The Clooper Guide To Tooting
Tooting has much to offer us, aside from its amusing name of course!
South Londons Tooting is a cultural hub, rife with vibrancy and life. Going strong since pre-Saxon times, this district can offer its locals an artistic environment, desirable location and fantastic eateries. All this on top of its very reasonable renting prices!
POPULAR WITH RENTERS
Tooting is full of Victorian and Edwardian themed homes, as are many of the areas we cover in our Area Guides. Many have been converted into apartments to meet the growing demand for rentable homes in Tooting. This puts them around the cosy price tag of around £1000 – £1,300 per month, with the added beauty of their vintage architecture.
One of the reasons that this neighbourhood is so popular with renters is the price to rent. London can be an expensive area to find home, and many choose to simply rent for a while before making firm decisions on where to plot up long term. Tooting is one such in-between place, popular especially with young commuters. That doesn’t go to say it’s without its long-term appeal, however! It is a very quiet, peaceful area. This makes it popular also with young families looking for their own, quieter slice of London living.
A HAVEN FOR FOODIES
Much like Fulham, Tooting is known for its fabulous market food. Not only the quality is fantastic, but the diversity is also there too! You can find yourself with a local Thai, South Indian, Lebanese or even a good ol’ London chicken shop outside your doorstep. Notoriously, Tooting has a ‘curry corridor’ where you can find restaurants by folks from multiple countries in South Asia. Due to this, the options are endless. You’ll find something new on every plate. One thing you’ll never miss out on though is the flavours! Not only is the ‘curry corridor’ a great place to find a bite, but there are also a multitude of highly recommended eateries and drinkeries to be found in Tooting.
Following on from finding somewhere to drink: Tooting is popular with young folk. Therefore, its nightlife scene is fairly bustling. You can even find a converted tram shed to share cocktails in with your friends, with the room adorned by kitsch sofas and glittering chandeliers to boot! As well as its more eclectic venues, Tooting is chock-a-block of good old English pubs that even host their own blues and comedy nights from time to time.
TWO TOP MARKETS
Tooting is known for having two of ‘the best markets’ in London, dubbed affectionately by their locals. As well as locals, tourists often have high praises to sing about the markets.
The first is Tooting Market. This market hosts a multitude of stalls, selling everything from fashion items to arts and crafts. Find yourself surrounded by delectable food stalls as you stroll through the market. Fast food made then and there, and produce stalls all in one! So whether you fancy something quick and delicious or would rather make your own meals, this colourful market has something for you. They even have their own website here.
Broadway Market, while less well-known, is just as impressive. Shop around here to find gourmet pet treats, tasty fresh-caught fish, traditional dishes from many varying cultures and more. You can also of course grab your basics, such as grocery items or electronics, but Broadway Market and Tooting Market both have an edge with their independent stalls.
AMENITIES AND GREENERY
Tooting Commons is a large green space situated in Tooting (what gave it away?); historically two separate parks that merged, this space has its allure for people from all walks of life. The sporty among us can spend time at Tooting Bec Lido, the largest open-air swimming pool in the country, sporting its own swimming club. Else, the Central London Golf Centre is open seven days a week, with no membership required! Tooting Commons is also perfect for picturesque picnics, morning strolls or the occasional game of catch with a friend.
A little farther in, to the centre of the town, you can find Tooting Library and Tooting Leisure Centre, as well as the aptly named ‘The Gym.’ Also in the centre, you’ll find a huge Sainsburys as well as the occasional Tesco Express and your average TK Maxx, Primark and Boots stores among other popular brand names. Tooting is a little more independent in its allure, however. Specifically to artists, who flock here for its impressive selection of family-run art and fabric outlets in the markets and high street.
TRAVEL
Tooting has two stations: Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway. Both are on the Northern Line, meaning you could be in London Bridge in as little as 20 minutes. Moorgate is a little further, coming in at just under 30 minutes journey. There is even a link to Wimbledon with the Thames Link, and buses run from VIctoria to Kingston to Brixton and more. For those of us who prefer to drive, Tooting has a road leading directly to the A23 and connecting to the M25.
