Tooting Newsie Weekly Newsletter
Lots happening as usual this week in Tooting, including a community Iftar, new openings (and coming soons) – and unfortunately the closure of two much-loved Tooting institutions...
Local sustainability group Transition Town Tooting (TTT) invite you to the premiere of their 25 minute film, 'Town Anywhere Tooting - A Future to Look Forward To' on Saturday 29th March, 2pm-4pm! The film will be part of at TTT’s annual celebratory gathering in the United Reform Church, Rookstone Road, SW17 9NQ.
Filmed and edited by Lily Lowe Myers, the film captures TTT's 'Town Anywhere Tooting' event from October last year, which imagined what Tooting could be like in the year 2040: the preparations that went into it; all the many people that came; their time travel into a future; the connections they made; the 2040 town they imagined, designed, built and inhabited; their postcards from the future; their return to 2024 and the experiences they had along the way.
Refreshments will be available as well as the chance to catch up with ideas emerging from the event and TTT’s wider plans for the year.
The film will also be on general release from this date to share with friends, family and colleagues. TTT have been busy completing a full report on Town Anywhere Tooting which will be shareable online, as well as having a few hard copies available on the day.
More info about TTT via their website.
NEW TO TOOTING: Eye-Full-Cabaret opens TONIGHT Thursday 20th March at Mezzanine in Tooting Market – with 10% off tickets for Tooting Newsie followers (see below)!
The new Cabaret Show – with After Party! – will take place every third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm.
Eye-Full Cabaret is a vibrant variety show featuring bewitching burlesque dancers, sultry singers, dazzling drag artists and more, with a carefully curated rotational line-up of the hottest Cabaret artists, established and upcoming – so you’ll get an Eye-Full of the best entertainment in London!
Eye-Full host, Leanne (AKA Miss PetTIT), tells us, "We platform artists and create space for them to play and feel safe in venues that feel like home, so you can see them at their best.
"Fun is at the core of our shows, so there is audience interaction throughout! There'll also be be drink deals, an electrifying atmosphere, and a DJ after the show so you can party into the night!
To book tickets for the show, which The Quintessential Review recently called "the kind of show where you’d see something new before knowing it was even a thing to see," visit their booking link and use code 'Newsie' for 10% off tickets.
Iftar for the community! A group of friends and local business owners are organising & sponsoring a community Iftar this Sunday 23rd March, and inviting anyone in the local community to come and enjoy a free meal.
The event will take place outside Tooting Islamic Centre (145 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7TJ) from 5pm onwards.
Local plumber, Irfan from Kara Gas (one of the businesses hosting the event) tells us more:
"In the spirit of Ramadan, a group of us are coming together to share the blessings of this holy month by providing free meals to the community. Whether you're in need or simply want to join us, everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a meal.
"We have a limited number of meals available, so be sure to come early! Our goal is to spread kindness and ensure no one has to face hunger during this special time.
"Everyone is welcome, but meals are available on a one per person and a first-come, first-served basis. Let’s make this Ramadan a time of giving and community.
"Ramadan Mubarak!"
Disco is back! Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet, the fun, feel-good 70s and 80s disco night for grown-ups, as recommended by everyone from The Guardian, Time Out and Stylist to BBC Radio 4, is back in Balham on Saturday 26th April at The White Eagle Club!
The night has been described as “Saturday Night Fever meets Mamma Mia in a glorious mash-up” and partygoers have said that HSDY “makes them feel so good it should be on the NHS!”
Founder, Nikki Spencer, started HSDY in her late 40s as she wanted to be able to go out dancing, but without feeling like she was gate-crashing one of her teenage daughters’ parties. Nikki tells us more:
“Most clubs are aimed at people in their early 20s, but the fact is people don’t stop wanting to go out dancing when they hit their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond, although everyone over 18 is welcome.
“Some people bring their grown-up kids or vice versa. It is such a great night out and all ages love the music and feel-good vibe!”
After a sold-out night at Balham Bowls Club in November ’23, and another sold-out party at The Graveney & Meadow in Tooting before Christmas, Nikki was keen to find a larger venue locally, and The White Eagle Club on Balham High Road fits the bill perfectly.
Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet hosts over a dozen parties annually at venues across London and beyond.
The party on Saturday 26th April will feature DJ Lady G (Solar Radio, Notting Hill Carnival) playing 70s, 80s, soul, funk and disco classics, plus a bit of pop, while dancer Lady Boo will lead flash-mob-style routines to get everyone into the groove, including Car Wash - complete with shiny rags!
Partygoers are encouraged to dress up (though it’s not obligatory) and there’s a best outfit dance-off competition.
The event runs from 7.30pm - midnight and tickets are £20
Nikki’s family has a history of cancer so 10% of profits from the night go to Cancer Research UK.
For more info or to buy tickets, visit their website.
A 12 strong team of volunteers planted 400 native thorn and scrub whips in the woodfield area of Tooting Common last week, creating new habitat for birds, insects and invertebrates.
Friends of Tooting Common (FOTC) would like to thank Mick Green from Enable for organising the day, supplying the tools and the refreshments which kept everyone going.
Find out about the next volunteer day and other ways that you can get involved via the FOTC Facebook group (search 'Friends of Tooting Common').
📷 Friends of Tooting Common
Wandsworth Council are waiving the usual road closure fees for residents who wish to organise street parties to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, known as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).
Residents must apply to host a street party – fees for road closures from 3-5 May (the early May Bank Holiday weekend) will be waived to allow street parties to take place, but applications must be received by 6 April.
More info via Wandsworth Council.
Howden Insurance Tooting and Wimbledon have teamed up with Wimbledon RFC to launch a Boot Exchange, recycling and reusing rugby and football boots to help local children keep playing the sport they love.
The Howden Wimbledon branch has become a focal point for the local community to donate, exchange or pick up a pair of second-hand boots, helping even more children keep active and develop new skills; rugby boots can also be donated at Howden Tooting.
Matt Hillier, Centre Manager at Howden Tooting explained: “It can be a struggle to keep up with kids’ ever-growing feet, and having to buy new boots each time they need new ones. This challenge is compounded by everything becoming more expensive, making it even harder for many parents and carers to manage.
“As a Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions, we’re committed to backing community level activities and supporting the grassroots game. That’s why we’ve launched our Boot Exchange, and we’re thrilled to be working with Wimbledon RFC, who run an incredible range of football, wellbeing, and educational programmes for our community. Together, we will help out local families with a fun and sustainable scheme that makes sure everyone who wants to play football or rugby can get out on the pitch!”
To collect, exchange, or donate boots, pop into Howden Wimbledon at 52 Wimbledon Hill Road, SW19 7PA, or ring 0208 944 4121 to speak with a member of the team. Rugby boots can also be donated at Howden Tooting, 149/155 Mitchell Road, SW17 9PG.
Find out more via Howden Insurance.
Happy 10th birthday to Tooting’s Instant Physio! To celebrate, they’re offering 3 for 2 on all Sports, Deep Tissue, and Relax & Restore Massages until 31st March 2025!
Instant Physio’s Ed tells us, “We've been helping local people for many years, easing muscle tension from long periods at desks, and releasing knots and pressure points caused by extended training sessions.
“Sports massages are extremely beneficial in combatting muscle soreness and preventing injury; Deep Tissue Massage are great for treating muscle tension from exercising, easing any tension and tightness from long periods at the desk; and our Relax & Restore massages can de-stress, calm, and relax the mind and body.”
“Our highly trained team of specially selected Physiotherapists & Sports Therapists go through rigorous training to get the best results – take advantage of our buy 2, get 1 free offer when you book before the end of March 2025.”
To find out more and to book, visit their website.
Instant Physio specialises in treating knee pain, back pain, neck & shoulder pain and sports injuries. Pop in and see them at 261 Balham High Rd, SW17 7BD, call them on 020 3488 2698, or visit their website for more details.
Open Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-4pm and Saturday 8am-12pm.
FREE YOGA WEEKEND this Saturday at Hotpod Yoga South Wimbledon!
Join Hotpod Yoga South Wimbledon this Saturday 22nd March 9AM | 10:30AM | 12PM for a FREE hot yoga session!
Experience their immersive heated pod: • 37° cocoon of warmth • Fresh aromatherapy • Epic soundtracks • All equipment included
Just £2 refundable deposit to secure your spot!
Never tried hot yoga? This is the perfect time to start!
Book your FREE class at www.hotpodyoga.com/studios/south-wimbledon/prices – spots filling fast!
Hotpod Yoga South Wimbledon is located at 8 Morden Road, SW19 3BH, just by South Wimbledon tube (only a couple of stops from Tooting). More info via their website.
Harrington's Eel and Pie House at 3 Selkirk Road in Tooting have announced their final day as Saturday 29th March, before permanently closing after 116 years of trading. They said on their social media:
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce our last working day will be Saturday, 29th March 2025, from 11am to 5pm. We know this will be a sad moment for many of you.
"To help us serve you quickly and efficiently, we kindly ask that customers wishing to order more than 10 pies please place their orders in advance. You can reach us at 020 8672 6415.
"We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your loyalty over the last 116 years, as well as for the support of your family members, both near and far. We have so many wonderful memories that we will cherish forever."
Criterion Capital, who have acquired 103-111 Mitcham Road (currently occupied by Morleys Tooting, who will be permanently closing the store within the next few months), are preparing a planning application to refurbish the building.
Criterion Capital say on their website, "Whilst planning permission already exists to convert the site to new homes, we are taking a different route. Our proposal is for three ground floor retail units, in line with all the neighbouring shops, and for the conversion of the floors above into a new 90 bedroom hotel."
More details via their website.
A decision to end free book exchanges at London Underground stations (including Tooting Bec) on safety grounds has been branded "ridiculous" by a former fire chief.
The benefits of these mini-libraries, which have operated in stations across London for years, outweigh the fire risks, according to former London Fire Brigade (LFB) borough commander Steve Dudeney who called the ban "overkill".
LFB said "combustible material poses a fire safety risk", while Transport for London (TfL) said it would work "to see if book swaps can be reintroduced".
Full story via BBC News.
The site previously occupied by The Tooting Tram and Social is to let / for sale, subject to vacant possession. Full details via Savills.
Residents of a Tooting postcode have been left frustrated after experiencing severe postal delays since November, with vital letters, bank cards, and medical correspondence failing to arrive, reports Wandsworth Times.
SPONSORED CONTENT
50% off all main dishes every Wednesday at Turkish restaurant Broadway BBQ in Broadway Market Tooting!
Manager Zozy tells us, "We've had more and more loyal customers since we opened over a year ago, but we also want to welcome new faces to experience our cuisine! Come in for 50% off ALL main dishes, including our popular sharing seafood or kebab platters, our chicken skewers, and our Adana Kebab!"
"We also have vegetarian options, and all food is halal."
Find Broadway BBQ near the Longmead Road entrance of Broadway Market. Open 11.30am-10.30pm Tuesday to Thursday, 11.30am-11pm Friday and Saturday, and 11.30am-9.30pm Sunday. More info and full menu via instagram.com/broadway.bbq
Ts & Cs apply. Minimum spend of £15 per person, eat-in and takeaway only. Offer valid every Wednesday until 30th April 2025.
The new Vegan menu at Ming's Cuisine on Balham High Road is proving incredibly popular, and the team have added more new dishes, including a special 'twice-cooked fisc', in a sweet garlic sauce, and sizzling tofu in a house special sauce!
Their Vegan menu features many of their most popular dishes, but using the very latest & highest quality plant-based alternatives instead of meat, fish & seafood.
Their fantastic chefs from Hong Kong and Shanghai have carefully devised their new 100% plant-based menu, featuring a whole range of regional flavours, suitable for vegans and vegetarians – and which they think meat-lovers will really enjoy too!
Other dishes on the menu (all pictured) include:
- Signature Vegan Sweet & Sour 'Chicken'
- Vegan Crispy Shredded 'Beef'
- Stir-fried Vegan 'lamb' with cumin and chilli
- Sliced Vegan 'fish' in sizzling chilli oil
- Hand-shredded king oyster mushroom
- Sichuan Veg dumpling in chilli oil
- Signature Fried Rice (Vegan protein)
& many more besides!
The independent, family-run Ming's Cuisine serves authentic cuisine from Hong Kong & Shanghai, and has proved incredibly popular amongst locals since opening late last summer, with brilliant Google reviews!
To see the main menu and book a table at Ming's Cuisine, visit their website, text / call 020 7018 6800, or pop in at 191 Balham High Road.
Ming’s Cuisine is open 7 days a week from Noon!
Mumu has opened in Tooting Market (where Jardin sans L'eau was previously located), selling a huge range of crocheted items such as dolls, hats, bags, flowers, pet collars and more, as well as badges and other accessories!
Open 10am-6.30pm, Monday to Sunday. See @mumuhandmade_com (Instagram) for more info.
Congratulations and good luck to the team!
COMING SOON TO TOOTING – Taking Care of Fitness are to open a new gym and wellness centre at 328 Balham High Road in Tooting Bec (where Ideal Carpets and Flooring was previously located)!
Owner Chris, who runs the Taking Care Of Fitness studio round the corner at 332 Balham High Rd, is transforming and running the new space as a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), and is looking for volunteers to help clear the premises and contribute to the build. If you’re a local company or business that would like to help out (Chris says any help would be taz deductible!) then please email hello@tcfitness.uk
Chris plans to open the new space – which will contain a gym, juice and coffee bar, sauna, sound baths, wellness rooms and more – within the next couple of months. We’ll keep you posted!
Follow instagram.com/tcfitnesslondon for the latest on the project.
COMING SOON TO TOOTING: Royal Trinity Hospice are to open a shop at 17 Mitcham Road! They're currently looking for volunteers – please email volunteering@royaltrinityhospice.london for more info.
They should be open in the next few weeks – we'll keep you posted...
Happy first day of Spring, Tooting! It's a beautiful sunny day, with highs of 20° expected this afternoon – warmer than Ibiza!
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