Posh Afternoon Tea to Burger Fest

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Oh hey SW London!

Oh hey SW London! From girly pop to a pirate rave, here's what's happening in your neighbourhood this week…

Three tawny owl chicks have hatched and grown up in Battersea Park, now some of the only recorded tawny owls in central London. After a storm took out a nest site, the council's ecology team has been putting up owl boxes to help the family thrive, alongside the borough's 4,000 other species. Meet the new neighbours

Some genuinely lovely news for local families: Wandsworth has been awarded Ofsted's highest possible rating for its children's services, placing it among the best in the country. A big, well-earned vote of confidence in the people supporting the borough's most vulnerable kids. Read the good news

The borough's annual gardening contest, Wandsworth in Bloom, has opened for 2026 entries, welcoming residents, schools, businesses and community groups. Showstopping front garden, balcony of pots or a lovingly rewilded scruffy patch, there is a category for you, and entering is free. Throw your trowel in the ring

Thursday 18 June is National Clean Air Day, and the council marks it by waiving the usual fee for residents who fancy a street party. It is a brilliant way to close your road to traffic for a few hours and actually meet the neighbours. Get your street in on it

Lambeth borough has elected its first ever Green Party council administration with Councillor Martin Abrams as the new Leader. The new cabinet also commits to greater transparency, cross-party scrutiny, and giving ward councillors more say over community decisions. Meet the new cabinet

Good news for anyone who's ever fancied a dip in the Thames on a hot summer's day: the stretch at Ham and Kingston is now London's first official river bathing site. Regular water quality monitoring runs until 30 September, so you can finally take the plunge with confidence. Check the water before you dive in

Know someone quietly making Wandsworth a better place? The Civic Awards are back, celebrating Community Champions, Environmental Heroes, Brave souls, Charity and Cultural Champions, and Young People of the Year. Nominations are open until 27 July. Put a name forward

Want to partner with us and get your brand in front of thousands of SW London neighbours? Get in touch: [email protected]

Date night, family treat or a long-overdue "we really must catch up"? The West End is a quick hop from SW London, and London Box Office whisks away all the booking bother.

As a STAR-approved official seller, they let you pick your own perch, swerve the sneaky fees, and ping e-tickets to your inbox before you can say "places, please".

From Hamilton to The Lion King to Matilda for the mini-mob, there is a show for every mood, all glowing with a 4.7 out of 5 from more than 10,000 reviews. Bag the best seats in the house

SW London's much-loved Lockdown Bakehouse has opened its sixth site, on Putney's Lower Richmond Road (number 79). Expect pastries, sourdough, focaccia sandwiches and brunch plates like shakshuka and Aussie pancakes, with proper coffee throughout. Open 7am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, from 8am on Sundays. Carb-load in Putney

On Monday 29 June, Trinity's Adam Byatt opens Rosina, his first ever Italian restaurant, on Bellevue Road (the old Brinkley's spot on the corner of Trinity Road). Named after daughter Rosie, it promises antipasti, a big pasta section and salt-baked fish, with 50 covers inside and 25 on the terrace. Tables will vanish fast. Bag a first-week table

When the sun is out, few things beat an amble down Northcote Road's market in Battersea, busiest on Friday and Saturday when the street-food stalls roll out everything from wood-fired pizza to porchetta rolls. Graze along, browse the produce, and duck into the indoor antiques market if it rains. Go graze the stalls

The 2026 World Cup is under way, and The Northcote on Northcote Road is showing all the England games on the big screens. Get there early on match nights, because Nappy Valley turns up in numbers when there is a game on. Sort your spot

Over 20 legendary traders, including fan favourites Meatcastles and Black Bear Burger, descend on Richmond Athletic Ground this June 12-14. With a UK Championship belt on the line and Dublin's finest making their debut, this one's unmissable. Sink your teeth in

Monkey Leaf in Streatham is the lush, plant-filled brunch spot you didn't know you needed. Chef Povilas conjures modern European magic across just 16 intimate tables. Think elegance without stuffiness. Book ahead (it fills fast!) and prepare to be genuinely wowed. Reserve a table

25 years in, Tsunami Clapham is still the one. Miso-cured black cod that's earned its legendary status, sushi cut fresh daily, robata fired over binchotan, and old fashioneds smoked tableside. Midnight banquettes, a banging sake list, and zero reasons not to treat yourself. Treat yourself

144 On The Hill's Enchanted Treehouse Afternoon Tea, inspired by Richmond's lush surroundings, is a dreamy spread of seasonal pastries, delicate savouries and hand-picked teas, all made in-house. Booking Monday to Friday? The fizz is on them. Pour the fizz

At Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, The Rapping Princess is on until Sunday 21 June, and it is a total joy for little ones. It follows Princess Shiloh, who cannot sing a note but discovers she can rap her heart out instead. Polka's free play space and café make a whole morning of it. Drop the beat with the kids

Got a teen who lives for their guitar? Ranga Records' Youth Gig number 26 hits the Half Moon in Putney on Saturday 13 June from 1pm, giving young musicians a real stage and crowd. Under-16s welcome with an adult, tickets a friendly £8 in advance. Cheer on the next big thing

Wandsworth Prison Museum throws open its doors on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June for the Heritage Festival finale, a fascinating, slightly eerie peek into the history of one of the country's most famous jails. Great for history-loving families and older kids. Book your visit

One of the Heritage Festival's closing highlights is The Making of Planet Tooting, a guided walk on Saturday 13 June with local historian Geoff Simmons. Cracking stories about how Tooting became, well, Tooting, with plenty to keep older kids interested. Step into Tooting's past

Kick off the weekend on Friday 12 June with the Wandle Industrial Museum's Industrial Wandle walk, tracing the river that once powered mills, breweries and factories across the borough. Leafy, easygoing and quietly fascinating. Walk the Wandle

Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre is offering kids aged 8-16 the chance to sail, kayak, windsurf, paddleboard and build rafts across five action-packed days. New friends, new skills, epic memories, right on your doorstep. Book before spaces vanish! Get them on the water

GirlyPop Live is the ultimate pop party for young girls and it returns to Clapham Grand on Sunday 21st June (10am-2pm) Think Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande and Olivia Rodrigo tribute performances, plus glitter makeovers, candy floss, and pure feel-good energy. Get the glitter ready

Big Fish Little Fish is bringing their legendary Glastonbury-approved family rave to Fulham Pier on 13 June! Expect glitter cannons, bubbles, a snow machine, and non-stop child-friendly techno by the Thames. Fancy dress very much encouraged! Set sail for the dancefloor

The Half Moon's iconic Putney stage opens our week on Friday 12 June with Hardwicke Circus, the Carlisle band known for big, brassy, Springsteen-meets-the-Clash shows. Exactly the kind of sweaty, joyful gig this 60-year-old venue was built for. From 8pm, tickets £8 in advance. Run away with the Circus

The Kast Off Kinks, featuring former members of The Kinks, bring that legendary back catalogue roaring back to life at the Half Moon on Sunday 14 June. Expect the hits, the deep cuts and stories you will not hear anywhere else. £20 in advance. Join the Village Green crowd

From Tuesday 17 June, Battersea Arts Centre hands its halls to Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf, a playable exhibition of nine holes designed by acclaimed artists, including Miranda July. A UK premiere, gloriously silly, and a rare outing that delights kids and grown-ups alike. Putt around some art

Lavender Print School in Battersea is serving up the most fun workshops around - lino printing, drypoint, watercolour, and even Print & Sip BYOB evenings. From £38 a session, it's hands-on, creative joy for all levels. Grab your spot before they sell out! Grab your spot

Paint inside a stunning 17th-century mansion, right on the banks of the Thames! Arts Richmond's Artist of the Year Competition takes place at the magnificent Ham House on 20th June. Work in the house or gardens, get judged, and win glory in the Great Hall. Pick up a brush

Comedy with a cause this June! Stand Up For Refugees returns to the Clapham Grand on 16th June with a stellar lineup including Shaparak Khorsandi, Tom Ballard and Alison Spittle. Every penny goes to Refugee Action. Tickets from £23.69 - laugh loud, do good. Bag your tickets

The World Cup is coming to Balham Bowls Club - and it's going to be electric. Big screens, craft beers, and a buzzing matchday atmosphere await for every single game, from England vs Croatia to the final. Book your spot now. This summer's going to be unforgettable. Claim your screen

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.

The Curious Drinker: Formerly Craft Gin Club, The Curious Drinker subscription club now includes rum, tequila, whiskey, and other extraordinary spirits - as well as gin of course! Discover premium craft spirits, 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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