Half-Term Hurrahs and High-Court Dramas

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Oh hey SW London!

The bank holiday's behind us, the kids are (just about) back in school, and the sun's making a genuine effort. Here's everything stirring in your corner of the city this week…

The long-running fight over the All England Club's expansion isn't going quietly. Despite a 1993 agreement to keep the land as open space, the AELTC wants to build an 8,000-seat stadium and 38 new courts on Wimbledon Park — and after a High Court judge ruled in March that the land isn't bound by a public-recreation trust, campaigners at Save Wimbledon Park are taking it to the Court of Appeal. The wrinkle: Wandsworth Council has fallen under no overall control after the May elections, with the Conservatives now the largest party. Will the new-look council hold the line in opposition? Follow the campaign here.

Some genuinely brilliant news for Lambeth — their adult social care services have been rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission, placing the council in the top 10% nationally. Inspectors highlighted fairness, fast assessments, and truly person-centred care. Read the inspectors' verdict.

Dons Local Action Group is the beating heart of South West London. Over 3,000 volunteers deliver food, furniture and laptops to families facing hardship across Merton, Wandsworth and Kingston. Want to help? They'd love to have you. Find out how to get involved.

Battersea Power Station has launched A Station of Stories, a year-long celebration marking 2026 as the National Year of Reading — with author events, literary dinners and creative pop-ups dotted across the riverside all year. A lovely reminder that the neighbourhood's about more than just the shops. Have a browse through what's on.

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Big news for SW17 foodies: Adam Byatt — chef-owner of Clapham's Michelin-starred Trinity — is opening Rosina this summer on the corner of Trinity Road and Bellevue Road, on the old Brinkley's Kitchen site. Fifty covers inside, 25 on the terrace, plus a separate bar. Expect something a little different from his usual French gastronomy. Read what Byatt's planning.

Fresh off being crowned Great British Menu Champion of Champions — and already a MasterChef: The Professionals winner — Nikita Pathakji has opened Maai on Abbeville Road with her mum and sister. The modern-British-with-global-influences menu includes her competition-winning octopus 'takoyaki' doughnut. Take a look at the menu.

Sun-drenched flavours of Cyprus, Syria and Lebanon, right in the heart of South Ken. CERU on Bute Street serves vibrant, aromatic mezze plates with over 20 spices, a menu that's almost entirely gluten-free, and al fresco terrace dining (when the sun does its thing). Book a table.

Your new Clapham go-to. Minnow is a laid-back seasonal restaurant with a sun-trap terrace, cosy corners, and something for every occasion — brunch, Sunday roasts, date-night dinners. Free corkage Tuesdays, daily happy hours and Sunday Roast Club. What's not to love? Plan your visit.

Ruth's is the kind of restaurant every area deserves, with seasonal menus built around the best British farmers, fishers and growers, in a relaxed, no-fuss setting. Book for the dining room, or feel free to walk in. See what's cooking.

Every third Saturday, The Rookery Farmers Market brings together a wonderful little community of local traders — fresh fish, artisan cakes, chilli sauces, local fizz, and every flavour of olive. The kind of morning that reminds you why shopping local just feels so good. Check the market dates.

Luminarium: LUXART by Architects of Air has transformed Power Station Park into a maze of interconnected inflatable domes filled with shifting colour and light. Running through to 31 May, so this weekend's your last chance. Tickets £10pp. Grab tickets before it closes.

Ramses & the Pharaohs' Gold is open at Battersea Power Station, with 180 priceless treasures straight from the Egyptian Museum — and kids go half price this half term. A proper rainy-day-proof outing. Secure your slot.

It's not just adults who get to have fun — the festival (6–7 June) is bursting with free family activities. Launch rocket mice, watch giant puppets parade down Exhibition Road, build DNA models, explore Kensington Gardens, and catch an explosive chemistry show. See the family programme.

Great news for water babies — all under-8s swim free at Places Leisure centres across Wandsworth. Just register online, bring proof of residency, and your little ones can splash away at Balham, Latchmere, Putney or Tooting. One adult can bring up to two children. Register for free swims.

Your kids deserve somewhere special. Jesse's House has it all — heated pools, soft play, a jungle gym, crèche, and Kids Club classes to spark little minds. One membership, zero juggling, and just maybe enough breathing room for a leisurely lunch. Explore membership.

This summer, Polka brings Arthurian legend to life in a brand-new musical play for ages 6 to 12. Arthur runs 20 June to 9 August, tickets from just £10. Swords, quests, original songs, and a little girl with Lego up her nose. Perfect entertainment. Book your tickets.

Science, art and pure curiosity collide on 6–7 June. The adult programme includes Bollywood dance classes, an after-hours Science Museum takeover, robot doctors, space food, and the science of attraction. All free. Browse the adult highlights.

Tom Stoppard's beloved masterpiece comes to Putney 16–20 June. Two forgotten characters, one brilliant play — full of wit, wordplay and unexpected heart. Local theatre at its finest. Grab a seat.

Grab your legwarmers — Mum-Dance is the low-impact, high-joy 80s dance fitness class you didn't know you needed. Iconic routines, zero judgement, maximum fun. Classes across SW London — your girls' night out disguised as a workout awaits. Find a class near you.

Bring drinks, snacks and friends for a relaxed evening of ceramics painting on Balham High Road. Choose your piece, choose your colours, and get creative (with a little help from a real artist). Your finished creation gets kiln-fired for you to collect and keep forever. Book your evening.

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.

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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