Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
TWO new books from local authors, a BBC radio DJ returns to her old school, the closure of a much-loved local café, free yoga, new openings and more this week...
FREE Autism SEND Inclusive Family Fun Day at Tooting Leisure Centre this Saturday, 13th September, 2.30pm-6.30pm.
Organisers A2ndVoice are providing fun filled inclusive indoor activities for families and carers with autistic children and young people.
The event is in a secured space led by autistic people and those working with the SEND community.
More info via A2ndVoice.
📍Tooting Leisure Centre, Greaves Place, SW17 0NE
The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 13th September, 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
• Henry Prince Estate - Haldane Place, SW18 4UQ
• Stormont Road, SW11 5EN
• Frogmore, SW18 1HJ
• Holmbush Road, SW15 3LE
• Asburton South Estate - Carslake Road, SW15 3DB
More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.
Local author and swimming teacher, Miss Joyce, launches her new book at Tooting Bec Lido this Saturday, 1pm-3pm – all welcome!
‘Jean-Paul’s Adventures – Learning to Swim’ is the third in her series of books about swimming, adding to her previous books, ‘I Don't Like Swimming’ and ‘Swimming Is Great.’ All books are illustrated by Sarah-Leigh Wills.
Miss Joyce has taught swimming for over 33 years, teaching more than 22,000 pupils, ranging from 3 months to 97 years old.
She’ll be signing copies of her new book on Saturday. Light refreshments will be served and there’ll also be water safety puzzles and quizzes.
More info via her website.
Chuk, of Tooting-based Homes With Chuk, is looking forward to Autumn, with some brand new properties to sell and more in the pipeline! He tells us more…
“Hello September! We have entered what I would consider the final period in the year where you could realistically put your home on the market, or make an offer on one that you’ve fallen in love with, and feasibly be in your new home before the end of the year.
"Several factors can help you complete your sale or purchase before year-end: a quality estate agent, motivated sellers/buyers, good recommended solicitors – to name just a few!”
“If your agent has a strong and clear strategy for the sale of your home in tandem with the above factors, you have increased the chances of being in a new home before the end of the year, but you'll need to act quickly!
“I’ve got 3 fabulous homes that have come on the market with me this week – check out my Instagram or Facebook post for full info!”
Chuk Agudosi is a personal local property advisor. For more info, contact Chuk on 07940 546 190, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!
🧘♂️FREE YOGA OPEN DAY at Hotpod Yoga South Wimbledon, Saturday 27th September, 9am–12pm! 🧘♀️
Never tried Hotpod, or just want to check out a local studio? Enjoy a free morning of yoga in their signature 37°C heated pod – calming scents, music, and expert teachers. All levels welcome!
✨ What’s on offer:
• Free classes for new customers
• Friendly, inclusive vibe
• Mats provided – just bring yourself, water & a towel!
Book your spot here.
Find them at 8 Morden Road, SW19 3BH – right opposite South Wimbledon tube (just a couple of stops from Tooting).
More info about the studio via their website.
Local construction company, M Asllani Constructions are now taking bookings for new jobs from this September – and whether you'd love a bespoke kitchen designed around your style, a loft conversion for a bright new living space, or a fresh new look for your business or studio, Manthi and his highly-experienced team are here to bring this all to life.
Mathi tells us more about his business:
"Every space tells a story, and we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to help you get your home or business exactly as you want it, delivering results that last.
“We specialise in the following construction work:
• Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture: tailored designs built around your style and needs
• Carpentry & Joinery: precision woodwork for doors, wardrobes, and interiors
• Flooring & Tiling: durable, stylish installations
• Painting & Decorating: seamless finishes that refresh and elevate
• Renovations, Extensions & Repairs:complete home improvements from start to finish
“No project is too small, no vision is too big. We create custom-made solutions for every client, and all of our work is built on detail, quality, and care."
To find out more and to book a free quote, call or text Manthi on 07903 208 450 or email manthos09@icloud.com
Poundland at 57-63 Tooting High Street is to permanently close in the next few days. We'll share more information as and when we receive it.
Congratulations to Earlsfield author T. D. Winters, who’s released a new children’s picture book inspired by a real-life Chow Chow!
Nala Roonie Goes to Richmond Park follows fluffy Nala on her first big adventure with her family – Mummy, Finn, and Esha. From bus-ride jitters to deer-spotting and picnic fun, Nala learns that it’s okay to feel nervous about new adventures.
Told in gentle rhyme and illustrated in Paddington-style watercolours, the book is aimed at ages 3–7 and celebrates London’s green spaces, courage, and family connection. Available now on Amazon in paperback and e-book editions.
More info via www.nalaroonie.com
Wandsworth Council is developing plans to transform Tooting Triangle on Tooting Common into a more welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable space for everyone, with improvements including ecology enhancements, playground upgrades, better facilities, and flood reduction measures.
They want to hear from local residents about what you value most, what you'd like to see changed, and what matters to you.
Visit the Tooting Triangle consultation page to learn more and share your views.
📷 Google Maps
We're sorry to share the news that Taştê Kurdish Café at 91 Mitcham Road has permanently closed. All the best to Yeter and Haydar for the future!
London’s party rickshaws will be told to turn down the music and clock up legitimate fares under plans to regulate the pedicabs, which are known for riotous journeys and ruinous expense, reports The Guardian.
Transport for London (TfL) is releasing its detailed proposals as it vows to remove unsafe vehicles from the streets after overwhelming support for regulation in an initial consultation earlier this year.
The proposals include enhanced criminal record checks and medical checks for drivers, and annual licensing inspections for their vehicles, with checks on brakes, tyres, lighting and batteries for electrically powered pedicabs. Drivers would have ID and pedicabs would have licence plates.
Fares would also be regulated and charged by the minute after reports of users, especially tourists, being charged hundreds of pounds for short rides. The level of pricing has yet to be set but some pedicab operators have said that lower rates would drive them out of the business.
Full story via The Guardian.
Nominations are once again open for the Wandsworth Green Plaque scheme commemorating the borough’s important and historic people, places, events and buildings.
The Wandsworth scheme is designed to honour notable people, places and events in the borough that are not covered by the English Heritage Blue Plaque Scheme. Wandsworth Council puts up green plaques every year, and there are 17 around the borough celebrating subjects as diverse as the first-ever football match and the recording studio used by The Who.
The person or place nominated must relate strongly to the borough of Wandsworth and people must have passed away more than 5 years ago. They must have had a positive influence on the life of the borough, and there must be somewhere visible to the public where the plaque can be fixed.
The deadline to nominate is Friday 31 October at midnight. Full details via Wandsworth Council.
Since April 2025, Scooperb Tooting have been providing free ice cream to children and families visiting the PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) at St George’s Hospital.
Now they've launched their 'Pay It Forward' campaign – for just £3, you can buy a scoop of ice cream which Scooperb will deliver to a member of staff at St George's as a treat from you!
To find out more, visit Scooperb Tooting at 128 Tooting High St, SW17 0RR. Open 12pm–10pm Sunday–Thursday, and 12pm–11pm Friday & Saturday.
This September, Howden Insurance Tooting is featuring Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA) as their Business of the Month! A registered charity dedicated to strengthening the voluntary and community sector in Wandsworth, WCA showcased their impactful work during Howden’s networking event in June.
“We truly value every opportunity to give back,” says Matt Hillier, Centre Manager at Howden Tooting (pictured left, with Jason Edgington, WCA’s CEO). “Supporting local charities and businesses is part of who we are, and we encourage others in the community to get involved and be recognised.”
“Wandsworth Care Alliance deserves to be in the spotlight for the incredible work they do for local residents,” adds Matt. “Their Doing Good in Wandsworth initiative celebrates the power of community action and volunteering—values we share deeply at Howden. Together, we’re a real force for good.”
Howden Tooting also supports charities through team volunteering and regular fundraising. Whether it’s during Howden-hosted networking events or through their Business of the Month initiative, the team is proud to shine a spotlight on organisations making a real difference.
Each month, the Tooting team highlights a standout local business or charity across social media and in-branch displays, giving them the visibility they deserve. Want to be Howden Tooting’s next Business of the Month? Get in touch with the team to learn more about your local insurance broker via their website or call 0208 672 3375.
Find out more about Wandsworth Care Alliance via their website.
A first week of term like no other at Tooting’s Burntwood School, when it was transformed into a BBC Radio 1Xtra studio as they welcomed back school alumna, DJ Nadia Jae!
Nadia interviewed her favourite teachers and visited her old haunts, before featuring the schools Year 10 students on the show and inspiring their A Level Media students!
Check out more photos and videos via Burntwood’s Instagram.
NEW TO COLLIERS WOOD: Maison Pilates have opened their new Reformer Pilates studio at 1 High Street, Colliers Wood – a chic space designed to move, strengthen and feel incredible!
Whether you’re just starting out with their Essentials classes or looking for a challenge in their Signature and Dynamic sessions, there’s something for everyone, including pre/post-natal classes.
The founders of Maison Pilates, all local to Colliers Wood, wanted to create a space that blends luxury and fitness, bringing an elevated wellness experience to their community.
Their wonderful instructors can’t wait to meet you — you can get to know them better and book a class via their website.
Maison Pilates is open 7 days a week, welcoming all levels and abilities. They also offer a 10% discount for NHS staff and students. More info on timings and how to sign up via their website.
Three Compadres Latin fusion barril grill has opened in Broadway Market Tooting, serving South American food (like their signature Mole Short Ribs and Pork Belly Chicharron) tostaditas, empanadas, cocktails and more!
Andres and the team were previously trading at Post Market in Balham, and are excited to bring their food to Tooting (and there's lots of gluten-free options)!
Open 4pm-10pm Tuesday to Thursday, 4pm-11pm Friday, 12pm-11pm Saturday, and 12pm-6pm Sunday for eat-in and takeaway (delivery to come).
See menu for more details or visit their website.
Congratulations and good luck to Andres and the team!
Nav's Beauty salon has opened at 824 Garratt Lane, offering brow and lash treatments, permanent makeup, microblading, ombre, waxing, facials and more for women and men!
Appointments and walk-ins welcome. Open Monday-Wednesday 10am-7pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, and Sunday 10.30am-t.30pm
This is Nav's second branch, in addition to her one on Lavender Hill, near Clapham Junction.
More info via navsbeauty.co.uk
Congratulations and good luck to Nav and the team!
COMING SOON TO TOOTING: The Blend Gin & Tequila bar is to open in Broadway Market Tooting, where Badass Liquor was previously located.
They plan to open in the next few days. We'll keep you posted...
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