Balham Newsie Weekly Newsletter
An Ode to the Anchovy event, a summer fair, a new comedy club opening, local offers, Queen Camilla visits St George's Hospital, and much more!
This weekend, an Ode to the Anchovy comes to Brindisa Balham on Sat 13th and Sun 14th June, with food writer Sudi Pigott (Consider the Anchovy) for tastings, a book signing, freshly made Gildas, and 20% off their anchovy range!
Plus, enter to win a signed copy of the book + £50 gift voucher. Details in store.
The event takes place between 11 am - 4 pm both days
Brindisa is located at 6 Hildreth Street
For more information, visit their website here: https://brindisa.com
Local care home Nightingale House would like to invite the community to its annual Summer Garden Fair on Sunday 14th June from 11am - 4pm.
Bring the whole family and enjoy a fantastic day of summer fun with:
🐝 Honey spinning from their resident bees
🎶 Live musicians
🎯 Lawn games and stalls
🏰 Bouncy castle
🎨 Face painting
🍔 Food and drinks court
🍦 Local gelato from @fieldsgelato
🎟️ Raffle, bottle tombola and prizes
…and so much more!
🎉 FREE ENTRY
All welcome!
Nightingale House is located at 105 Nightingale Lane, SW12 8NB
Artisan & Craft Market this weekend! ✨ The next Henry's Artisan and Craft market is happening this Saturday, 13th June, from 9am to 3pm.
You’ll find it in the second playground at Henry Cavendish School, just past the weekly farmers’ market.
Expect a fantastic mix of local makers, artisan goods and one-of-a-kind finds. It’s the perfect opportunity to support small businesses and pick up something truly unique!
For more information, send an email to artisancraft@henrycavendish.co.uk
Free music concert! Join St Mary's Balham on Saturday 13th June at 6pm for a concert by The Marimo Trio with Julia Hart and Angelika Stangl on violins and Tom Dewey on piano.
The programme will include pieces by Mozart and Shostakovich.
Admission is free with donations welcome.
Refreshments available.
Her Majesty Queen Camilla opened the St George’s Hospital "Garden in the Sky" yesterday (located on the balcony next to Neuro Intensive Care) for the benefit of patients, their families, and staff of the Tooting hospital.
The Queen was introduced to a patient who is one of St George’s own brain surgery nurses, and is currently being treated in the neurosurgery ward she usually works in after suffering a brain haemorrhage two weeks ago.
Catherine Oppong-Barbo, who has worked as a neurosurgery nurse at St George’s since 2017, said, “Now I’m using the balcony as a patient, I can put myself in their shoes and truly feel how big of an impact this is going to make”.
The garden was created through a partnership with the John King Brain Tumour Foundation and St George's Hospital Charity, transforming a previously unused space into an accessible roof garden, directly connected to the intensive care unit.
Research suggests that nature-based rehabilitation may help improve the recovery from the impact of brain injury by improving motivation, regulating mood and improving sensory-motor and cognitive functions.
Queen Camilla unveiled a commemorative plaque and a sculpture by Emma Rodgers, inspired by a mighty English oak symbolising strength, wisdom, nurturing and healing. Its leaf canopy is made from hands applauding the NHS.
More info about the John King Brain Tumour Foundation via their website here.
The next Mega Skip Day takes place from 9am this Saturday 13th June, in seven locations around Wandsworth, including Balham.
Mega Skip Days are an opportunity for people to dispose of bulky items for free. Large skips are placed in neighbourhoods around the borough for all local residents to use.
The skips are open to residents of the London Borough of Wandsworth only. Proof of address may be required on the day.
The skips will be in the following places:
📍 Endlesham Road SW12 8JX
📍 Mellison Road SW17 9AS
📍 Cardinal Place SW15 1NX
📍 Ethleburga Estate SW11 4QU
📍 Putney Vale Estate SW15 3EB
📍 Webb's Road SW11 6RX
📍 Birdhurst Road SW18 1AR
More info, including details of what you can bring and when the skips will be open, via Wandsworth Council.
Congratulations to the young performers from Jigsaw Balham who have been selected to represent their play at the National Theatre Connections Festival 2026!
Jigsaw Youth Theatre Balham has been invited to perform at the prestigious National Theatre Connections Festival 2026 at The Lowry, following a remarkable journey through one of the UK’s largest youth theatre programmes.
National Theatre Connections is a nationwide initiative that brings together young people through the performance of new plays written specifically for youth theatres. In 2026, more than 250 companies took part.
Following the regional performances, one company performing each play is invited to take part in the final National Connections Festival at The Lowry in Salford. Jigsaw Youth Theatre Balham has been selected to represent Ride or Die, making them one of just eight companies invited to perform and the only London company taking part this year.
Ten young performers from Balham and the wider Wandsworth area will perform at The Lowry on Sunday 28th June 2026, joining youth theatre groups from across the UK in a celebration of young people’s creativity and talent.
Jigsaw Balham provides weekend classes in drama, singing and dance for children and young people aged 3 to 18 in Balham and Streatham.
Congratulations to Balham resident and The JJ Club founder Molly Hooper Aldridge on the successful launch of their new mobile app – designed to help parents & families discover trusted recommendations, exclusive perks, local events and a supportive community, all in one place!
Molly tells us more:
“We created the mobile app to make it easier than ever for busy parents to get the most from The JJ Club and the incredible businesses, experts and experiences within our community.
This is a big milestone for us and just the beginning of what’s to come. We’d love for you to take a look around and see what The JJ Club is all about. See you in the app!”
The mobile app has 4 distinct areas:
⭐️ Perks:
Unlock exclusive offers from our premium partner brands. All organised to help you discover what you need, when you need it.
⭐️ Experts:
Save time and money with our trusted Little Black Book of local experts, specialists and services.
⭐️ Events:
Hosted by The JJ Club (including 5x complimentary member Monthly Meets) plus a curated calendar of partner-hosted experiences.
⭐️ Inspo:
Discover handpicked recommendations, tips & tricks, local finds and elevated lifestyle inspiration.
Whether you’re looking for things to do, services you can rely on or simply ways to make family life run a little more smoothly in SW London, it’s well worth exploring.
Download The JJ Club mobile app here.
Sales Property Of The Week from Keatings Esates, Balham: “A charming one bedroom garden flat, complete with a separate study, set within an attractive Victorian conversion on the sought-after Sandmere Road near Clapham High Street.
“This peaceful street, nestled within a popular low-traffic residential pocket, is located just a six-minute walk from Clapham North Underground and the High Street, and within easy reach of central Brixton, appealing to purchasers looking to enjoy the best of both of these in-demand neighbourhoods.
“Beautifully presented and thoughtfully refurbished throughout, this delightful home combines characterful Victorian proportions with stylish contemporary finishes, creating a welcoming and practical living environment.”
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.
The first London retirement village from Audley Villages is located in Clapham South, on the edge of Clapham Common! At Audley Nightingale Place, you can experience an independent lifestyle in a beautiful and secure environment, where your property is maintained for you.
The village has a number of beautiful 1 to 3 bedroom apartments available (both for sale and rental), along with its own pool, health club, library, restaurant and private cinema. And if you ever need any extra care, they can provide that too.
Whether you’re considering a move for yourself or a loved one, the friendly Audley team are always on hand to answer any questions and show you around.
For more information, to get in touch, or to arrange a personal tour, visit audleyvillages.co.uk, call 020 3802 1581, or email nightingalesales@audleyvillages.co.uk
Audley Nightingale Place is located at 3 Nightingale Lane, Clapham South, SW4 9AH
A new comedy club Always Be Comedy is opening The Bedford Pub after the closure of the long standing Banana Caberet! Founders James and Tim tell us more:
"Always Be Comedy is a multi-award-winning comedy night celebrating 15 years. We've welcomed legends such as Michael McIntyre, Harry Hill, Stewart Lee, Catherine Tate, Bill Bailey, Jack Dee, Kevin Bridges, Judd Apatow, Stephen Merchant and many more, while the likes of Romesh Ranganathan, Aisling Bea, Nish Kumar, Brett Goldstein, Sara Pascoe, Joe Lycett, Katherine Ryan, Josh Widdicombe, Phil Wang, Tom Allen, Joanne McNally, Ed Gamble, James Acaster, Michelle de Swarte and many more have been with us pretty much from the start.
"We are absolutely thrilled to be taking over at the iconic Bedford in Balham and salute the amazing work done by Dave and the Banana Cabaret gang across 43 years!"
Always Be Comedy will be hosting comedy shows every Friday and Saturday from 4th September and in the meantime, they are running some pilot shows this summer!
For the full list of comedians, dates and prices visit Always Be Comedy
Until Saturday 20th June, Freak Scene are running their very popular ‘2-for-1 Offer’ on their £70pp ‘Feasting Menu’ (so £35pp)!
Reservations are strongly advised, so book early to avoid missing out! You can claim the special offer for bookings made for any date right up until Saturday 20th June, subject to availability.
Located at 1 Ramsden Road, Freak Scene serves a maximalist menu of Japanese & Southeast Asian-inspired small plates designed to excite, surprise and share – and their fantastic family-style Feasting Menu is a premium dining experience, designed for sharing and packed with bold flavours.
Freak Scene is a bold, irreverent punk-Asian dining experience from chef Scott Hallsworth – former head chef at Nobu London and founder of cult favourite Kurobuta.
To book a table, visit their website here.
Freak Scene are located at 1 Ramsden Road, Balham, open Tuesday - Thursday from 5.30pm; Friday & Saturday from Noon.
Great news for cocktail lovers in Balham & Tooting! Streatham Cocktail Club, the brilliant neighbourhood cocktail delivery service based in Streatham, are now delivering to your door!
And to celebrate, they’re offering 15% OFF your first cocktail order (whether a one-off purchase or subscription) – use code NEWSIE15 at the checkout on their website to claim!
Founded by local resident, Archie (a WSET Level 3 Spirits qualified cocktail enthusiast whose love of cocktails began during lockdown), Streatham Cocktail Club releases a premium, handmade cocktail every month – delivered straight to your door, garnish and all, ready to drink.
This month’s cocktail is the classic Strawberry Daiquiri!
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying date night, or just fancy a treat at the weekend, cocktails are available in two-man, four-man or litre bottles – just chill and pour!
From prohibition classics to modern tiki, Archie’s passion for the history and science behind cocktails means every monthly release is carefully crafted and utterly delicious. It’s a subscription service – so a new cocktail drops every month, taking you on a flavour journey from the comfort of your sofa!
Use code NEWSIE15 at checkout for 15% OFF your first order.
To find out more, order, or make an enquiry, visit streathamcocktailclub.com
Balham’s Prime Steam are here to help! Albert and the team are transforming homes across the local area with their state-of-the-art and eco-friendly steam cleaning solutions, with 5 Star Google reviews!
Prime Steam have a new LIMITED TIME OFFER:
10% OFF all bookings until 30th June – quote NEWSIE10 on their website here.
Their Expert Services are:
- Carpet Cleaning (wool, synthetic, stain removal)
- Sofa & Fine Fabric Cleaning (velvet, linen, viscose & more)
- Tile, Grout & Natural Stone Deep Cleaning & Sealing
- Victorian Tile Restoration & Stone Polishing
- Optional Fabric Protection
Albert tells us:
“We’re passionate about delivering safe, high-quality results that restore the beauty of your floors and fabrics – for a cleaner and healthier home!”
To find out more & to get a free quote:
Email: hello@primesteam.co.uk
Call: 020 3978 0083
Website: www.primesteam.co.uk
Following the successful launch of her new Ceremonial Grade Cacao brand, wellness practitioner & Balham resident, Gizelle Renee is offering our readers 10% OFF all products, bundles & subscriptions on her new I AM BEING website until 30th June!
Simply use code: NEWSIE10 at the checkout at iambeing.co.uk
From ceremonial-grade cacao and handcrafted candles to bath salts, artisan journals, stoneware kiln-fired mugs and bespoke cacao frothers, I AM BEING offers a carefully curated collection of products designed to support wellbeing and mindful living.
Visitors can also explore a range of private wellness sessions, cacao ceremonies, community circles, workshops, courses and events – all created to help people reconnect with themselves and others.
To discover the full collection and upcoming offerings, visit iambeing.co.uk and use code: Newsie10 for 10% OFF until 30th June.
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