From live local bands and 70’s disco to a family autumn party – there’s a fantastic mix of events this weekend at Tooting’s House of Ora!
📅 Thursday 15 Oct 🎸 The London Music Showcase 7pm • Castlecombe Drive
Discover local London bands at a live music meet-up.
🎟️ Tickets £12.50 HERE.
📅 Saturday 17 Oct 🎭 St Georges Music Society
Doors 6:30pm • Show starts 7:30pm
Presenting the annual 24 hours Musical Society Show where students have exactly 24 hours to build, rehearse, and perfect an entire live performance.
🎟️ Tickets from £7 on the door
📅 Saturday 17 Oct 🪩 70’s Disco 9:30pm
Dress up in your best 70’s disco outfits!
🎟️ Free Entry before 10pm • £5 after 10pm on the door
📅 Sunday 18 Oct 🍂 Family Friendly Autumn Party 1:30-3:30pm
Join for an afternoon of dancing, games, face painting, and prizes for the best costume - plus lunch, coffee, and drinks for the grown-ups!
🎟️ Tickets £7 per child HERE (also on the door), adults free.
📅 Sunday 18 Oct 🎸 The London Music Showcase 5pm
Kosmic Sinkhole • Discover local London bands at a live music meet-up.
🎟️ Tickets £12.50 on the door
More House of Ora events HERE.
📧 Enquiries: info@wearehouseofora.co.uk
📍 House of ORA, 48A Mitcham Rd, Tooting Broadway, SW17 9NA
Battersea Park Fireworks return on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November, bigger and better than ever!
Don’t miss their iconic fireworks displays, as well as incredible performances, including a DJ set from Rudimental on the Saturday night, Arcadia’s Lords of Lightning on Sunday, and of course, live music, fairground rides, delicious street food, and winter warming drinks!
Plus new for 2026 is their Happy Hour! Get £5 drinks and 50% off fairground rides for the first hour of each night (6-7pm on Saturday and 4:30-5:30pm on Sunday)
Tickets are going fast so make sure you grab yours now! Book HERE.
Part of the queer community and looking for new friends and connections in the area? Lesbians SW London (LSW) are hosting a Brunch social at Joy Café in Tooting on 25th October, 11am-3pm (more info below), and host events throughout the year, including dating and mingling nights, socials, creative workshops and more!
LSW is a lesbian (FLINTA) queer meet-up group based in Tooting, bringing together queer women and non-binary folks across South West London. They host regular socials in Tooting, Clapham, Balham, Colliers Wood, and beyond, all south of the river.
At LSW, the belief is simple: you shouldn’t have to travel miles to find your people. Community and connection are at the heart of everything they do, so whether you’re new to London, freshly moved to SW, or a long-time local looking for your crew, there’s a place for you.
Tickets for the Brunch Social (plus more info about the group) on the 25th October are available via their Linktree.
📍Joy Café, 9 Upper Tooting Rd, Tooting Bec, SW17 7TS
The Friends of Tooting Common annual Pumpkin Parade 🎃🎃🎃 takes place on Sunday 25th October, 4pm-5pm!
There’ll be competitions for the Funniest, Scariest, and Most Artistic carved pumpkins, plus a Fancy Dress competition! There’ll be two age groups – Under 8s, and 8s & Over.
There’ll also be a parade of lit pumpkins!
EVERYONE WELCOME!
Entry fee £1 per pumpkin
No charge for fancy dress competitions
Enquiries: fotcinformation@gmail.com
The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 17th October, in seven locations around Wandsworth, including Tooting. Skips will close when they’re full, or at 12pm – whichever comes first.
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:
📍 Childebert Road, SW17 8EX
📍 Strathdon Drive, SW17 0PN
📍 Ansell Road, SW17 7LS
📍 Clapham Common west side, SW4 9AT
📍 Waverton Road, SW18
📍 Stockhurst Close, SW15 1NB
📍 Neville Gill Close, SW18 4BP
More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.
Want to know what events are happening in Tooting, or want to add your own event(s)? Check out our Tooting Events Page!
Tooting-based property advisor Homes with Chuk, on what Rightmove doesn't tell you...
“Rightmove is brilliant for finding homes. Bedrooms, bathrooms, floorplans, asking prices… all at your fingertips. But there’s something it can’t quite capture.
“What’s the walk to the station like on a Monday morning? Is your street peaceful or bustling? Where will you grab your Saturday coffee or enjoy a Friday night out?
“And then there’s Tooting Common. Whether it’s an early morning run, a leisurely Sunday stroll, or discovering one of those beautiful, peaceful corners by the water that you never knew existed. 🌳🦢
“And here’s the thing about Tooting. Two homes just a few streets apart can offer completely different experiences of living here.
“That’s where genuinely knowing an area makes all the difference.
“Because choosing a home isn’t just about what’s behind the front door. It’s about the street, the local businesses, the people and the community you’ll become part of.
“You don’t just buy a home. You buy into everything around it. ❤️ And that’s why local knowledge matters. Find out more on Instagram and Facebook.
“Born and raised in Tooting. Looking after a small handful of homes across Tooting, Balham and Streatham personally.”
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!
These are just some of the locals putting in the work at Enhance Fitness in Earlsfield – and their 6 Week Transformation Trial is the perfect way to join them! 💪
Whether you’re starting from scratch, coming back after a break or injury, or ready to push on, you’ll be made welcome from day one, with expert coaches who tailor everything to you. It’s why so many local residents have made Enhance part of their routine – and left 5-star reviews along the way.
Over the six weeks, you’ll get everything you need to come out fitter and stronger:
⭐ 12 Small Group PT sessions (max 4 people per coach)
⭐ 12 group classes – from strength and Hyrox to Pre/Post Natal
⭐ Movement & body composition assessment
⭐ Nutrition pack and support
⭐ Your own accountability coach, with weekly check-ins
That’s 24 expert-led sessions for £399 – under £17 a session, with small group PT included. Not a bad investment in feeling your best! And once the trial’s done, flexible monthly memberships are there to keep you going.
To find out more or book, visit enhance-fitness.com, email info@enhance-fitness.com or call 07716 506 009.
📍 593 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4ST. Also in Clapham Old Town!
*Trial for new members only.
If you’re looking for the ultimate Christmas night out locally with friends or colleagues, Smart Parties have the perfect way to celebrate the festive season in unforgettable style – they’re bringing the vibrant magic of The Carnivale to the heart of Battersea Park!
And if you quote NEWSIE10 when booking, you’ll get 10% OFF the ticket price!
Shared Party Nights are available at Evolution London in Battersea Park for groups of eight or more, with dates to choose from in late November and across December. Whether you’re celebrating with a small group of friends or bringing a larger team together, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Think colourful Latin street scenes, Carnivale vibes, themed bars, a 3-course feast, dazzling shows, dodgems, and dancing ‘til late.
Step into The Carnivale in the heart of Battersea – and let the festivities begin!
For full details & to book, visit their website.
Thinking about a home improvement project this autumn or winter? Local construction company, M Asllani Constructions Ltd have availability for new projects, big & small – and they’d love to help bring yours to life. Check out these fantastic examples of their recent work!
From a bespoke kitchen designed entirely around you, to a loft conversion that opens up bright new living space, clever storage solutions, or a fresh look for your business or studio – Manthi and his highly-experienced team do it all.
Manthi tells us more, ”No project is too small, and no vision is too big. We create custom solutions for every client, with every job built on detail, quality and care.”
“Our specialist services include:
• 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
“Every space tells a story, and we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to get your home or business exactly how you want it – delivering results that last. – and make you very happy!
To find out more or book a free quote, call or text Manthi on 07903 208 450, email manthos09@icloud.com, or see more great examples of their work over at @asllani_constructions (Instagram)!
High-energy Balham fitness studio Rox Life are offering your first 3 sessions for just £35 – the perfect way to experience everything they have to offer!
Known for its energetic, community-focused vibe, ROX offers an exciting mix of classes to suit everyone:
🚲 Ride – immersive, music-driven indoor cycling
🏋️ LFT – strength-focused training
🔥 SWITCH – high-intensity interval training sessions
💪 Small Group Sessions
The space has been purpose-built for strength, conditioning, athletic performance & seriously good vibes – so whether you’re lifting, riding, or simply switching up your routine, there’s something for you.
And don’t worry if you’re just starting out! Whether you’re stepping into your very first class or you’re a seasoned athlete after a new challenge, the ROX coaches are there to guide you every step of the way.
To find out more and grab your first 3 sessions for £35, visit their website.
📍1 Holbeach Mews, Balham, SW12 9QX.
There are lots of business offering discounts for NHS, emergency service workers and students in Tooting, Earlsfield and Furzedown!
We’ve created a list of businesses offering discounts – visit our Tooting Discounts Page to find out more. And don’t forget to check back as we update the page!
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Tooting Bec FC Women, who beat Oxford City Football Club (who are a league above them) to progress to the First Round of the Women’s FA Cup!
They play Chatham Town FC Women on Sunday 25th October at Imperial Fields, Bishopsford Rd, Morden, SM4 6BF.
📷 @billy_sports_photography (Instagram)
We’re sad to report that Skin of Love in Tooting Market has permanently closed. However, you can still find Tony at markets around London and the South West selling Skin of Love’s natural plant-based skincare products, as well as online for home delivery, via www.skinoflove.co.uk or call/message Tony on 07931 859830.
We’ll keep you posted as to who’ll be coming next to the unit…
We’re sad to report that Rick’s Dining Room at 122 Mitcham Road in Tooting has permanently closed, after 26 years in Tooting. Rick’s great local restaurant offered wine tastings, pie & vinyl nights, menus of £15 for 3 courses, and so much more, with Rick drawing on decades of experience, including his former role as head chef of Chelsea Arts Club.
Rick tells us that he’s incredibly sad to be going, as the building was not just his restaurant but his family home as well – but the lease was up and the landlord wouldn’t renew.
However, Rick has just moved into a nearby flat and he’s looking for a new venture and considering his options – he may also sell off more of the restaurant furniture and accessories in the near future, as he did yesterday – so follow Rick’s Dining Room on Instagram or Facebook (and watch this space) for updates!
Here’s hoping Rick will open a new eatery in Tooting soon...
Work continues on the major refurbishment of the Esso petrol station at 182 Balham High Road, where the fuel pumps, tanks and underground pipelines are all being upgraded.
One of the engineers on site told us that, with millions of litres of fuel pumped through the station over the years, it was simply time for everything to be renewed. They expect the work to be finished in early December.
The Tesco Express on the same forecourt remains open as normal throughout the works.
Low-income Wandsworth residents face losing council tax exemption, reports My London, as the authority also plans a 94 per cent hike in council tax bills.
Full story via My London.
Fair Use Charter for e-bike and e-scooter operators in Wandsworth introduced
Wandsworth Council has introduced a new Fair Use Charter for e-bike and e-scooter operators, which aims to tackle obstructive parking, improve safety and take stronger enforcement action so that the schemes work better for all residents.
Congratulations to Earlsfield’s family-run Italian trattoria La Pernella, who have opened a second branch down the road in Balham, in the former Green Mosaic Pizza site!
Run by husband-and-wife team Mariano and Elena, and their daughter Simona, La Pernella already has a longstanding and popular restaurant on Garratt Lane in Earlsfield.
The menu includes pizza, pasta, panuozzo (folded pizza sandwich), antipasti, and more, with plenty of traditional Italian favourites to choose from.
There’s also a downstairs space which can be hired for private dinners and gatherings.
Congratulations and good luck to Mariano, Elena and Simona!
📍65 Balham High Road, SW12 9AP
Open 12pm-10pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Who caught Tooting Run Club (TRC) on BBC Morning Live last week? Dr Ranj Singh joined the local running community group as part of his Couch to 5K journey – something TRC offers training for – and was even awarded a Tooting Run Club medal by TRC co-founder, Tahir (although he needs to give it back if he doesn’t complete his training)!
You can view the full episode on BBC iPlayer – search for Series 8, episode code m0032jlh, which aired on 9 October 2026.
Tooting Run Club is a free, volunteer-led community club, and is passionate about making running accessible to everyone aged 18+, whatever your experience, pace or fitness level. No pressure, no judgement, just a warm welcome and a community ready to support you. More info via their website.
Happy 15th birthday to Ritherdon Road-based businesses Dee Light Bakery and Gallery Midnight!
Owners Dee & Johny joined forces last Saturday for a lovely celebration marking 15 years since they each opened their doors back in 2011 – with locals coming out in force to help them celebrate!
DeeLight Bakery is an Australian-owned independent licensed bakery café, while Gallery Midnight is a contemporary art gallery showcasing Johny’s original paintings, London art prints and bespoke commissions.
Dee said: “It was a lovely and special afternoon, and we really appreciate everyone who has supported us over the last 15 years.”
Here’s to many more!
Thanks to Dee for sharing these great photos!
London Vegan Runners joined Tooting Common parkrun before visiting Next Door Bakers by Kegarmo vegan café at 84 Moyser Road in Furzedown last Saturday!
Tooting Common parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event which takes place every Saturday at 9am on Tooting Common. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you! More info via their website.
London Vegan Runners have regular meet-ups in London, for vegan runners of all abilities. More info via veganrunners.org.uk
Tooting-based rugby teams Bec Belles RFC and Tooting Bec Old Boys RFC are looking for new players!
With three men’s squads, two women’s sides, and a vets team, the club welcomes everyone – whether you’re a seasoned pro or have never picked up a ball before. They’re also as much of a community off the pitch as on it, with regular club-wide socials and events allowing the teams to come together and celebrate the game.
The Belles are also a fully integrated team of deaf and hearing players, with all training and games accessible to deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users, thanks to voluntary Communication Support Workers (CSW).
Belles train on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the Men train on Wednesdays, all at 7pm on Openview in Earlsfield. The Belles are also holding a special taster training session aimed at all those new to rugby this Thursday 15th October, so do come on down!
Email becbellesrugby@gmail.com if you’re interested in joining the Bec family! 💙💛
The Happy Pot has opened in Tooting Market, serving Malaysian food!
Owner Yvette tells us, “I love traveling and I love food, so I’ve travelled around the world to try all sorts of cuisine. I fell in love with Malaysian food, and having been there several times, I wanted to bring authentic Malaysian food to London. We serve rendang, Malaysian fried chicken, laksa and much more, and we can’t wait to welcome Tooting to try our food!”
Veggie, vegan and gluten-free options available, and all food is halal. Open 10am-12pm for takeaway, plus delivery via Deliveroo.
Congratulations and good luck to Yvette and Tania!
RE-OPENED IN TOOTING: The Octavia Foundation charity shop at 36 Tooting High Street has re-opened after a refurbishment, selling adults’ clothing, cards and accessories with more goods to come (they’re currently undergoing a restock). Donations of adult clothes welcome.
Open 10am-5.45pm Monday to Saturday, 11am-4.45pm Sunday.
Congratulations and good luck to the team!
RE-OPENED IN TOOTING: McDonald’s at 42-44 Mitcham Road has re-opened after an extensive refurbishment.
The refurbishment includes dedicated areas for the different ways to order (including ordering at your table via the McDonald’s app), along with the removal of the front counter, and an area for delivery drivers.
Local McDonald’s Franchisee, Surjit Manger, who owns and operates McDonald’s Tooting, said: “I’m proud to reinvest in our Tooting restaurant! The dining area is more contemporary, and we now have separate facilities for our dine-in customers and our couriers leading to a better experience for everyone.
“It’s exciting to see the fresh new look and feel of our Tooting restaurant and I’m confident the changes will not only benefit our customers but also our restaurant team as these will help make their jobs a little easier.”
To mark the re-opening, Surjit has personally donated £2026 to the local Ronald McDonald House Tooting at Tooting’s St George’s Hospital, where he also regularly volunteers with his staff members.
The restaurant’s upstairs dining area will remain closed and will fully reopen on Friday 23rd October. Limited seating will be available on the ground floor until then.
Open 5.30am-2am Sunday to Thursday, and 5.30am-3am Friday and Saturday.
Congratulations and good luck to Surjit and the team!
Have you spotted these fantastic 1920’s ad posters at Tooting Bec tube? The ad reproductions have been installed as part of the 100th anniversary of the Northern line extension from Clapham South to Morden. Find them at the entrance on the corner of Balham High Road and Trinity Road.
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