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Oh hey SW London!

From a spin across the dancefloor, to a spinning windmill, here’s what’s happening in your neighbourhood this week…

LOCAL & COMMUNITY NEWS DIGEST

Brew Up, Paws Up: Host a Tea Party for Battersea's Dogs and Cats

Love cake? Love canines? Battersea's Canine Cuppa Club lets you host a tea party - whenever and wherever you like - to raise vital funds for rescue animals. Sign up free and they'll send everything you need. Biscuits not included (probably). Find out more… 

Move More, Feel Better - Huge Upgrade for Kingston's Leisure Centres

Three Kingston leisure centres have joined a 10-year deal with Places Leisure, bringing £11m of investment and expanded health programmes including cancer rehab, menopause support and strength classes. 66% of participants have already reported improved symptoms within six weeks. Find out more… 

Strikes Planned for Merton Primary Schools

Support staff at 22 Merton primary schools are walking out on 1 May over a pay gap between outer and inner London boroughs. Some schools may close or partially shut. Keep an eye on  your inbox - headteachers will be in touch with arrangements soon. Find out more…

TODAY’S PARTNER

Fox & Cubs is a premium nanny and home-staff agency, to help parents find balance, peace of mind and exceptional support at home.

With core values of trust, care, and family-centered support, Fox & Cubs partner with families in their home-staff search (multilingual nannies, maternity nurses, housekeepers, governess, household managers, etc.) to make the whole process smooth and stress-free.

With over 15 years’ experience in London and over 2,000 families supported, you can be sure that you’re in safe hands.

Contact Fox & Cubs to support your nanny search.

FOOD & DRINK

Sunday Roast with a Side of Drag at the Bedford, Balham

Glitter with your gravy? Eat, drink and be Mary at Camp Fruit's legendary Sunday drag cabaret at The Bedford, Balham. Resident host Matron and London's finest queens bring the glamour on 10th May. Pair with a Sunday roast for the perfect afternoon. Find out more… 

Branché Brings the South of France to Tooting Bec

Tooting Bec just got a little more magnifique. Branché, the French-inspired café founded by former fashion exec Jalila Elmastouki, has opened on Trinity Road. Think seasonal brunch plates, relaxed Riviera vibes, and their famous croissant avocado benedict. Find out more… 

Glug Wines Bottle Shop and Bar, Putney

Glug Wines on Upper Richmond Road is the independent wine bar and shop locals are obsessed with. Drop in Wednesday to Sunday for expertly chosen pours, artisan cheese boards, and genuinely passionate recommendations. This is wine with attitude. Find out more… 

Paradise Cove Caribbean Restaurant, Battersea

Voted London's best Caribbean restaurant by TimeOut, Paradise Cove on Wandsworth Road is the real deal. Chef Tee's jerk chicken, curry goat and rum-soaked cakes bring Jamaica straight to Battersea - with good vibes, generous portions and legendary rum punch included. Find out more…

FAMILY FUN

Tooting Bec Lido Reopens

Tooting Bec Lido - the UK's largest freshwater outdoor pool at a whopping 91 metres - reopens for its spring/summer season on 1st May. Unheated, unfiltered, utterly glorious. Pack a picnic, grab a lane, and dive into one of London's best-loved outdoor swimming gems. Find out more… 

Get in a Spin at Wimbledon Windmill Museum

Did you know there's a working windmill on Wimbledon Common - and it's free to visit? The Wimbledon Windmill Museum opens weekends until October, with sails actually spinning on select dates. History, local heritage, Scouting stories, and zero admission fee. Sunday = sorted. Find out more… 

The Tortoise and the Hare at the Polka Theatre

Polka Theatre's Tortoise and the Hare is the perfect half-term treat for little ones aged 3-7. Packed with puppetry, live music and proper belly laughs, this hare-larious 60-minute show runs throughout May at Wimbledon. Tickets from just £10… hop to it! Find out more… 

Clapham Rangers Football Club

Started with one team in 2007, Clapham Rangers FC now fields 20 youth sides every Saturday. This FA-affiliated, registered charity develops players aged 5-16, and their alumni have gone on to sign for Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Arsenal and Charlton Athletic. Impressive stuff! Find out more…

ENTERTAINMENT

Sketching Workshop on Wimbledon Common

Local artist Katie Preston is leading a two-hour outdoor sketching session on Wimbledon Common on 8 May. Absolutely no experience is needed and all your materials will be provided. Just bring suitable shoes and an open mind. £20 plus booking fee. Find out more… 

Get Your Groove On at Brixton Disco Festival

On Saturday 2 May, Brixton turns into one giant dancefloor. The 8th annual multi-venue disco extravaganza takes over Electric Brixton, Phonox, Brixton Jamm and more, with Norman Jay MBE, Derrick Carter and Mousse T. headlining. Final release tickets - move fast!. Find out more… 

26.2 Reasons to Stay Alive, Arches Lane Theatre, Battersea

Comedian Laura Mugford runs an entire marathon on a treadmill - live on stage - while telling the story of her life. This semi-autobiographical comedy at Battersea's Arches Lane Theatre explores chronic illness, resilience and why we run. Catch it 4 - 9 May. Trainers optional. Find out more… 

London’s Wildest Ceilidh Band at the Bedford, Balham

Never heard of a ceilidh? Doesn't matter. Fiddle Paradiddle's monthly pop-up at The Bedford is pure chaotic joy - a live band, a caller who teaches you every move, and a sweaty ballroom full of strangers becoming best friends. Tickets start at £20.35. Find out more…

PULSE PARTNERS

Gousto: Join the food revolution. Choose the recipes you love and get all the ingredients in perfect proportions delivered to your door. 50% off your first order.

Craft Gin Club: Craft Gin Club is the UK's biggest subscription club for gin lovers. Discover the world's best craft gins, delivered to you door. As seen on Dragons' Den!

Craftiosity: Subscription box of modern craft kits, to help crafters unwind and take them on a mini creative adventure.

THAT’S A WRAP

Got any insider tips, amazing events, or hot local news to share? Something missing that you’d like us to include? Simply hit ‘reply’ to this email and let us know.

We’ll be back next week with another dose of local goodness.

Keep your finger on the pulse of South West London.

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