Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
A new karaoke night, a local Olympian interviewed, Holi celebrations, Mother's Day offers & gifts, volunteering opportunities, Spring plants for sale, new openings & much 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 KARAOKE NIGHT IN TOOTING every Thursday at Dirty Habits & Behind Bar in Broadway Market, 8pm to 11pm – with happy hour all night! 🍹
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or it’s your first time grabbing the mic, Thursday nights are all about having fun and belting out your favourites!
🎶 Request any song and show Tooting what you’ve got – the stage is yours!
📍Dirty Habits / Behind Bar, Broadway Market, 29 Tooting High Street, SW17 0SP (entrance also on Longmead Road).
More info and booking via Dirty Habits & Behind Bar (Instagram).
The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 14th March, 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:
📍 St Cyprians Street, SW17 8SZ
📍 Elmfield Road, SW17 8AN
📍 Stormont Road, SW11 5EN
📍 Frogmore, SW18 IHJ
📍 Holmbush Road, SW15 3LE
📍 Putney Vale estate, near to 14-44 Frensham Drive, SW15 3EB
📍 Haldane Place, SW18 4UQ
More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.
The old Woolworths sign has temporarily reappeared at their old site in Tooting Broadway!
This ghost sign – currently visible as Marks & Spencer carry out works to refurbish the site as a new Food Hall (due to open later this year) – serves as a memory of the store’s presence at 19-21 Mitcham Road. It permanently closed, along with all their UK branches, in 2009. The site then became a Wilko, which subsequently closed in 2023.
Bargain Town at 57-63 Tooting High Street has permanently closed. We’ll keep you posted as to what’s coming next...
🔥Meet The Neighbours!🔥 Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk continues his ‘Meet The Neighbours’ series, this time with Smoke & Salt at 115 Tooting High Street!
“🍽 A Michelin-listed restaurant in Tooting Broadway? Yep – Smoke & Salt is another reminder that Tooting has quietly become one of South London’s best foodie destinations.
“Not only is Smoke & Salt listed in the Michelin Guide, it’s also featured in Harden’s and The Good Food Guide — and it’s right here in Tooting Broadway.
“I sat down with Chef & Co-owner Remi to hear the story behind Smoke & Salt — from hosting supper clubs in his own flat, to cooking out of shipping containers in POP Brixton, before finding their permanent home here in Tooting after a successful crowdfunding campaign.
“We chat menus, burger nights, the community, and what makes Smoke & Salt so special – 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!
Haydon, the AFC Wimbledon mascot, will run 26.2 miles, an elite physical feat – and doing so in a full-body mascot suit is an incredible effort!
You can support Haydon and DLAG by donating today. Every pound raised is a direct investment in the local area, where DLAG actively supports families in times of crisis. More info and donations via AFC Wimbledon.
Tooting’s St George’s Hospital Boat Club rowed for 24 hours to fundraise for St George’s Hospital Charity this week!
Captains Eve & Grace, and Fundraising Lead Louis, hoped to lead the team to row 700 kilometres for the annual fundraiser.
To find out more and to donate, visit their Justgiving page.
Good luck to Gareth & Holly, who tomorrow embark on an Artic Challenge to fundraise for the John King Brain Tumour Foundation, a charity that has purchased vital equipment for the Neurosurgery team at Tooting’s St George’s Hospital.
The charity also maintains the McKissock Garden at the hospital, is funding a new Neuro-ICU roof garden, and is committed to raising funds for a new family kitchen and children’s playroom in the Paediatric Unit.
The John King Brain Tumour Foundation was started in 2018 in memory of Gareth and Holly’s beloved dad, John King.
On 13th March 2026, Gareth & Holly’s Arctic adventure unfolds in the deep freeze of the Scandinavian north, well above the Arctic circle. Travelling over 70km, they’ll be visiting 3 countries (Norway, Sweden and Finland) and completing 3 adventure activities (cycling, skiing and walking) across 3 stages!
For more info and to donate, please visit their Justgiving page.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Level up for Mother’s Day at The Leather Bottle Earlsfield this Sunday, 15th March! 💐 The pub will be serving their mouthwateringly legendary roasts, with crispy duck fat roasted potatoes, a perfectly cut meat of your choice (or a classic beetroot wellington for plant-based legends), all served with lashings of gravy and crowned with a fluffy yorkie!
They’re also going to be home to Lily & Stem, a newly established independent local florist, bringing carefully curated and bespoke bouquets to Earlsfield from 10am (until they sell out) on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March! So ditch the supermarket flowers and scrappily-written last-minute card, and treat your mum – because it’s time to win the favourite child award (even if you’re the only child)! They say they’re ready with “bespoke designs, gift wrapped and ready for you to show the women in your life just how much you love them!”
And of course, they’ll also be seeing off the final fixtures for the Six Nations, with Super Saturday on the 14th March! Tables are flying out, but they always reserve space for and welcome walk-ins 🍻
Book your table now via their website.
📍538 Garratt Lane, SW17 0NY
Treat Mum this Mother’s Day at Phakoon Thai restaurant in Earlsfield! Book in advance and Mum receives a complimentary glass of Prosecco 🥂 on arrival!
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 – the perfect setting for a special Mother’s Day meal!
Mother’s Day is this Sunday 15th March, so book your table now at phakoonthai.com
📍 346-348 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4ES, open 7 days a week from Noon.
The offers are also available at their Balham branch!
Tooting’s award-winning Graveney Gin turns TEN this month!
Born in Furzedown, the Craft Gin Club-winning distiller opened their popular Tooting Market cocktail bar back in 2016 – and this month they’re bringing back the original menu with 2016 prices, and are inviting the community to share a drink to celebrate!
In recent years, Graveney has extended beyond gin to amazing spirits and signature cocktails – from their Tooting Picante to a special Negroni selection.
Their gin and tasting experiences also make the perfect Mother’s Day gift – order from graveneygin.com or in the bar and receive a 10% discount this month using code NEWSIE10.
Graveney Gin was founded by Victoria Christie, who passed the baton to former BBC Radio Station Head Mark Strippel in 2021. Mark tells us, “Thank you to everyone who’s supported us over the past decade – we couldn’t have done it without you! Pop in to see us in Tooting Market, and let’s party like it’s 2016!”
Find Graveney Gin in Tooting Market, 21-23 Tooting High St, SW17 0SN
Open Thursday 5pm-late, Friday 4pm-late and Saturday 3pm-late.
More info via graveneygin.com
Double Olympic Champion cyclist, multiple World Champion, cycling commentator and proud Tootingite, Joanna Rowsell MBE, features on Episode 2 of Tooting Run Club (TRC) Podcast, Chatty Miles!
Now retired from elite sport, Joanna can often be seen locally running with Tooting Run Club and running/volunteering at parkrun.
In the episode, she shares her thoughts on winning at Olympic and World Championship level, life as a recent mum and the realities of motherhood after elite sport, (including the challenges of returning to fitness postpartum), and insight and perspective that can benefit you – whatever sport you do!
Chatty Miles is hosted by Julia and Kate and – listen wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to episode 1 featuring Geoff Jerwood – who has just coached Herne Hill Harriers to a national title!
TRC is a free, volunteer-led, award-winning charity for adults, which aims to make running accessible, social, and genuinely welcoming to all. More info via Tooting Run Club.
Now that Spring is here (more or less!), it’s the perfect time to visit the Share Garden Centre in Tooting, where they’ve got loads of affordable Springtime plants, including:
🪴Daffodil and tulip bulbs from £2.50 to £3
🪴Foxgloves £5
🪴Wallflowers £6
The garden centre is run alongside Share’s horticulture and other programmes, giving their students customer service and employability skills for the future.
As a social enterprise, anything they raise from selling plants goes directly back into their charity, supporting adults with a learning disability and autistic adults to live happier, healthier, and more independent lives.
Open Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm.
📍Lapidge Drive, Building 32, in the Springfield Hospital site, SW17 0YF. Share’s polytunnels and garden are behind the building – just ring the bell and a member of staff will be happy to help.
More info on their website.
Tooting Bal Sanskar Group hosted a vibrant Holi / Dhuleti Festival of Colours celebration at Fountain Road Recreation Ground last weekend, and were joined by the local community!
The event began with prayers, followed by lively traditional Indian games for children and parents, including musical chairs, races, and more.
Tooting Bal Sanskar Group’s Dr Ashish Patel welcomed Councillor Paul White, who spoke about the group’s unity, cultural contribution, and strong community turnout.
There were also dance performances, and Indian street food such as pani‑puri, dahi-puri, samosa chaat, and more was served.
And of course, coloured powders were thrown among children, parents, and guests, creating a very colourful and vibrant scene!
Tooting Bal Sanskar Group thanks all attendees for their support and extends special appreciation to the volunteers whose dedication made the event a great success.
Tooting Bal Sanskar Group is a group of volunteers that deliver Hinduism and Gujarati classes to the local community. See Tooting Bal Sanskar Group (Facebook) for more info.
Volunteers from Friends of Tooting Common (human and canine!) and Enable Parks helped to clear the brambles smothering the gorse on the common recently.
FOTC would love new members and more volunteers to help out on projects like this, and also to help with litter picks. The group also organises walks – covering everything from bats to bluebells! – and other activities on the common.
To find out more, including how to join and to volunteer, visit friendsoftootingcommon.uk
Aromé Café on Mitcham Road has launched a bar, with a daily Happy Hour and lunch deals running every day (see below)! 🍻🍷🍸
Aromé’s Sai tells us, “The response from Tooting has been amazing since we opened in January. Adding a bar felt like the natural next step, and we’re really excited to create a space where locals can relax with a drink. Come on in, we can’t wait to welcome you!”
Happy Hour runs every day, 4pm-6pm (with 2-for-1 on cocktails, draught beer and wine); there are also 2 lunch deals to choose from – any main with a beer or glass of wine for £9, or any main with a soft drink or hot drink for £7. They also offer a range of homemade desserts including milkcakes, tiramisu, carrot pudding, and cakes.
The café and bar is child-friendly, with a play area and a free babyccino with all purchases.
Aromé also has an outside terrace to enjoy (weather permitting!).
Dogs welcome!
📍287 Mitcham Road, SW17 9JQ
Open:
• Monday and Tuesday 7am-7pm
• Wednesday and Thursday 7am-8pm
• Friday and Saturday 7am-9pm
• Sunday 7am-8pm
To find out more and to book (party bookings welcome), call 07939 555 805, email likiscafeltd@gmail.com or visit @aromecafetooting (Instagram).
RELOCATED IN EARLSFIELD/TOOTING: VKM Accountants Ltd (previously at 25 Balham High Road since 1974) have opened a new office at 667-669 Garratt Lane, SW17 0PB (new signage coming soon), where Beattitude was previously located.
Their Balham office remains open for now, but they expect to move the entire operation to the new Earlsfield branch within the next 6 months.
VKM Accountants Ltd is a long established Chartered Certified Accountants, run by three directors who have extensive experience of providing financial and taxation advice, and who attract many entrepreneurs and businesses from many different sectors, including retail, wholesale, professional and service industries. They are also authorised and providing services for probate and estate planning.
To find out more pop in to either 667-669 Garratt Lane or 25 Balham High Road, call 020 8673 8899, or visit their website.
Congratulations and good luck to the team!
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