tooting!
See @furzedown_farmers_market (Instagram) for more details!
The Friends of Tooting Common annual Pumpkin Parade 🎃🎃🎃 takes place on the afternoon of Sunday 26th October! More info coming soon…
FREE SINGING SESSIONS in Tooting to support new mums’ emotional wellbeing – starts Thursday, 9th October!
This October, Breathe Melodies for Mums, returns to Tooting! The weekly event offers a safe, welcoming space where mothers and their babies (aged 0–9 months) come together and discover the proven benefits of group singing.
The 10-week programme is designed to support emotional wellbeing at a time when many mothers need it most. Singing together has been proven to lift mood, reduce anxiety, and help mothers bond deeply with their babies, all while creating lasting connections with other local mums.
No singing experience is needed, and there are no nursery rhymes. Each week, mothers are guided through beautiful songs from around the world, led by warm and experienced singing leaders. Every voice is welcome.
The sessions are completely baby-friendly, with space for feeding, changing, and simply taking a pause when needed. Whether singing or simply soaking up the music, mums are encouraged to use the time to breathe, relax, and feel supported.
One mum said, ”I wasn’t expecting to feel the level of emotion I did. Singing in rounds with other mums was so powerful. None of us were singers, but together it sounded incredible”
📍 Tooting Family Hub, 7a Beechcroft Road, SW17 7BU
📅 Every Thursday, 9th October-11th December
🕐 1.30pm-2.30pm & 3pm-4pm
More info here.
Looking for the ultimate festive night out with friends or colleagues? Join Smart Parties for a spectacular New York-themed Christmas celebration at Evolution London, Battersea Park – the perfect way to wrap up the year in unforgettable style!
Shared Party Nights are available for groups of eight or more, with dates to choose from, including Friday 28th November, Thursday 11th, Thursday 18th, Friday 19th, and Saturday 20th December.
Don’t forget to use the code NEWSIE10 at checkout to enjoy an exclusive 10% discount!
Lucy Gooby from Smart Parties says: “Our shared parties are ideal for smaller companies or groups of friends who want a big celebration without the big spend. Think snow-dusted trees, Manhattan vibes, themed bars, a 3-course feast, dazzling shows, dodgems, and dancing ‘til late.
“Step into NYC in the heart of Battersea – and let the festivities begin!”
Discover more & secure your place today! Visit their website for more info and to book.
There’s lots happening for all ages in libraries across Wandsworth (including Tooting) in October, including reading groups, Black History Month events, Diwali craft sessions, National Poetry Day, Pokémon, art & chess clubs, kids’ activities, and so much more!
Full list of activities and libraries via Better UK.
Chuk, of Tooting-based Homes With Chuk, has another local home to sell! He tells us more…
“A beautiful home has just become available in one of Streatham Hill’s most sought-after locations – perfect for a family, or perhaps you want more space!
“Earlier in the summer, this handsome 4 bed period house was available to rent, until my landlords had a change in their circumstances and asked if they could withdraw it.
“So, I was pleasantly surprised when they reached out recently and informed me that they would like to sell it, and furthermore, they were prepared to be competitive (and realistic) regarding the price in the current market.
“With that in mind, they definitely deserved a video, and I even managed to conjure up some gorgeous blue skies – check out the full video on my Instagram!
“The house spans over 1300 sq ft with the accommodation arranged over 3 floors including four bedrooms, a refurbished kitchen and a delightful rear garden. If this isn’t enough to tempt you to reach out and discuss this super home further, perhaps the fact that it is situated on Amesbury Avenue, the first (and arguably best) of the ‘ABC’ roads in Streatham Hill might help!
“It’s also fantastic for transport links, with Streatham Hill station just two minutes walk away plus numerous (and frequent) bus connections. There are also loads of wonderful local shops, restaurants and cafés (including Griffin Coffee House), and even a park at the end of the road!
“Feel free to reach out for additional details or to arrange a viewing!”
Chuk Agudosi is a personal local property advisor. For more info, contact Chuk on 07940 546 190, drop him a DM at Homes with Chuk, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!
✨ Looking for an award-winning dog & cat grooming salon in Tooting? ✨
Pawpadour Salon is passionate about creating stunning grooms that suit every pet – from perfectly polished breed-standard trims to their much-loved Teddy Bear Cuts and stylish Asian Fusion grooms – and they’re offering new clients 10% OFF their first grooming appointment, valid until 31st October 2025 (see below)!
The friendly team is led by award-winning stylist Wiktoria, who tells us, “we’re dedicated to making each visit a calm and enjoyable experience for your pet. With glowing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews, you can trust us to help your dog or cat look and feel their very best.
“At Pawpadour Dog & Cat Grooming Salon, we offer:
✨ Full Dog & Cat Grooming Services
✨ Wash & Fluff
✨ Puppy’s First Groom
✨ Hand Stripping
✨ Cat Grooming (including baths, trims & nail care)
✨ Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning
“📩 Plus, we’re now sharing exclusive weekly offers, grooming tips, and salon news via our newsletter – sign up at here!”
Find Pawpadour at Tooting Works, 89 Bickersteth Road, SW17 9SH. 📞 Book today by calling 07778 786 434 or emailing hello@pawpadour.com (quote PAWPADOUR10 for your discount)!
Follow Pawpadour on Instagram or Facebook for the cutest grooms, behind-the-scenes fun, and updates! 🐩😺💖
Open Mornings at Broomwood Prep! Prospective students and their parents are warmly invited to visit the Broomwood schools this October!
Find out more about their forward-looking education designed to inspire and equip children aged 3-13.
In 2025, pupils achieved 39 scholarships to leading independent day and boarding schools, awarded for Academic success, Drama, Art, Sport, and Music.
Children can begin at age 3 or 4 Broomwood Pre-Prep, before moving on to Broomwood Prep Boys and Broomwood Prep Girls from ages 7 to 13.
Broomwood offers a distinctive approach to education. Boys and girls learn together from pre-school to year 3, before transitioning to single-sex learning in the prep schools.
This approach allows children to progress at the pace that suits them, while also benefiting from shared co-curricular life – including house events, residential trips, sports, music and drama.
Main entry points are at ages 3, 4, 7, and 11, though spaces may occasionally be available in other year groups.
Open Mornings run from 9am–10.30am on the following dates:
• Broomwood Prep – Boys (ages 7–13): Friday 3rd October, 26 Bolingbroke Grove, SW11
• Broomwood Prep – Girls (ages 7–13): Friday 3rd October, 68–74 Nightingale Lane, SW12
• Broomwood Pre-Prep (ages 3–7): Friday 10th October, 50 Nightingale Lane, SW11
To book a place, visit www.broomwood.com
The very latest in dental hygiene technology is offered by local dentist Ten Dental on Balham High Road! The ‘Airflow’ treatment can be booked as a supplement, in addition to a normal scale and polish or hygiene visit.
Ten Dental co-founder, Dr Nik Sisodia tells us more:
“The innovative EMS AIRFLOW® Phophylaxsis Master system with Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a game-changing new system, offering the gold-standard of dental hygiene treatment.
“The innovative spray technology allows for a powerful treatment, dramatically cleaning and polishing your teeth, 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 about more and book an appointment, WhatsApp 07907366397, call 020 8672 7766, email hello@tendental.com or pop in and see them at 156 Balham High Road. You can also visit their website.
Tooting’s Dr Caroline Stevens, AKA The London Skin Medic, is excited to bring the latest skin rejuvenation treatments to South West London (with special offers until the end of November – see below)!
From November, Caroline will be combining skin booster treatments (polynucleotides and Profhilo) with microneedling – she tells us more:
“My goal has always been subtle, elegant results that enhance your natural beauty. By introducing combined skin boosting and microneedling treatments, I can offer clients even more effective treatments to refresh, hydrate and rejuvenate your skin from within.
“As a highly experienced NHS consultant anaesthetist, I bring my clinical expertise and precision to every treatment, ensuring patient safety and comfort at every stage.”
Caroline continues to offer a range of advanced, doctor-led treatments from her Tooting clinic, including:
• Botox for fine lines and wrinkle prevention
• Skin boosters (Profhilo, Polynucleotides) to hydrate and repair skin
• Prescription skincare for targeted, long-lasting results
Special Offer (valid until 28th November 2025) – just mention Tooting Newsie when booking:
✨ 15% off 3 sessions of Polynucleotides or Profhilo
✨ 10% off any Botox treatment
📍 Based in Tooting. For an appointment or consultation, please email drstevens@thelondonskinmedic or visit www.thelondonskinmedic.com
The Heavy Horses returned to Tooting Common last week! The Oakwood Clydesdale horses helped mow the wildflower meadows as they’re gentler on the soil; the method also helps wildflowers to thrive, and supports pollinators and wildlife, as well as offering a low-carbon, traditional way of caring for the land.
Bill Bailey visited Tooting’s St George’s Hospital last week!
The Hospital Trust said on their social media, “Comedian, actor, musician and passionate mental health advocate, Bill Bailey, visited staff and patients in our emergency department and critical care wards last week. Bill talked with staff about the care they provide to so many patients in our community, and the impact this can have on their own wellbeing.
“Our teams were delighted to be visited and really appreciated Bill’s kindness and compassion. Thanks for brightening our day, Bill!”
📷 St George’s Trust
Eligible Wandsworth residents can benefit from free Warm Home Packs this winter from Wandsworth Council, with collection hubs around the borough, including in Tooting.
The packs, distributed in partnership with CREW Energy, are designed to help households reduce energy bills by as much as £250 a year and make homes more comfortable during the colder months. Packs include items such as draught excluding tape, a smart plug, and a shower timer.
Alongside the packs, residents can also book a free home energy visit, where an expert will assess their home’s energy efficiency and provide tailored advice to help reduce energy costs. Residents can also get further energy efficiency measures during the home visit, like dehumidifiers, air fryers and infrared heating panels.
More info about eligibility, and how to book, via Wandsworth Council.
Bottomless Brunch or Tapas every weekend at Flora in Tooting Market!
The popular Tooting eatery is offering bottomless brunch or tapas for 90 minutes from just £29.90 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Choose from:
Brunch: one main dish per person, (such as smashed avocado, dulce de leche buttermilk pancakes or eggs benedict) and bottomless drinks, 10am-5pm.
Tapas: 2 tapas dishes per person (such as croqueta de chorizo de huevo, alitas de pollo and patatas bravas) and bottomless drinks, 5pm-10pm!
Choose from prosecco and beer, prosecco and cocktails, or red, white or rose wine for brunch or tapas!
Vegetarian options available. For more info, full menu and booking, visit Flora’s Linktree.
📍Flora at Tooting Market, 21-23 Tooting High Street, SW17 0SN
Get a beer 🍺 for just £1.99 when you order a burger 🍔 from Burger Nine in Broadway Market Tooting every Wednesday in October!
Order any Burger Nine burger on a Wednesday in October and get a pint of lager for just £1.99 from Blend Bar just around the corner! Choose from Burger Nine’s variety of fantastic smash burgers, their Hei Hei katsu chicken burger, and much more besides (see menu in image for more details) – all washed down with a cold pint!
Ts & Cs apply. Offer valid every Wednesday during the month of October 2025. Eat-in and takeaway only. Each customer receives 1 pint of lager per burger purchased.
Find Burger Nine and Blend Bar near the Longmead Rd entrance of Broadway Market, 29 Tooting High Street, SW17 0RJ. Open 12pm-10pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm-11pm Friday and Saturday, and 12pm-9pm Sunday. Halal options available. More info via Burger Nine (Instagram) and Blend Bar (Instagram).
St George’s Hospital Charity fundraiser George Alderman has won ITV London’s Fundraiser of the Year Award, part of the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards.
George’s fundraising journey began in the most heartbreaking of circumstances. In 2023, George and his family lost their baby boy, Jimmy, at just seven weeks old after he suffered a cardiac arrest while being breastfed in a baby sling. Jimmy was rushed to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, where staff did everything they could to save him.
George said: “The whole time Jimmy was in St George’s I was in awe. The work that everyone did at St George’s Hospital was absolutely amazing. From the consultants to the nurses, to the doctors, to the cleaners, to the porters. Everyone at the hospital was so supportive and did all they could for Jimmy and my family.”
Inspired by the care they received, George created Jimmy’s Cuddle, raising thousands of pounds for St George’s Hospital Charity and other local children’s charities, as well as campaigning for greater awareness of the safe use of baby carriers.
Reflecting on the award, George said, “This award is for Jimmy. We’re devastated to have lost him so soon, but so grateful to have known our beautiful little boy for seven wonderful weeks. We didn’t have much time to make many memories, but we’re determined that he won’t be forgotten.”
George will now join regional winners from across the country at the national Pride of Britain Awards later this year, where the overall UK Fundraiser of the Year will be announced.
Full story via St George’s Hospital Charity.
At Tooting’s St George’s Hospital School, teachers & teaching staff support school pupils aged 4–18 in their hospital classroom, as well as at the bedside. They also teach in homes across the community, helping pupils stay connected to education during treatment and recovery.
One parent said, “The staff are cheerful, calm, gentle and above all fun… they have made learning such fun – from science experiments to story writing. Thank you to the great team.”
As part of the Wandsworth Hospital & Home Tuition Service, the school is proud to play a role in making sure children and young people across the borough can continue learning, no matter what challenges they face.
For more information, visit their website.
Around 50 people gathered for the Forever Fishponds’ Community Gardening Workshop in Tooting on Saturday, 27th September! Forever Fishponds says, “It was a time of action, reflection, colour and variety, and the thirst to make gardening at Fishponds happen was evident. Goodwill, enthusiasm and energy characterised the day.
“There was ready engagement with the themes of the day: what a garden needs, how these needs can be met, what individuals can give to meet them and what they’ll gain from it. People contributed their ideas, scribbling on blackboards, making drawings and helping build the colourful ‘give and gain wheel’ that captured our thoughts.
“There was infectious enthusiasm for moving ahead. The next step will be a meeting in the next 3 or 4 weeks to which everyone interested is invited to map out the concrete steps towards building our garden and starting planting in the growing season in 2026. We will provide information and set out options for possible dates as soon as possible.
“Talks from Brendan Conway of Paradise Cooperative and Dipa Patel, London City Park Ranger and champion of Asian vegetable growing, set a framework for the key milestones to create a successful community garden.
“A ‘hands on’ highlight was planting bulbs and seeds in pots of compost to take away as a reminder of the day. Elderflower cordial made from Fishponds berries, hot drinks and homemade cake were consumed in quantity.”
If you’d like to find out more or get involved, please email foreverfishponds@gmail.com
📍 Fishponds Playing Fields, entrance at 91a Hendon Road, SW17 7NW
An early morning rainbow 🌈 over Garratt Lane in Tooting, captured on Wednesday by @savagelessx (Instagram) – thanks for sharing!
⭐ Partner with Tooting Works to bring the community closer together! ⭐
Local social enterprise Tooting Works is looking to partner with organisations, charities, and community groups who:
💛 Strengthen social cohesion
🙌🏽 Bring different communities together ✔️Improve well-being and connection
💃🏽🕺🏽Organise classes, workshops & cultural gatherings
Together, you’ll apply for the Mayor of London’s Loved & Wanted Fund to deliver a programme of work to engage Londoners from February 2026 to March 2028. This can include work that is based in a neighbourhood but ideally has reach and impact at borough or cross-borough level.
Examples include workshops that connect different age groups, socials that bring together diverse diasporas, and classes that improve accessibility for vulnerable groups.
Eligible partners must have been operating in Tooting for at least the past 5 years.
Tooting Works are especially interested in organisations that focus on the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and develop skills.
📩 If your organisation is passionate about creating a stronger, more connected community, they’’d love to hear from you! Please email Community Manager Nicole at nicole@businesslaunchpad.org.uk with a little about your organisation and ideas for how the partnership could work.
Submit your expression of interest by Wednesday, 8th October at 12 pm.
📍Tooting Works, 89 Bickersteth Road, SW17 9SH
Khodja has opened Fish at Hom in Broadway Market Tooting (where White Fisheries used to be located), selling all sorts of fresh fish and seafood – plus he’s opening a fish restaurant in the unit in the next few weeks – watch this space for details!
Open 8.30am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday). Social media and website coming soon.
Congratulations and good luck to Khodja!
Local resident Rich has opened Cup Coffee at 50 Trinity Road, serving coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, cakes and more, with a focus on ingredients from sustainable sources, and reducing plastic waste!
Open 6.30am-3pm Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm Saturday and Sunday for eat-in and takeaway. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available. And they’re dog-friendly!
More info via their Instagram.
Congratulations and good luck to Rich, Asad, Sophie (and Harry the dog)!
Tooting husband & wife team, Padraig & Violet, have launched Suve Jams & Preserves!
Creating their products at Tooting Works’ Enterprise Kitchen, their focus is on small batch productions, often focusing on seasonal fruit and unique flavours.
The jams and preserves are now available for purchase on their website.
Congratulations and good luck to Padraig & Violet!
A Green Plaque was unveiled on Saturday, 27 September, remembering the thousands of people who lived and worked at the Tooting Asylum, which stood on the site of Heritage Park Estate, facing Tooting Common. There’s hardly a trace of the old mental hospital today, which was inhabited by around 2,000 people at any one time, until its closure in 1995.
Philip Bradley of the Tooting History Group and Liz Sayce, who lives on the estate, were joined by Graeme Henderson Cabinet Member for Social Services at Wandsworth Council, who unveiled the plaque to a big crowd, which included nursing staff and relatives of patients as well as interested locals.
Afterwards, the book “Tooting Bec Asylum Remembered 1903-1995” by Karen Ellis-Rees and Annie Caulfield (and which Liz Sayce helped to research) was launched at Tooting Bec Lido Pavillion, with fascinating talks and insights. It’s available to buy from Tooting History Group.
This plaque was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture year.
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