Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
A plant sale, a speakeasy night, local pub refurbishes, inclusive rugby, local causes, new openings, a Michelin-starred chef to open in the area, and much more...
Our weekly newsletter is sponsored by Tooting’s family-run Lahore Karahi – a local institution since 1995! – who are currently offering 20% OFF all collection orders when you order direct via their website at lahorekarahi.co.uk. Ts & Cs apply.
There’s a whole lot happening for all ages in libraries across Wandsworth (including Tooting) in May, including reading groups, kids’ activities, crafts, digital drop-ins, music, poetry, and much more!
More info via Better UK.
Plant Sale this Saturday 9th May, 10am-noon to raise money for Earlsfield Foodbank!
Volunteers, Paul and Sarah, are once again opening up their annual plant sale in support of Earlsfield Foodbank. Halfway down Frewin Road, you’ll spot the plant sale straight away — tables laid out with vibrant plants, colour everywhere, and a warm welcome waiting.
Cash & cards accepted.
Calling All Young Founders 18 to 30 💡 – join Launchpad Live: Overcoming Cringe Mountain in Tooting!
📍 Tooting Works, 89 Bickersteth Road, SW17 9SH
🗓 Wednesday 13 May
⏰ 10:00am – 12:30pm
Join Business Launchpad for their FREE in‑person Launchpad Live event featuring Caroline Odogwu, a speaker, creative entrepreneur, social impact leader, and co‑founder of She Is You.
In this live Q&A, Caroline will share practical guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs on recognising their true value and showing up with confidence while running and growing a business.
She’ll explore what confidence really looks like behind the scenes, tackling self‑doubt, overthinking, and the discomfort that often comes with being visible as a founder.
Why attend?
✅ Hear a real, honest founder story
✅ Gain confidence as an aspiring entrepreneur
✅ Practical advice you can apply straight away
✅ Advice clinics including CV support and utilising AI tools to save time
✅ Network with founders, alumni & the Launchpad community
Register HERE.
Pop-up Prohibition-era speakeasy, The Candlelight Club is coming to Tooting at House of ORA on Saturday 16th May - and tickets are now on sale! The Candlelight Club put on parties (all completely lit by candles), with each event offering an elegant cocktail menu, dining options, dancing to live jazz bands, retro-DJs and cabaret performances. And everyone dresses the part!
The Candlelight Club tell us more about their ‘May Ball’ in Tooting:
“With summer waiting in the wings, come and spend a May evening in our new south London venue—combining industrial chic with intimate glamour, the place has just been refurbished and it’ll be our first event there!
“To get your feet moving there will be live jazz, ragtime and swing music from Benoit Viellefon and his Orchestra, old friends of the Candlelight Club.
“To give you some dance floor inspiration we’ll have Charleston routines from those irrepressible flappers the Gatsby Girls. If you like to have a go yourself, our teachers Russell and Sara will be offering a free lesson in dancing the Charleston at the beginning of the evening.
“Our DJs the Bee’s Knees will be spinning vintage vinyl. Presiding over proceedings will be our Host with the Most, Champagne Charlie. Elsewhere tarot reader Lucius of Sphinx Tarot will be on hand to glimpse into your future and Michelle from Krausz Jewellery will be running her vintage jewellery shop.
“All guests require an entry ticket, covering entry and entertainment, but in addition you can choose to have the three-course dinner, which includes table seating reserved for you all night. Alternatively you can reserve a table without the dinner, but including Champagne on arrival, for a flat fee per table (£80 for a small table, seating up to five, including a bottle of Champagne, or £160 for a large table, seating up to 10, including two bottles of Champagne).”
For more info or to book, visit the Candlelight Club website.
House of Ora is located at 48A Mitcham Rd, Tooting Broadway, SW17 9NA.
Graveney and Meadow at 40 Mitcham Road is currently closed for refurbishment. Keep an eye on their Instagram for their relaunch date (and watch this space too)...
Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk has another fantastic local home to sell! He tells us more:
“This fabulous 1-bedroom penthouse apartment is flooded with natural light – and this home feels special from the moment you walk in.
“It offers TWO private outside spaces — both with completely different aspects and both with wonderful far-reaching views.
“Off the spacious bedroom is a private balcony looking out towards the city… the perfect spot for a quiet morning coffee or to unwind at the end of the day.
“Then from the open-plan kitchen/reception, step out onto a large terrace — ideal for entertaining, soaking up the sunshine, or simply enjoying a different view of London’s skyline. ☀️🌇
“Inside, it’s just as impressive. The kitchen is sleek and modern, and I love the breakfast bar — somewhere to sit, eat, work or enjoy a glass of wine, all without compromising your living space.
“The bathroom gives me swanky hotel room vibes, plus you’ll find a very useful storage cupboard in the hallway, and the whole home has a bright, stylish feel that makes it incredibly easy to imagine living here.
“The development has a real sense of community, with concierge, communal gardens and even a gym area — perfect whether you’re buying your first home or perhaps downsizing without compromise.
“Streatham Hill Station is just a few hundred yards away, making London Victoria easily accessible, while nearby buses can have you in Brixton in around 15 minutes for the Victoria Line.
“Plus there’s independent coffee shops, great places to eat and drink, an M&S Food moments away, the Odeon nearby, and wide open green spaces with both Tooting and Streatham Common within easy reach.
“It really does offer the best of both worlds — a stylish home, a great community feel, and fantastic connectivity.”
Watch a video all about the property via our 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 snoring is interrupting your sleep, Ten Dental in Balham are here to help! Ten Dental’s Dr Ali tells us about their custom-made ‘Mandibular Advancement’ device, which can help stop you snoring – watch the video on our Instagram to find out more.
To book in an appointment to see Dr Ali, or find out more about the range of treatments that Ten Dental offer, WhatsApp 07907 366 397, call 020 8675 1798, email hello@tendental.com or pop in and see them at 156 Balham High Road.
You can also visit their website at tendental.com
A gym for everyone! Whether you’re new to fitness, getting back into it after a break, or want to get in the best shape of your life, Enhance Fitness are here to help you achieve your goals!
Since opening in 2022, Enhance have been helping hundreds of local residents get fitter and stronger, with 5 star reviews!
Located on Garratt Lane in Earlsfield (just down the road from Tooting), Enhance offer a packed and varied schedule of classes each week, alongside Small Group PT (max 4 members to 1 PT), 1:1 PT sessions, and personalised nutrition advice and support.
They also offer all sorts of options to enable you to try out the gym and get a taste of what they’re all about:
- 3 classes for just £30
- 21 Day Trial (6 Small Group PT + 6 classes) for just £139
- 6 Week Transformation Trial (12 Small Group PT sessions + 12 classes + personalised nutrition plan + weekly coaching check-ins) for just £399
Their weekly classes include strength, hybrid strength and cardio, Hyrox endurance training, pre & postnatal sessions, and weekend ZONE sessions – all led by their fantastic team of experienced and dedicated PTs.
No matter where you’re starting from, with Enhance’s expert coaches, proven methods, and supportive community behind you, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
To book a trial or find out more, visit enhance-fitness.com, email info@enhance-fitness.com, or call 07716506009.
You’ll find Enhance Fitness at 593 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4ST. They also have a studio in Clapham Old Town!
*Trials are available for new members only.
Tooting’s Dr Caroline Stevens, AKA The London Skin Medic, provides the latest skin aesthetic treatments – she tells us more:
“Looking for safe, natural-looking aesthetic treatments delivered by a highly qualified medical professional? At The London Skin Medic, you’re in expert hands.
“I am a fully qualified Anaesthetic Consultant with over 10 years of clinical experience in patient care, safety, and precision. This medical background underpins every treatment I offer, ensuring the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and tailored care. My in-depth understanding of facial anatomy and skin health allows me to achieve subtle, refined results that enhance your natural features.
“From my discreet home clinic in Tooting, I offer a range of advanced, non-surgical aesthetic treatments, including:
• Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox)
• Skin-boosting treatments to improve hydration, texture, and radiance
• Microneedling to stimulate collagen and rejuvenate the skin
• Polynucleotides to support skin repair and regeneration at a cellular level
“Coming this summer: I will be introducing Sculptra, an innovative injectable treatment designed to gradually restore facial volume and stimulate your body’s own collagen production. Unlike traditional fillers, Sculptra works over time to improve skin structure, firmness, and elasticity—resulting in a more youthful, natural appearance that can last for up to two years.
“Every treatment is carefully personalised following a detailed consultation, with a focus on achieving balanced, natural results rather than over-enhancement.
“If you value expertise, safety, and a medically-led approach to aesthetics, I offer a trusted, professional service – right here in Tooting.
“Book your consultation today and invest in healthy, confident skin.”
📍 Based in Tooting. For an appointment or consultation, please email drstevens@thelondonskinmedic or visit www.thelondonskinmedic.com
Studio For Hire! Local health & wellbeing space, The Treatment Rooms are making their studio available for hire between their own classes and treatments.
The studio is perfect for practitioners running health & wellbeing or fitness classes (equipment included), workshops, events (including mum & baby groups), exhibitions, or content creators needing a professional space.
The studio has a class capacity of up to 12 people for dynamic classes and 16 people for static classes.
Owner Tracy is committed to supporting the local community and is offering:
• Heavily discounted rates for off-peak times
• Discounted rates for non-profit groups
• Free hire for local community groups and charities
To enquire about availability and rates, contact Tracy on 07852331859 or email info@treatment-rooms.com
For more information, visit treatment-rooms.com
The Treatment Rooms & Studio is located at 26 Tooting Bec Road, SW17 8BD.
Congratulations to local charity Critical Support for raising over £20,000 at their Comedy Gala Fundraiser at Tooting’s House of Ora!
The evening was hosted by Tim Dingle, with comedy performances from Sara Pascoe, Arthur Smith and Meryl O’Rourke, alongside live music from Paul Metcalfe, local band Gekom and a DJ set from Project Atom.
Funds raised will go directly towards supporting Critical Support’s work ensuring local charities always have food to give, helping to put food on the table for thousands of families across South West London.
The charity rescues surplus food and supplies it to a growing network of more than 30 community organisations, enabling them to support people facing hardship every week.
Critical Support is continuing to grow its network and is actively seeking:
• Corporate sponsors and partners
• Donations to support ongoing food redistribution
• Local businesses interested in supporting future events
To find out more or get involved, visit their website.
Tooting Community Kitchen (TCK), who aim to help alleviate poverty in SW London by helping feed the homeless and those in need, and provide them with other vital resources, are appealing for help in their £1 a week campaign.
TCK says, “The cost of living crisis hasn’t gone anywhere and sadly, we are seeing the consequences each week – for some in our community, having a job and earning money is not guaranteeing they are able to make ends meet.
“We understand that many of you will be feeling the pinch, so we’re asking if lots of you could do something small that collectively will have a huge impact. Imagine, if 500, 1000, 5000 of us gave £1 a week…we could really make a difference in these hard times.
“If you think you can help, please set up a standing order to support us for £1 per week or more if you are able to.”
If you’d like to join the TCK £1 a week campaign, their bank details are:
• Tooting Community Kitchen
• Account number: 56059671
• Sort code: 60-21-29
TCK are also looking for volunteers to fulfil a number of roles within the charity. To find out more, visit their website.
An Inclusive Rugby programme at Wimbledon Rugby Football Club, just down the road from Tooting, is helping young players with Special Educational Needs and Additional Vulnerabilities, as it celebrates more than 12 years of growth, community, and achievement.
Delivered with the support of partners (including Howden Insurance Tooting), the programme offers a safe, supportive, and structured environment where children of all abilities can develop confidence, communication skills, and a love for rugby. The initiative has grown into a thriving section supported by dedicated volunteer coaches and families.
Head Coach, Stéph Laventure, tells us, “We are humbled and privileged to know we are making a difference. We’ve seen incredible transformations — players who initially struggled with mobility, confidence, or communication are now running, playing, and expressing themselves through rugby.”
Sessions are designed to mirror mainstream rugby as closely as possible, incorporating warm-ups, passing drills, tagging, mauling, scrummaging, and even match play scenarios. This approach has enabled several participants to transition successfully into mainstream age-group teams.
Players have gone on to take part in major rugby events, including appearances at finals and national showcases at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
One particularly powerful moment highlighted the programme’s impact, says Stéph: “I remember when one of our non-verbal players came up to me and said, ‘pass me the ball.’ I had to walk away bursting with pride.”
Families gather weekly to not only to support their children but to share experiences and build lasting connections. Some of the programme’s earliest participants have even returned as volunteer coaches, helping to inspire the next generation.
The club is aiming to expand its impact further by launching an inclusive rugby festival in partnership with the renowned Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens — one of the largest school rugby competitions in the world.
More info via the Wimbledon RFC website.
Run, Scoot, Walk returned on Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May! Local residents ran, walked and scooted their way around a 5km route across Furzedown and Tooting!
The event was organised by Furzedown Community Network, who are celebrating their 25th year! More info via their website.
COMING SOON TO TOOTING: Nami Sushi are to open in Tooting Market (in part of the unit previously occupied by Vermicelli, who remain open in the rest of their space).
We’ll keep you posted...
Danish has opened a discount store at 127 Mitcham Lane (where Wandsworth Oasis previously had a branch), packed with all sorts of products including homewares, tools and toys!
He knows the area well, as his dad has run Singh’s Food & Wine, (next door but one) for over 20 years and Danish has always helped out in the shop – he’s now looking forward to welcoming Furzedown locals to his own shop, which is open every day!
Congratulations and good luck to Danish and the team!
COMING SOON TO WANDSWORTH COMMON: Renowned chef Adam Byatt is to open Rosina restaurant at 35 Bellevue Road (on the corner of Trinity Road), where Brinkley’s was previously located! More info via rosinarestaurant.co.uk
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