Balham Newsie Weekly Newsletter
Renowned chef to open restaurant near Wandsworth Common, visit an Artisan Craft market this Saturday, a Secret Garden opens at local pub, upcyle your old denim, new openings and much more!
Artisan & Craft Market this weekend! ✨ The next Henry’s Artisan and Craft Market is happening this Saturday, 9th May, from 9am to 3pm.
You’ll find it in the second playground at Henry Cavendish School, just past the weekly farmers’ market.
Expect a brilliant mix of local makers, artisan goods and one-of-a-kind finds. It’s the perfect chance to support small businesses and pick up something truly unique!
There’s plenty for little ones too, including a fun scavenger hunt from 9am - 1pm and a surprise gift for children from Henry's Coffee Stop!
For more info, email: artisancraft@henrycavendish.co.uk
The Rookery Market is BACK on Saturday 16th May, 10am-4pm and it's their annual MAY FAIR. The market hosted by SCCoop Streatham is held at The Rookery Gardens in Streatham, just down the road from Balham. The market features over 30 food and craft stalls, plus free crafts for kids, a coconut shy, a nature trail and more!
There’ll also be Maypole Dancing from 10.30am with Folk Dance Remixed and a Morris Dance performance at 3.30pm from the brilliant Brixton Tatterjacks. Plus live music from 12pm with Jazz singer Poppy Holmes and local choir Sing Streatham, as well as tunes and vinyl-digging with So Pop Vinyl.
SCCoop Streatham will be raising funds for the gardens with their Pimms stall, plus Graveney Gin and Urban Wine will also be on site.
Food will be provided by local pizza legends The End of the World Pizza, Indian street food sisters Lucknow2London, tasty Turkish flatbreads from Flaziz Gozleme, organic breakfast baps from Picks Organic Farm, and amazing cakes from Wren Cakes
The Rookery Market helps support SCCoop Streatham, who run The Streatham Rookery.
📍The Rookery, Streatham Common, Covington Way, SW16 3BX
Create a stylish bag out of old jeans! Join community upcyling group Remaykit on Wednesday 13th May 2026 for a creative, hands-on workshop that shows you how to transform an old pair of jeans into a unique, stylish bag.
Perfect for complete beginners, this relaxed and informal session offers step-by-step guidance from talented local creatives. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, get creative, or simply enjoy a fun afternoon, you’ll leave with your own handmade piece and a fresh perspective on sustainable fashion!
Participants are encouraged to bring along personal materials, such as a favourite fabric, a tie, or scarf, to customise their bag and make it truly one of a kind.
All core materials will be provided by FARA Charity, helping to prevent unsellable textiles from going to landfill. This workshop celebrates the value of reuse and aims to inspire a more sustainable relationship with clothing by keeping garments in circulation for longer.
A portion of proceeds will support the St Mary’s Church Roof Fund, as well as ongoing community workshops and events hosted by Remaykit.
Date: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm (doors open from 12.45pm)
Location: St Mary and St John the Divine Church, Balham High Road, SW12 9BS
Tickets must be booked in advance here.
Renowned chef Adam Byatt is to open Rosina at 35 Bellevue Road (on the corner of Trinity Road), where Brinkley’s was previously located! Adam, who’s behind the Michelin-starred Trinity Clapham, said on his social media:
"Rosina opens 29th June 💚 I can’t wait to share this with you all. A neighbourhood restaurant in Wandsworth, inspired by the love I have for Italian cuisine, produce and hospitality, named after my wonderful daughter Rosie.
“Rosina is a space I want people to really enjoy, a restaurant to use all week, a Wednesday on a whim, an intimate Friday date night, as well as a family get together over the weekend.
“Visit rosinarestaurant.co.uk to sign up to our newsletter for the exclusive first chance to book and to stay up to date with announcements.
“I’ve filmed a small documentary capturing the ‘Road to Rosina’, a behind the scenes of how our restaurant came to be. Episodes will be released weekly in the run up to opening day. Along the way we met the dedicated artisans, farmers, chefs and families who protect the traditions that define Italian cooking.
“This journey wasn’t just research it was the inspiration for the DNA of Rosina.
“Happy Cooking
“Adam x”
A brand new era has begun at Balham’s family-run Chadwick's Butchers! Long-standing founder & owner, Gary has taken a well-deserved retirement, and daughter, Carlie has taken over the day-to-day running of the business!
Carlie has been involved with the shop for many years, but is excited to step up to the helm to bring a fresh new look and energy, whilst maintaining the business’s same high standards of produce that you’ve trusted ever since Chadwicks first opened their doors in 1999.
Carlie has her own young daughter, Betsy, who she’s also looking forward to bringing into the business over the coming years – ensuring Chadwicks remains a true family business serving the Balham community for generations to come.
Congratulations and good luck, Carlie!
Congrats to local food writer and anchovy enthusiast Sudi Pigott @sudifoodie on the publication of her new book 'Consider the Anchovy', a deep dive into one of the world’s most underrated ingredients. Sudi tells us more:
“I’ve been fascinated by anchovies for years , their complex, salty, deeply savoury flavour has always drawn me in. My first taste came in childhood, thanks to my Great Aunt Lily, who served devilled eggs with anchovies, capers and Dijon.
“Later, with my first Saturday job wages, I’d head to a King’s Road bistro and order Salade Niçoise, imagining myself somewhere far more glamorous. But it was a trip to Collioure in the South of France , and my first taste of fresh anchovies, that really sparked something.
“After 30 years writing about food, I realised that while chefs and food lovers adore anchovies, few really understand them. That curiosity led me to explore their history, culture and craft.
“Over the past year I’ve travelled from Spain to Italy, Greece to the UK, meeting the fishermen, producers and artisans behind this small but mighty fish - from those who catch them to the sobadores who cure and prepare them by hand.
“Consider the Anchovy is part travel guide and part love letter, with stories, recipes and ideas for cooking with anchovies, from simple dishes to more inventive combinations.”
The book is available now from independent bookshops and online retailers.
For more info, visit her website.
Sales Property Of The Week from Keating Estates, Balham: “A beautifully arranged two double bedroom first floor apartment, featuring a generous private terrace set within the sought-after Hub Buildings on Harberson Road in the heart of Balham.
“The property opens into a welcoming entrance hall with useful storage and a secure entry system, leading through to a wonderfully bright open-plan kitchen and reception space.
“This impressive room is clearly zoned to provide comfortable lounge and dining areas, with ample space for entertaining or relaxing at the end of the day. Large glazed doors draw in excellent natural light and open directly onto the standout feature of the home, a substantial private terrace.”
For full info, visit their website www.keatingestates.com, visit the team at 61 Bedford Hill, email balham@keatingestates.com or call 020 8079 3161.
If you’re looking to renovate or redecorate either the inside or outside of your property this summer, Balham-based construction business, Costa Construction now have availability for new jobs!
Costa (a Balham resident) & his team have been busy working on lots of local properties over the past few months!
Their team are now available to quote & book in new projects, large and small, for the rest of 2026.
Costa tells us more:
“Whether you’re considering a loft conversion, extension, new kitchen or bathroom, complete refurbishment, or bespoke storage solutions for your home, our team of highly experienced and reliable builders, carpenters and decorators will help bring your vision to life and transform your living or working space.
“We work on all types of residential and commercial projects, large and small, interior and exterior, pay great attention to detail and can advise on all aspects of renovation and construction, including colours and materials.
“As well as a high-quality service, we focus on excellent customer service, ensuring that we finish each project on time and on budget.”
To get a free quote and find out more, email costamatraku@gmail.com, text / call 07340 042048 and see their Instagram page for more examples of their work!
You can also visit their website at costaconstruction.co.uk
A children's role play cafe Tots in London is coming to 7 The Boulevard, Balham High Road! They tell us more:
"We're a children's role play cafe where we build children sized towns (supermarket, surgery, hair salon and many more) where they can play out what they see in their everyday lives! Meanwhile, adults are within reach and can either get involved or sit and enjoy coffee, bakery goods and other food.
"We are session based and all can be booked online once we open."
They plan to open in August.
“Balham, we’re now open and ready for business!”
FitnessWorks owner Will tells us more about the brand-new space at 147 Balham Hill:
“Our new studio has been built with one thing in mind: getting you to your goals in the most effective way possible. Every single piece of equipment in here has been carefully selected.”
FitnessWorks currently has limited spaces in their 12-week transformation programme, Project 90: a structured, coached system combining training, nutrition, and data-driven accountability to help you get leaner, stronger, and back in control in just 3 sessions a week.
Visit their website for more info.
Breagel Brothers has opened 92A Balham High Road in the Post Market Balham, bringing a Sicilian-inspired street food concept to the neighbourhood.
The team tells us more:
“Breagel Brothers was born from a simple idea: bringing the bread we grew up with in Sicily to London and reimagining it into something new.
“It’s not a bagel, it’s not a bun… it’s a Breagel. Made with semolina, it’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavour, something authentic and rooted in our heritage.
“Founded by three siblings David, Simone and Loriana, we’ve taken that traditional base and combined it with bold, international flavours inspired by London’s food scene, creating something familiar in shape, but completely new in experience.
“Our menu is built around the Breagel, with options like The Original (double beef), Golden Brothers (crispy fried chicken), Salmon Breagel and La Norma, inspired by Sicilian aubergine parmigiana.
“For something sweet, we have The Sweety, filled with Nutella and pistachio, deep fried and coated in sugar, plus our signature Nutella frappé inspired by street kiosks in Catania.
"All Breagels are served with our crinkle fries and our signature sauce.”
📍 92A Balham High Road
🗓 Open Wed–Sun, 12pm – 11pm (or until sold out)
Guest can order directly at the kiosk, or via Uber Eats and Deliveroo
The secret garden The Regent Balham, located at 21 Chestnut Grove, is now open for spring! They’re hosting a garden party this Friday evening, 8th May from 6pm to celebrate (everyone welcome!)!
The Regent’s Garden Party will feature live music from Zac Falcon, classic funfair games, and samples of The Regent’s new spring dishes and cocktails!
Beyond the party, the garden is open 7 days a week until 10pm – perfect for relaxing, socialising, and soaking up the atmosphere from day to night in their vibrant outdoor space!
To book a table at The Regent, visit theregentbalham.co.uk – or just walk in if there’s room!
Balham’s Indian Room prides itself on making their cuisine as healthy as possible, without compromising on taste. All dishes are prepared without using ghee and therefore, relatively low fat.
They don’t use any artificial colourings, all meat is British bred from a farm down in Devonshire and only the freshest, seasonal vegetables are used in their cooking.
Located at 59 Bedford Hill since 2007, the family-run Indian Room offers a menu packed full of delicious starters, main dishes & sides from the different regions of India. Most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan on request and they cater for special dietary requirements.
To book a table or to order online, visit indianroom.co.uk
Open 7 days a week!
La Retraite Catholic Girl's School is proud to be opening the first all-girls Autism Resource Base in Lambeth. They tell us more:
"The Hub is a supportive resource centre designed for girls aged 11 to 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with a primary need related to Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As the only girls’ autism base in the borough, it will provide a safe and nurturing environment where students can access tailored interventions to help them thrive both academically and personally.
"As a fully integrated provision, the Hub supports students who are able to manage the demands of a large mainstream school environment, with additional targeted support and personalised nurturing. The model enables students to access mainstream lessons for at least 70% of their timetable, with up to 30% of their learning delivered within the resource base.
"The opening will be marked with a special blessing led by Canon Victor, making it a significant moment for the school community."
Families who are interested in finding out more about the Autism Resource Base provision, please contact Andrew Bloss, SENDCo at abloss@laretraite.co.uk or Andrea During, Deputy SENDCo and Base Manager, at aduring@laretraite.co.uk
Applications for a young person to attend the Base are made via your Local Authority EHCP Team, with priority given to Lambeth families
For full details, guidance, and advice on the admissions process, please visit the Lambeth Council website.
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