Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
A Spring Fair, Tooting's World Boxing Champion, fundraising comedy night, Gorringe Pub development refused planning permission, local Easter display, new openings, food & drink deals & 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.
Furzedown Project Spring Fair this Saturday 28th March, 10am-2pm, outside the Project (weather permitting) at 91-93 Moyser Road!
There’ll be a great selection of jewellery, home-made biscuits, preserves, and samosas, as well as home-made soft toys, and knitted items. There’ll also be a raffle and a tombola stall. They’ll also have a rummage box where you can name your own price!
The Project will also be selling a few special occasion hats, ready to buy for your garden party, wedding or Ascot!
The Furzedown Project at 91-93 Moyser Road, SW16 6SJ, is an activity centre and social hub for people aged 50 and over, who’s mission is to increase people’s sense of wellbeing and reduce social isolation. More info on their website.
The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 28th 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:
📍 Church Lane car park, SW17 9PP
📍 Larch Close, SW12 9SY
📍 Acanthus Road, SW11 5TY
📍 Edgecombe House, SW19 6SN
📍 Malva Close, SW18 2JU
📍 Putney Park Lane, SW15 5HU
📍Tildesley Road, SW15 3AA
More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.
Fundraising Comedy Night at the soon to open House of Ora in Tooting, Friday 24th April!
Tickets are now available for a fantastic night of comedy (including Arthur Smith, and more big names to be announced soon!), live music and food (plus an auction and raffle) to raise money for Critical Support, a local community based non-profit that supports NHS front line staff and local vulnerable groups.
There’s currently an Early Bird offer of £50 a ticket which includes admission to the event and a 3-course Ukrainian themed meal – but hurry, offer ends tomorrow, Friday 27th March!
Now working with more than 30 community partners across SW London, Critical Support has helped deliver over 1 million meals by diverting 431 tonnes of surplus food — preventing an incredible 1,376 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in the process. Supporting them enables dozens of community networks to feed 1000s of local families in need – all proceeds from the event will go towards fighting food poverty across SW London.
Info and booking HERE.
📍House of Ora, 46-48 Mitcham Road, SW17 9NA
Congratulations to Tooting’s Lily Bassett on winning Gold 🥇 at the U19 World Boxing Futures Cup in Thailand, solidifying her status as best in the world in the W48kg category, and qualifying for this year’s Youth Olympics in Senegal!
16-year-old Lily represented the England Performance Team. A dedicated and driven athlete, Lily has quickly made her mark on the international stage as 3x European Champion, 3x GB Tri-Nations Champion, 4x National Champion, London Champion, 2x Box Cup Champion, 2x Golden Girl Champion, BOXAM Champion, WWBC Champion, Nations Cup Champion, and U19 World Boxing Futures Cup Champion!
You can follow Lily’s journey via her Instagram.
A patient has spoken of his gratitude to the NHS after he received life-saving robotic surgery at Tooting’s St George’s Hospital – as hundreds more patients across London and Surrey are set to access the cutting-edge technology.
Full story via St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Group.
We’re sad to report that Tooting French restaurant, Bordelaise is to permanently close on Sunday 26th April. Bordelaise has been a firm favourite in the community ever since it first opened its doors in Broadway Market in 2016.
Oliv & the team are very much hoping to be back with a new local location before long - but in the meantime, they’d love to welcome regular and new customers before they leave SW17 - and they’re got fantastic ‘free bubbly’ and ‘2-4-1’ steak offers lined up, to help them go out with a bang!
Full details on all of this from Bordelaise owner, Oliv, “After 10 wonderful years, it’s with a heavy heart that we share some bittersweet news – our Tooting location will be closing its doors on the 26th of April.
“This place has been more than just a restaurant to us. It’s been filled with laughter, celebrations, friendships, and countless unforgettable moments – all thanks to you, our incredible guests and regulars who have supported us throughout the years.
“To say thank you, we’d love for you to join us throughout April to celebrate the memories we’ve made together, with these special offers:
“From Wednesday 1st to Sunday 19th April inclusive, we’ll be offering a complimentary glass of bubbly to everyone who dines with us.
“From Monday 20th to Sunday 26th April, (our final week), we’re offering 2-for-1 on all steaks, as a little farewell treat from us to you!
“While it’s hard to say goodbye to this chapter, it’s not the end – just the beginning of something new. We’re excited to share that a new local location is on the horizon… and we can’t wait to welcome you there soon. In the meantime, we’d love to see you in our branches in Ewell and Surbiton!
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our journey. Let’s make these final weeks together truly special.
“Love from the team at Bordelaise”
To book a table at Bordelaise before they close their doors in Tooting, visit their website.
You’ll find Bordelaise located in the rear of Broadway Market Tooting at 29 Tooting High Street, open Tuesday to Sunday from Noon.
The planning application for The Gorringe Park pub in Tooting has been refused by Merton Council – and has also been listed as an Asset of Community Value – Project Gorringe has announced.
The local group, which is working to protect and revive The Gorringe Park at 29 London Rd, SW17 9JR, as a pub for the community, said on their Instagram, “Just over an hour ago we’ve seen on the Merton planning portal that the planning application has been refused. We’re sure that you’ll agree, this is a great start to the week.
“We’ll share the full decision notice once we have it, but this is a big moment. It means the proposal in its current form won’t be going ahead.
“Plus we have confirmed that the pub is now listed as an Asset of Communty Value. This is a big deal. There are only a small number on the list, and it reflects just how important the pub is to this community.
“It’s not the end of the road. They could appeal or come back with something new, and the long-term future of the pub is still unclear. But it does open things up and gives us some real options.”
You can view the planning application via the Merton Council website.
Expanding on the ACV status, the group said, “In practical terms, ACV status means the owner can’t sell the property without giving the community (that’s us!) a chance to bid. It also means the pub’s community value is now formally recognised by the council and must be considered in future decisions.
Members of the group will be at Arome Café at 287 Mitcham Road from around 6pm this Friday 27 March for a celebratory drink if anyone would like to join.
More info via the Project Gorringe website.
🔥Meet The Neighbours!🔥 Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk continues his ‘Meet The Neighbours’ series, this time with Next Door Baker by Kegarmo at 84 Moyser Road in Furzedown!
“I popped in to meet Karina (Baker & Founder) and Laura (Head Barista & Manager) – both incredibly warm, charismatic and welcoming, which sums up the whole place perfectly.
“Karina’s journey is an inspiring one. She started out with just 5 varieties of cake on a stall at Maltby Street Market, and grew that to producing nearly 50 different cakes and pastries before opening Next Door Baker last month.
“She talks about falling in love with both the area and the shop itself — even though it needed a bit of work — and how that leap of faith has paid off. She’s also passionate about ensuring vegans have just as much delicious choice as everyone else.
‘With 4am starts, everything fresh and handmade, and even taking on bespoke pastry requests, the care and attention really shines through.
“Pop in, have a chat… and don’t forget to bring your pets too — they’ll want to know their names. 🐶☕️
“Another great example of the amazing people and businesses right on our doorstep. 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!
If you’d like to host a private party with a difference - for family, friends or work colleagues - Balham Social Pottery on Balham High Road would love you to join them for their brilliant pottery painting & handbuilding events!
What’s more - Balham Social Pottery can even come to your home or office to host the event!
To find out more and claim a Special Discount (Balham branch ONLY), email your enquiry DIRECTLY to balham@socialpottery.com
Their beautiful studio is located at 7 Station Parade, Balham High Road (opposite St Mary’s Church), where Balham Social Pottery offers all sorts of pottery painting and clay handbuilding classes, workshops & events, 7 days a week, both daytime & evening - suitable for people of any experience!
WOMEN’S PERSONAL TRAINING IN TOOTING WITH Reach4Fitness – FREE taster sessions available (see below)! ✨
Marta of Reach4Fitness tells us more: “I specialise in helping women build strength, lose body fat, tone up, and feel powerful — all in a supportive, empowering environment. No crash diets. No intimidation. Just real results that fit your lifestyle.
“I’m proud to have been shortlisted for Coach of the Year at the Active Wandsworth Awards 🏆 — recognising my commitment to helping women transform not just their bodies, but their confidence too.
“I’m offering a FREE 30-minute tester session so you can experience my coaching style, ask questions, and see how we can work together — completely no pressure!”
Spots are limited – 📩 DM “STRONG” @marta.reach4fitness on Instagram to book your free session or 📱text Marta on 07545704045
Training takes place at Tooting Bec Athletics Track (there’s an indoor gym there in case of bad weather!).
Find out more about Reach4Fitness via their website.
🎤 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 singing pro or it’s your first time on the mic, Thursday nights are all about having fun and singing your heart out!!
🎶 The stage is yours – request any song and show Tooting what you’ve got!
📍Dirty Habits / Behind Bar, Broadway Market Tooting, 29 Tooting High Street, SW17 0SP (entrance also on Longmead Road).
Info and booking via Dirty Habits & Behind Bar (Instagram).
Meet Marian Dowling, Office Manager at Howden Insurance Tooting! This year, Marian celebrates her 10 year work anniversary at Howden Tooting. As a proud local resident for nearly 40 years, she reflects on her role, her community, and what drives her continued commitment to the area.
Marian says: “My connection to the community runs deep, and it gives me a unique perspective on the people, businesses, and local issues that shape our area. This connection drives my commitment to ensuring our branch stays actively engaged and positively involved with the community it serves.”
Community involvement has become a hallmark of Marian’s leadership. Under her guidance, the Tooting branch regularly takes part in local charitable initiatives from dress down days, bake sales to BBQ fundraisers, abseiling off one of London’s tallest buildings and hands on volunteering. These activities reflect the team’s shared belief in giving back and supporting organisations that make a genuine difference locally.
Over the past decade, Marian has also played a vital role behind the scenes, supporting the team across a wide range of business functions. Her responsibilities span HR, marketing, recruitment, and health & safety compliance, bringing structure, care, and consistency to the branch’s day to day operations.
Marian adds: “Throughout my time with Howden, I’ve watched many colleagues grow into new roles and opportunities across the wider Group. Supporting people on their journeys, both personally and professionally, remains one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
With her experience, long standing community ties, and dedication, Marian continues to shape the culture of the Howden Tooting branch – one built on teamwork, compassion, and a strong commitment to the local community.
Howden Insurance Tooting is located at 149/155 Mitcham Road. Pop in to meet their friendly home insurance team, call 0208 672 3375, or visit their website for more info.
Meet Dr Sarah Jadun, a new Specialist Oral Surgeon at Ten Dental on Balham High Road, who specialises in helping nervous patients feel comfortable and at ease!
Dr Sarah has advanced training in wisdom tooth removal, complex extractions, soft tissue procedures and IV sedation – making dental visits easier for those who feel anxious about treatment.
Dr Sarah tells us: “I understand that dental anxiety is very real for many people, and my focus is on making sure every patient feels calm, comfortable and in control throughout their treatment.
“IV sedation is a wonderful option for nervous patients – it’s individually tailored to keep you relaxed and comfortable, with quick recovery time and little to no memory of the procedure. You’ll need someone to drive you home afterwards and will need to fast beforehand, but it can truly transform the dental experience for anxious patients.
“I’m delighted to join the Ten Dental team and look forward to helping the Balham community with their oral health needs in a supportive, caring environment.”
To find out more and to book an appointment with Dr Sarah, WhatsApp 07907 366 397, call 020 8675 1798, email hello@tendental.com or pop in!
Ten Dental is located at 156 Balham High Road, with a clinic in Clapham too.
You can also visit their website.
Rewards app Burdi has launched across Tooting, rewarding you every time you use it! Simply pay with the app at local independent spots and earn up to 45% back, which you can spend like cash at any Burdi venue.
Some venues are also offering boosted rewards this week for new Burdi customers.
To celebrate, Burdi has released 50 x £5 codes 💸 for new users to use across Tooting! Enter code TNEWS in the app, then spend your Burdi points at any Burdi venue in Tooting over the next week.
Missed the code? Don’t worry! All of Burdi’s partner venues have in-store offers and new user codes – just enquire in-store or find out more on the app.
Burdi founder Chun tells us, “We built Burdi to make it easier to support local businesses and get rewarded for it straight away! From morning coffees, lunch in Tooting Market, or the weekly dry cleaning, Burdi rewards you for supporting local small businesses.”
“We work with fantastic independents like Green Monkey, Yoru Umi Ramen, Mixed Blessings Bakery, Flora, Made in Puglia, The Candy Cane Lounge, The Station Gourmet, and Broadway BBQ – with many more joining soon!”
You can download Burdi via the Apple App Store or Google Play. And if you’re a local business who’d like to sign up, please email hello@burdi.app
More info via burdi.app
New mums! If you’re looking for local fitness classes designed specifically for you, Enhance Fitness in Earlsfield offers specialist Pre/Post Natal training – and you’re welcome to bring your little ones along! It’s also a fantastic way, through fitness, to meet other new mums in the area – and there’s the occasional social too!
Enhance Fitness classes are designed to give new mums confidence in exercise and their abilities to train, in a safe and controlled environment. The team are specialists in pre and post natal exercise, and classes are always capped at 10 people maximum to ensure everyone gets the attention and support they need.
And if you’re new to Enhance, you can try any 3 group classes for just £30 to see if it’s right for you!
Their expert coaches understand the unique needs of pre and post natal fitness, helping you build strength, regain fitness and feel like yourself again – all while knowing your baby is with you.
Enhance Fitness takes a genuinely personal approach to training, with outstanding reviews from their community. Their other group classes include strength, hybrid cardio, and Hyrox training, plus Small Group PT sessions capped at just 4 members to 1 trainer.
To find out more or book your trial classes, visit enhance-fitness.com, email info@enhance-fitness.com, or call 07716506009.
You’ll find Enhance Fitness at 593 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4ST – just down the road from Tooting!
Join The Ickle Pickles Incubator Push on Tooting Common, Saturday 18th April!
The family-friendly event helps to support premature and sick babies, helping to raise £28k for essential neonatal equipment. Walk 28 laps to help fundraise – whether you sign up individually or gather a team, your participation can make a BIG difference to small babies.
How You Can Help:
💙 Register for a lap and make a difference HERE.
💙 Volunteer to support the event.
💙 Spread the Word to amplify the cause.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Midweek takeaway treat at Earlsfield Thai restaurant Phakoon! They’re 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 & small plates to soups, stir-fries, curries & signature dishes.
And if you want to dine in on a Monday night, you’ll get 10% OFF the bill then too!
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.
Filipino brunch at Turo Turo in Tooting has launched, with 30% OFF THIS WEEKEND, 28-29 March! 🇵🇭 🍳
Think brunch favourites with a Filipino twist: bold flavours and solid, generous portions that’ll keep you going all day!
Included on the menu are amazing dishes such as Ube Waffles, Filipino Fried Chicken, Silog Plates and more!
✨ Limited weekend tables available!
👉 Book now HERE.
📍102 Tooting High St, SW17 0RR
Well Kneaded in Earlsfield is a pizzeria and caterer that operates as a social enterprise – supporting Nourish, their charity which helps young people through food.
Nourish is a 14-month programme for 18–25-year-olds who are NEET (not in employment, education or training) and facing barriers to work — whether that’s limited experience, difficult personal circumstances, or simply a system that hasn’t worked for them.
The programme combines hands-on hospitality training — including pizza cheffing, events, customer service and a L2 Health & Hygiene qualification — with life skills, financial literacy, sustainable food growing, and 1-1 mentoring. After 10 weeks of intensive training, graduates are matched with employers; the WK Foundation then supports them through up to 12 months of employment.
Some Nourish graduates go on to be employed directly by WK. Others are connected into wider industry networks, opening doors that might otherwise have stayed firmly shut.
Seth, Nourish graduate, said, “When I was 18 and just out of prison I didn’t think I would ever get a job. WK came to my rescue and gave me a sense of direction, family and hope. They taught me about in-season and organic produce and how to make sourdough. Because of their love and belief in me, I now have a family and I’m able to live and successfully achieve my goals within my own food business.”
WK mills its own ancient grains in-house and slow-ferments its dough for 48 hours, producing wood-fired sourdough pizzas with genuine depth and character.
Guests can dine in the restaurant — complete with a secret garden and their famous pizza slide — or hire their catering and events service.
📍414 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4HW
More info via the Well Kneaded website.
An Easter treat for Tooting on Moring Road from Ben, who regularly decorates his front garden with seasonal themes that passers-by can pop by and pose with (ladders provided)!
He often gets the ideas from his kids (remember Minecraft last Halloween and Whoville at Xmas?) and either paints the scenes or gets a friend to print them, then sticks them on hardboard and cuts them out with a jigsaw.
His motivation is just to raise lots of smiles on his street!
Guacamoles has opened in Tooting Market, serving Mexican 🇲🇽 cuisine, including tacos, quesadillas, chilaquiles, drinks and more, with all food freshly prepared and all tortillas handmade!
Open Monday to Thursday 12pm-9pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm-10pm, Sunday 12pm-7pm. Vegan, vegetarian, halal and gluten free options available. More info via guacamoles.uk
Guacmoles already have much-loved branches in Peckham and Hackney, making Tooting their third site in London!
Congratulations and good luck to Edwin and Genesis!
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