Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
Community gardening, a charity ball, LOTS of food & drink offers, new openings (and a bank closure), a local fashion show, and lots more this week...
Community Gardening launches at Tooting’s Fishponds Fields on Saturday 27th September, 2.30pm-4.30pm – all welcome!
Share your stories of gardening and bring your ideas for what you would like to see in a community garden at the local green space. Enthusiasm is growing and organisers hope to launch the garden early in 2026.
Activities will include talks by those involved in local community gardens, a session to pool ideas, and a ‘get your hands dirty’ activity like planting bulbs or seeds in a pot to take home.
There’ll be generous refreshments, including elderflower cordial and blackberry muffins made from the fruits of the Fields. All ages welcome.
Come along if you want to learn about gardening, are already skilled, or are just curious. No experience needed!
Fishponds Playing Fields' entrance is located at 91a Hebdon Road, SW17 7NW.
Planning a Christmas gathering with friends? The Earlsfield Christmas Charity Ball takes place at the stunning Le Gothique on Wandsworth Common, on Friday 28th November, all in support of The Institute of Cancer Research, based in London
Enjoy a festive evening of fine dining, music & dancing, and a charity auction – plus the perfect excuse to dress up and shine!
Book a whole table (10–12), come along with a few friends, or simply mingle at free-seating tables.
Further info and tickets via TicketTailor.
The Wandsworth annual Residents’ Conference returns for its fourth year on Wednesday 15 October at the Wandsworth Civic Suite.
The conference is an opportunity for residents to meet and hear from Councillors and Senior Officers within Wandsworth Council, as well as network with peers from the community.
The day will feature talks from the Council’s resident participation team on empowering residents, and the Metropolitan Police on tackling anti-social behaviour, as well as workshops on Community Clubrooms, Community Gardens, and using Housing Online.
More info, including how to book tickets, via Wandsworth Council.
Tooting Bec Asylum Remembered – a Plaque Unveiling & Book Launch takes place this Saturday 27th September 2025, hosted by Tooting History Group.
A Green Plaque will be unveiled to remember the thousands of people – patients and staff – who lived and worked at Tooting Bec Asylum/Hospital between 1903 and 1995. The hospital stood on the site of the Heritage Park Estate, Tooting Bec Road.
To ensure that the lives lived in this institution are not forgotten, a history of the asylum is being published by Tooting History Group. The book, "Tooting Bec Asylum Remembered 1903-1995”, will be for sale at the launch.
📅 Saturday 27th September
🕑 2pm Plaque unveiling at the pedestrian entrance to the Heritage Park Estate, Tooting Bec Road, corner of Franciscan Road.
🕒 3pm Book Launch, Pavilion, Tooting Lido, Tooting Bec Road, SWI6IRU. All welcome.
Further info: tootinghistory.org.uk
📷 Aerial view of the Tooting Bec Asylum from around 1930. To the left is Franciscan Road and joining it from the right is Mantilla Road. Beyond the hospital is the athletic track on Tooting Bec Common (from Images of England: Balham and Tooting, complied by Patrick Loobey, ISBN 0-7524-2203-0)
The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 27th 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:
• Church Lane car park, SW17 9PP
• 2613 Malva Close, SW18 2JU
• 60 Larch Close, SW12 9SY
• 88 Putney Park Lane, SW15 5HN
• 9 Acanthus Road, SW11 5TY
• Alton estate, SW15 5PJ
• Edgecombe House, SW19 6SN
More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.
Furzedown Litfest would like to thank everyone who came to the Sandra Newman talk on Friday evening at Mitcham Lane Baptist Church. She was interviewed by local writer Marni Appleton and gave insight into her writing practice and dystopian-based novels. She also spoke about her bestseller Julia, a re-telling of George Orwell’s 1984.
A Furzedown Litfest spokesperson said, “As a festival, we are bringing world-renowned authors to Furzedown — Sunday Times bestsellers, Booker Prize winners, and local writers. We are grateful for the support of the Furzedown Community Network, Furzedown Face, local businesses, Arts Council England, the Eccles Institute, the British Library, and Mitcham Lane Baptist Church for their support.
“This Thursday, September 25th, children’s writer Kes Gray will be at Balham Library at 4:30pm. On Thursday, October 9th, Sam Sedgman will also be appearing at Balham Library at 4:30pm. We are delighted to welcome Alan Hollinghurst on October 26th at Balham Library.
“Over the coming months, we will also be holding events in local schools, early years centres, and youth groups. We hope you can join us!”
All of the above events are free – booking via www.furzedownlitfest.com
Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA) invites local residents to Tooting Works on Monday 29th September, 3.30pm-6pm, for their Annual General Meeting with the theme of "Many Voices, Big Impact – how organisations and communities ignite powerful impact through connection.”
WCA is a charity working for the wellbeing of the Wandsworth community, offering free support to charities, community projects, and arts projects of all kinds, and championing local people’s voices for better Health and Social Care services.
There'll be representatives from local charities, Wandsworth Council, Healthwatch and the NHS, and refreshments will be available.
The event is free, but booking is essential – visit Eventbrite for more info and tickets.
📍Tooting Works, 89 Bickersteth Road, SW17 9SH
The British Comedian of the Year competition returns to Tooting for another heat on Thursday 9th October at The Antelope!
Professional comedians battle it out to get into the semi-final, and you (the audience) vote for who goes through (the overall winner will get £10,001)!
On the line-up!
• Joe Bor
• Mary Bourke
• Adam Coumas
• Matt Foster
• Archit Goenka
• Will Hannigan
• Jack Hester
• Tom Ward
Use exclusive discount code TootingBCOTY for £2.50 off each ticket! Tickets & info via The Stand-up Club website.
📍The Antelope, 76 Mitcham Road, Tooting, SW17 9NG
Chuk, of Tooting-based Homes With Chuk, shows us where he’s based in Tooting Works, and highlights some of the businesses and organisations who also occupy the building!
“Welcome to HQ! I’ve been based at Tooting Works on Bickersteth Road (just a few minutes from Tooting Broadway) since 2021, where I have a permanent desk in their co-working space.
“It’s very much a community hub, with over 80 different businesses of varying sizes also utilising this as their HQ. Some of the businesses you’ll no doubt be aware of, but I’m pretty sure there are a fair few you never knew were here….I certainly didn’t before I arrived looking for a base to operate from!
“Tooting Works directs 100% of its profits to support the charity Business Launchpad (BLP) – also based at TW – whose mission is to empower young entrepreneurs aged 18-30. And some of their entrepreneurs have since set up shop at TW, including local dog and cat grooming business, Pawpadour!
“Tooting Works is also home to Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Maintracts Services, Viva Hair Studio, Food by Toby – to name just a few!
"In terms of working space, there is pretty much something for every business need, from private offices and co-working areas (permanent and daily use) to meeting rooms and their enterprise kitchen. You can even hire rooms for events and parties!
“It’s great to be part of the wider Tooting Works community! If you’d like to find out more, visit tootingworks.co.uk"
Chuk Agudosi is a personal local property advisor. For more info, contact Chuk on 07940 546 190, drop him a DM at Homes with Chuk, or pop into Tooting Works at 89 Bickersteth Road and ask for him at reception!
Looking to review your insurance or explore new options? Visit Howden Insurance Tooting this month and receive a free Howden tumbler (while stocks last) when you get two quotes for different insurance products*!
Conall de Hoog, Commercial Account Executive at Howden Tooting, shares: “In an age where so many companies rely on chatbots or endless call queues, people appreciate being able to talk to someone who actually listens.
“At Howden, we’re not just here to help with policies – we’re here to support you when it matters most. Whether it’s a breakdown, a claim, or a moment of crisis, our team is ready to step in with practical help and genuine care.”
Whether you're looking for peace of mind or simply want to make sure you're properly covered, Howden Tooting’s friendly team is here to help. Drop by the branch – they’re always happy to talk things through and help make sure you’re protected, whatever the road ahead may bring.
Conall is one many of Howden Tooting’s insurance experts – visit him and the team at Howden Tooting, 149/155 Mitcham Road, SW17 9PG, call 0208 672 3375 or visit their website.
The Carmen Birth Centre at Tooting’s St George’s Hospital could shut, as the hospital trust it's attached to faces huge financial pressures, reports My London.
A new report by St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it was looking at more effective ways to run services due to a steep fall in births, given there were other birthing centres nearby.
Full story via My London.
The Tooting branch of Lloyds Bank at 12 Mitcham Road will permanently close on Wednesday 8th October.
Lloyds have stated that, “Most customers are now using our Mobile Banking app, Internet Banking or calling us instead, which means they are using branches much less. Because of this, we'll be closing our Tooting branch.
To read their full report on the closure (as well as for other branches closing around the country), and for alternative methods to bank with Lloyds, visit their website.
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Weekend bottomless curries have launched at Tooting’s Rosa's Thai! Their 'Say-When Curries' menu is available for groups of 4 or more people, every Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm.
For just £25pp, you can enjoy unlimited bowls of their delicious, warming Red, Green or Panang curry (Chicken or Veg & Tofu) along with Jasmine Rice, and Prawn or Pumpkin crackers!
T's & C's: 1.5hr limit, one bowl per person ordered at a time and the 'Say-When Curries' menu must be taken by the whole table.
Rosa's have also launched a 'Saiphins Set Lunch', available weekdays, 12-5pm. Their Set Lunch is a rotating menu of 3 of their most popular dishes, plus a refreshing Thai soda for just £15.
Choose 3 dishes – from crispy spring rolls to stir-fried noodles, Thai curries and zingy salads – all on one tray. It’s the perfect excuse to pop out of the office for lunch or catch-up with a friend over authentic Thai food!
To book a table at Rosa's, visit their website or just walk-in if there’s room!
You’ll find Rosa’s Thai open 7 days a week from noon, located at 70 Tooting High Street, Tooting Broadway, SW17 0RN.
There's a fantastic new takeaway / deliver offer from Indian Room in Balham, running through until 31st October! Get 10% OFF + an EXTRA £9 OFF + FREE poppadoms & chutney (with every main course ordered), when ordering direct via indianroom.co.uk
Use code AUTUMNS25 at the checkout to claim the offer. There's also FREE delivery within 3 miles! Minimum spend £25. Offer ends 31st October.
Indian Room prides itself on making their cuisine as healthy as possible, without compromising on taste. All dishes are prepared without using ghee and therefore, relatively low fat. They don't use any artificial colourings, all meat is British bred from a farm down in Devonshire and only the freshest, seasonal vegetables are used in their cooking.
The award-winning, family-run restaurant offers a menu packed full of tasty starters, main dishes & sides from throughout the regions of India. Most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan on request and they also cater for those with special dietary requirements.
You'll find Indian Room located at 59 Bedford Hill, Balham, open 7 days a week!
If you're starting to plan Christmas parties or get-togethers with friends & family, Tooting French restaurant Bordelaise have launched their special 3-course Christmas menus for groups of 8 to 20+ people, and also offer one of their rooms for private hire! Bookings & orders must be taken in advance – see details below!👇
Bordelaise have 3 different Christmas menus to choose from (starting from £32pp), featuring many of their most popular dishes (including rabbit terrine, oysters, scallops, flat iron steak, duck breast and plenty of vegan & vegetarian options), along with their own twist on festive classics, including Christmas turkey with all the trimmings, and Christmas log.
Located in Broadway Market Tooting, Bordelaise continues to go from strength & strength - so much so that they recently opened a second branch in Ewell / Epsom!
Oliv & the team really looking forward to welcoming locals to enjoy a fantastic Christmas meal at their venue, with friends, family and colleagues!
To book the Christmas menu for a group of 8 to 20+ people at Bordelaise, please visit their website at bordelaise.co.uk
You’ll find Bordelaise located in Broadway Market Tooting, Unit 9-11, Tooting High Street, SW17 0RJ
It's £5 NEGRONI WEEK all this week at local Italian restaurant, La Doc on Balham High Road! They're teaming up with Campari to bring this special offer to local residents from Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th September.
The Negroni - a perfectly balanced blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth - is one of Italy's most iconic cocktails, and now you can enjoy it for just £5 all week long.
La Doc owner Gaetano and the team look forward to welcoming locals for this special offer. There's no need to buy food, but of course you can enjoy their fantastic, authentic Italian cuisine alongside your cocktails if you wish!
You’ll find La Doc located at 205 Balham High Road. To book a table, please visit their website at ladoc.co.uk, call Gaetano on 07865 034 118, email ladoc.balham@gmail.com, or just walk-in if there's room!
La Doc is open Monday-Thursday, 5.30-10pm; Friday & Saturday, 12.30-10pm.
Thanks to Diana for the photo!
Stanley, Sadie, Sammy and Sylvie have all have their vet appointments and been vaccinated and ready for their new homes!
Did you know it costs RSPCA South London around £650 to bring in a single cat, feed them, rehabilitate them, pay for their vet appointments and boarding, and find them a loving new home? It not only helps the charity save money if they can find foster homes for their animals, but it also means the animal can receive one on one care around the clock, while also getting used to a safe, home environment again.
If you think you could become an animal hero and foster for the RSPCA, please get in touch at enquiries@rspcasouthlondon.org.uk and they can send you all the details.
Oxfam Earlsfield held its 3rd annual Second-hand Fashion Show at St Andrews Church in Earlsfield on the 12th of September!
Hosted by Home Community Café and requesting donations for Earlsfield Food Bank instead of an entrance fee, the event showcased amazing donated items from Oxfam Earlsfield.
If you’d like to volunteer at Oxfam Earlsfield, visit the shop at 535 Garratt Ln, SW18 4SR, or call 020 8946 6486 for more info.
Rio's Piri Piri has opened a branch at 14 Upper Tooting Road, where Rooster's Grill was previously located.
Rio's Piri Piri has nearly 40 locations around the UK and new Tooting franchisee, Saqib, is excited to welcome local residents into his new store to try their signature grilled ‘Piri Piri’ chicken & more!
Rio's Piri Piri is open 11am-2am, 7 days a week.
Congratulations & good luck to Saqib & the team!
Tsukiji have expanded into the space next door in Broadway Market Tooting, allowing customers even more space to enjoy their sushi, gyoza, poke bowls & more!
You'll find them at Unit 68, open Tuesday-Sunday from 1pm, when you can also enjoy their All You Can Eat sushi offer, for only £28.50pp!
Congratulations to JM, Nolan & the team!
A branch of ICICI Bank, an Indian multinational bank and financial services company, has opened at 5 Tooting High Street, open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am. A new permanent sign outside is coming soon!
ICICI Bank offer a wide range of banking and financial services to corporate and retail customers worldwide. The Tooting branch can be contacted on email at uktooting@icicibank.com – or just walk in!
Congratulations & good luck to branch manager JP and the team!
COMING SOON TO EARLSFIELD: BulGoGi, an independent eatery serving Korean and Japanese food, is to open at 567 Garratt Lane (where Maki & Co was previously located) in the next couple of weeks. We'll keep you posted...
Dhamaka Bites has opened in Broadway Market Tooting, serving modern Indian cuisine and egg dish specialties!
Find them just inside the Longmead Road entrance of the market. Open Tuesday-Wednesday 12pm-10.30pm, Thursday 12pm-11.30pm, Friday-Saturday 12pm-12.30am and Sunday 12pm-10pm, for eat-in and takeaway (with Deliveroo coming tomorrow).
All food is halal, and vegetarian and vegan options are available. See their Instagram for more info.
Congratulations and good luck to Janvi, Bhautik and the team!
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