Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
A Summer of Creativity, free Summer Kids Clubs, St George's on Netflix, food & drink deals, new openings, and lots more happening in Tooting!
The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 26th July, 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
• Larch Close, SW12 2JU
• Acanthus Road, SW11 5TY
• Malva Close, SW18 5TY
• Putney Park Lane, SW15 5HU
• McDermott Close, SW11 2LY
• Vermont Road, SW18 2LH
More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.
The first ever TOOTING WINE FEST at Indie Wine Club in Tooting Market takes place on Saturday 2nd August, 4pm-6pm!
Join Indie Wine Club for their biggest Summer wine tasting – 25 wines to try & 2 hours to try them in!
Taste as many or as few as you want, & find your new fave, with lots of different grapes & countries to try from. Indie Wine Club will tell you all about them – no prior wine knowledge necessary!
Get your tickets now for just £25 per person (and don’t forget to tell your friends)!
For more info and to book, visit Indie Wine’s website.
Furzedown's Sprout Community Arts has kicked off their Summer of Creativity, a series of creative workshops and activities over the summer!
This week, there are fun workshops, demonstrations and free drop-in activities for all the family, starting with Julie Blaney, whose free family sessions include making peg-dolls & creating pop-up cards.
On Thursday 24th & Friday 25th July, there'll be free demonstrations of basket weaving by Geraldine Kelly, Tanja Keane and Doon Brooks – everyone is welcome to watch them at work.
On Saturday, there’s a Happy T-Shirt Painting Workshop with artist Blossom Hay.
From 30th July to 31st August, Sprout’s Artist in Residence is Ken McCalla (who made Sprout's wooden totem!), who'll be working on his art, combining the creative process of printmaking with African symbolism.
He'll be running 6 FREE printmaking workshops and will host an Artist in Conversation event on Saturday 2nd August 5pm-8pm, and a peer-collaboration on 30th August.
Sprout is located at 74 Moyser Road, SW16 6SQ. See the Sprout website for full details.
Local charity Be Enriched brings its FREE Summer Kids Clubs to Longley Road in Tooting on the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd August, 11am–3pm!
Their one-of-a-kind double-decker Food Bus will be delivering fun, creativity, and nutritious food, with each session free of charge and open to children aged 3–11.
They’ll be offering a safe, welcoming space packed with:
🍳 Cooking workshops using fresh, healthy ingredients
🎨 Arts and crafts to spark creativity
🤸 Games and group activities to keep little ones moving
🥪 Free lunch and snacks
Funded through the Holiday Activities and Food programme, these sessions ensure families have access to fun and nutritious support over the school holidays, reducing holiday hunger, while giving parents and carers a well-earned break.
Be Enriched’s Food Bus, a converted London double-decker, is a mobile greengrocer designed to bring fresh produce and cupboard stables to areas with limited food access.
Booking is essential – to reserve your child’s place please sign up HERE.
Email foodbus@be-enriched.org with any further questions.
For more information about Be Enriched and its community food projects, visit their website.
Looking for a new local dentist? Located on Balham High Road, Ten Dental offer general, family, cosmetic & implant dentistry. They're open late evenings & welcoming new patients of all ages to the clinic!
Ten Dental co-founder, Nik Sisodia tells us:
“Our clinic is made up of highly regarded dentists, implantologists, periodontists, hygienists, endodontists and orthodontists, all of whom are extremely skilled and experienced in their respective fields.
“Our friendly team ensures that each visit is calm, relaxing and comfortable and that every stage of treatment (before, during & after) is clearly explained, with full client involvement.
“And if you're a nervous patient or have a dental phobia, we'll make sure that you're completely at ease and allocate plenty of time to making you comfortable in our practice."
To find out more about the range of treatments available and to book an appointment, 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.
Police are investigating two reports of harassment against a woman on Mitcham Road in Tooting, stating:
“A 28-year-old woman reported on Sunday, 1 June, that a man had pushed into her on Mitcham Road.
“She made a similar report on Wednesday,16 July, alleging another man had pushed into her on the same road the night before (15 July).
“Officers are investigating both alleged incidents and supporting the victim.”
Enquiries are ongoing. Please call police on 101 and quote reference 01/7561837/25 (1 June) or 01/7742380/25 (15 July). Police also urge residents to call them to report any similar incidents.
The woman in question would like to thank the two women who helped and supported her after the second incident, and walked her home.
© OpenStreetMap contributors: openstreetmap.org/copyright
Tooting’s St George’s Hospital is one of the first in the country to pioneer a new way of treating patients with a condition that, if ignored, can be fatal.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm problem in the UK that, as well as causing fatigue and dizziness, increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.
Doctors at St George’s have been using a new technique called Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), which uses thousands of electrical pulses every second to silence areas of the heart causing abnormal signals.
The Tooting hospital has treated several hundred patients across South West London and the South East of England through this method under general anaesthetic in the past three years – cutting waiting lists by around 20%.
Among the patients to be treated is Elizabeth Lacey, 69, from Hampshire. She was first diagnosed with atrial fibrillation following a life-threatening brain haemorrhage during the Queen’s Jubilee in 2022, as she was celebrating at a party in a field.
Prior to the procedure, Elizabeth struggled with low energy, fatigue, and breathlessness – but has now been able to enjoy life again, from dancing at her daughter’s wedding, to going swimming on holiday and tending to her garden.
Full story via St George's.
B negative donors in Tooting and across London are being called on to donate blood, as the NHS warns that supplies of this rare blood type are at risk of running low.
NHS Blood and Transplant revealed there are 2,107 B negative donors in the capital who are eligible to give blood right now as enough time has passed since their last donation.
The NHS is calling on these donors to come forward urgently as a combination of a shrinking B negative donor base and recent high demand for B negative blood has left stocks under pressure.
Only two percent of the population have B negative blood, making it one of the rarest types. And patients with the B negative blood type can only receive B negative or O negative blood, meaning that low B negative stocks can also place a higher demand on vital emergency supplies of O negative.
Those with B negative blood are also asked to encourage family members to register and book an appointment to donate as they are 30 percent more likely to have this blood type than the general population.
New donors who already know they are B negative can now add their blood type when they register, allowing them also to be prioritised.
Hospitals across England need more than 5,000 blood donations every day to ensure they have the blood they need to treat patients for a wide variety of reasons, including traumatic injuries or accidents, cancer treatments, sickle cell and childbirth.
As well as B negative, there is also an ongoing need for more donors with O negative and RO blood types.
Donating a unit of blood takes just an hour and each donation can save up to three lives.
Book an appointment today at www.blood.co.uk, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.
A new Netflix series has launched which features the four London major trauma centres, including Tooting's St George's!
Critical: Between Life and Death gives viewers a chance to witness the care that St George's trauma teams provide for patients.
Here's a few behind the scene photos, courtesy of St George's, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Group.
More info via St George’s.
The future development of the Tooting Triangle has recently been the focus of a series of consultations by Wandsworth Council.
The site, located towards the north of Tooting Common, includes large grass areas, a children's playground, a Redgra football pitch, and several buildings. One of the buildings is currently occupied by Balham Boxing Club.
Initial engagement took place during an online meeting in January 2024, followed by a series of creative sessions with the wider community in December 2024, delivered through ‘Our Triangle Time’, an eight day collaborative engagement process held at the former One O’Clock Club on the Tooting Triangle site.
In July 2025, the council hosted an online webinar to present the findings of the engagement report. Over 200 people engaged in the process, and participants reflected on key questions, including:
• What does Tooting Triangle mean to you?
• What role does it play in your life?
• What do you love about it, what would you like to preserve, and what do you imagine for its future?
The main conclusions were:
• Tooting Triangle is an important place within the common and a valued community resource
• The distinct mix of resources at the Tooting Triangle site is unusual and unique
• Wandsworth Council must take the infrastructure problems of Tooting Triangle seriously, particularly the flooding issues and lack of public toilets
• Tooting Triangle is a wasted resource which could be better utilised
• The trust generated through Our Triangle Time should be built on and not wasted
More info, including a link to Our Triangle Time webinar slides and the Triangle Time report, via Wandsworth Council.
Map 📷 Google Maps
Burridos at 102 Mitcham Road in Tooting is now offering a £5 Lunch Punch, a fresh, satisfying lunch that won’t break the bank, every day, 12pm-4pm!
Enjoy your choice of:
🌯 A classic Burrito – a warm, soft tortilla wrapped around your choice of rice, beans, grilled vegetables, and choice of protein topped with lettuce, pico de gallo, salsas, jalapeños, and a fresh squeeze of lime. Wrapped, toasted, and ready to go!
🥗 A hearty Naked Burrito (served without the wrap) – perfect if you prefer your meal in a bowl: layers of rice, beans, grilled veg, protein, and all your favourite toppings, served fresh and filling.
🥬 A light, refreshing Salad Bowl – a crisp lettuce base, topped with your choice of chicken or beef, beans, grilled vegetables, fresh salsa, and jalapeños for a bit of kick. Finished with a wedge of lime for that zesty finish.
All freshly made with bold Mexican flavours and quality ingredients — from just £5! Perfect for a quick, delicious lunch.
Vegetarian and vegan options available, and all food is halal.
Open 11am-12am Sunday-Thursday, and 11am-2am Friday-Saturday at 102 Mitcham Rd, SW17 9NG.
Ts & Cs apply. Offer available for eat-in and takeaway only until further notice. See the Burridos website for more info.
Tooting bar Goldfinch host their ever-popular BBQ in their courtyard this Saturday 26th July, 3pm-8pm (just in time for the return of the sunshine, and perfect for Happy Hour which lasts until 8pm!) – in collaboration with The Southern Kitchen – where they'll also be featuring their Summer cocktail menu!
The Southern Kitchen, also based in Tooting, is a catering company run by local resident Richard, which specialises in the unique flavours and style of food from the American South, including slow & low BBQ!
Goldfinch manager, Lewis, would love locals to come along and enjoy fantastic food, drinks and tunes in their lovely courtyard. He tells us: “Come and try our Summer menu – fresh, seasonal, and full of flavour! What’s more, Happy Hour is on until 8pm!
"The Southern Kitchen will be serving all sorts of amazing BBQ – from coffee beef brisket rubbed in paprika & honey, to pulled jackfruit coated in NC spices and sauce, or 6 hours smoked & brined chicken glazed in their ‘red’ BBQ sauce – plus sides such as succotash, creamy house slaw, smashed beets and more (see menu for details) – they have your dinner plans covered this Saturday (and there are vegan and veggie options)!”
To book a table at Goldfinch, visit their website.
Booking is not required to purchase Southern Kitchen food, but they advise booking, so that you're not disappointed!
Goldfinch is located at 145 Mitcham Road in Tooting. The BBQ runs 3pm-8pm.
Local charity Share needs new benches for their Tooting Garden Centre, as their beloved bench has sadly broken and the other two are looking worryingly wobbly! Can anyone help?
Share Community provides learning and wellbeing services for adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs. Based in Springfield Village, Share's Garden Centre is a social enterprise where their students grow and sell a wide variety of plants as part of their horticulture training.
It's a warm, welcoming and inclusive space, but without a bench, Share's students and visitors won’t have a place to sit and admire the garden or enjoy their lunch in the sunshine... so if you or anyone you know has a bench that could use a new home, please email harryp@sharecommunity.org.uk
More info about Share via their website.
Tooting’s Taking Care of Fitness is building a non-profit gym for the whole community at 328 Balham High Road – and they need the community’s help in completing the build...see their Crowdfunder for more info!
Here’s Chris with a quick walkthrough of what they’re planning.
They’ll be running sessions for:
🧠 People with Parkinson’s
🧒 Youth strength clubs
🧘♀️ Adults with disabilities
♨️ Plus, a recovery sauna & wellness hub!
More info via Taking Care of Fitness.
Local charity Learn to Love to Read has delivered a new book and an achievement certificate to every child they have supported – and would like to extend massive thanks to Howden Insurance Tooting for sponsoring books for the Tooting schools, and for printing every certificate! Huge thanks also goes to the amazing volunteers who gave their time every week to read 1:1 with children, making a lasting impact!
Learn to Love to Read supports pre-school, primary school children, and their families in learning how to read, whilst also equipping and engaging parents to support reading at home. More info on their website.
Howden Insurance Tooting continues to run their book exchange, to help everyone in the local area experience the joy of reading. Books are mainly aimed towards 7-11 year olds, but other ages (including adults and younger children) are welcome too. Pop in pick up, donate or swap books you’ve read and loved.
Howden Tooting is located at 149-155 Mitcham Road, Tooting SW17 9PG. More info via their website.
Congratulations to Tooting Common parkrunners Dom and Ria who got married last Saturday, and even got a run in beforehand (despite last Saturday's parkrun being cancelled due to heavy rain)!
Best wishes to the happy couple!!💒💍
Event Director, Jez, was also on hand to catch any displaced parkrunners who may have missed the cancellation notice! See Tooting Common parkrun for parkrun news and updates!
Local resident Archie has launched Barista Next Door, a new service delivering speciality coffee to your door!
Archie says, “we deliver ethically sourced beans so you can whip up an awesome cup right at home!
“We’ll also guide you through the brewing process and tell you the story from farm to cup. We scour the globe for eco-friendly, top-notch beans, doing all the hard work so you can just kick back and enjoy the perfect brew.”
Barista Next Door is currently offering free delivery in SW11, SW12, SW17 and SW18!
Find out more via www.baristanextdoor.co.uk
Congratulations and good luck, Archie!
Anjappar Chettinad Resturant has opened at 558 Garratt Lane serving South Indian, Chettinad cuisine.
Anjappar is a global franchise and has over 100 branches around the world. The Earlsfield branch is only the second in the UK, with the other being in East Ham.
The owners tell us, “With decades of culinary experience behind us, we at Anjappar take pride in bringing the bold, authentic flavors of Tamil Nadu to your plate.
“Rooted in the rich heritage of Chettinad cuisine, our team is trained in traditional spice-blending techniques and slow-cooking methods. We specialise in signature dishes like Chettinad Chicken, Meen Kuzhambu, and Mutton Sukka, using freshly ground spices and time-honoured recipes.”
Anjappar is open 7 days a week, 12pm-11pm and also available on Deliveroo, with other platforms to come.
Congratulations & good luck to local owner, Appu (right), Baskaran, Mathy, Karthika & the team!
📍558-560 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW17 0NG
Local resident, Krystal, has launched Daisy Doodles Dog Grooming!
Krystal tells us, "Although I’m new to the industry, I bring passion, professionalism, and genuine care to every groom. I was born and raised in Tooting and currently work part-time at St George’s Hospital.
"I offer 1-to-1 grooming appointments in a calm, clean, and friendly environment. I'm fully certified in pet first aid — because your dog’s safety and wellbeing are always my top priority.
"Whether it’s a full groom, a gentle puppy pamper, or a quick nail clip, I aim to make every dog feel safe, relaxed, and looking their best!"
More info via Daisy Doodles Grooming (Instagram).
Congratulations and good luck, Krystal!
Alfred Heaver was an ambitious and successful local Victorian property developer who built over 4,000 homes across Wandsworth, Battersea and Fulham, and is well known for his work on the Heaver Estate in the late 1880's / early 1890's, which is now a conservation area between Tooting Common and Balham High Road.
Ritherdon Road was the first to be laid out in 1888 and was to be the main access to the estate. Later that year, Heaver applied to construct Streathbourne (pictured here), Louisville & Drakefield Roads, and by the time they were completed in 1892, he was already building more roads running north off Ritherdon. With around a dozen different styles of property, the Heaver Estate had now reached the neglected gardens around Bedford Hill House, a mansion which was demolished in 1897 to make way for Veronica Road.
Heaver's life came to a tragic and untimely end when, at the age of 60, he was shot in the back and head as he walked to church with his wife in a village in Surrey. The assailant, who turned the gun on himself, was his brother-in-law who had held a grudge against Heaver for many years and had even filed down the ends of the bullets to cause him maximum injury.
Although Heaver did not live to see the completion of his estate, it is considered to be one of the finest examples of 19th century suburban development.
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