Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
A new book inspired by Tooting, all sorts of events, news, and SO MANY NEW OPENINGS in Tooting this week – plus lots more!
Congratulations to Tooting resident Lizzie Frainier on the publication of her debut book, 'Main Character: Lessons from a Real-Life Romcom' – out today!
Lizzie tells us, "It's a memoir about my love life through the lens of romcoms, and I've got some brilliant reviews in from other authors so far, including Catherine Gray (Bestselling author of 'The Unexpected Joy of Being Single') who described me as the 'British Carrie Bradshaw' (if she lived in Tooting of course)!
"I wrote a lot of the book at Tooting Library and Juliet's Quality Foods, as well as at my home, of course. I even included Tooting Library and Juliet's Quality Foods in my acknowledgements.
"I've lived in Tooting now for 8 years, and there are numerous stories in the book which took place in Tooting (the number of first dates I've been on at The Goldfinch...), including a chapter about my housemates and I getting involved romantically with our next-door neighbours (I probably wouldn't recommend!)"
'Main Character: Lessons from a Real-Life Romcom' by Lizzie Frainier is published by Hachette and is available via Waterstones, Amazon, and all good bookshops.
The Wandle Trail’s 'missing link' at Earlsfield is on course to be fixed.
The trail winds alongside the River Wandle as it passes through Croydon, Sutton, Merton and Wandsworth, but there’s a gap in Earlsfield.
For over two decades, residents and outdoor enthusiasts have been calling for a solution to the issue of walkers having to leave the River Wandle near Earlsfield Station, and trundle along residential streets and Garratt Lane.
Full story via South London Press.
RAIL DISRUPTION THIS WEEKEND: South Western Railway (SWR), who operate services through Earlsfield, advises passengers to check their journey before travelling this Sunday 9 February, as lines in the Wimbledon area will be closed all day due to maintenance work.
Earlsfield (as well as some other stations) will be closed, and a bus replacement service will be in operation.
Visit https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey for more info and to plan your journey.
Thames Water is carrying out work on Upper Tooting Road / Tooting High Street, causing delays to traffic, with work expected to be completed by Sunday 9th February. See/contact Thames Water for more info.
The installation of new lifts at Tooting station is now complete, with the lifts undergoing final testing before being fully opened to the public.
A spokesperson for Thameslink said: "It's really good news that Network Rail is nearing completion of the project as this will transform the lives of many who use Tooting station. The lifts are now in their final testing stage, in which they're being trialled in public use. This means people can use them if they find them open but they could be closed. Only once these final tests are complete, will they be advertised widely."
The lifts are expected to be fully in operation in the next few weeks. We'll keep you posted...
There's lots happening for all ages in libraries across Wandsworth in February, including reading groups, storytelling, LGBTQ+ History Month events, digital inclusion programmes, crafts, and lots more! Full list of activities and libraries via Better UK.
Get ready to boo the villain, cheer the hero, and sing your heart out at The Magdalene Players' spectacular 46th panto - their take on the famous tale of Dick Whittington, starting this Thursday, 6th February!
Join Dick and his trusty sidekick, The Cat (will you be the one to choose her name??) on their quest for fame and fortune. They arrive in the city of London to find it overrun by rats! Dick must outwit Queen Rat whilst fending off some hungry cannibals, and also winning the hand of a fair maiden all to fulfil his true destiny. Expect side-splitting comedy, dazzling costumes, and show-stopping musical numbers that will have you tapping your toes and singing along.
Show times:
• 7:30pm Thursday 6th February
• 7:30pm Friday 7th February
• 2pm Saturday 8th February
• 7pm Saturday 8th February
• 2pm Sunday 9th February
For tickets and more info, visit The Magdalene Players website.
The show takes place at St Mary Magdalene Hall on Trinity Road, SW17 7HP
Calling all book lovers! The Woodfield Pavilion has launched a new free monthly book club!
The first meeting will take place on Tuesday 11th February and will be an opportunity to decide the first month’s book and how the book club will work going forward.
The book club is run by Woodfield Pavilion members and ALL are welcome!
Email pavilion@thewoodfield.org to express your interest.
For more information about Woodfield Pavilion, visit their website.
Entries are open for the 2025 Wandsworth Business Awards!
If your business is based within the borough of Wandsworth, Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce encourage you to enter – it's a fantastic way to promote and celebrate your business achievements, plus it's completely FREE to submit your application.
There are 14 categories to choose from and each business can select up to 3 categories to enter.
The deadline to enter is 14th March 2025. More info, including how to enter, via Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce.
The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 8th February, 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:
• Siward Road, SW17 0NU
• Chestnut Grove, SW12 8JJ
• Este Road, SW11 2TL
• Cromer Villas, SW18 1PN
• Gwendolen Avenue, SW15 6EH
• Doddington Estate - the square by Palmerston and Lucas, SW11 5LF
• Portinscale - near number 20, SW15 2HX
More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.
FREE February half term kids clubs in Tooting with Be Enriched!
There's lots for kids to do, in a friendly atmosphere, including cooking workshops, fun games, arts & crafts, and free lunch & snacks.
The clubs take place 11a,-2pm, 19th, 20th & 21st February at The Food Bus, parked on Longley Road, near Tooting Junction Baptist Church (SW17 9LD)
Sign up here.
Questions? Email foodbus@be-enriched.org or call 07397 096104
Meet Dilpa Patel, a commercial property insurance specialist at Howden Insurance Tooting! Dilpa understands how being a landlord involves a lot of responsibility, leaving little room for error, and tells us:
"The right insurance policy can provide a crucial safety net, in case things go wrong – but shockingly, 46% of commercial properties are underinsured.*
"Imagine you had to rebuild the entire property from the ground up. What’s the total value? If you’ve not got adequate cover for the full cost of repairs and replacements, you could have your claim denied or policy voided, and have to pay the extra costs. It’s vital that your rebuild and replacement values are up to date; as we recover from the cost-of-living crisis and high inflation rates, everything, including building materials and labour costs, are more expensive.
"By speaking with an insurance broker, such as Howden, not only can you get expert advice on how to manage the risk of unexpected events such as fire, but you can also ensure you meet legal requirements and even save money by providing certain certificates. It’s understanding all this that can help you make informed decisions about your cover.
"I have spent the past 15 years passionately helping people arrange their insurance needs. I am proud to be part of the Howden Insurance Brokers team, where I bring my expertise and commitment to every conversation I have with clients. Having lived in the Tooting and Wimbledon area for 24 years, I have a deep connection with the local community. I cherish visiting local businesses as a customer and truly love the area I live and work in.”
Dilpa is one of their many Commercial Insurance Experts – visit her and the rest of the team at Howden Tooting, 149/155 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PG, call 0208 672 3375 or visit their website.
Get ready for the ORIGINAL crisp pizza revolution, straight from the heart of Tooting! While the crisp pizza craze is taking over London, it all started with Gianni at Panzerotto Blues in Tooting Market back in 2020—and he needs to share his story!
Gianni breaks it down: “Crisp pizza is all about that perfect balance—thin, crunchy, and totally satisfying. It's baked at high heat to get that golden edge with a bite you won't forget. Light, but not flimsy—this pizza has zero flop!”
"Sure, the crisp pizza trend is everywhere now, but Panzerotto Blues? The original. The pioneer. The bar-setter. Others are following the lead that we've been perfecting for years, and it’s time you taste what started it all!
"Craving the true essence of crisp pizza? Come to Tooting Market and dive into the real deal!"
Find Panzerotto Blues at Unit 7 in Tooting Market (in the Yard Market area) or order through Deliveroo or Uber Eats. Vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available! Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-10.30pm. More details via Panzerotto Blues (Instagram).
Let the crisp pizza legend live on!
Do it for Tooting's St George’s Hospital in 2025! St George's Hospital Charity has once again lined up some fundraising adventures to take part in this year, including the heart-pounding 13-floor abseil from the top of the Pelican Hotel!
Other events include the London Landmarks Half Marathon, London to Brugge Cycle, Thames Moonlight Walk, London to Brighton Cycle, and more!
For more information on how to get involved, visit their website.
How Is Food in Tooting Changing? Share Your Thoughts!
Tooting resident Grace, a third-year geography student researching food, community and change in Tooting, is inviting local residents to take part in a short survey to share their experiences, as research for her dissertation.
Grace says, "Tooting’s food scene is constantly evolving—whether through new shops, rising prices, or changing cuisines. This study aims to explore how these shifts impact the community.
"The survey only takes 10–15 minutes, and participants can write as much or as little as they like. Every response is invaluable and will help me build a picture of how food connects to the changing community in Tooting.
"Thank you for your time and support!"
You can find out more and fill in Grace's survey here.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Two brilliant Tooting drinks businesses, The Urban Wine Company & Graveney Gin, are collaborating – and to celebrate, they're offering discounts for our followers – perfect for Valentine's Day & the end of Dry January!
Richard, who owns Urban Wine (Tooting's own wine-making collective) has arranged for Graveney Gin cocktail bar in Tooting Market to be a pick-up point for bottles of his fantastic Tooting Pink Fizz.
You can order bottles for £20 (rather than £22.50) throughout February online and collect them from Graveney Gin. You can also get free local delivery (within 2 miles) for orders of 2 or more bottles – email urbanwineuk@gmail.com to arrange!
Graveney Gin is an award-winning local gin, born in Tooting! Run by owner, Mark, they also offer fantastic gin-tasting experiences for 2, and Mark's offering 10% OFF these experiences if you use code: NEWSIE when you book! Experiences have to be purchased in February and are valid for 12 months.
Tickets cost £80 for 2 people (£72 with the discount) Your experience will include:
- A selection of three of their award-winning gins
- An entertaining history of gin in London and the local spirits scene
- Three pairing tonics & garnishes
- Complimentary Cocktail of your choice
- Beautiful hand-written card voucher for gifting
The experiences are approximately 90 minutes long and you can keep your table for the evening!
To book, visit graveneygin.com/products/gin-tasting-experience and get 10% OFF throughout February with code NEWSIE when you book!
Graveney Gin is located in Tooting Market at 21-23 Tooting High Street.
INTRO OFFER at Hotpod Yoga South Wimbledon – get 14 days unlimited access for just £20!
• Perfect for newcomers to experience the pod
• Valid for 14 days from first class booking
• No expiry date on purchasing the offer
Hotpod Yoga is an immersive hot yoga experience for all abilities and bodies. All levels are welcome at their studio!
Hotpod Yoga South Wimbledon is located at 8 Morden Road, SW19 3BH, just by South Wimbledon tube (only a couple of stops from Tooting).
No booking code needed – simply select "Intro Offer" when booking your first class via their website.
Due to popular demand, Tooting French bistro & steak house, Bordelaise are offering Buy One Steak, Get One FREE, every Tuesday & Wednesday throughout February!
If you'd like to take advantage of this offer, capacity is limited, so book a table early to avoid disappointment! You can reserve a table via their website.
The quality of their food and service has seen Bordelaise win a prestigious Diner Choice award, and Oliv & the team will be keeping you warm this February with their classic steaks, duck breast, Sunday roasts & more, including lots of vegan options available too!
To book a table at Bordelaise, visit their website.
You’ll find Bordelaise located in Broadway Market Tooting, open Tuesday-Sunday.
Pinjal has opened Krishav Beauty Salon at 2 Selkirk Road, offering a wide range of beauty services, including threading, waxing (including for men), facials, nails, brow lamination, massage, henna, make-up, and more (with 15% off treatments until 14th February)!
Open 9am-7pm Monday to Friday, 9.30am-6pm Saturday, and 10am-4pm Sunday. See their website for more info.
Congratulations and good luck to Pinjal and the team!
Reformer Collective have opened a luxury Reformer Pilates studio at 392 Garratt Lane! More info via their website.
Congratulations and good luck to the team!
Milestone Jewellery, owned by brothers Emran, Nabil and Adnan, has opened at 6 Selkirk Road, selling (and buying) luxury diamond jewellery and watches, including bespoke engagement and wedding rings, and more!
Emran says, "we buy and sell prestige brands like Tiffany, Bulgari, Cartier, Messika and more. We've been running a successful diamond business in Hatton Garden for 9 years, so we're really excited to bring our expertise to Tooting!"
Open 10am-6pm, Monday to Saturday, at 6 Selkirk Road. See Milestone Jewellery on Facebook or Instagram for more info.
Congratulations and good luck to Emran, Nabil and Adnan!
Demi and Shannae have brought Your Visual Space to Tooting, a content creation studio fully equipped with props, lighting, and furniture!
Demi and Shannae tells us, "we met while working in retail years ago. With a shared passion for creativity, we decided to launch this venture alongside our full-time jobs.
"We’ve created this space to help you produce high-quality, organic content. Our studio is perfect for business owners, fashion content creators, podcast hosts, fitness and wellness coaches, photographers, videographers, music artists, filmmakers, and many more within the creative industry.
"We also offer a stylish setting for intimate events, including business workshops, bridal and baby showers, hen-do activities, photoshoots, and more."
Your Visual Space is open 24/7 and located at Tooting Works, 89 Bickersteth Road, SW17 9SH. More info via their website.
Congratulations and good luck to Demi and Shannae!
Munir has opened Burger Nine in Broadway Market Tooting, serving burgers, wings, loaded fries and more!
Burger Nine started as a pop-up on St John's Hill in Battersea, before opening a permanent branch in Peckham, so Munir is excited to open a second branch right here in Tooting!
Find them near the Longmead Road entrance, where Randy's Wings was previously located. All food is halal, and vegetarian options are coming soon.
Open 5pm-10pm Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm-11pm Friday and Saturday, and 12pm-6pm Sunday. More info via Burger Nine.
Congratulations and good luck to Munir!
A juxtaposition of old and new in Tooting! The Players Navy Cut ghost sign has adorned this wall next to Tooting Library on Mitcham Road for far longer than we can remember – and has recently been joined by a poster collaboration between Build Hollywood, who develop street level poster space in locations across the UK, and artist Mark Titchner.
More info via Build Hollywood.
You can also follow us on: