For a vibrant foodie community south of the river, head to Tooting, London. Nestled between two Northern Line tube stops – Bec and Broadway – and with a rail station to boot, the easily accessible South London locale has always been something of a foodie haven as a result of its long-standing South Indian community. But in recent years, the redevelopment of the town’s two indoor markets has welcomed a host of new food and drink pop-ups. This, combined with some seriously impressive – and spacious – Victorian pub interiors, means Tooting is well worth venturing south for.
The best restaurants in Tooting
International fare is what Tooting does best. Enter the market and discover something new at every turn, or amble up the surrounding streets to uncover the latest tasty spot bustling with diners.
Lahore Karahi
A Tooting stalwart since 1995, Lahore Karahi is the place to head for delicious Pakistani food south of the river. A regular fixture on many “best curries in London” lists, its no-fuss atmosphere and affordable pricing means it’s permanently bustling. The tarka dhal is some of the best around and meat-eaters will love the sizzling lamb chops. A great spot to overindulge with friends.
Address: Lahore Karahi, 1 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SN
Website: lahorekarahi.co.uk
Bordelaise
Found in Broadway Market – the covered market closer to Tooting Broadway tube – Bordelaise is French food done right. Go for bowls of onion soup with melty cheese lids and a flat iron steak for under £20. In fact, visit on Tuesday or Wednesday and their perfectly-done steaks are buy-one-get-one-free. Their Sunday roasts are also perfect.
Address: Bordelaise, Market, Unit 9-11, Broadway, Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RJ
Website: bordelaise.co.uk
Daddy Bao
For fluffy, flavourful buns, look no further than Daddy Bao. A sister (or father?) restaurant to Peckham’s Mr Bao, the restaurant is dedicated to Joe, the owner’s dad, who arrived in the UK in 1975 with a dream of starting his own restaurant. Now run by son Frank, Joe’s face can be spotted on the restaurant’s home-brewed Yuzu beer. Outside of bao – try love the tofu – the restaurant also boasts an inventive brunch menu; bottomless cocktails, optional.
Address: Daddy Bao, 113 Mitcham Road, London SW17 9PE
Website: daddybao.co.uk
Meza
This is Lebanese food with extra pizzazz. The moujadara, a rice dish with lentils, packs more flavour than makes sense. The houmous is creamy and delicious. The whiff of the grill tempts you to order all manner of meats. With friendly staff and a new takeaway hatch in Tooting Market serving wraps throughout the day, Meza is a great choice for a sit-down dinner with friends or lunch on the go. If it’s the former you’re after, book ahead. The restaurant is bijoux, to say the least.
Address: Meza Tooting Broadway, 19 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SN
Website: mezarestaurant.com
The best bars in Tooting
Raise a glass to one of London's most underrated drinking scenes with a visit to the quirkiest bars and pubs in Tooting – whether that's a storied boozer or a surprising rooftop…
The Selkirk
A neighbourhood pub with a surprisingly large beer garden, The Selly is still something of a local’s secret. Found off the main high street, on the corner of a residential road, it goes all out for its Sunday roasts, but whether eating or drinking, if the sun’s out it’s one of the best spots in Tooting for having an outdoor pint. There is a large room available for hire upstairs for special occasions and it has a regular programme of comedy and trivia.
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Address: The Selkirk, 60 Selkirk Road, London SW17 0ES
Website: theselkirksw17.com
The King’s Head
Built in 1896, The King’s Head is an impressive example of the grandeur of Victorian pub design. In fact, CAMRA has named it "a historic pub interior of national importance." It’s astonishingly big and rarely packed due to being at a slightly awkward mid-point between both tube stations. With pool tables in the back and regular sports programming, you can marvel at the grade II-listed interior while watching the beautiful game.
Address: 84 Upper Tooting Road, Tooting Bec, London SW17 7PA
Website: greeneking-pubs.co.uk
The Castle
The square footage of The Castle likely makes it one of Tooting’s largest pubs, but it’s the garden that really draws the crowds. A great spot for special occasions, rent out one of the pub’s garden huts for summer get-togethers when good weather isn’t a given. It’s a Young’s pub, so the food menu of pub staples will have something for everyone.
Address: The Castle, 38 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RG
Website: castletooting.com
Secret Bar
Before the market’s redevelopment, finding this small Portuguese watering hole on the Totterdown Road entrance of Tooting Market felt like uncovering an illegal drinking den. Now, with footfall dramatically increased, it’s less of a secret but remains a quirky little spot for when you’re missing that holiday glass of Super Bok.
Address: Secret Bar, Unit 40, Tooting Market, 20 Totterdown Street, London SW17 8TA
Website: tootingmarket.com
The Corin Rooftop bar
The Corin is a post-pandemic opening that had been promised for years. A great date-night option, the menu boasts exotic cocktails and an Asian-sharing menu of tasty bites. A lively vibe on the weekend draws in a younger crowd, keen to soak up some of those glorious South London rays.
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Address: The Corin Rooftop Bar, 54a Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RN
Website: thecorintooting.com
Things to do in Tooting
From outdoor dips during the balmier months to the museums worth a wander after long lunches in the market, these are our favourite things to do in Tooting whatever the season.
Take an outdoor dip
London is a slog in the heat so for days when it’s scorching, cool off in one of the city’s outdoor pools. Tooting Bec’s 91 x 30m lido is a South London institution and the country’s largest freshwater pool. Open from April to September, you might recognise its pleasing coloured changing room, which featured in Guy Ritchie’s Snatch and countless photo shoots. On bank holidays, get there early or it’ll be a race for the last spot in the sun.
Address: Tooting Bec Road, London SW16 1RU
Website: placesleisure.org
Picnic on the common
Next to Tooting Bec tube station, Tooting Common connects Balham, Tooting and Streatham. It’s the best spot for outdoor exercise in winter months and in summer it comes alive, with picnics, takeaway pints and pizza from neighbouring pub, The Rose & Crown. You can also book a tennis court if you’re that way inclined.
Website: wandsworth.gov.uk
Visit the London Sewing Machine Museum
Only open between 2-5pm on the first Saturday of every month, sewing bees will need to plan accordingly to visit Tooting’s historic sewing machine museum. The collection of just one man, Ray Rushton, the museum boasts over 600 machines – including one gifted to Queen Victoria’s daughter as a wedding present. Feeling inspired? There’s also a haberdashery shop on site where you can buy thread and materials to sew your own designs.
Address: Balham High Road, Tooting Bec, London SW17 7AA
Website: craftysewer.com
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Have a laugh
Tooting boasts two regular comedy nights: The Tooting Comedy Club which operates from the top of The Selkirk pub every Monday and Comedy At The Tram, which is based at the venue and late bar, The Tram & Social. The latter has space for 170 guests and is more likely to book TV comics. Fancy testing out your standup skills? The Tooting Comedy Club could be a great place to start.
Website: thestandupclub.co.uk; eventbrite.co.uk
Shop the markets
Tooting’s two markets are warrens of exciting finds. Whether it’s a brand new hole-in-the-wall eatery that only seats four or a specialist reggae record store that has served the community for decades, there’s always something new to uncover. On weekend nights, Broadway Market, the newest to be redeveloped boasts live music and an energetic atmosphere. With plans to extend upwards, to offer office spaces and multi-use performance spaces for arts, music and fitness, the markets are fast becoming the hub of Tooting.
Address: Tooting Market, 21-23 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SN; Broadway Market, 29 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SP
Website: tootingmarket.com; bmtooting.co.uk
Become a Star Baker
Tooting boasts its own Bake Off tent. Well, not quite, but the Big London Bake is the closest you’ll get without bagging a spot on the show. It may not come with a Hollywood handshake but the twelve-station baking tent, found in the back of The Castle’s enviable garden, is run by patisserie chefs who will walk you through a fairly easy bake in 90 mins. Best done in pairs or a big group.
Address: The Castle, 38 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0RG
Website: thebiglondonbake.com