Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
The Fun Dog Show returns, Tooting residents win literary awards, exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show AND appear on TV, volunteering opportunities, new openings & 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. PLUS you can vote for your favourite Lahore Karahi dish this weekend (see below)!
The annual Fun Dog Show on Tooting Common will take place on the afternoon of Sunday 7th June! 🐩🐶🐕🦺
Organisers Friends of Tooting Common (FOTC) would be very grateful for volunteers to help run the event, either during the Show itself, or particularly in setting up beforehand (from 11am). If you’re able to help, please email fotcinformation@gmail.com
Watch this space for more details!
‘Just Bowl’ returns to Streatham Park Bowling Club on Tuesday 5th May at 2:30pm, and every Tuesday during May and June!
‘Just Bowl’ is a great opportunity to learn to play bowls and make new friends. All you need to bring are weather appropriate clothes and flat shoes (trainers with little tread are ideal).
The first 3 sessions are free, then £2 per week until the end of June, with the option to become a club member.
Playing bowls offers numerous proven health benefits, including improved physical fitness, enhanced mental wellbeing, and increased social interaction. It’s a form of exercise that promotes cardiovascular health, muscle strength, balance and flexibility, while also boosting mood, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of club and community.
If you’re interested, please email streathamparkbowlingclub@gmail.com or just come along on the day.
📍Streatham Park Bowling Club, Pringle Gardens, (off Ullathorne Rd), SW16 1SH
Artist Payal Roywest is currently hosting a free exhibition at The Woodfield Pavilion on Tooting Common!
Payal, a London based contemporary abstract and impressionist artist, tells us, “Each painting reflects a moment, an emotion, a question. Are we not all in search of answers?
“I invite everyone to come along to look at my paintings and see what meaning they might have for you.”
‘Held Between Moments’ runs every day, 11am-6pm, until this Sunday 3rd May at The Woodfield Pavilion, 16A Abbotswood Road, Tooting Common SW16 1AP.
More info: thewoodfield.org
Congratulations to Tooting author, Laura Baggaley, who’s been awarded the gold medal for ‘Best Book for Teenagers’ in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards for her novel Dirt, published by Habitat Press!
Dirt is a dystopian eco-romance for young adults:
“Food is scarce in Newbeck. Rations are meagre. Everyone grows what they can on government-allotted Squares of land, using seeds and soil bought from mysterious mega-business, the Green Cultivation Corporation.
“One hot day, a strange girl rides into town wearing a sunhat as big as a bicycle wheel. She arrives alone, on a desert track from nowhere, full of questions no-one’s ever asked before.
“Local boy Sam is fascinated by her. Why won’t she talk about her family and where she lives? Why is she so curious about his way of life? And why can’t he get her out of his head...”
To find out more, visit www.laurabaggaley.co.uk
Congratulations to Tooting Bec resident Kristen on getting through to the MasterChef quarter finals in her debut last night! You can watch how she progresses in tonight’s episode at 9pm on BBC One!
Kristen’s debut episode (episode 5) is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.
Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk continues his ‘Meet The Neighbours’ series, this time with Jeffersons Ice Cream at 191B Balham High Rd!
“This week I’m featuring one of my favourite places to satisfy my sweet tooth! 🍨😅 Jeffersons is a delicious independent family-owned ice creamery in Balham.
“I sat down with husband & wife team Christopher and Celine as they share the personal reason behind the concept, how they make their own ice cream and create recipes, what being part of the local community means to them, and of course… the important stuff 👀
🍦 Which flavours are the most popular
🍦 Their personal favourites
🍦 Ice Cream University… yes, that’s a thing 😄
🍦 And Celine even gave me a lesson in Scoop School!
“Safe to say… I may have found my calling (maybe not!) 😂
“Watch the full video on my Instagram.”
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!
📷 @square_haus_media (Instagram)
Earn rewards in Tooting when you pay with Burdi app, now live across 21 local venues, including Tooting Market and Broadway Market Tooting! Earn points when you pay with the app, then spend them like cash across other Burdi spots, all while supporting independent local businesses along the way.
To help people get started, Burdi is giving away 60 promotional codes for new users, each worth £5 to spend at any Tooting venues on the Burdi app within the next week!
Simply download Burdi on the App Store or Google Play, enter code TOOTING5 in the app, and claim yours.
Use it next time you’re grabbing a coffee, lunch or doing a daily shop — there are plenty of places to put that £5 to use and you can earn up to 40% back in reward points.
Try it next time you’re out in Tooting — it’s a great way to support more independent local businesses while getting a little back yourself!
More info via burdi.app
A new sound bath and breathwork studio, HUMM London, has opened just down the road in Merton Abbey Mills. It’s a calm, intentional space created to help you slow down, switch off and reset.
HUMM owner Jade, a mum of two, shares, “Modern life has pulled us out of rhythm. Constant stimulation, busy schedules, screens, noise. It leaves the body overwhelmed, wired, holding tension and disconnected from itself.
“I created HUMM as a space to gently come back. Somewhere you can pause, lie down, breathe and let your body unwind, without pressure or expectation.
“For a long time, I felt constantly ‘on’, holding stress in my body without even realising it. Sound baths were the first thing that helped me properly slow down and reconnect.”
HUMM offers sound baths and breathwork sessions designed to help you release built-up stress, regulate your nervous system and return to a calmer, more balanced state.
Sessions are small and intimate, with tea before or after so there’s no need to rush off.
Jade says, “People often come alone, but leave feeling connected, both to themselves and to others. You don’t need to know how to switch off. You just need a space that helps you do it.”
📍 HUMM London
Unit 1, The Long Shop
Merton Abbey Mills, SW19 (3 minutes from Colliers Wood)
Info and booking: hummlondon.com
Pawpadour is welcoming dogs & cats from Tooting, Streatham, Wimbledon & beyond! 💛
Pawpadour’s Wiki tells us, “for 4 amazing years (hello April anniversary 🎉), pet parents have trusted us to keep their pets fresh, polished, and full of personality. And honestly? That trust means everything to us.
“We specialise in ✨
🐻 Teddy Bear cuts
🦷 Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning
💫 Breed-standard trims
“...all tailored to your pet’s coat, comfort & individual style!
“Because grooming isn’t just about the finish, it’s about patience, trust, and making every pet feel calm, safe, and cared for 🐶🐱
“From full grooms to puppy introductions, de-shedding to cat lion cuts, we’ve got it covered. ✂️”
📍 89 Bickersteth Road, Tooting, SW17 9SH
🗓 Mon–Sat | 9am–5pm
🔗 Book via pawpadour.com
Miraderm Skin Clinic has landed at Pearl Chemist in Tooting and Markrise Pharmacy in Furzedown – with 10% off treatments through May! 🌿✨
Miraderm owner, Mirabel, tells us, “I created Miraderm to deliver skincare that truly performs; rooted in science & skin longevity, built to regenerate, correct, and restore. Because everyone deserves to feel confident in their skin.”
“We specialise in regenerative & corrective skincare treatments, delivered by a qualified Skin Specialist, Clinical Podiatrist & Primary Care Dermatology Society Member — right here in Tooting!”
Get 10% off treatments throughout May 2026 with code NEWSIE when booking at https://miraderm.co.uk
📍 Markrise Pharmacy, 121-125 Mitcham Lane, Furzedown, SW16 6LY — every Friday 9am-6pm
📍 Pearl Chemist, 136-138 Mitcham Rd, Tooting, SW17 9NH — every Saturday 9am-7pm
More info: miraderm.co.uk
Tooting-based artist Charly (Outlined by Earnshaw) has launched personalised London Marathon prints! These map all of the iconic London landmarks along the marathon route and can be customised with bib numbers, running times, and even a small illustrated figure of you (or a friend) crossing the finish line – a fantastic way to remember such a massive achievement!
Charly creates colourful, detailed artwork inspired by the places, people, and the moments that matter most – and this piece is all about capturing one of those.
Custom orders are now open – head to her Etsy page (where you’ll also be able to see her other custom pieces on offer)!
Congratulations to these local runners who, with the help of Tooting’s Instant Physio, completed the London Marathon on Sunday. They assisted with treatment, massage, exercise plans and more!
Instant Physio’s Ed says, “A solid effort from everyone we’ve worked with who got round the London Marathon this year.
“We know how hard the months of consistent training is, and we’re so glad and proud to have helped each runner manage injuries and stick to their plan. Great to see it pay off!”
If you need physiotherapy help or advice, you can book a free taster session via their website.
📍Instant Physio, 261 Balham High Road, Tooting Bec (opposite The Sewing Shop) + Inside Balham Fitness First
📞 020 3488 2698
🕘 Mon–Thurs: 8am–8pm | Fri: 8am–4pm | Sat: 8am–12pm
Local charity Power to Connect is tackling digital exclusion in Wandsworth, where areas like Furzedown, Roehampton and Falconbrook rank among the most digitally excluded in London, due to lack of access to reliable devices, internet and the skills to get online.
This creates real barriers to everyday life - from accessing jobs and education to staying connected and using essential services.
Power to Connect is working to change this by::
📱 Refurbishing and redistributing donated laptops and phones
💻 Delivering free digital skills sessions in libraries across the borough
♻ Promoting sustainability by reducing e-waste and giving devices a second life
So far, they’ve redistributed 4,700+ devices, supported 500+ residents each year and worked with 180+ schools & organisations.
👉 Want to be part of the solution?
You can volunteer, donate a device or support them with a funding donation to help them reach more people. Every action helps someone get connected!
To find out more, visit powertoconnect.co.uk
Volunteers needed! Do you have a passion for animals and love meeting new people? RSPCA South London Branch are looking for a team of volunteers who can help them at fundraising events throughout the year. This could be school fayres, local community events like dog shows, or fundraising at other local events and businesses.
With costs ever increasing, their event fundraising is more important than ever. Volunteering at their events will make a real impact on the amount of animals they’re able to help, and you’ll meet some lovely people and get to shout about the vital animal welfare work they do!
So whether you’d like to get involved in researching and organising events from scratch, or would simply like to help out for a few hours at a school fayre, visit RSPCA South London to find out more.
SPONSORED CONTENT
LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT, Thursday 30th April, at Dirty Habits in Broadway Market + HAPPY HOUR 6pm-10pm!
Start the Bank Holiday Weekend early with:
🍻 A pint of house lager for £4.50
🍸 2 cocktails for £15
🍷 2 glasses of house wine (red or white) for £12
And live music from Tim Sky, playing classic hits and modern favourites!
📍Dirty Habits, Broadway Market, 29 Tooting High Street, SW17 0SP (entrance also on Longmead Road).
Info and booking via DM @dirtyhabitsuk (Instagram).
🔥Tooting’s Lahore Karahi wants to know YOUR favourite dish 🔥 – and the winning dish will sell for only £1 for ONE DAY ONLY! 🚀 🤩
Keep an eye on our social media feeds this Saturday 2nd May for more details!
Popular Tooting Thai 🇹🇭 restaurant Kaosarn is open on both May Bank Holiday Mondays for lunch and dinner – plus, they have some fantastic new dishes on the menu (see below)!
You’ll find a diverse range of classic and modern Thai dishes (with lots of veggie and vegan options available) – from small plates, to street bites, to main meals for social dining!
And try their new dishes, such as:
🍴 Kao Soi-Chiangmai noodles, a famous Northern Thai yellow curry noodle soup, (chicken, beef or vegan options available), balancing sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours. The rich, aromatic curry broth is poured over soft egg noodles, topped with crispy fried noodles and served with a variety of condiments, including shallots, lemon, pickled mustard and chilli oil.
🍴Spicy Southern turmeric curry with tender pork ribs in chilli, black pepper, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, served in a crispy basket and topped with Thai style runny egg with steamed jasmine rice – punchy and delicious!
🍴Tender Beef Short Ribs with chilli jam, lemon grass, exotic Thai herbs and roasted peanuts – rich, melt-in-the-mouth beef, balanced with sweet heat and aromatic citrus. Sticky, spicy and very tasty!
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 kaosarntooting.co.uk
Open Bank Holiday Mondays 4th May and 25th May, 1pm-9.30pm
Plus normal opening hours:
• Tuesday-Friday, 12pm–3 pm, 5:30pm–10 pm
• Saturday, 12pm–3:30 pm, 5:30pm–10 pm
• Sunday, 12pm–3:30 pm, 5:30pm–9:30 pm
Congratulations to 18-year old Yash from Tooting, who’s helping create a garden to be showcased at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show!
Working alongside gardener Charlie Chase and the charity YoungMinds, Yash has been involved in designing a space that highlights the mental health pressures facing young people today – and shows how nature can offer a powerful way to find peace and take back control.
Full story via BBC News.
A new community group designed to support people navigating life after loss has been created by local resident & mum, Donna Jackson (The Curious Mummy).
Built around connection rather than counselling, The After Movement @theaftermovement (Instagram) offers a natural and supportive way to come together through simple, thoughtful experiences.
From free monthly Walk & Talks to small, curated events, The After Movement creates spaces where people can feel understood without pressure, whether that means talking or simply being around others who get it. Alongside in-person events, there is also a private WhatsApp community and mailing list to help people stay connected in between meet-ups.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
• The first Walk & Talk takes place this Wednesday 29th April at 12.30pm in Battersea Park, meeting at the Peace Pagoda. These free meet-ups will run monthly across different London locations. Everyone is welcome if it feels right for them to join. Please sign up for free in advance - see booking details below.
• The next event is an intimate infrared light therapy evening on 14th May at Found in Battersea. It is a calm, restorative session designed to help guests unwind, reset and gently reconnect, followed by light refreshments. See booking details below.
Donna tells us more about the new community group:
“I created The After Movement because I know how isolating life after loss can feel.
“I lost my husband three years ago, and what helped me most in my healing was connection and shared experiences. I wanted to build something that brings people together in a way that feels natural and supportive. There is no pressure. You can talk if you want to, or simply walk alongside people who understand. Sometimes that is exactly what you need.”
To find out more about The After Movement, or book for their first events, visit her website.
Looking for local queer mates, dates or new connections? Lesbian SW London (LSW) hosts events throughout the year, including dating and mingling nights, socials, picnics, creative workshops and more (see below)!
LSW is a lesbian (FLINTA) queer meet-up group based in Tooting, bringing together queer women and non-binary folks across South West London. They host regular socials in Tooting, Clapham, Balham, Colliers Wood, and beyond, all south of the river.
At LSW, the belief is simple: you shouldn’t have to travel miles to find your people. Community and connection are at the heart of everything they do, so whether you’re new to London, freshly moved to SW, or a long-time local looking for your crew, there’s a place for you.
Upcoming events include:
🗓️ 8th May: a mates, dates and mingle (with a couple of drag kings as hosts) at The Railway in Clapham
🗓️ 30th May: Collage & Connect, a creative queer event at Graveney and Meadow
🗓️ 13th June: a 30s+ picnic
🗓️ 25th June: a pub social
For more info & tickets, visit linktr.ee/LesbianSWLondon
Last week, Howden Insurance Tooting hosted “United by Rugby” in partnership with Wimbledon RFC, welcoming parents, coaches and members of the local rugby community, alongside invited guests including Councillor Jeremy Ambache, Mayor of Wandsworth, and charity representatives.
The evening focused on the power of rugby to bring people together and create inclusive opportunities for children of all abilities and backgrounds. Guests shared experiences and ideas around how sport can help young people feel supported, confident and part of a team.
Stéphane Laventure, Inclusive Rugby at Wimbledon RFC, said, “Evenings like this remind us why rugby is one of the most inclusive sports there is. We’ve seen non-verbal players communicate and engage in new ways, and children who once struggled with mobility now running, and playing rugby. We’re grateful to Howden for helping us share those stories and explore how we can take this even further.”
The relaxed setting encouraged open conversations around inclusive rugby initiatives and the importance of accessible local activities that help children learn, grow and enjoy sport within their local communities.
Matt Hillier, Centre Manager at Howden Tooting, added, “We were united by a shared goal ensuring children with special educational needs have access to rugby in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Supporting inclusivity is a core part of who we are at Howden, and we’re proud to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.”
The event was supported by Food by Toby, who provided catering for guests to enjoy.
Howden Insurance Tooting is located at 149/155 Mitcham Road. Call 0208 672 3375, or visit their website for more info.
More info about Wimbledon RFC Inclusive Rugby via their website.
Tooting resident Kirtan has launched Aahar Home Kitchen, serving freshly cooked Indian vegetarian meals from his home to yours! 🌱🍽️🥗
Kirtan tells us, “We offer a pure vegetarian Indian tiffin service made with love and care, with a different menu every day, and a fast & convenient delivery right to your doorstep.
“Taste the comfort of authentic homemade Indian food—simple, pure, and nourishing.” ❤️
Food delivery is available 5.30pm-7.30pm every day – food orders need to be submitted the day before or the same day before 12pm.
DM Kirtan on Instageam to order – see @aaharfromhome (Instagram) for more info!
Congratulations and good luck to Kirtan and the team!
There have been rumours that Chatkhara at 15 Upper Tooting Road has permanently closed, but worry not! The long-established Tooting Bec eatery (sometimes known as The Purple Palace) is undergoing a refurbishment and will open again soon – we’ll keep you posted!
COMING SOON TO TOOTING: Tooting Fabrics at 203 Upper Tooting Road, open since 2018, has permanently closed their doors – but father and son owners, Charanjit and Ashwinder are to replace it with a branch of Londis next month! See @londistooting (Instagram) for more details.
We’ll keep you posted…
Rio’s Piri Piri has opened a branch at 6-8 Mitcham Road in Tooting Broadway (where Chicken Hub used to be located), serving grilled chicken, wraps, burgers, sides and more for eat-in, takeaway and delivery. All food is halal, and vegetarian options are available.
More info via riospiripiri.com
Congratulations and good luck to the team!
The sun shone for the inaugural Tooting Farmers Market at St. Nicholas Church on Mitcham Road last Saturday!
There were all sorts of traders selling food, drink, arts & crafts, flowers and more, with music from South London Vinyl Experience!
Check out @tootingfarmersmarket on Instagram (and watch this space) for details of upcoming events!
RE-OPENED IN TOOTING: Blueprint Baristas has re-opened at 60 Franciscan Road after an unexpected extended temporary closure. The team look forward to welcoming back the community with their signature coffee, teas, pastries and more!
Open Monday to Friday 7am-4:30pm, Saturday 7:30am-4:30pm, Sunday 8am-4pm
More info via their Instagram.
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