Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
A new quiz night, the Secret Postcard Show returns, LOADS of food & drink offers, a local panto, changes to Tooting public spaces, and lots more...
Our weekly newsletter is sponsored by Tooting’s family-run Lahore Karahi – a local institution since 1995! – who are offering 20% OFF all collection orders until the end of March, when you order direct via their website at lahorekarahi.co.uk. Discount applied automatically at checkout.
NEW QUIZ NIGHT IN TOOTING! Dirty Habits and Behind Bar are hosting a quiz night every Tuesday evening in Broadway Market, with a £50 bar tab to be won each week (and a bottle of wine for the runners-up)!
Join Quizmaster Max, 7.30pm-9pm, for 8 different quiz rounds, including general knowledge, sports, music, picture rounds and more!
Booking (up to 6 people per quiz team) very much advised via DMing @dirtyhabitsuk or @behindbarldn on Instagram – walk-ins also welcome (if there’s room)!
📍Dirty Habits / Behind Bar, Broadway Market, 29 Tooting High Street, SW17 0SP
Furzedown’s Sprout Arts’ Secret Postcard Show has opened, with hundreds of postcards to choose from, with all mini masterpieces at just £6 each, raising money to support this great community art gallery.
It’s ‘secret’’ because you have to buy the postcard of your choice THEN find out who made it! There are postcards from established artists to talented amateurs, plus a children’s section, with prizes to be won.
The show is open daily from 11am to 5pm until 7th March. Some postcards have been set aside so there’s always a fresh selection; everyone has a chance to buy a great original artwork and support Sprout, which is run entirely by volunteers.
This is a very important fundraiser for Sprout which has faced a difficult year, with a substantial increase in rent, as well as costs for living expenses and repairs. They rely on events like this, donations and membership subscriptions (£15 a year) to continue what they do – providing exhibition space, regular workshops, art loans and creative support.
📍74 Moyser Road, SW16 6SQ
More info on their website.
Tooting’s South London Swimming Club (SLSC) are staging a panto (oh no they’re not!) next month at St Mary Magdelene Church Hall on Trinity Road!
The SLSC Players (based at Tooting Bec Lido) present Aladdin and the Wonderful Pump!
Can brave eco-warriors Aladdin and Jasmine defeat villainous Abanazer and the greedy shareholders of Wandle Water?
Oh yes they can!
But only with the help of various genies, embarrassing relations, a flock of waterbirds, the Lido choir and YOU!
📅 Friday 13 March 7pm
📅 Saturday 14 March 2pm and 7pm
📍St Mary Magdelene Church Hall, 210 Trinity Rd, SW17 7HP
The world-famous Budgie Smugglers’ Arms will be open for the sale of alcoholic and soft drinks, snacks and sweet treats.
Get your tickets now – £12 full price, £8 concessions (advance sales only) via South London Swimming Club.
If you aren’t a member of the SLSC you’ll need to create a free account to be able to buy tickets (info in link).
The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 28th February, 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:
• Church Lane Car Park, SW17 9PP
• Malva Close, SW18 5TY
• Pountney Road, SW11 5TU
• Larch Close, SW12 2JU
• Putney Park Lane, SW15 5HU
• Near Lucas/Palmertson, SW11 5JF
• Portinscale Road, SW15 2HY
More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.
An emotional Formula 1 PR boss has told how doctors at Tooting’s St George’s Hospital saved his life after a routine gym session ended in heart surgery, reports The Standard.
Matt Bishop, of Earlsfield, was working out with a personal trainer when his chest felt like it “was about to explode” on a rowing machine in south west London.
He took a bus to St George’s Hospital in Tooting – one of the largest cardiac centres in the South East.
Full story via The Standard.
Tooting’s Minar Jewellers feature in a Guardian report on how the soaring value of bullion has produced profits for south Asian jewellers that specialise in high-caratage gold. The cultural importance of gold across south Asian cultures, as good luck and insurance against hard times, has maintained demand despite high prices.
“People do like the idea of buying gold as a means of maintaining cultural traditions,” says Pravin Pattni, owner of Minar Jewellers. “And they know as well, in the back of their mind, that it is a sound investment.”
Full story via The Guardian.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed to enforce the St Boniface RC Primary School Street in Tooting.
The School Street was introduced in April 2023 on Undine Street and operates Monday to Friday from 8.15am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.45pm, during term time only.
During the operating times people walking, scooting, using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and cycles (including adapted cycles) will be able to enter the School Street.
Motor vehicles are prohibited during the operating times, subject to a limited number of exemptions.
More info, including a link to the overview of the School Streets scheme, via Wandsworth Council.
Wandsworth Council is proposing changes to two Tooting public spaces – Church Lane Corner and the Bickersteth/Mitcham Road junction – and is seeking feedback from local residents and businesses.
The plans aim to create a calmer, greener and more welcoming place to support local businesses and improves everyday experiences for residents and visitors.
Proposed changes include high-quality paving, more planting (including sustainable rain gardens), pebble-style seats and timber benches, festoon lighting, and extra cycle parking
Two alternatives are also proposed for the Church Lane crossing.
Find out more and submit feedback here.
If you require any materials on paper or in another format, please call the Council on 020 8871 6000 or email consult@wandsworth.gov.uk
The consultation closes on 29th March 2026.
Hundreds of Londoners will be allowed to remain in their homes – including Britannia Point in Colliers Wood – after London Centric uncovered a plan to carry out “one of the worst mass evictions in our capital’s recent history” by a company controlled by billionaire landlord Asif Aziz.
Aziz’s Criterion Capital appears to have halted the mass eviction amid political pressure from Sadiq Khan, after London Centric revealed the company’s intention to make vast numbers of private tenants homeless just before renters gain new rights at the start of May.
The eviction plan affected, at a minimum, hundreds of flats owned by the Aziz family. The true scale of the planned clearances across the family’s property holdings may have been even larger.
Full story via London Centric.
Work is continuing on creating a permanently pedestrianised community space on Totterdown Street in Tooting, between St Cyprian’s Street and Blakenham Road, just outside the Tooting Market entrance.
Improvements are also being made on the rest of the street – between Tooting High Street/Upper Tooting Road and St Cyprian’s Street – and will reopen to traffic once complete. Improvements include new paving, rain gardens and new planting.
The work follows a trial that included food stalls and seating, and after analysing community responses and other data, Wandsworth Council approved the scheme earlier this year.
Work is expected to be completed in Spring 2026. We’ll keep you updated on its progress.
Chuk, of Tooting-based Homes With Chuk, has another fantastic local home to sell...and this one is big! He tells us more:
“1,000 sq ft (okay, 995, but who’s counting 😉)...because once you hear that, you already know this isn’t your average SW16 apartment.
“There’s an open plan kitchen/dining/reception room which offers almost 20 sq ft of beautifully proportioned living space. Two huge storage cupboards (basically small bedrooms in disguise) can be found in a hallway so spacious it’s asking to be much more.
“Two generous double bedrooms plus two bathrooms makes this perfect for sharers, guests or whatever you choose. Outside space? How about two large private balconies. And just when you think that’s enough… a communal roof terrace with incredible views.
“Every inch feels purposeful. No wasted space. Just room to live properly.
“At launch, this is the largest apartment available for sale in this price range locally — and it offers the best pound-per-square-foot value in the area (yes, I did my homework 👀).
“Moments from Moyser Road in the heart of Furzedown — Hazel’s Café, Next Door Baker and much more — plus easy links to both Tooting & Streatham.
“If you’re not interested in spacious living, private outside space and a roof terrace…this probably isn’t for you.
“If you are? You might want to move quickly. ✨”
Full video available on Chuk’s Instagram.
Property live on the portals Mon 21st February.
Want to find out more? 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!
Photos - @mbe.creative (Instagram)
Staging - @londonpropertystaging (Instagram)
Whether you’re new to fitness, returning after injury, or just need a little more accountability – Enhance Fitness on Garratt Lane in Earlsfield is here to help – and they have two great trial options to get you started!
Enhance Fitness takes a genuinely personal approach to training, with expert coaches dedicated to helping you achieve real, lasting results – and with outstanding reviews to back it up!
Trial Options:
- 21 Day Trial (£119) – 6 Small Group Personal Training sessions + 6 Group classes. Perfect for experiencing everything the gym has to offer!
- 6 Week All Access Trial (£349) – 12 Small Group PT sessions + 12 Group classes, plus a nutrition pack, movement screen, body composition analysis, goal setting, and your own personal accountability coach. Ideal for those who want to get leaner, stronger and more toned!
*Both trials are available for new members only.
What makes Enhance Fitness 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 PT at a fraction of the cost.
Group classes include METCON (strength), Hybrid (strength & cardio), Hyrox/endurance training, Pre/Post Natal (babies welcome!), and ZONE weekend sessions.
Once you’ve completed your trial, there are a number of flexible membership packages to choose from to suit your lifestyle and goals.
To find out more or book a free consultation, visit enhance-fitness.com, email info@enhance-fitness.com, or call 07716506009.
You’ll find Enhance Fitness at 593 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4ST. They also have a studio in Clapham Old Town!
Pawpadour Dog and Cat Grooming is now welcoming clients from Tooting, Balham and all over South London! Pawpadour owner Wiktoria tells us more,
“We specialise in Teddy Bear cuts, Asian Fusion styles, round faces, and breed-standard trims. Whether your dog needs a stylish refresh or a complete transformation, every groom is tailored to suit your pet’s unique coat, comfort, and personality.
“We truly love what we do. For us, grooming is not just about creating beautiful finishes and perfectly rounded faces – it’s about building trust, handling every pet with patience and care, and making sure they feel safe and happy throughout their visit.
“We’re incredibly proud of our outstanding 5-star reviews and our loyal, happy client base across South London. The trust our pet parents place in us means everything.”
“With a gentle, welfare-first approach and a passion for high standards, Pawpadour has become a trusted name for stylish, safe grooming.”
Services include:
• Full Grooming (all breeds & sizes)
• Bath & Blow Dry
• Teddy Bear & Asian Fusion Styles
• Hand-stripping & De-shedding
• Breed Standard Cuts
• Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning
• Nail Trimming & Paw Care
• Puppy Introductions to Grooming
Pawpadour also groom cats, offering:
• Wet & Dry Baths
• Groom Out & De-shedding
• Sanitary Trims
• Body Clipping / Lion Trims
• Nail Trimming
Open Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm at Pawpadour, Tooting Works, 89 Bickersteth Road, SW17 9SH
Book online via pawpadour.com
Transform your smile at Ten Dental On Balham High Road! The award-winning practice (Referral Practice of the Year 2025) offers a complete range of smile makeover treatments to help you achieve the confident, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Smile Makeover Treatments:
✨ Teeth Whitening – brighten your smile with professional whitening treatments
✨ White Fillings – natural-looking fillings that blend seamlessly with your teeth
✨ Veneers – cover imperfections and create a flawless smile
✨ Crowns & Dental Implants – restore missing or damaged teeth with permanent solutions
✨ Invisible Braces – straighten your teeth discreetly with clear aligners
Ten Dental combines expert care with cutting-edge technology, helping locals achieve straighter, whiter teeth with treatments tailored to your individual needs.
To find out more and book your free consultation, WhatsApp 07907 366 397, call 020 8675 1798, email hello@tendental.com or pop in at 156 Balham High Road. Ten Dental also has a clinic in Clapham.
You can also their website at tendental.com
Good luck to Tooting resident Samantha Alsemgeest who’s preparing to drive a second-hand 4x4 vehicle from the UK to Lviv, Ukraine, as part of an all-women humanitarian convoy marking International Women’s Day 2026. The vehicles will be delivered specifically to women combat medics, operating in some of the most dangerous areas of the war.
In March 2026, Samantha Alsemgeest, alongside her co-driver, will join Driving Ukraine, a British charity that delivers vehicles directly to frontline medics, to evacuate wounded civilians and soldiers under fire. For many, these vehicles mean the difference between life and death.
“This mission feels deeply personal,” says Samantha. “It’s about doing something practical and meaningful. These vehicles don’t sit in warehouses — they go straight into service, helping medics save lives.”
To make the journey possible, she is aiming to raise £7,000 to purchase, prepare, and deliver a suitable 4x4 vehicle, as well as supply essential medical equipment.
Samantha adds, “Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to delivering a vehicle that could directly save lives. Even £10 genuinely makes a difference.”
Donations can be made via Donorbox.
In addition to public donations, Samantha is inviting local businesses to become official sponsors of the mission, with opportunities including logo placement on the vehicle.
“This is a chance for local businesses to stand behind a tangible, life-saving humanitarian effort. The vehicle will carry not just medical supplies, but the visible backing of our local community.”
Businesses interested in supporting the mission are encouraged to get in touch directly to discuss partnership opportunities.
For more info, please contact Samantha via email sam.alsemgeest@yahoo.com
Earlier this month, Ronald McDonald House in Tooting said a heartfelt goodbye to Daniel’s family. The family had travelled from Brazil for a holiday in London in June 2025 when Daniel’s mum unexpectedly went into labour at just 25 weeks.
What was meant to be a short trip became a seven-month stay with Daniel receiving specialist care at St George’s Hospital, while his parents made Ronald McDonald House Tooting their home-away-from-home – over 5,000 miles from their family.
The Tooting House is so happy that they are now safely back in Brazil, reunited with the rest of their family, and they wish Daniel all the best as he continues to grow and thrive.
Ronald McDonald House Tooting is one of 14 Houses across the UK who provide free accommodation for families with children in hospital.
You can find out more about Ronald McDonald House Tooting on their website.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN TOOTING! Tooting Streets Kitchen is the local branch of Streets Kitchen, a grassroots mutual aid network running food outreaches across London. Staffed fully with volunteers, many with lived experience of homelessness.
Since January 2026 they’ve seen a substantial increase in guests at their table outside Tooting Market, where, every Monday, they provide a hot meal, something sweet, a cup of tea, and a chat to those in need.
They’re currently looking for volunteers – no experience needed, and no big commitment required. One shift a month still creates a tangible impact.
How you can help:
• Cook a meal at home and drop it at their table by 6.35pm each Monday. They will provide containers.
• Bake something sweet, individually wrapped, and drop it off.
• Volunteer on the street to serve, welcome guests and pack down. First-timers are always paired with someone experienced.
Tooting Streets Kitchen also welcomes local restaurants, cafés and food businesses who can donate meals or surplus food, with everything going directly to people who need it.
Join their WhatsApp group to access the rota, ask questions, and sign up.
More about on their website.
📅 Every Monday, 6.45pm–7.15pm
📍Outside Tooting Market, 21-23 Tooting High St, SW17 0SN
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Green Monkey owner, Rusty, is celebrating the first anniversary since he took over the popular café in Tooting Bec by giving away two top-of-the-range home espresso machines + 1kg of Nude Coffee over on our Instagram page!
That’s two winners, two machines, two bags of coffee!
You can enter on our Instagram page – comp closes at 3pm on Friday 26th February!
Rusty tells us, “I’ve really enjoyed the last 12 months – meeting so many fantastic locals and regular customers. I wanted to mark my first year in charge by giving away something special, so two lucky winners can enjoy great coffee at home when they’re not here in the café! Thanks to all our customers for your incredible support this year.”
You’ll find Green Monkey located at 2d Tooting Bec Road (opposite Tooting Bec tube), SW17 8BD, open Monday - Friday, 6.30am - 4.30pm & Saturday & Sunday, 6.30am - 5pm.
Royal Mahal Tooting’s annual Iftar Buffet returns to their Tooting Banqueting Suite, with over 40 freshly prepared dishes, including their famous Masala Fish, rich Butter Chicken, Shahi Haleem, crispy Pakoras, fresh salads, Mini Pancakes, Almond Kheer, cake and custard, and signature mocktails!
Royal Mahal’s Arfan tells us, “Ramadan is a time of reflection, gratitude and togetherness, and our annual Iftar Buffet at our Banqueting Suite in Tooting has become a true community gathering where families, friends, colleagues and neighbours come together under one roof.
“Open to everyone regardless of faith, background or belief, we welcome all who wish to share in the spirit of unity and hospitality. Guests begin with dates and refreshing drinks before enjoying over 40 dishes. With a spacious setting and nearby prayer facilities, our Iftar is more than a buffet – it is an inclusive celebration of community and shared moments. We can’t wait to welcome you!”
Adults: £26.99pp
Children under ten: £14.99pp
📍28 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7PG
📅 Open daily at sunset throughout Ramadan – for specific timings, please call.
Advanced bookings only:
📞 020 8054 5292
📧 buffet@royalmahal.co.uk
50% off kebabs AND kebab platters at Tooting Turkish restaurant Broadway BBQ in Broadway Market every Tuesday until the end of March!
Choose from lamb or chicken skewers or doner, or minced lamb Adana kebab, served with salad and your choice of bulgur pilaf or chips.
The kebab platter includes lamb and chicken skewers, chicken wings, lamb and chicken doner, Adana kebab skewers, and lamb chops, served with salad, bulgur pilaf and bread!
Manager Zozy tells us, “We’re so proud of our kebabs, and they’re proving so popular with our customers, that we thought we’d give everyone the chance to try them at half-price! Come and visit us to find out why people keep coming back again and again, and why we have so many ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Google reviews!”
Available for eat-in and takeaway every Tuesday until 24th March 2026. All food is halal.
Find Broadway BBQ near the Longmead Road entrance of Broadway Market. Open 11.30am-10.30pm Tuesday to Thursday, 11.30am-11pm Friday and Saturday, and 11.30am-9.30pm Sunday. Ts & Cs apply.
More info and full menu via their website.
Midweek takeaway treat! Earlsfield Thai restaurant Phakoon are offering 10% OFF takeaway orders Monday-Thursday from now until the end of April!
Perfect for those nights when you want delicious, authentic Thai food delivered straight to your door – from sharing platters and small plates to soups, stir-fries, curries and signature dishes.
Located right by Earlsfield station, family-run Phakoon have been earning rave reviews since they opened in 2023, serving authentic Thai food that’s full of heart and flavour. Tuck into their fantastic sharing platters, small plates, soups, stir-fries, curries, signature dishes and more – available for lunch and dinner.
You’ll find Phakoon at 346-348 Garratt Lane, SW18 4ES, open 7 days a week from Noon. The offers are also available at their Balham branch!
To book a table or order takeaway, visit phakoonthai.com
*Excludes set lunch and lunch boxes. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or offer.
Get a pint of house lager for only 99p at Burger Nine in Broadway Market until this Sunday 1st March when you order a burger!
Munir and the team continue to wow Tooting with their fantastic burgers! Munir tells us, “I want to say thanks to my loyal customers (and also to welcome new ones) by offering a pint for just 99p when you buy a burger!
“Why not try one of our best sellers – our Smash Plus (double beef with caramelised onions, double American cheese, onions, gherkins, burnt butter mayo, and smoky mustard) or our Smash 3.0 (with cheese, pulled beef brisket, Carolina sauce, house red pickles and gherkins). And all burgers come with fries!”
Find Burger Nine near the Longmead Rd entrance of Broadway Market. Open 5pm-10.30pm Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm-11pm Friday and Saturday, and 12pm-9pm Sunday.
Ts & Cs apply. Offer valid until Sunday 1st March 2026. Eat-in only. Minimum spend £15. One pint per person per order.
More info via Burger Nine (Instagram).
Do you have shoes or boots in need of repair or an MOT? Gary from the fantastic Leather & Lace in Broadway Market is here to help and get them back to their best – and at an affordable price!
Leather & Lace has traded in Broadway Market since 1936 when Gary’s grandfather first opened the shop!
Gary closed the shop for a few weeks over Christmas to enjoy a well-deserved holiday and to help him continue his recovery from a period of ill health. Thankfully, he tells us he is now well ahead in his recovery and would like to thank the local community for their support over the last couple of years:
“This business has never just been a shop to me - it’s been conversations, familiar faces, kindness and community. Your support during the good times, and especially the difficult times, has meant so much more than words can express. I’m so incredibly grateful. We’re now reopened after the break, with renewed strength and gratitude, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.”
For shoe repairs, key-cutting, engraving and plenty of great local stories - Gary’s your man!
You’ll find Leather & Lace located towards the rear of the market by the Longmead Road entrance, open Monday-Saturday.
Legendary composer Stephen Sondheim visited Tooting in 2014 to watch Sweeney Todd being performed in Harrington’s Pie & Mash Shop on Selkirk Road (the historic Tooting Pie & Mash Shop sadly closed in March of last year).
The show, produced by Tooting Arts Club, ran for two months to an audience of 32 each night and was such a critically acclaimed success that Sondheim, the show’s composer, flew in from the U.S. for the final night! The production then went on to be a huge hit on Broadway, New York – and it all started in Harrington’s in Tooting!
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