Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
The UK's biggest inflatable obstacle course returns, a new walk for parents and carers, Dolly Parton gives out free books, food & drink deals, new openings, and loads more in Tooting!
Tuff Nutterz is BACK on Tooting Common with the UK's biggest inflatable obstacle course, 9th-17th August! Prepare for an unforgettable experience on the epic 300-metre-long obstacle course (with a 6m tall slide!), with fun, challenges and laughter for the whole family!
This event is perfect for all ages, so gather your family and friends for an amazing adventure – the supersize inflatable maze is packed with fun and challenging obstacles to complete, including huge slides, climbing walls, hanging rails, balance balls and more!
Treat your taste buds with delicious food and drink, including burgers and hot dogs, pastries, cakes, hot and cold drinks and more (veggie options available) – and you’re also welcome to bring your own picnic!
Each session lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore. Get ready to climb, jump, and slide your way to victory!
Don't miss out on this incredible family fun event! Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to push your limits at Tuff Nutterz on Tooting Common!
Info and booking via Tuff Nutterz.
A new local walk and talk for new mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers comes to Wandsworth Common, aiming to combat isolation and loneliness.
Mamma Social Co’s first walk takes place this Friday 1st August, with fortnightly Friday walks to follow. Meet at Wandsworth Common train station at 11am for the walk, stopping for a cuppa and chat at The Skylark Café, and finishing at 12:30.
The walk is free, but for safeguarding reasons everyone must sign up before joining the walk, and no dogs are allowed.
Book via Mamma Social Co (search for 'Wandsworth' to find all walks).
FREE business support in Tooting! Tooting Works have partnered with Grow London Local to provide local businesses and entrepreneurs with free support.
Grow London Local will be based at Tooting Works for weekly surgery-style sessions between 10am and 3pm. Their team of multilingual Business Support Managers are available to guide small businesses at every stage of their journey in a variety of languages.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up in advance.
Tooting Works is an award-winning, accredited social enterprise offering flexible, affordable, and connected spaces in Tooting. Through office rentals, virtual tenancies, co-working options, and a dynamic community hub, all profits directly support their on-site youth charity, Business Launchpad, which empowers young people aged 16–30 to launch their businesses and access meaningful employment opportunities.
More info via tootingworks.co.uk.
Local property advisor Chuk (of Homes With Chuk) explores the design potential of a unique Tooting Broadway property, enlisting the assistance of two expert interior designers! Here he is with more...
“This property on Kellino Street (which has NEVER been available to the market until now), has all the ingredients to be one of the best flats in Tooting Broadway...central location, blank canvas opportunity and the garden is bigger than a number of those that the surrounding houses have!
“With all the above in mind, I invited Andrea & Estelle from Amica Studio, who are interior designers for Central London homes, to cast their expert eyes over this uncut diamond and share their thoughts on how it could be transformed into a sparkling gem!”
View the full video via Homes With Chuk!
Chuk Agudosi is an independent local property advisor, in partnership with The Agency UK. For more info, email chuk.agudosi@theagencyuk.com, call 020 8092 0200, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!
Burglaries surge in summer – is your home protected? Matt from Howden Insurance Tooting has some advice on how to keep your home safe over the summer…
"Summer often brings travel and relaxation, but also a sharp rise in burglaries. Break-ins jump 48% between July and September. Here’s how you can help secure your home before you head off.
1. Double check all locks. Ensure every door, window, side gate, and garage is firmly locked. Avoid hiding spares outdoors.
2. Create the illusion of occupancy. Set indoor light timers or use TV simulator lights during evening hours. If possible, ask a neighbour to park in your drive to make the house appear lived in. And think before you post – sharing holiday snaps while you're away advertises your empty home.
3. Manage your mail and deliveries. A clogged letterbox or piled-up parcels signals an unoccupied house. Pause deliveries or ask a neighbour to collect them.
4. Hide valuables smartly. Thieves often go straight to the bedroom. Instead of keeping jewellery there, hide them in less obvious places (e.g., food cupboards, toy boxes), or use a small, secured safe.
5. Secure sheds and outbuildings. Sheds and garages are easy targets. Use strong locks, store valuables out of sight, and consider motion-sensitive alarms. Mark tools and bikes with your postcode or move expensive items indoors.
High crime rates in your neighbourhood can affect your insurance costs, due to how insurers judge your potential risk profile. And with 1 in every 96 households falling victim to a burglary, London sees significantly higher-than-average burglary rates.
"Working with an insurance broker, such as Howden, means you’ll have access to expert guidance on how to reduce your premiums without compromising on cover. We can help you find policies tailored to your circumstances, advise on risk-reducing measures that insurers value and help ensure your home and valuables are properly protected."
Matt is one many of Howden Tooting’s insurance experts – visit him and the team at Howden Tooting, 149/155 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PG, call 0208 672 3375 or visit their website.
Does your dog or cat need pampering? Check out Tooting’s Pawpadour – who are offering 10% off services to new clients and FREE grooming for a champ poodle (see below).
Pawpadour specialises in Teddy Bear cuts, Asian Fusion styles, round faces, and breed-standard trims. Whether your dog needs a stylish refresh or a full makeover, Pawpadour tailors each groom to suit your dog’s unique coat, comfort, and character.
Owner Wiktoria tells us, “We’re deeply passionate about dog grooming, with a focus on high standards, stylish round faces, and beautiful finishes – but above all, we prioritise the comfort and wellbeing of every dog that walks through our doors.
“Known for our expert techniques and gentle approach, Pawpadour is proud to be a 5-star rated salon trusted by pet parents across South London.”
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 grooms cats! Bring your feline friend for:
• Wet & Dry Baths
• Groom Out & De-shedding
• Sanitary Trims
• Body Clipping / Lion Trims
• Nail Trimming
New clients can enjoy exclusive first-time discounts:
• 10% OFF any Full Groom – use code WELCOME10
• 10% OFF Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning – use code TEETH10
Poodle models wanted – FREE dog grooming and treatments included! Pawpadour are on the lookout for a poodle to model in upcoming grooming competitions (Teddy Bear styles or traditional trims welcome) – email hello@pawpadour.com for more info!
Open Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm at Pawpadour, Tooting Works, 89 Bickersteth Road, SW17 9SH
Book via their website.
Tooting residents are urged to watch out for fake QR code stickers on EV charge points (like these found in Furzedown) to capture credit card details. The codes on these stickers send users to a fraudulent website.
Please check before you scan. If you see any of these stickers, please report to Action Fraud or call the police on 101.
Dolly Parton is gifting every child in Wandsworth (including Tooting) up to age 5 a free monthly book!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was founded in 1995 by the country music legend to inspire a lifelong love of reading in young children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Wandsworth Council have brought this global phenomenon to the borough’s families. Young readers can benefit from a completely free, age-appropriate book every month from birth until their fifth birthday. It is open to all children aged 0-5.
The project is supported by funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and delivered by Dolly Parton’s charity, The Dollywood Foundation.
Dolly said: “I have always known that if we encourage children to dream, we give them the chance to live those dreams. Having books at home is the perfect way to open a child’s mind to a world of imagination, and I am so proud that my Imagination Library has reached so many children over the years.
"Now children living in your community will receive the gift of reading. I hope that we’ll soon grow the programme to reach many more children and inspire a love of reading that will last a lifetime.”
Registration is now open, with books arriving to families from September onwards. More info, including how to register, via Wandsworth Council.
Police are investigating following a report of an attempted theft in Tooting, and have released the following statement:
"A 30-year-old woman alleged two boys on e-bikes attempted to steal her mobile phone while she was walking near the duck pond on Tooting Bec Common during the afternoon on Sunday, 27 July.
"No arrests have been made. Enquiries are ongoing. Please call police on 101 with the reference 01/7790423/25 if you have any information which may help.
"We are seeing phone thefts on an industrial scale, fuelled by criminals making millions by being able to easily sell on stolen devices either here or abroad.
"In response, we have increased patrols in hotspot areas while officers are using phone-tracking data and intelligence to pursue those responsible.
"By intensifying our efforts, we’re catching more perpetrators and protecting people from having their phones stolen in the capital. The Met is also working with other agencies and government to tackle the organised criminality driving this trade and calling on tech companies to make stolen phones unusable.
"We are reminding victims to report their phone as stolen as soon as possible to maximise the chance of catching the perpetrator, too often thefts are reported hours or days later.
"More in detail crime prevention advice in relation to phone theft can be found here.
“We understand phone theft is still a serious problem and has boomed globally. London is not immune, and we are determined to target criminal gangs – many of whom steal phones and sell them overseas.
“We are continuing to step up our work to prevent and tackle this issue, with increased patrols and plain clothed officers in hotspot areas to deter and catch criminals. We’re also improving the way we as track phone data to identify offenders.
“In the first two months of this year, we have seen a 15% reduction in thefts across London, while robberies were down 13% compared to the same period last year.
"Since January 2025, we’ve made 526 arrests of offenders suspected of mobile phone and theft robbery.”
📷 Google Maps
Twelve parks and green spaces across Wandsworth (including Tooting Common, Fishponds Playing Fields and Garratt Park) have been awarded the Green Flag award, which recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces.
Run by Keep Britain Tidy, the award celebrates well-managed green areas that meet the highest environmental, community and maintenance standards.
Keep Britain Tidy is an environmental charity. It sets the standard for the management of parks, inspiring people to be litter-free, to waste less and live more sustainably.
To find out more about its campaigns visit www.keepbritaintidy.org
More info and a list of parks awarded via Wandsworth Council.
Any main + any cold starter for just £15 at Turkish restaurant Broadway BBQ in Broadway Market Tooting, Tuesday to Thursday, until the end of August!
Manager Zozy tells us, “We’re elated by the amazing response from Tooting locals since we opened, so to say thanks to our loyal customers – and to welcome some new faces – we’re offering any main and any cold starter, Tuesday to Thursday, including our our chicken skewers, large seabass, Beyti Kebab, mixed kebab, and our Adana Kebab!”
"We have vegetarian options, and 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 and Cs apply. Offer valid on eat-in only. Offer ends Thursday 28th August 2025. More info and full menu via Broadway BBQ (Instagram).
Little Village (who have a branch in Tooting) is urgently calling for donations of newborn nappies and baby wipes, as stocks of these essentials have run out across their London baby banks.
You can help today by:
💛 Giving online:
£10 = enough nappies for a week for one family
£32 = a nappy saver pack to keep a newborn clean and dry for a month
£45 = a newborn starter pack including nappies and wipes, supporting at least five families
📦 Donating in person:
Drop off new (or even opened) packs of newborn or size one nappies and baby wipes at their baby banks in Tooting, Wandsworth, Camden or Brent.
Visit their website for more information on how you can help:
Cat and kitten foster homes urgently needed in Tooting and South London! RSPCA South London tells us more...
"Summer is always our busiest time. Kittens, strays, and emergencies increase, but just when the need grows, many of our foster homes go offline due to holidays or the heat.
"Right now, our small team is doing everything we can, but we’re reaching our limit. We're having to pause or delay help for some cats because we simply don’t have enough local foster homes available.
"We urgently need spaces for:
• Stray mums and kittens
• Sick or injured strays
• Cats from the national RSPCA waiting list
• Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) colonies that need somewhere safe to recover
"Without foster homes, we can’t say yes to these cats when they need us most. Even one room would be incredibly helpful!
"We're especially looking for fosterers in or very near to Tooting, Balham, Thornton Heath, Crystal Palace, Croydon, Purley, Addington, Mitcham (if you’re just outside these areas, we’d still love to hear from you.)
"We’ll provide everything: food, litter, equipment and full vet support including transport.
"Even if you can only foster for the summer, you could make a huge difference to a cat in need."
Please email the RSPCA if you think you can help: enquiries@rspcasouthlondon.org.uk
Minibus drivers and escorts needed in Furzedown! 🚐
Yesterday, The Furzedown Project had to cancel their bingo session because there was no driver for their minibus.
Last week, they nearly had to cancel a special day trip to the seaside because there was no escort to help them on and off the minibus.
They're very short of volunteers who can step in if their main transport team is ill or on holiday. It’s usually only for a couple of hours and they offer to pay for full training, required checks and ongoing support – and you don’t need to commit to regular slots.
It’s such a vital service for members with mobility problems – like Lillian, who is 96 and enjoys going to events and activities and having a laugh with her friends!
If you think you can help, then please get in touch! They also have other volunteering opportunities, including home visiting and computer support, open to all ages.
Email services@furzedownproject.org
The Furzedown Project at 91-93 Moyser Road, SW16 6SJ, is an activity centre and social hub for people aged 50 and over, whose mission is to increase people's sense of wellbeing and reduce social isolation. More info on their website.
Paralympian Claire Cashmore MBE, recently joined families and supporters at a charity swimming event at Tooting Bec Lido, to raise money and awareness for a project supporting children with limb differences across the UK.
The event was organised by The Alex Lewis FLOAT Foundation, with participants invited to take part in a sponsored swim and a target to collectively swim the equivalent width of the English Channel.
Supported by Places Leisure and prosthetics partner Koalaa, more than 40 swimmers took part, including quadruple amputee and FLOAT founder Alex Lewis and Paralympic swim champion, Claire Cashmore MBE.
Project Limitless UK, now under the FLOAT Foundation, aims to ensure children with upper limb differences can access prosthetics, and has grown into a nationwide programme offering adaptable, lightweight prosthetics and vital peer-to-peer support for families. More than 600 children have received a prosthetic through the project to date.
All children supported by Project Limitless UK are given a fully funded Koalaa prosthetic. Unlike traditional prosthetics, a Koalaa is lightweight, comfortable and available at a fraction of the cost, with options suitable for all ages, including babies and very young children.
Koalaa’s latest prosthetic – the ‘Gwen’ – was trialled at the swim event during a special group session. The new tool is designed to help children more easily hold onto a swimming float while learning.
For more info (and to make a donation) visit www.the-alff.com or www.yourkoalaa.com
The ‘My Children Know Your Children’ Community Day took place at Furzedown Rec on Saturday 26th July, run by Jimmy Asher Foundation (JAF) alongside B2B Basketball, and Wandsworth youth initiatives including Sanctuary for Sisterhood CIC and Kooth UK.
JAF Founder Joseph welcomed Wandsworth Youth Mayor Kwasi Agyekum-Koranchie, and the event brought families together for a day of fun, connection and community.
There were chances to try kick boxing, basketball coaching, rollerblading and lots of fun sports day races, games and challenges, alongside a bouncy castle and petting zoo. There was also jerk chicken and food from local businesses, as well as DJs.
Jimmy Asher Foundation was founded in honour of the late Denzil “Jimmy Asher” Maye, a staunch advocate for youth and community cohesion. The organisation supports young people through workshops and mentoring, helping them to make decisions that create a positive impact in their lives and communities.
More info via their website.
Furzedown Rec is located on Ramsdale Road, SW17 9BP
Lebanese Grill House has opened in Tooting Market (where Rice Base was previously located), serving chicken, lamb and more from their charcoal grill, as well as fish, shish kebabs, sides and more!
Opening 11am-10pm Sunday to Thursday, 11am-11pm Friday and Saturday for eat-in and takeaway, with delivery coming very soon. Vegetarian and vegan options available and all food is halal.
Find them near the Tooting High Street entrance. More info via @lebanese_grillhouse (Instagram).
Congratulations and good luck to the team!
PFC Grill has opened at 76 Tooting High Street (where Abby's Grill was previously located), serving peri peri chicken, fried chicken, burgers, wraps, sides, desserts and more.
Open 11am-1am Sunday to Thursday, 11am-2am Friday and Saturday for eat-in and takeaway (delivery to come). Vegetarian options available, and all food is halal.
Congratulations and good luck to manager, Michael, and the team!
EXPANDING IN TOOTING: Namak Mandi are to open a new branch at 26a Upper Tooting Road (where Butt Karahi was previously located), in addition to their existing restaurant across the road at number 25!
They plan to open in the next few days. We'll keep you posted...
Who remembers The Streets launch event at Tooting Broadway back in 2015?!
Drummer Ben Walsh performed on top of Tooting Broadway station in a percussive partnership with Brazilian artist Adriano Adewale, who used instruments from recycled materials, entertaining Tooting residents and commuters with their performance.
The Streets project, which took place in boroughs across London, saw art and music performances and workshops spring up in local venues to encourage the community to interact with their area and celebrate their high street.
You can also follow us on: