The Clapham International Film Festival returns for its fifth year this weekend, until 20th September, bringing independent cinema and international filmmakers to South London.
The programme features 32 films from 16 countries, including four UK premieres, with screenings and events at Clapham Picturehouse, Coldharbour Blue, The Cinema Museum and Central Film School.
The festival opens with the UK premiere of Kings of Venice, a documentary about the paddle-tennis community of Venice Beach, California, and its battle to protect its historic courts from the rise of pickleball.
Tickets cost £10–£15 per screening, with a £30 festival pass giving access to the full programme.
To see the full programme or to book tickets, visit the CIFF website here.
The Open House Festival, running until 20th September, is a London-wide festival that opens up and celebrates the city’s architecture, special sites and neighbourhoods, with open days and events taking place across the city (including Balham!).
Visitors to the Open House Festival can explore the city’s most remarkable homes, architecture and landscapes, and learn about London’s unique heritage and communities.
To find out more and to book, visit https://open-city.org.uk/open-house-festival
The White House Prep School in Balham is holding an Open Morning event on Saturday 3rd October!
The Open Morning will begin at 9:30am with guided tours with pupils from Year 6.
This year, an incredible 60% of children achieved scholarships in their 11+ exams with over 100 offers for 28 children, at schools such as St Paul’s Boys, St Paul’s Girls, Dulwich College, Alleyn’s, Emmanuel, JAGS, Francis Holland, City of London Girls, Wimbledon High, Brighton College and more.
On the tour, you will be able to find out about their Super Curriculum which includes Nurture in Reception, Enterprise lessons, Choice and their Futures programme in Year 6 - areas where they can develop children’s natural curiosity to enhance their learning and interests outside the classroom.
The school offers wrap-around care from 8am-6pm with 14 weeks of holiday camps if required.
The White House Prep welcomes children from ages 3-11 years old, celebrated its 40th Anniversary recently and is proud to still be family-owned and run, emphasising their core family values of Positivity, Respect, Kindness, Integrity and Perseverance.
Places for the event are limited so should you wish to attend, please RSVP by email to admissions@whitehouseschool.com
You can also find out more on their website at whitehouseschool.com
The White House School is located at 24 Thornton Road, Balham, SW12 0LF.
Waitrose Balham officially reopened its doors to customers following a multi-million-pound transformation! Big crowds gathered outside the store in advance of the doors opening, and witnessed a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local constituency MP Marsha de Cordova alongside store manager Anthony Curran & branch Partners.
Customers visiting the refreshed store will discover a host of new features and modernised departments, with a focus on inspiration and everyday convenience. These include:
- Upgraded Meat, Fish & Dedicated Sushi Service Counters
- Updated Dry-Aged Beef Cabinet
- Redesigned Bakery
- New Refrigeration
- Electronic Shelf Labels
Anthony Curran, Branch Manager at Waitrose Balham, who leads the store’s team of 120 Partners, said: “Having celebrated our 20th anniversary in Balham this May, this transformation marks an exciting new chapter for our branch and our customers. Every upgrade - from our stunning dry-aged beef cabinet and modernised sushi and meat counters to our redesigned bakery - has been crafted with local food lovers in mind.
“Our Partners take huge pride in serving this vibrant neighbourhood, and we want to thank the Balham community for their patience and support during the works. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back through the doors to see their new-look store.”
Congratulations to Anthony and the team!
Congrats to Jenn, one of the founders of Balham's new wine bar Charley's Flat, who has just passed her Master of Wine exams after a nine-year journey. To put that into perspective, the Masters of Wine has been running since 1953 and fewer than 500 people worldwide currently hold the title!
Originally from Toronto, Jenn moved to London and worked her way up in wine, becoming a buyer for Oddbins before taking the leap into entrepreneurship when Covid hit.
Fast forward to this summer and, with her twin sister Lindsey and partners Bri and Russ, another dream came true — opening their own neighbourhood wine bar, Charley’s Flat.
Just one month later, she passed her MW exams. 🍷
What an amazing achievement! Congrats Jenn!
Charley's Wine Bar is located at 75 Bedford Hill, SW12 9HA
Wandsworth Council could raise council tax by £958 for a Band D property, an increase of 94%, under proposals described as "outrageous", reports the BBC.
Read the full story here.
Sales Property Of The Week from Keating Estates, Balham: “An exceptional two bedroom maisonette, complete with a private courtyard garden and its own entrance, within an attractive Victorian conversion on Probert Road – walking distance to Brockwell Park, and with easy access to Brixton and Herne Hill stations.
“This architecturally designed former bakery has been thoughtfully converted into a truly distinctive home, seamlessly blending striking contemporary design with the charm and character of its Victorian origins.
“Occupying a prominent corner position on this peaceful residential street, the property unfolds over two beautifully arranged floors, offering an impressive sense of space and an intelligently designed layout.
“Benefitting from its own private entrance and a private decked courtyard garden, this unique maisonette has been carefully crafted to maximise natural light, functionality and entertaining space throughout.”
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 autumn? Leo, local garden designer & founder of London Garden is here to help – he’s been creating beautiful gardens across south west London for over 15 years!
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 more:
“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 & 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@london-garden.co.uk, or call Leo on 07789 186 610.
September always feels like a second New Year. But before you dive into a punishing six-day-a-week workout routine, there’s a better way to approach your Autumn Reset.
The team at FitnessWorks Balham takes a results-led approach, with 3–5 high-quality, structured strength sessions a week designed to build muscle and reduce body fat. No junk volume, overcrowded gyms or guesswork, just premium Small Group Personal Training for busy Londoners.
Founder Will tells us more:
“If you’re ready to ditch the quick fixes and build sustainable habits that last until Christmas, our renowned 8-Week Challenge is the ultimate Autumn Reset.
“The Autumn Reset doesn’t need to begin in September. Knowing you need a reset and having the time to start right now are two different things. If October works better, you can lock in your spot now before the waitlist begins.
“Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ time to get your training sorted. Take action today, secure your spot, and let the experts at FitnessWorks handle the rest.”
To book the Autumn Reset for an October start, visit their website here.
FitnessWorks has two studios located at 38 Balham Hill and across the road at 147 Balham Hill.
If you have a little one over 13 months and are looking for fun toddler classes in the area, meet Toddler Sense Balham!
Run by local resident Alex, Toddler Sense is packed with exciting activities designed especially for busy little toddlers - and also a brilliant opportunity to meet other local parents and let your little one burn off some energy while having the BEST time!
Alex has been running Toddler Sense sessions in Balham since 2023, alongside baby-focused Baby Sensory, which has been running in the local area for nearly 10 years. So you can be sure you’re in friendly, experienced hands.
Toddler Sense classes combine an exciting soft play adventure — including ball pits, bouncy castles, balance beams and soft blocks — with an activity-led session featuring:
✨ Messy play
✨ Music and movement
✨ Role play
✨ Parachutes
✨ Bubbles
✨ Giant balloons
✨ And plenty of opportunities to explore, learn and have fun!
Classes are suitable for children from 13 months to pre-school age.
Toddler Sense Balham timetable:
📅 Mondays
📍 Balham Scout Hall — 3:00pm
📅 Tuesdays
📍 Balham Scout Hall — 9:20am & 10:35am
📅 Thursdays
📍 St Thomas’ Church — 9:20am & 10:35am
Ready to join in the fun? 🎉
To find out more and book your space, visit www.toddlersense.com/balham
If you’re looking to renovate or transform your home, meet Avalon Projects, a design and build studio specialising in home renovations across the South West and the wider London area.
Founded by Harry and Jonny, who bring a combined 20 years of experience, Avalon Projects focus on expertly crafted full house refurbishments – from bespoke kitchens and joinery to premium flooring, bathrooms and interior design.
With a background in architecture and extensive experience working for leading London property developers, including Berkeley Homes, Harry and Jonny have successfully delivered and developed multiple residential properties across central London.
They launched Avalon Projects to transform ordinary homes into beautifully designed, highly functional spaces.
They tell us more:
“We design, manage and build every project entirely in-house, meaning there’s one team from the first sketch through to the final finish.
“We’re committed to creating stunning, practical spaces that elevate everyday living. We aim to make the renovation process as seamless as possible – no stress, no nasty surprises, just a beautifully finished home.”
Avalon Projects offer:
• Home Renovation
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Joinery
• Flooring
• Interior Design
To find out more about Avalon Projects, call 020 8778 6976, email contact@avalon-projects.co.uk or visit https://www.avalon-projects.co.uk
A new eatery Melts London, the 'home of parmo', is coming soon to Clapham South, taking over the location that was once Mayflower Chinese food.
We'll keep you posted when we have more info.
Joe's Oriental has opened at 1 Ramsden Road, where Freak Scene was located, and under the same ownership as Freak Scene, but with two new restaurant managers. Pan-Asian venture, Joe’s is all about big, bold Southeast Asian-inspired food without the big price tag.
They have a fantastic OPENING OFFER - 25% OFF the food bill running from now until Wednesday 30th September - all you need to do simply book a table in advance here.
Congratulations & good luck to owner & head chef, Scott Hallsworth & the team!
📍 1 Ramsden Road, Balham, SW12 8QX, open Tuesday - Saturday (including for lunch on Saturdays).
A new community market Forty Markets launched last weekend at Chestnut Grove Academy!
The market will bring together a range of local street food, crafts, fresh produce and creative sellers. Forty Markets is run by Forty, the independent coffee business behind cafés in Tooting, Mitcham and Abbey Mills, and the team also runs Abbey Mills Market and Mitcham Market. They’re now bringing their community-focused market to Balham.
Forty Markets in Balham will run on the first Saturday of every month.
Visit Balham Market for more info.
Introducing ‘The Balham Skin Reset’ – a new treatment package launched by the team at Cosmetica London, the popular doctor-led aesthetics clinic on Hildreth Street.
Created exclusively for Balham Newsie readers, this package is the perfect introduction to Cosmetica’s D.E.N. Recovery Facial – a soothing, restorative treatment designed to calm, nourish and rebalance the skin.
The Balham Skin Reset includes:
✨ D.E.N. Recovery Facial
✨ LED Therapy
✨ Skincare Consultation
D.E.N. (Dr Engel Naturals) D.E.N. Skincare is the doctor-led skincare brand founded by Dr Mica Engel, owner of Cosmetica – all about expert skincare made specifically for sensitive skin. So whether your skin feels stressed, dehydrated or simply in need of a little TLC, this is the perfect way to hit reset.
📍 You’ll find Cosmetica at 4 Hildreth Street, Balham, SW12 9RQ.
A new regular event, Henry's Lates, will be taking place this Friday, 18th September (located at Henry Cavendish School) from 5pm - 10:30pm!
Enjoy pizza, wine, beer, cider, soft drinks, snacks and good vibes!
This event will take place the second and fourth Friday of each month.
For more info, visit Henry's Coffee Stop
Balham-based Pilates instructor Lisa Larizadeh Pilates specialises in 1:1 Pilates sessions from her quiet, beautifully equipped home studio just off Bedford Hill – and she has space for a couple of new clients as we head into autumn!
To welcome new clients, Lisa is offering a special introductory rate: 2 x 1 hour private Pilates sessions for £120.
Having completed her comprehensive teacher training with BASI Pilates, Lisa welcomes clients of all ages and abilities to her thoughtfully designed SW17 studio – from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners.
With access to a full range of Pilates apparatus, including a reformer, tower, Wunda chair and spine corrector (all BASI Systems), it’s a calm, nurturing space to connect body and mind, work hard, and align your body in the most effective and enjoyable way.
Lisa loves helping people connect more deeply with their bodies to improve alignment, strength and mobility – so whether you’re brand new to Pilates or returning to your practice, 1:1 private instruction will allow you to get the most out of your session which is specifically tailored to your body.
To find out more, see her fantastic client testimonials, or book your introductory sessions, visit lisalarizadehpilates.com, call 07970 496634 or email lisa.larizadeh@gmail.com
Following the huge success of their recent ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ offer, Indian Room Balham have launched a fantastic new Saver Menu, featuring many of their most popular dishes in a two-course meal for just £19.99pp - available every Monday to Thursday until the end of September. Customers can also BYOB on each of those days!
Reservations for a table for the Saver Menu must be made in advance on their website at indianroom.co.uk, mentioning SAVER in the comments section.
Owner, Mubin & Manager, Latif tell us:
“Our Eat Out To Help Out offer was so popular last month, and with the cost of living still showing no sign of easing, we wanted to keep giving our customers a great reason to eat out without breaking the bank. Our new Saver Menu lets you enjoy a proper two-course Indian meal, made with the same quality and care as always, at a really affordable price. And you can even BYOB too!”
Re BYOB: you can bring your favourite wine or beer with you to their restaurant (total corkage charge just £3pp) every Monday to Thursday.
The award-winning restaurant offers a menu packed full of tasty dishes from across the different regions of India. Most vegetarian dishes can be made vegan on request, and they cater for special dietary requirements too. Indian Room also prides itself on healthy cooking – all dishes are prepared without ghee, with no artificial colourings, British-bred meat from a farm in Devon, and only the freshest seasonal vegetables.
To book a table, visit indianroom.co.uk, mentioning SAVER in the comments section.
Indian Room is open 7 days a week (including for lunch on Saturday & Sunday), located at 59 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12 9EZ.
Please note: this offer can be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Balham Bowls Comedy is BACK on Wednesday 7th October (with discounted tickets for Newsie readers – see below)! The monthly institution, which has brought the likes of Fin Taylor, Sindhu Vee, Ed Gamble, Maisie Adam and many more to Balham, returns with another stellar line up, including...
KEMAH BOB, a Houston-born, London-based comedian! Her debut solo show, Miss Fortunate, was named one of The Guardian’s Top 10 Comedy Shows of 2024 and enjoyed sold-out runs in London and Edinburgh. Kemah has supported Hannah Gadsby, Nish Kumar and Rami Youssef, and created FOC IT UP Comedy Club. A regular presence on TV, radio and podcasts, credits include QI, Off Menu and The Guilty Feminist.
SEAN MCLOUGHLIN, an acclaimed London-based stand-up comedian and writer, performing extensively across the UK and internationally. His TV credits include Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, The Stand-Up Sketch Show and Kevin Hart’s LOL Network. Sean has performed solo shows on four continents and supported Bill Burr at the Royal Albert Hall and Ricky Gervais at the Hollywood Bowl, as well as appearing at the Sydney Opera House.
Discounted £10 tickets with code OCTOBOB - but be quick - limited discounts available! Book here.
🗓 Wednesday 7th October, 7.30pm-9.30pm
📍Balham Bowls, 7-9 Ramsden Rd, SW12 8QX
Join local group Balham Climate Action on 3rd of October as they unveil their project, 'Bunting for Hope', which they've been working on over the summer!
They've invited community groups and local schools to contribute messages that support a common aim, “put people and planet before profit” to their community bunting.
Will they achieve their goal of making the bunting the length of Balham’s iconic Hildreth Street?
Head to Hildreth Street on 3rd October at 12pm to find out! Complimentary cuppas and a discussion in the Library will follow.
If you'd like to contribute to the bunting before the big day, send an email to balhamclimateaction@gmail.com
To find out more or to RSVP, visit their website here.
A new community walk and talk for men has launched on Clapham Common, giving men going through or recovering from divorce a chance to get out, get moving and meet others who may understand what they’re dealing with.
The first walk took place on 30th August and went well enough for founder Photis to decide to keep them going.
The next one is on Sunday 27th September at 11am, meeting outside The Windmill on Clapham Common.
Photis tells us more:
“The idea is deliberately simple, get out of the house, get moving and spend some time with other men who may understand what you’re dealing with. It’s not a coaching session and there’s no selling. People can talk as much or as little as they want.”
“The idea for the walks came from remembering the loneliness of an empty house on a Sunday when I didn’t have my children.”
Photis also has a long connection to Balham, with his family having lived locally since the 1950s, when his grandparents moved here from Cyprus.
Photis set up Emotional Equity after his own experience of divorce and now coaches men through some of the emotional challenges that can come with it, from anger and guilt to difficult conversations, the impact on children and working out what life looks like afterwards.
The next walk and talk takes place on Sunday 27th September, 11am, outside The Windmill, Clapham Common.
For more info or to register your interest, visit Emotional Equity Coaching
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