Balham Newsie Weekly Newsletter
Country on the Common lineup revealed, food and drink offers, new business openings as well as closures, and much more!
Country on the Common returns to Tooting in 2026 with the line-up now announced – and there are some big names coming to Tooting Common! 🤠🎶
Saturday will see Seasick Steve headlining, bringing his foot stompin’ Mississippi blues to the stage. He’ll be joined by Kezia Gill, Twinnie, and the crowd-favourite One Night in Nashville, plus plenty more incredible artists throughout the day.
On Sunday, don’t miss Nashville’s own Cody Pennington headlining, alongside powerhouse vocalist Elles Bailey. The day will also feature very special guest Vernon Kay presenting his Country Jukebox DJ set for the very first time, making for the perfect close to an incredible weekend of live country music.
Head to Tooting Common on 4th and 5th of July for two unforgettable summer days filled with live music, line-dancing, axe-throwing, delicious Americana-inspired street food, craft beer, whiskey & cocktails, kids activities and plenty more.
Tickets now on sale here.
Join Small Biz Network London for a night of networking on Wednesday, 22nd April from 7:30pm at The Exhibit Balham.
Expect to meet other like minded business owners and entrepreneurs, make new connections and see familiar ones again.
This will be a great opportunity to discuss business with others, share challenges, what’s worked for you and make valuable connections.
Bring your cards and flyers and be ready to network. There will also be smaller group sessions where everyone can introduce themselves.
Small Biz Network London members come from a wide range of businesses , from small to medium businesses, to entrepreneurs and founders. The industries include health and well-being, professional services, marketing and creative.
They started in 2020 and have organised many events for small businesses in South West London, with speakers on topics such as marketing, branding, business and finance, AI, productivity and systems for growth and support for entrepreneurs.
Tickets for this event are on Early Bird £20, regular price £25.
Ticket price includes a drink.
To find out more, visit their website here.
The McDonald's on Balham High Road has applied to operate 24/7, extending beyond its current latest closing time of 3am, reports MyLondon.
"The branch, on Balham High Road, aims to create new jobs, improve conditions for staff and serve shift workers under the plans, which were submitted to the council by owner Inspire Restaurants Ltd. It currently has permission to stay open until 2am from Sundays to Thursdays and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
"Only one resident objected to the application over concerns the changes would lead to more antisocial behaviour, noise and litter in the area.
"But barrister Constanze Bell, representing Inspire Restaurants, told a licensing hearing on Tuesday (March 24) the McDonald's did not have any existing antisocial behaviour issues, and it had security staff to manage any potential issues.
"The barrister said shift workers would benefit from the branch staying open 24/7, while the changes would provide an easier shift pattern for staff and create new jobs."
"The council has already granted the restaurant planning permission to operate 24/7 for a year, but the changes also need licensing approval to go ahead."
The council's Licensing Committee will publish its decision on the plans in the coming days.
Read the full story via My London here.
After 21 years at the helm, Magda and her team are leaving the White Eagle Club on Balham High Road. The lease has come to an end and their last day of trading is today, after which the club will close. The future of the venue is currently unknown.
The much-loved club opened in 1969 and has been a cornerstone of the community for 57 years – not only as a social hub for the local Polish community and countless social occasions for local residents, but in recent years playing an enormous part in the local humanitarian relief effort for Ukrainian refugees in London and for people in Ukraine affected by the war.
Magda tells us:
“I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all our customers during my time at the club – people who enjoyed socialising, eating and drinking at the Club, who held and attended events, and all the local community groups and charities who made the venue their home.
“I’d also like to thank the hundreds of volunteers who contributed to the White Eagle’s support for those affected by the war in Ukraine. They have all made a significant difference to people’s lives, which has been recognised through receiving a BBC ‘Make a Difference’ Award in the ‘Together’ category.”
Some of the White Eagle’s most popular events will be moving to the new House of ORA House of Ora venue in Tooting Broadway (where Tooting Tram & Social was previously located). The new arts & music cultural hub venue (with restaurant & spaces available for private hire), will open in mid-April at 46-48 Mitcham Road, Tooting, SW17 9NA.
We’d like to wish Magda and the team the very best for the future.
We’re sad to report that Balham Vietnamese restaurant, Viet Corner is to permanently close - their last day of trading will be Sunday 26th April.
Owner Kian & the team would love to see their regular and new customers before they close – and look forward to serving their delicious Vietnamese food (including piping hot spring rolls, dumplings, vermicelli & rice dishes) to lots of locals over the next month before they say farewell!
They also offer BYOB, so you can bring your own drinks if you wish!
Viet Corner has been located on Bedford Hill since 2022, with fantastic reviews.
You’ll find Viet Corner at 8 Bedford Hill, Balham, open 7 days a week, 11.45am - 3.45pm and 5.30pm-9.45pm.
To book a table, call 0203 556 0523 or simply walk-in if there’s room!
Sales Property Of The Week from Keating Estates, Balham: “A characterful five-bedroom end-of-terrace house, arranged over multiple levels and offering period charm alongside mature front and rear gardens.
“This delightful home boasts generous proportions and an abundance of natural light throughout, all set within a quiet residential pocket tucked just off Brixton Hill.”
For full info & more photos, visit their website www.keatingestates.com, visit the team at 61 Bedford Hill, email balham@keatingestates.com or call 020 8079 3161.
Dental implants are just one of the many treatments offered by Balham dentist, Ten Dental Facial.
Ten Dental co-founder, Nik Sisodia takes us through what they are and the many benefits that they provide.
Ten Dental’s team of dental implant surgeons are experts in their field and have placed hundreds of implants with local residents.
To book in a free consultation or to find out more, visit tendental.com, WhatsApp 07907366397, call 020 8672 7766, email hello@tendental.com or pop in and see them at 156 Balham High Road.
Congratulations to local wine delivery service BottleCrate which has been shortlisted for Best Start-Up!
Their hand-picked selections feature a mix of red and white wines sourced from small producers, each arriving with Bottle Tales inside — so every pour feels like a moment.
And this week’s Easter crates are now live — delivered to your door in time for the long weekend!
BottleCrate has curated the perfect Easter edit, with wines for every moment — from something chilled to start, to a beautiful table white and reds that carry into the evening.
Small or full crates available, each with a little surprise tucked in.
Founded by a former Senior Buyer at Oddbins, BottleCrate is a local wine delivery service built on small producers, personal curation, and bottles with a story.
BottleCrate delivers locally across Balham, Clapham, Battersea & Tooting, like the modern milkman.
For more info, visit their website www.bottlecrateuk.com
Local dad Danny has founded Everyday Dads Club, a new community for dads to connect, talk and move. Danny tells us more:
"Everyday Dads Club exists to bring dads together, from brand new dads to experienced ones, to support each other through conversation, movement and shared experience.
"We create space for dads to talk honestly, improve mindset, and spend meaningful time with their children, while giving partners the chance to rest and recharge.
"Through community, light activity and openness, we aim to strengthen fathers, families and the next generation."
The next Everyday Dads meet up is this Sunday 29th March at 10am on Tooting Common. Meet at Trailside Coffee located just under the railway bridge at the end of Cavendish Road.
For more info, visit Everyday Dads Club
A local dad has launched Future Pot Money, a simple tool to help parents plan for their children’s future and understand how small monthly savings could grow over time.
Founder Victor tells us more:
“FuturePot started quite personally for me. I had a fantastic time at university — it shaped a lot of my life, and it’s actually where I met my wife, who’s from Balham.
"But recently, after speaking to my nieces and nephews about how much university is costing them, and how much they are paying back each month, it really made me stop and think. The level of student debt they’re facing just didn’t sit right with me. My children are 6, 4 and 4 and I would not want that for them.
"It made me wonder — is there a better way for parents to plan ahead and make things a bit easier for their kids? I started doing some maths on how much to save each month.
"That’s where the idea for FuturePot came from.
"We’ve built a simple calculator that helps parents see what saving a small amount each month could potentially grow into by the time their child turns 18. It’s designed to give people clarity and a sense of control, without needing to be a financial expert.
"Ultimately, it’s about helping parents give their children more options — whether that’s going to university, or taking their next step without the weight of debt.”
For more information, visit their website www.futurepot.co.uk
A new facial aesthetics clinic, FACE by Balham Studios, will be opening at 114 Balham High Road.
They say on their website:
"We are thrilled to launch our brand-new facial aesthetics clinic, which combines medical precision with an artistic eye, offering a sanctuary where science meets beauty. Building on our 35-year legacy of Balham Dental Studio, we believe that true confidence starts with feeling radiant in your own skin."
We'll keep you posted on opening date.
SPONSORED CONTENT
To celebrate the Easter bank holiday, popular Italian restaurant, Ladoc Balham have a VERY generous & exclusive offer for Balham Newsie followers, running throughout the bank holiday weekend!
Dine with them on Good Friday, Easter Saturday. Easter Sunday or Easter Monday - either for lunch or dinner - post a photo on Instagram or Instagram Stories tagging them @ladoc.balham, email them your receipt and you’ll receive a gift card for the SAME VALUE as your TOTAL FOOD SPEND, which you can then use any Monday -Thursday (as well as Friday lunchtime & Saturday lunchtime) until the end of July 2026!
The team at La Doc have been welcoming local residents to enjoy their authentic Italian food and extensive wine list ever since they opened in 2023, with excellent Google reviews.
✨ EASTER BANK HOLIDAY OFFER: How to participate:
1️⃣ Reserve your table at La Doc (see details below👇 ) for Good Friday, Easter Saturday. Easter Sunday or Easter Monday - either for lunch or dinner. Mention Balham Newsie when you book (in the notes, if doing so online).
2️⃣ Dine with them, capture and post a photo of your meal on either Instagram or Instagram Stories tagging @ladoc.balham. Please note: if your Instagram account is private, you’ll need to make it public for a short time when you post, so they see the tag.
3️⃣ Email your receipt to ladoc.balham@gmail.com and include your Instagram ID in the email (so they can see you posted) and they’ll email you a gift card for the same value as your total food spend!
💳 Gift Card Terms:
📅 Valid for use on any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (as well as Friday lunchtime & Saturday lunchtime) until 31st July 2026, in one visit.
🍴 Redeemable on everything on the menu
🥂 No limits – the more you dine, the more you earn!
🎈 Not in conjunction with any other offer or Eatclub card payers
To book a table, please visit their website at ladoc.co.uk, call Gaetano on 07865 034 118, email ladoc.balham@gmail.com or just walk-in if there’s room!
You’ll find La Doc located at 205 Balham High Road, open Monday-Thursday, 5.30-10pm; Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 12.30-10pm.
The very popular midweek dine-in offer continues throughout spring at Balham’s Betto London: Order any 6 tapas plates and they’ll bring a complimentary bottle of wine straight to your table – every Tuesday to Thursday!
Betto is currently ranked Number Four on Tripadvisor’s list of ‘Best Restaurants in London’ (out of over 23,000!) – an incredible achievement!
This cozy Mediterranean spot is all about bold flavours, great cocktails, and a warm Balham welcome.
To reserve a table, visit their website at bettolondon.com or call / text owner, Serhat on 07930 347 385.
Walk-ins also welcome, and Betto is dog-friendly!
You’ll find Betto at 5 Fernlea Road, SW12 9RT, open Tuesday–Friday, Noon–late, and Saturday & Sunday, 9am–late.
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