Balham Newsie Weekly Newsletter
A new monthly market coming soon, food and drink offers, an art exhibition, football club holding open trials, new openings, Colourscape Music Festival and much more!
Join local community group Beautify Balham this Saturday 1st August for their monthly litter pick!
Meet behind Sainsbury’s Balham at Bedford Hill Place at 11am. Gloves, litter pickers and bags will be provided.
Beautify Balham works with local residents and businesses to help make Balham greener, cleaner and even more beautiful!
Enjoy an evening of open-air opera in the beautiful gardens of Royal Trinity Hospice (who have shops in Balham and Tooting) in Clapham this August, as local opera company Rogue Opera returns with their original production, Saving Violetta.
In this fresh take on Verdi’s La Traviata, Violetta is given a second chance to reflect on her life and explore a different path. Along the way, she encounters well-known characters and moments from across the operatic world, exploring themes of love, choice and fate.
Featuring a selection of much-loved opera favourites, this vibrant production blends familiar arias with a fresh, imaginative storyline.
Tickets cost £45, which includes refreshments (wines and non-alcoholic beverages).
Every ticket purchased makes a difference, helping to raise funds for the vital care that Royal Trinity Hospice provides to the community.
Full info & tickets here.
Colourscape Music Festival will be returning to Clapham Common for its 37th consecutive year in September (Saturday 12th - Sunday 20th) following planning approval, reports South London newspaper.
“Colourscape is a large-scale, inflatable “labyrinth” of 70 interconnected chambers of vibrant colour which visitors can walk through and enjoy live music and interactive performances.
“The inflatable sculpture is naturally lit and heated by sunlight, while power use is limited to low-energy fans and a small sound system – making the event an environmentally and sustainable temporary use of the Common.”
More info and tickets here.
The Woodfield Pavilion is inviting locals to its upcoming 'BST' art exhibition, celebrating Balham, Streatham and Tooting through the work of Woodfield artists!
The exhibition runs from 4th August until 30th August.
Opening hours will be slightly restricted during the first half of the exhibition due to a children's summer camp for the first two weeks (Monday - Friday). Weekends, however, will be open throughout the duration and the last two weeks will be open as usual.
For full details and opening times, visit their website here.
Congrats to the team at local NHS GP practice, Balham Park Surgery, who earlier this year won the London General Practice Patient Group Award at the London General Practice Awards, reports the Londonwide Local Medical Committees website.
The award recognises the Surgery’s work on digital access and patient experience.
“Balham Park Surgery has become a model for long‑standing patient–practice collaboration, supporting a GP team serving around 20,000 patients in one of London’s most diverse areas.
“The practice was founded after the Second World War by a group of doctors who settled in Tooting with the aim of serving communities in need. While the area has changed significantly over the decades, becoming more mixed and increasingly affluent, the practice continues to see patients from a wide range of backgrounds.”
Read the full story via the Londonwide Local Medical Committees’ website.
Balham Park Surgery is located at 236 Balham High Road, SW17 7AW.
Happy 20th birthday to Balham business, Bertie & Boo, who have been providing pre-school soft play, magic storytime and birthday parties for local children aged 6 months - 5 years, since 2006!
You’ll find Bertie & Boo located at 205-207 Balham High Road.
Sales Property Of The Week from Keating Estates, Balham: “A handsome four double bedroom, two bathroom Edwardian family home, complete with a sunny south-facing garden, nestled on Streatham’s sought-after ABC roads.
“Set within a well-established residential neighbourhood, the property enjoys a peaceful setting just moments from the excellent amenities, cafés, restaurants and transport links of Streatham High Road, offering the perfect balance of suburban charm and everyday convenience.”
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.
Looking to transform your outdoor space this summer? Meet Leo, local garden designer and founder of London Garden – who has been creating beautiful gardens across south west London for over 15 years!
Leo and the London Garden team work on spaces of all shapes and sizes – from large gardens with outdoor kitchens and garden offices, to terraces, balconies and even indoor planting schemes. Whatever your space, they can bring it to life – check out these recent local projects in Balham & Tooting!
But London Garden is about more than just beautiful design. Leo tells us:
“I started London Garden because I believe that gardens are more than just beautiful places – they can heal, inspire, and bring balance into our lives. Even the smallest touch of greenery – a balcony plant, an indoor corner, a carefully designed garden – can reduce stress, spark joy, and make people feel at home in their own space.
“As a father of two and someone who has always loved the outdoors, I understand how vital it is to have places where families, children, and individuals can find peace, recharge, and connect with nature.”
London Garden offer a full range of services including design and planting, building and landscaping, and ongoing maintenance – so your space continues to thrive long after the work is done.
To find out more or get in touch, visit london-garden.co.uk, email contact@londonersgarden.co.uk or call Leo on 07789 186 610.
Every child that takes part in a pottery session (whether painting or handbuilding) at Social Pottery over the summer holidays will get a FREE ‘Pip’ juice!
Social Pottery offer all sorts of fantastic courses for their little customers - and their teachers are excited to welcome all ages to their beautiful studio!
❄️ Air-conditioned studio
🧋 Refreshing iced drinks
🎨 Relax, paint, and make something beautiful.
To find out more and book a class, call 020 3859 2951, email balham@socialpottery.com or pop-in!
You can also visit their website here.
Social Pottery is located at 7, Station Parade, Balham High Road, SW12 9AZ.
*T’s & C’s apply - FREE Pip juice available over summer holidays only, at Balham branch only.
‘Eat Out To Help Out’ is back at Indian Room Balham! Every Monday to Thursday from Monday 27th July - Thursday 6th August, they’re offering 50% OFF your food bill when dining in (up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner, drinks not included) – and you can do this as many times as you like!
To claim, book a table via their website at indianroom.co.uk and mention EOTHO in the comments section.
Owner Mubin tells us: “With the cost of living still showing no sign of easing up, we have decided to make eating out a little bit easier for you this summer.”
Using this offer, you could tuck into:
⭐ Lamb samosas (£7.75), chicken jalfrezi (£15.95) & saffron pilau rice (£4.50) - total £28.20, minus £10 discount = just £18.20!
⭐ Banjara chicken tikka (£8.75), Kerala fish curry (£16.95) & lemon rice with cashew nuts (£4.75) - total £30.45, minus £10 discount = just £20.45!
The award-winning restaurant offers a menu packed full of tasty starters, main dishes and sides from across the different regions of India. Most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan on request, and they also cater for those with special dietary requirements.
Indian Room prides itself on making their cuisine as healthy as possible, without compromising on taste. All dishes are prepared without ghee and are therefore relatively low fat. They don’t use any artificial colourings, all meat is British bred from a farm in Devon, and only the freshest, seasonal vegetables are used in their cooking.
To book a table, visit indianroom.co.uk – and mention EOTHO in the comments section to claim the discount.
PLEASE NOTE: this offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Indian Room is open 7 days a week (including for lunch on Saturday & Sunday), located at 59 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12 9EZ.
Local wellness practitioner, Gizelle Renee is hosting an immersive three-hour cacao & self-care experience in the breathtaking surroundings of Barts North Wing - one of London’s most remarkable historic spaces - on Sunday 13th September!
Gizelle would love local residents to attend, and is offering 40% OFF a ticket if you use code: NEWSIE40 when you book.
Gizelle tells us all about her very special event:
“Situated within St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the heart of the City of London, the beautifully restored 18th-century venue is home to the magnificent Great Hall and iconic Hogarth Stair. A very special setting for an afternoon of cacao, sound and time together.
“We’ll begin by slowing down and stepping away from the demands of daily life as we gather to share ceremonial cacao. Cacao has a long history of being prepared and enjoyed within cultural traditions and community gatherings.
“Throughout the afternoon, you’ll be guided through meditation, breathwork and reflective activities, with opportunities for conversation, journalling and connection with others in a warm and welcoming environment.
“The experience will close with an immersive sound bath using crystal bowls, chimes and layered sound. Everything is provided for your comfort, including yoga mats, cushions, blankets and eye masks.
“Whether you are completely new to cacao or already enjoy it regularly, this is an opportunity to pause and experience cacao, meditation and sound in one of London’s most extraordinary hidden gems.
“Just come comfortably dressed and arrive as you are.”
To book your ticket, visit her website here.
Use code: NEWSIE40 at the checkout for 40% OFF.
📍The Great Hall, Barts North Wing, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE
Popular Balham Italian restaurant Caminata are now open for lunch every Wednesday & Thursday (in addition to Friday) throughout the summer!☀️
They have a new lunchtime set menu, where you can enjoy a fantastic 2-course meal for just £16 (or £19 with a glass of wine or Prosecco), or a 3-course meal for just £19 (or £21 with a glass of wine or Prosecco)!
Caminata has been serving genuine, honest Italian food, cooked with love, on Bedford Hill since 2008 – and eighteen years on since they first opened their doors, the restaurant is proving as popular as ever with local residents – check out their fantastic Google reviews!
Everything is freshly made at Caminata – including the pasta – and you’ll find all sorts of delicious antipasto, pizza (using organic flour dough), pasta and main dishes from across Italy on the menu.
To book a table at Caminata, visit caminata.co.uk, call 020 8772 0701, email info@caminata.co.uk – or just walk-in if there’s room!
You’ll find Caminata located at 96 Bedford Hill (just under the railway bridge), open Monday-Tuesday, 5pm-11pm; Wednesday-Sunday, 12pm-11pm.
Local dads Mark and Jimmy have opened The Common Cyclist, a new bike repair workshop and children's bike exchange in the little hut on Bellevue Road, opposite Wandsworth Common. They tell us more:
"The idea for The Common Cyclist came from a group of local dads brought together by a shared love of cycling. Whilst there were plenty of specialist shops catering for high-end road bikes, we felt there was a real gap when it came to helping families keep their children on the right-sized bikes as they grow.
"We're both qualified cycle mechanics and, between us, have four grown-up children. Like many parents, we found ourselves with sheds full of outgrown Islabikes. By servicing and reconditioning these quality bikes, we can give them a new lease of life, selling them with a warranty at a fraction of the original price – saving parents money and helping the planet too.
"If your child has outgrown their Islabike or Frog bike, bring it in and trade up to the next size. We also repair and service adult bikes, whether they need a quick fix or a bit more TLC.
"Smaller jobs can often be completed while you grab a coffee on Bellevue Road or enjoy a walk on the Common, while larger repairs and services can be booked online, where you can also browse children's bikes for sale.
"Come and say hello, browse our range of refurbished children's bikes and enjoy Jimmy's eclectic playlist while you wait!"
📍1 Bellevue Road, London SW17 7EG
A new kitchen takeover, Saucy Bird Chicken, serving incredibly tasty rotisserie chicken & delicious sauces, has launched within The Nel in Clapham South!
Owned by Livelyhood (who own a number of pubs across south London including The Nel, The Regent and The Old Frizzle), Saucy Bird opened its first restaurant in Bromley earlier this year. After great feedback, the group has now decided to launch Saucy Bird kitchen takeovers within a number of its pubs - including at The Nel!
Saucy Bird is built around rotisserie chicken, bold pours, and sauce in all the right places. House gravy, punchy dips and proper sides – all for messy hands and full tables. Big flavour, big energy, no boring bites!
To find out more – and to get a flavour of the food on offer, visit the Saucy Bird website at saucybird.co
You’ll find The Nel located at 7-8 Cavendish Parade, Clapham South, SW4 9DW.
A new sensory baby and toddler storytelling class Adventure Babies, has launched The Regent!
Coming in September, Adventure Babies will be bringing its sensory storytelling classes to Balham. Designed to inspire a love of reading from an early age, each session brings brilliant books to life through puppets, sensory props, messy play, lights, bubbles, parachutes and more.
There are two classes available: one for newborns and non-movers, and a mixed-age class for children aged 0–4.
Run by a passionate and experienced teacher with early years expertise, the relaxed sessions are packed with memorable moments while giving little ones the chance to explore and parents the opportunity to chat.
Classes take place The Regent, with families welcome to stay afterwards for coffee or lunch from 12pm.
For more info, visit their website here.
A new Vietnamese restaurant Rôp will be opening at 8 Bedford Hill where Viet Corner used to be.
They hope to open in the next couple of weeks. We'll keep you posted!
Forty Markets is launching its newest community market Friday, 5th September, at Chestnut Grove Academy, bringing together the best of south London’s independent businesses from 10am - 4pm. The market will then run every first Saturday of the month.
The new market will showcase a mix of local street food, crafts, fresh produce and creative sellers. Run by Forty, the independent coffee business behind cafés in Tooting, Mitcham and Abbey Mills, Forty Markets is also behind Abbey Mills Market and Mitcham Market. The team is looking forward to bringing the same community-focused approach to Balham.
Sam (Founder of Forty) tells us more: “We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Chestnut Grove Academy to launch Balham Market. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring together brilliant local traders, support small businesses and create a welcoming community space every month.”
Follow @balhammarket on Instagram for updates!
Looking to play competitive Saturday football this season? ⚽️
Southwest Casual FC is holding OPEN TRIALS ahead of the new season and is looking for committed players to strengthen the squad.
The club offers competitive Saturday football, home matches at Roundshaw Playing Fields, every game filmed, regular team socials and an ambitious, welcoming squad.
Whether you're new to the area, returning to football or looking for a fresh challenge, South West Casuals FC would love to hear from you.
Anyone interested or with any questions can send the club a direct message on Instagram at Southwest Casual FC
BATCA (Balham and Tooting Community Association) is delighted to announce the launch of the BATCA Community Awards 2026!
Has someone made a difference in our Tooting and Balham community that deserves recognition? Do you know a person or an organisation that goes the extra mile for others? If so, nominate your hero!
This year there are three categories for individuals and team nominees:
1. Promoting the arts and creativity
2. Supporting healthy and resilient communities
3. Heroes who go above and beyond (outside the above two categories)
The closing date for nominations is 6 August 2026.
Nominations are now being accepted via the link in our bio.
Awards will be presented on the evening of Sunday 20 September at St Boniface Hall in Tooting.
BATCA is a network of individuals and organisations who are committed to creating a cohesive, thriving community where there is trust and friendship between people of all faiths, cultures, ages and backgrounds. It is seeking to involve an increasing number of local organisations and help them to work together.
More info via We Are BATCA
You can also follow us on:
Thanks for reading! Subscribe to receive your Balham newsletter every Friday!