Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
African Caribbean Food Month coming soon, a search for Tooting heroes, new openings, food & drink deals, a Tooting institution celebrates its 30th anniversary, and more!
African Caribbean Food Month comes to Wandsworth this October, and the borough’s businesses, chefs, community groups, and food lovers are invited to take part! There’ll be a packed programme of food events, cooking demos, supper clubs, pop-ups, community-led activities — all shining a spotlight on the borough’s diverse food scene!
Wandsworth African Caribbean Food Month will launch with a special event featuring local resident and TV chef Ainsley Harriott, and the month will include a range of Council-led and community-driven activities, including:
• Cooking workshops
• School activities
• Storytelling sessions
• Live cooking demonstrations
• Panel discussions with local food entrepreneurs
• Library talks and readings by food authors
The Council are inviting businesses, community groups, schools and more to host events/give a food twist to existing ones, and are also asking businesses to register for their free online food business directory.
More info, including how to register an event, and to register for the council’s online food business directory, via Wandsworth Council, or email weh@wandsworth.gov.uk with any queries.
Furzedown LitFest welcomes Sandra Newman, author of Julia: A Retelling of Orwell’s 1984, to discuss her highly acclaimed novel at 7:30pm on 19 September at Mitcham Lane Baptist Church, in conversation with local author Marni Appleton.
Sandra is the author of the Bailey’s Prize longlisted The Country of Ice Cream Star; The Only Good Thing Anyone Has Ever Done (shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award); Cake; The Heavens; and The Men. She is a graduate of the University of East Anglia’s Creative Writing programme and now lives in London.
She’ll be interviewed by Marni Appleton, whose debut novel I Hope You’re Happy was published by The Indigo Press in February 2025. She holds a PhD in creative-critical writing from the University of East Anglia, and her short stories have appeared in The Tangerine, Banshee, The London Magazine, and others.
This event is presented in collaboration with the Eccles Institute at the British Library. The Eccles Institute has a special connection to Furzedown through the Thrales of Streatham Park – Mary Eccles acquired the Thrales’ library and wrote about them. Part of the collection is now housed at the British Library. The Eccles Institute, which promotes cultural exchange between the USA and the UK, is proud to support Furzedown LitFest in bringing acclaimed American author Sandra Newman to this year’s event.
Tickets are priced at £8, with tickets available through Wandsworth Council’s Access for All scheme priced at £2. More info and booking via www.furzedownlitfest.com
📍 Mitcham Lane Baptist Church, 230 Mitcham Ln, London SW16 6NT
Cocktails & Comedy is BACK at Goldfinch in Tooting on Wednesday, 10th September!
Organisers tell us, “After a string of sell-out shows last year, we’re shaking things up again – literally – with the perfect night out! Top-notch stand-up comedy served alongside expertly crafted cocktails in one of Tooting’s most beautiful venues.
“Appearing on the night will be our headliner, Andrew Mensah, a London-based stand-up, presenter, and actor who launched his comedy career in 2018 and quickly won acclaim, clinching the Cavendish Arms Summer Competition in 2019. Known for his relatable storytelling, he’s a regular fixture at Top Secret Comedy Club and has supported Ricky Gervais on tour. Beyond stand-up, Mensah has co-hosted Sky's Fantasy Football League, presented BT Sport’s What I Wore, (a format he helped create); and leads Premier League Productions’ Welcome to the Weekend. His short film Still Nil Nil has also been commissioned by the BBC.
“The brilliantly funny Matthew McAloone – a crowd favourite whose charm, sharp wit, and knack for reading the room have made him one of the most popular hosts around.
“Mags McHugh – recently championed by Ricky Gervais, she now lights up London’s comedy scene with her punchy wit. A Funny Woman finalist in Dublin and runner-up in London’s “Not So New Comedian of the Year”, her Fringe performances have earned her glowing reviews.
“Jamie Oliphant – twice shortlisted for BBC New Comedian, Jamie brings high energy storytelling and a hilariously charming chatter with crowds to any show he's on. Having performed across London, Paris, New York and a sold-out show at Soho Theatre, Jamie is definitely one to watch!
“Come see why Cocktails & Comedy sold out almost every single show last year – and why tickets will vanish just as fast this time.”
Seats are limited! Book via https://www.fatsoma.com/.../cocktails-comedy-goldfinch...
The Goldfinch is located at 145 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PE
Tooting-based property advisor Chuk (of Homes with Chuk) recently caught up with a local family to whom he’d sold a 3 bedroom house (in 2023) which required considerable updating!
Chuk tells us, “I’ve sold (and overseen the sales of) hundreds of homes in my career, but this is definitely one of my faves because the challenge was pretty tough!
“Back in late 2022, this particular house was being offered by a number of high street agents to developers at below market value for a quick sale.
“The property was subject to probate and required considerable updating, which is why it was so attractive to developers – however this meant that potential purchasers who wanted to buy it as a home for themselves really didn't stand a chance.
“The family dealing with the probate weren't advised too well – yes, they would probably receive their money quicker by going with a developer, but this meant that they were likely to be out of pocket by around £75k-£130k!
“I spoke to a family member who was living at the home, and persuaded him to give me an opportunity to sell the house. I informed him that it would take a tad longer BUT I could achieve considerably more money for him and the family than that which was being offered by investors/developers.
“They gave me the chance and I sold it to a lovely Tooting family who upgraded from their maisonette – I was under huge pressure from the sellers (plus other agents who were trying to get the property sold to developers), and let's just say I definitely had to roll up my sleeves! It turned out to be a 'win win' for all concerned!”
New owner, Anna, adds, "As a local family we spent ages trying to find the right home as we expanded from a flat to a house. We’re so happy in our new space and grateful to Chuk for his commitment to selling to people who want to make a home, not just flip a profit!”
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!
Free 30-Minute Strength Test this month at Instant Physio in Tooting Bec (limited availability) – see below…
Instant Physio’s Ed tells us, “As we get older, it’s normal to lose muscle strength – but many people don’t realise how much they’ve lost until it starts to affect daily life. Aches and pains start to appear and things like carrying shopping, climbing stairs, or even getting up from a chair can feel harder than they used to. You can improve strength at any age – but first, you need to know where you’re starting from.”
What’s included:
✅ A simple, guided assessment of your upper and lower body strength
✅ A clear explanation of your results and how you compare to age-matched norms
✅ Personal advice on the most effective next steps to improve or maintain your strength
✅ The chance to ask any questions about staying active, mobile, and independent
This test is ideal if:
✅ You’re aged 50+ and want to keep your independence for years to come
✅ You’ve noticed everyday activities feeling more difficult
✅ You’re curious about how strong you really are – and how to improve it
To find out more, 📞 020 3488 2698 or enquire via https://instant-physio.lpages.co/strength-test
📍 Instant Physio, 261 Balham High Road (opposite The Sewing Shop), Tooting Bec
🕗 Mon–Thurs: 8am–8pm | Fri: 8am–4pm | Sat: 8am–12pm
Legendary Clapham nightclub, Infernos are hosting a special 'Staycation' party over the Bank Holiday weekend on Sunday 24th August – and they have a special offer for Tooting Newsie readers - with only £5 entry (50% OFF) before 12AM if you buy your tickets in advance via their website using code: InfernosStaycation
The 'Staycation' party will feature Guest DJ James Haskell (the former England Rugby Union international) on the decks in the main room from 12am in the ultimate collab: Beats meet Disco, Legend meets Legendary and Pitch meets Carpet! Expect an eclectic mix of anthemic beats to really get their carpet pumping.
For the Infernos purists, they've got resident party DJ Decks playing upstairs, so if familiarity is your name and classic disco 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s pop is your game, they've got you covered.
London's greatest disco is serving FIRE this Bank Holiday Sunday. What an excuse to stay local!
To purchase your £5 tickets for Infernos 'Staycation' party on Bank Holiday Sunday 24th August, buy your tickets in advance via their website using code: InfernosStaycation
Infernos is located at 146 Clapham High St, SW4 7UH.
Meet Dr Bai, an experienced acupuncture practitioner and specialist in using acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, moxa and tuina treatments as well as Chinese Herbal Medicine to relieve pain, including joint pain and pain caused by arthritis.
Dr Bai has been working as an acupuncturist at Herbs & Harmony on Balham High Road since 2015, and has proved so popular that clients who have moved away from the area, still travel from as far away as Birmingham to visit him!
Originally from China, Dr Bai is a fully qualified member of The Acupuncture Society of Professional Oriental Therapists - this regulatory body upholds the highest standards in the industry.
Dr Bai has helped many local residents experience pain relief, through his treatments, over the years, and looks forward to helping many more.
Herbs & Harmony is located at 8 Station Parade, Balham High Road, SW12 9AZ, where they also offer all kinds of treatments and services, including Acupuncture, Massage, Reflexology and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
To find out more and book an appointment with Dr Bai, call 0208 772 8935, or pop in to see them at 8 Station Parade, Balham High Road, SW12 9AZ, open every day, 10am-8pm.
Specshop in Tooting Bec has been providing affordable glasses at 25 Trinity Road since 2013!
They offer:
• Complete glasses with free single vision lenses from £30
• A full range of prescription lenses (including transition lenses) from £20
• Premium wide view varifocals from £50
They stock over 2,000 pairs of frames (including designer labels), and also offer a reglaze service to put new lenses into your existing glasses.
Manager Saf tells us: “We are one of the cheapest shops for specs and varifocal lenses in the whole of the UK, helping customers save hundreds of pounds on glasses! We have customers visiting us from all over London, and some from across the rest of the country too!
“Check out what our customers are saying on Google and Trustpilot; our customers regularly tell us how much we save them – one customer told us he was quoted £800 on a pair of glasses by one optician, but we provided exactly the same pair for £150, saving him a massive £650!”
Specshop is located at 25 Trinity Road, SW17 7SD, just one minute walk from Tooting Bec tube. Open 11am-7pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11am-5pm Tuesday and Thursday, 11am-4pm Saturday.
Appointments only – please book via their website.
Please note that Specshop does not conduct eye tests, so please take your prescription details to your appointment.
If you’re considering dental implants, this is just one of the many treatments offered by local dentist, Ten Dental on Balham High Road.
Here local resident, Stefania shares her very positive experience of undergoing such treatment.
Ten Dental co-founder, Nik Sisodia tells us more about dental implants:
“Dental Implants require a significant investment, but one which we wholeheartedly believe offers excellent value for the increased level of confidence that they provide.
“A ‘gappy’ smile can leave you feeling self-conscious - not only when you smile, but also when eating, drinking and talking.
“Missing teeth can also change the structure and volume of your face and cheeks, and therefore age your appearance. Dental implants preserve facial structure, maintain the functionality of your smile and allow our patients to eat, talk and smile with confidence.
“Our dental implant surgeons are experts in their field and have placed hundreds of implants.”
To book in a free consultation or to find out more, visit tendental.com, WhatsApp 07907366397, call 020 8672 7766, email hello@tendental.com or pop in and see them at 156 Balham High Road.
Wandsworth Council has teamed up with the organisation AccessAble to produce free Detailed Access Guides for the borough. The guides are designed to support residents and visitors with disabilities, aiming to help them navigate and enjoy more than 150 local venues – including libraries, leisure centres and entertainment venues – with greater confidence and independence.
The Detailed Access Guides are also aimed at families with buggies, and other people with mobility and access issues, enabling people to find on-site parking, accessible toilets, automatic doors, step-free access and much more.
They are available on the web and are searchable by area, type of venue, type of accessibility criterion and other filters, and include measurements and photographs, including large, 360-degree images.
More info via Wandsworth Council.
A Tooting resident wants to track down some local life-saving heroes who performed CPR on them, saving their life (twice)!
Robert Schofield collapsed whilst jogging along Franciscan Road at about 8.05am on Friday, 25th July. Members of the public rushed to help, and performed CPR – Robert started to come round as the ambulance arrived.
Robert had a second collapse on Saturday, 9th August, around 9am on Tooting Common, near the pedestrian crossing on Tooting Bec Road by the top of Franciscan Road, opposite the bus stop. Robert was jogging with his wife Lizzie, and 2 friends. He was given CPR by 2 men, Tommy and Darren, who they are already in contact with, and also two women who they'd like to thank – one is named Olivia, and the other is a radiographer.
Lizzie says, "we'd love to make contact with everyone who assisted Robert to say thank you. You saved his life and he's expected to make a full recovery."
If you were one of the people who helped Robert, please email Lizzie at lizziescoffer@gmail.com
Congratulations to Tooting's Mixed Blessings Bakery, who celebrated their 30th anniversary on Saturday!
The hugely popular family-run business is going strong, with Stephan, Bliss, Natz and Neil baking their delicious West Indian specialities, including patties, corn bread and rum cakes!
Find them at 118 Mitcham Road.
RELOCATED IN TOOTING: Wandsworth Boxing Club have moved to their new venue at Smallwood Primary School on Hazelhurst Road!
The club, which has been running for more than ten years in the borough, are welcoming both juniors and adults to join their sessions every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (Juniors 5.30pm-6.30pm, Adults: 6.30pm-8pm).
Find out more via their website.
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Burger Nine in Broadway Market Tooting is now open 7 days a week, with HALF PRICE on all burgers EVERY TUESDAY (including their Burger of the Month) until Tuesday 30th September!
They were recently reviewed by the lads at Bite Twice Food Reviews, and as you can see, they were VERY impressed!
Find Burger Nine near the Longmead Rd entrance of Broadway Market. Open 12pm-10.30pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm-11.30pm Friday and Saturday, and 12pm-9pm Sunday. Halal options available. Offer valid every Tuesday for eat-in and takeaway 30/09/2025. Ts and Cs apply. More info via their Instagram.
Popular Thai restaurant Kaosarn is open this Bank Holiday Monday, 25th August, 1pm-9.30pm!
Owners, Noi and Goo bring the atmosphere and flavours from the famous, lively Khaosan Road in Bangkok, into their restaurant on Tooting High Street!
You'll find a diverse range of Thai dishes, both classic & modern (with lots of vegetarian and vegan options available) – from small plates, to street bites, to main meals for social dining!
Check out their new dishes, including Moo Yao Wa Rad (tender pork stir-fried with pickled bean curd paste, house-made fermented chili, mushrooms and vegetables, finished with toasted sesame seeds and served with rice), Soft Shell Crab (with yellow curry and chilli jam), and King Prawns and Glass Noodles (with soya sauce, shiitake mushrooms, ginger and black pepper)!
You can also BYOB (bring your own booze) or order from the bar.
To book a table at Kao Sarn, call 0208 672 8811, email kaosarn@kaosarntooting.co.uk, or just walk in if there's room!
📍181 Tooting High Street (a short walk from Tooting Broadway tube). More info via their website.
£10 ROASTS are back throughout September only at Tooting's French bistro & steak house, Bordelaise!
If you’d like to take advantage of this very generous Sunday Roast offer (available on any of their beef, duck or veggie roasts including all the trimmings on every Sunday throughout September), capacity is limited, so book a table early to avoid disappointment!
You can reserve a table via their website.
Please note: each person dining must order a beverage to qualify for the offer.
The quality of their food and service has seen Bordelaise awarded a prestigious Diner Choice award, with their menu featuring dishes including their classic steaks, duck breast and Sunday roasts, as well as starters and small plates, with plenty of vegan options available.
You’ll find Bordelaise located in Broadway Market Tooting, open Tuesday-Sunday.
Please Note: The £10 ROASTS offer is only applicable to their Tooting branch.
Tooting's St George's Hospital Charity is delighted to announce a landmark £200,000 donation from the Friends of St George’s Hospital, supporting the Time for a Change Children’s Appeal.
This incredible contribution, the largest single gift to the Time For a Change Appeal so far, will play a vital role in transforming the hospital experience for thousands of young patients and their families who rely on the hospital each year across South West London.
For over 75 years, the Friends of St George’s have supported the hospital by raising funds through their shops, volunteers and community donations — funding equipment, services and projects that directly improve patient care.
The Time for a Change Children’s Appeal is focused on creating brighter, more welcoming and age-appropriate environments for young patients, including new play areas, family spaces, and washroom facilities to make a hospital stay less daunting for children and their loved ones.
More info, including info on how to donate, via St George's Hospital Charity.
Tooting-based charity Be Enriched is looking for individuals, families, schools, and community groups to become Big Givers and raise £100 or more to help feed vulnerable Londoners this Christmas – sign up by 29 August to take part (info below)!
The campaign is part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s largest match-funding campaign. It runs 2nd to 9th December 2025, and during that week, every donation will be doubled.
How it works:
• Sign up by 29 August 2025 to register as a Be Enriched Big Giver
• Commit to raising at least £100 between now and January 2026
• Your donations will be matched pound-for-pound in December!
You’ll receive:
• A Be Enriched Big Giver T-shirt or tote bag
• Social media assets to help spread the word
• 1-to-1 support from the Be Enriched team to help hit your target
Be Enriched runs three weekly Community Canteens in Tooting, Clapham, and Elephant & Castle, plus a double-decker Food Bus that brings affordable food to local estates.
In 2024 alone:
• 147 community meals were hosted
• 11,100 free meals were served
• 4.2 tonnes of surplus food were rescued
• 87% of over-65s said they felt less lonely after attending
The funds you raise will help provide festive three-course Christmas lunches, complete with decorations, crackers, and music for people who might otherwise spend the holidays alone.
Kemi Akinola, CEO of Be Enriched, says, “When you become a Big Giver, every pound you raise this December will be doubled, meaning twice the meals and twice the joy for people who might otherwise be alone this Christmas.”
Sign up HERE.
Meet Nacho! This 4-5 month old ginger tabby joined RSPCA South London last week after they collected him from an area where a resident has been struggling with stray cats. It was not safe to leave Nacho and his mum Salsa there, so the charity stepped in to help (they’ve also been back to collect Salsa too).
The charity are not yet sure whether they will want to be rehomed together, so they’ll hold off looking for homes for at least a week while they see how they settle.
Nacho is a very sweet kitten, full of play and energy, though a little shy with new people at first. It only took him a day or two to warm up to his fosterers and now he is happily making himself at home.
If you would like to make a donation towards Nacho’s journey with the charity (he’ll need all his veterinary bits doing), then you can do so via their Just Giving page.
DONATIONS NEEDED! Royal Trinity Hospice, who have a charity shop in Tooting (and over twenty others around London), are asking locals to donate clothes, books, accessories and more!
Drop your donations into one of their shops, or you can book a free home collection if you have lots of bags. More info (including how to book a collection) via their website.
Royal Trinity Hospice's Tooting charity shop is at 17a Mitcham Road, SW17 9PA.
EXPANDED IN TOOTING: Namak Mandi has opened a new branch at 26a Upper Tooting Road (where Butt Karahi was previously located), serving Peshawari and Afghan food, in addition to their existing restaurant across the road at number 25!
All food is halal, and vegetarian options are available. Strictly no alcohol. See their website for more info and opening times.
Congratulations and good luck to Hamid and the team!
Tooting in 1974 and the 280 bus parked outside Coombes the Bakers (now a Greggs) on the corner of Mitcham and Longmead Road!
Thanks to Dave Webber for sharing on Facebook.
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