5 Must-visit Places in Tooting For Food & Drink
I’m not exactly silent about my love of Tooting. Despite being surrounded by the more affluent parts of South West London, Tooting has managed to maintain character, personality and community without being demolished by gentrification. For me, Tooting has everything you need. It’s just far down enough on the Northern Line to get a seat (or at least breathing space) if you commute, there are pubs aplenty, a thriving hub of local businesses, some of the best Indian restaurants in London and not one but two incredible food markets packed full of (mostly) independent restaurants and bars. I’m not alone in my love of Tooting. Not that long ago, Lonely Planet listed it as one of the world’s top 10 coolest neighbourhoods to live in - ironically that article coincided with my move to the area…just saying.
I’m often asked where’s great to go in Tooting so have reduced it down to 5 of my favourites (though I’m certain a follow up post will be imminent with more recommendations):
Graveney Gin
This comes with a slight disclaimer that I have done some work with Victoria, owner of Graveney Gin but substantiated by the fact that I have been a firm fan of their Tooting-made gin since the very beginning of their journey. I love a kitchen-table success story but even more so when the gin is as lovely as the maker is! The bar is housed in a small space in Tooting Market, just next to Brickwood and offers a whole host of gin cocktails. You can also swing by to pick up a bottle or two to take home. They’re growing their range this year and next and if the latest batches are anything to go by, there are BIG things to come from them in 2020.
Milk Teeth
Milk is one of Balham’s hotspots for brunch and coffee but I actually far prefer their Tooting sister, Milk Teeth. The staff are always delightful, their menu is foolproof and they often get experimental with new dishes that never disappoint! It’s also an Instagram dream if you’re into that…
The Little Taparia
I’ve been going here for the past 4 years or so and am yet to have one meal . that I haven’t loved. The food isn’t anything complicated but it’s a good old neighbourhood faithful that I love to go to every few months. The staff are delightful and you very much get a true Spanish vibe there.
The Tapas Room
Yes, I’ve got a thing for tapas. Bel, Paul & Adrian have done incredible things in Tooting. The Tapas Room is a treasure trove in Broadway Market for delicious wines and delectable small plates. I love their selection of vermouths too. It’s a great choice for wine connoisseurs but the love they put into their food deserves to be tried! They’ve also opened Taps & Tapas up in Tooting Bec for craft beers and small plates!
Cut The Mustard
Up on Moyser Rd, Cut The Mustard is a prime example of a cafe that just gets it right. The food is always excellent (mainly brunch options, cakes and exquisite toasted sandwiches) but the best bit is that it’s all made on site. Even their bread and pastries, which are phenomenal. Owner Jimmy often shows the behind the scenes of running a cafe over on their Instagram, which offers great insight into how much love is poured into this place. That love can be tasted in their food and drink in bucketloads!
I’ve left of tons of other great hotspots so have listed some more out for you below as a bonus…
Koi - ramen. And it’s so good.
Brickwood - a SW London favourite - great brunch spot
Mud - another great brunch spot
Plot - an all British menu - mainly small plates
Sea Garden - a seafood restaurant in the market
Boom Bap Burger -cracking burgers in Tooting Market
Daddy Bao - I’m a sucker for a bao bun and these are ace
HiKi - impeccable sushi that’s affordable
