Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
A Spring Social in Tooting, Country on the Common returns, an award for a local hero, St Patrick's Day celebrations, new openings, the old Tooting Tram to be reborn, plus lots 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.
Join the FREE Totterdown Street Spring Social event in Tooting this Saturday 21st March, 10am-5pm – open to all!
There’ll be live music, children’s activities, free henna and face painting, alfresco dining and lots more! And of course, if you’re peckish, there’s a huge variety of delicious food options inside Tooting Market and Broadway Market!
The outdoor community event is taking place to celebrate phase one completion of the Totterdown Street improvements.
More info via Welcome to Wandsworth.
📍 Totterdown Street, between the junctions with Blakenham Road & St Cyprian’s Street.
Battersea Power Station comes alive this Saturday 21st March with a FREE day of music, dance, creative workshops and family-friendly activities, to celebrate Wandsworth’s year as the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture!
The Beat Goes On brings together chart-topping legends and rising local talent, alongside poetry, dance, hundreds of choral singers and lots of hands-on experiences – plus some amazing surprise guests! It’s an open invitation to come together, get involved and celebrate everything that makes Wandsworth move.
With UK Garage and Grime stars Lisa Maffia and Romeo London hosting the main stage, and the joyful Sarah Jayne’s Dolly Tribute Show, the day bursts with standout moments. Encounter family-friendly circus and street theatre from Brain Fools, Jelly Fish Theatre and Austin Dance Theatre, and relive highlights from the year as the Strictly Wandsworth dance returns alongside the colourful Urban Flow flag parade, brought to life by the uplifting sounds of World Heart Beat’s New Orleans’ Second Line Band.
An exciting programme will unfold across every corner of Battersea Power Station – each space will pulse with sound, movement and creativity, connecting you to the people, stories and cultures that make Wandsworth unique.
You don’t need a ticket to join, but you can ‘Reserve a Spot’ here to receive event reminders closer to the day.
Country on the Common returns to Tooting Common on 4th & 5th July!
Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready as London’s all-out celebration of country, blues & roots returns to South London for two unforgettable summer days filled with live music, line-dancing, axe-throwing, delicious food, craft beer, whiskey and cocktails, kids activities, a silent disco, and lots more.
Tickets on sale Tuesday 31st March – sign up to get exclusive access to presale tickets from 9am and see the line-up before everyone else! Don’t miss the return of London’s only outdoor country music festival!
🗓️ 4th & 5th July
🌵 Tooting Common
🎟️ Sign-up via countryonthecommon.com
Tooting’s St George’s Hospital has recently released some information & advice following the recent meningitis outbreak in Kent. Full info via their website.
We’re sad to share the news that Love Art in Tooting Market is to close, after 11 years of trading. They plan to close at the end of March, unless they can find someone to take over the business.
If you’re interested in taking over Love Art, please email Clairerudkin@gmail.com or DM @loveart_tooting (Instagram)
We’re sad to share the news that Ekcovision in Salvador Passage in Tooting is to permanently close. See Ekcovision (Instagram) for more info.
Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk looks back at the past busy 4 weeks – highlights include handing over keys to new homeowners, a property going under offer after the first weekend of viewings, updates on property in Tooting, Balham and Streatham, mortgage advice, some ‘Meet the Neighbours’ features, and more! Check out the full property update 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!
Earlsfield fitness studio, Enhance Fitness are offering their very popular 21 Day Trial at the incredible price of just £119 — a special offer available until March 31st only!
Whether you’re new to fitness, getting back into it after a break, or looking for that extra bit of accountability, the trial includes 6 small group personal training sessions and 6 group classes — a great way to kickstart your health and fitness journey.
With outstanding reviews, what makes Enhance different is their small group PT sessions are capped at just 4 members to 1 trainer — one of the only gyms in London to do this — giving you the benefits of 1-to-1 personal training at a fraction of the cost.
Group classes include strength, hybrid strength and cardio, Hyrox endurance training, pre and postnatal sessions, and weekend ZONE sessions — all led by their fantastic team of experienced and dedicated personal trainers.
The trial is available for new members only.
To find out more or book a free consultation, visit their website, email info@enhance-fitness.com, or call 07716506009.
Enhance Fitness is located at 593 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield – just down the road from Tooting.
They also have a studio in Clapham Old Town.
Here’s what’s been happening recently at Tooting physiotherapists, Instant Physio – full video via our Instagram!
Instant Physio are a leading physio clinic in Tooting for physiotherapy, strength training and clinical massage, helping you recover faster and stay active for life.
Book your free taster session via their website.
📍261 Balham High Road, Tooting Bec (opposite The Sewing Shop)
📞 020 3488 2698 | 🔗 instantphysio.co.uk
🕘 Mon–Thurs: 8am–8pm | Fri: 8am–4pm | Sat: 8am–12pm
Wandsworth Foodbank is appealing for help from the local community – please visit their website if you can help.
Wandsworth Foodbank provided more than 13,000 emergency food parcels to local people facing hardship between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025, with 63% of these provided for households with children, according to figures from Wandsworth Foodbank released this week.
Dan Frith, Wandsworth Foodbank Manager, says: “Every day, we meet people facing hunger who are struggling to get by. We are here to provide a warm welcome, support, advice and emergency food, but it shouldn’t have to be this way. Food banks are not a long-term solution.
People can help Wandsworth Foodbank continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice by donating food or funds on their website.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Celebrate Eid at Lahore Karahi in Tooting with an Eid feast!
Lahore Karahi offers an authentic Pakistani feast that’s perfect for Eid celebrations! Signature highlights include their famous karahi options—such as chicken or lamb charsi karahi, as well as a range of biryanis, daals, vegetable dishes and much more! You can also enjoy starters such as seekh kebab, lamb chops, and paneer tikka, alongside all sorts of fresh naans and rice dishes.
Located on Tooting High Street since 1995, the family-run restaurant has recently had a facelift, enhancing the warm and cosy atmosphere, both in the main dining space and the private dining area upstairs — perfect for relaxed meals, celebrations, and family gatherings.
Book a table or order online at lahorekarahi.co.uk
And head to our Instagram for a chance to win an Eid feast for 6 people!
📍1 Tooting High Street, SW17 0SN
Open 7 days a week | 10am – Midnight
Popular, family-run Tooting Pakistani & Afghan restaurant, Rung Mahal has just launched their brand new website – and to celebrate, they’re offering 30% OFF all direct orders through the site until 31st March!
The discount applies to both collection orders (no minimum spend) and delivery orders over £20, and is automatically applied at checkout when you order via rungmahal.co.uk
Brothers and local residents Naveed & Iftikhar rebranded and refurbished their restaurant (formerly Desi Khana) late last year, transforming the interior while keeping the same great taste and affordable prices. The venue now has a calm, welcoming atmosphere with smart seating, a wheelchair-accessible bathroom with baby-changing facilities, and has been earning superb reviews!
Rung Mahal offers traditional cuisine from Pakistan (especially Lahore) and Afghanistan, including special grilled platters and karahis, and can cook to order.
You can now browse their full menu and order directly for collection or delivery on their website.
You’ll find Rung Mahal at 84 Tooting High Street (diagonally opposite Sainsbury’s), Tooting Broadway, SW17 0RN, open 7 days a week, 12pm-12am.
Planning a party, gathering or special celebration? No3 at Nightingale Place is a beautiful local venue for private dining and events.
Set beside Clapham Common, this stunning venue offers versatile spaces for gatherings of all sizes – from afternoon teas to intimate dinners to larger celebrations for up to 60 guests.
Their gifted Head Chef has created special menus ranging from canapé receptions and bowl food through to 5-course tasting menus with wine pairings – perfect for corporate events, family celebrations or get-togethers with friends and colleagues.
No3 also offers a private cinema, ideal for combining a screening with a meal or drinks reception – a unique twist on the traditional party!
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed bistro atmosphere or fine dining elegance, the team at No3 will create a bespoke event to suit your needs and exceed expectations.
To discuss your event and explore their private hire options, call the team on 0203 510 4807 or visit their website.
No3 Restaurant & Bistro is located at 3 Nightingale Lane, by Clapham South tube.
Ming’s Cuisine on Balham High Road would love to welcome you – and the team have news about some exciting changes coming this spring!
The owners tell us, “Since opening our doors in Balham last summer, we’ve felt incredibly lucky to become part of such a warm and supportive neighbourhood. Seeing families, friends and locals gathering around our tables is exactly why we started Ming’s in the first place.
“This spring, we’re also cooking up a few new things behind the scenes. Alongside your favourite Hong Kong and Shanghai dishes, we’ll soon be introducing some new lunchtime plates (perfect if you fancy something quick but delicious), a few new evening dishes, and an easier way to order directly from us.
“So if you’re planning to treat yourself, friends or family over the coming days, or simply fancy a proper lunch that doesn’t involve another sad desk sandwich, we’d love to see you!
“Keep an eye out for our new menu and lunch offers coming soon.”
To view the current menu and book a table, visit their website, call 020 7018 6800, or just pop in and say hello at 191 Balham High Road. Open 7 days a week from noon.
🎨🥂 Paint ‘n’ Bubbles Event at Flora in Tooting Market, with bottomless tapas and drinks, Saturday 28th March, 4pm-6pm!
✨ Paint, sip, and enjoy an afternoon filled with great food, drinks, music, and creativity! 🌸
🍽️ Bottomless Tapas (2 tapas per person — a special menu will be available on the day)
🥂 90 minutes of free-flowing drinks, including:
• Prosecco
• Bottled beer
• Wine (red, white & rosé)
🎨 All painting materials included:
• Canvas
• Paint brushes
• Home frame
• Plastic apron
📅 Saturday, 28th March 2026
⏰ 4pm-6pm
🚨 Tickets £35.99 pp – pre-booking only here.
HALF-PRICE TICKETS announced for Wandsworth Common Beer & Cider Festival!
The festival returns 25-28 March, and visitors can grab 50% off Saturday 28 March tickets using code CAMRA at checkout – but hurry, the offer ends this Sunday!
Now in its 17th Spring edition, the festival takes place at the independent Le Gothique, located within the stunning Royal Victoria Patriotic Building (SW18 3SX).
This popular biannual event — with a spring festival in March and a Halloween edition in October — brings together a fantastic mix of 150 beers and ciders, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Festival-goers can also enjoy three days of live music from Thursday to Saturday, alongside fun new additions this year including pool and table football. The festival is also family-friendly and dog-friendly, making it an ideal outing for all!
Tickets are available via Eventbrite or via their Instagram, where updates will also be shared.
The team at Le Gothique looks forward to welcoming both new and returning visitors for another fantastic festival!
The Egyptian Geese on Tooting Common have had a gaggle of goslings!
Dog walkers are asked to please keep their dogs on leads when near the lake, to keep the goslings safe from harm.
Congratulations to Tooting’s Dr Venessa Bobb-Swaby, Founder of A2ndVoice, on winning Advocate of the Year 🏆 at last night’s Neurodiverse Business Awards!
The Neurodiverse Business Awards organisers said, “The judges were deeply impressed by Venessa’s groundbreaking advocacy through A2ndvoice, tackling the doubly underrepresented intersection of neurodiversity and ethnicity.
“Drawing on her lived experience, Venessa has created culturally competent, autistic-led support for families, driving real shifts across public services and key employers. Her work changes who is seen and heard in the neurodiversity space, delivering brave, necessary and lasting systemic impact.”
Find out more about A2ndvoice via their website.
Chango Empanadas has opened a branch at 366 Garratt Lane (where Manny Dartin was previously located), serving all sorts of empanadas and more!
Open Monday to Friday 7am-10pm, Saturday 8am-10pm, and Sunday 9am-8pm. See their website for more info and the full menu.
Congratulations and good luck to Julian, Gaston and the team!
COMING SOON TO TOOTING! House of ORA – a brand new cultural space where music, art, fashion and community come together – is opening within the next 5 weeks in the former Tooting Tram & Social venue on Tooting Broadway.
The founders of House of ORA tell us more:
“We’ve taken the opportunity to take over the space that was previously home to the iconic Tooting Tram & Social – and our mission is to create a space where culture moves in real time, breathing new life into south London’s arts and music scene.
“House of ORA will be a cultural hub offering everything from late-night DJ sets to live music, art and photography exhibitions and magazine launches to curated pop-ups – focused on bringing the wider community together through music, art and culture.
“The space will predominantly be run by younger people, with an emphasis on creating moments that feel alive and bringing people together in real life.
“We will support local organisations and offer a number of free tickets for every event to those who can’t afford them. Connection will be at the core of what we do.
“We’re currently carrying out a thorough refurbishment to create an open, welcoming environment. We’re incredibly excited about bringing a superb new destination to the community.”
For all enquiries, please email info@houseofora.co.uk
More details on House of ORA and its official launch date coming soon!
You can also follow them on Instagram.
COMING SOON TO TOOTING: Fat Philll’s, serving burgers and more, are soon to open in Broadway Market, where Burger Nine was previously located.
We’ll keep you posted…
Tooting celebrated St Patrick’s Day on Tuesday – and The Guinness was flowing at The Ramble Inn in Tooting!
📍 223 Mitcham Road, SW17 9JG
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