From bingo and baking to lidos and live music, we've rounded up a list of the very best things to do in rooting Tooting.
Katie Forge - Staff Writer•
Tucked away between various fancy South West London neighbourhoods, you’ll find the not-quite-so-swanky but ever-so-endearing area of Tooting.
What it lacks in fanciness, it makes up for in spades with its vibrancy, liveliness, and diversity, so I’m here to toot the horn of this charming south London suburb that can so often be overlooked.
With two tube stations, an overground train station, and what seems like hundreds of bus stops dotted about; it’s never been so easy to pay a visit and see for yourself if Tooting really is as rooting as they say.
Don’t know your Bec from your Broadway? Well, not to worry because we’ve rounded up ten toot-ally brilliant things to do in Tooting that are well worth venturing all the way down the Northern line for.
1. Take a wander around Tooting Bec Common
Looking for somewhere to blow away the cobwebs and get your 10k steps in? Or perhaps you’re more on my wavelength and you’re looking for somewhere to sit and have a natter with your mates over a can of lukewarm G&T on a warm summer evening (remember those?). Either way, Tooting Bec Common is a beautiful green space that will make you forget you’re in London altogether.
From a lovely little café and a charming duck pond to tennis courts and a weekly park run for the more energetic amongst us; the common has something for everyone to enjoy and I’d highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area.
45 Tooting Bec Gardens, SW16 1RF
2. Make a splash at Tooting Bec Lido
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Take a dip in the largest outdoor swimming pool in the UK at Tooting Bec Lido. This open-air, freshwater pool is a whopping 100 yards long and 33 yards wide – swim-pressive, right? (okay, I know that was bad).
With a sunbathing area to bask in the sunshine and a café for refueling and rehydrating, Tooting Bec Lido is a perfect spot to spend a day in the balmy summer months.
Tooting Bec Road, SW16 1RU
Plan your visit here.
3. Eat and drink your way around Tooting and Broadway Markets
A stone’s throw from Tooting Broadway station you will find two of the oldest covered markets in London: Tooting Market and Broadway Market. Sat side by side, both are bursting at the seams with some of the most delicious street food you’ll find south of the river.
Whether you’re pushed for time and need something to grab on-the-go, or you’re looking for somewhere to while away the hours over some yummy food and drink, these markets will absolutely have you covered. With enough options to cater to all taste buds and budgets and a perfectly lively atmosphere to go alongside them; these markets are an absolute must-visit when in Tooting.
Tooting High Street, SW17 0SN
Plan your visits here and here.
4. Become a star baker at The Big London Bake
Have you ever watched the Great British Bake Off and thought to yourself “I could definitely do that”? Well, now’s your chance to prove it because it’s time to channel your inner Mary Berry at The Big London Bake.
We’re talking an actual tent, twelve fully kitted out baking stations, baking experts on hand to help, and a different themed bake each month. Oh, and I haven’t even told you the best part yet: they do the washing up for you. Count me in.
If you’re a Bake Off fan, you simply knead to try this.
Round up your pals, pop on your aprons, and get ready to let your baking skills shine.
38 Tooting High Street, SW17 0RG
Plan your visit here.
See also: A Great British Bake Off Musical Has Landed On The West End.
5. Put away a pint or two at one of Tooting’s pubs
If there’s one thing Tooting is not short of, it’s pubs.
Whether you’re looking for a scrumptious Sunday roast, a cosy fire to curl up in front of, somewhere to watch the footie, or simply just a perfectly poured pint; Tooting has an abundance of watering holes for you to wet your whistle.
I’d be here all day if I were to name them all but some honourable mentions must go to The Castle in Tooting Broadway whose main draw is their epic beer garden, complete with eight adorable mini huts available to book, The Selkirk, who pride themselves on their food and are claiming to be ‘taking over Tooting, one tummy at a time‘, and The Rose and Crown in Tooting Bec which is home to the most hilariously raucous pub quiz every Sunday night. We’ll absolutely drink to that!
6. Feast on delicious South Asian food
One of the greatest things about Tooting is its multicultural roots which certainly haven’t been forgotten about. The large South Asian community in Tooting has earned the district its nickname, ‘land of the curry mile‘ as it continues to be the go-to place for delicious, authentic south Asian food that won’t break the bank.
Dine on delicious Dosa at Dosa n Chutney, a south Indian café that specialises in its namesake. Munch on madras at neighbourhood favourite Lahore Karahi, who have been serving the people of Tooting authentic Pakistani cuisine for nearly thirty years. You can even nibble on a late-night naan at Chatkhara, a takeaway restaurant open until 2am every day – what a way to end the night, hey?
7. Put on your dancing shoes at Tooting Tram and Social
Tram shed turned live music venue, Tooting Tram and Social, is the beating heart of Tooting’s nightlife and live entertainment scene.
This wonderfully eclectic venue offers monthly comedy nights that will have you laughing your socks off, monthly rockaoke that will have you belting your heart out, and weekly DJ sets that will have you dancing like no one’s watching.
46-48 Mitcham Road, SW17 9NA
Plan your visit here.
8. Get a full house at Buzz Bingo
Now, you may not have been expecting a night at Buzz Bingo to make the list of the ten best things to do in Tooting, but once you’ve had a peek inside the building in which this particular bingo night resides, you’ll understand exactly why.
This isn’t any old bingo hall, this bingo hall was the Granada Theatre in its past life, and it was designed to look exactly like a Russian Orthodox church.
It’s guaranteed to be the most beautiful and ornate building you’ll ever have the chance to win fifty quid inside, and plus, who doesn’t love a good ol’ game of bingo?!
50 Mitcham Road, SW17 9NA
Plan your visit here.
9. Soak up the sunshine at The Corin
Like most other Londoners, I’m a sucker for a good rooftop bar, and Tooting has its very own in the form of The Corin.
Relatively new on Tooting’s bar scene, The Corin opened its doors (well, roof) just last year and has been serving the highest quality cocktails alongside the highest quality vibes ever since.
With an extensive selection of cocktails, a bottomless brunch every Saturday and a British contemporary fusion menu provided by Rozu, there’s every reason to add this rooftop oasis to the top of your must-visit-in-Tooting list.
54a Tooting High Street, SW17 0RN
Plan your visit here.
10. Sip an espresso at an independent coffee shop
There are very few things that Londoners care more about than a decent cup of coffee and luckily for locals and visitors alike, Tooting isn’t short of wonderful independent coffee shops serving even wonderful-er coffee.
Take Juliet’s, for example: this cosy café and courtyard offers delightful food, a warm welcome, and a killer flat white. What more could you ask for?
Another popular coffee haunt is MUD, an Aussie and Kiwi-inspired spot whose coffee quite literally has guests queueing out the door. I guess that says it all, really.
Read more: 15 Brilliant Things To Do In Battersea
Tags:beer, Bingo, cake, cocktails, Indian food, karaoke, small gig, swimming