Furzedown Student Village and Cedars Hall are located in the up-and-coming area of Tooting which is full of hidden gems at very affordable prices. Whether it’s shopping, dancing or eating there’s something around the corner for everyone. Here is our selection of top ten places in the local area to help you take a break from your busy week at university.
1) Breakfast or Brunch
Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the high street, literally 5 minutes away from Furzedown or Cedars on Moyser Road, there is a special little independent café, Cut the Mustard. It’s the perfect spot for speciality coffee, brunch, freshly baked sourdough bread, freshly baked pastries and cakes, you name it!
2) Local Pizzeria
Naked Loaf is little pizzeria tucked away in the heart of Furzedown first started out as a small neighbourhood bakery run by a Spanish family selling delicious artisan breads using hand crafting techniques. It still serves as a bakery today, but in the evening turns it trade to crafting great tasting Tuscan pizzas and other Italian favourites.
3) The best local pub
Graveney and Meadow sits in the heart of Tooting on Mitcham Road, where you’ll find a unique all-day community café and bar serving great coffee, craft beer, cocktails, and a great food menu. During the summer months the kitchen moves into the outdoor ‘Salvador Lane’ barbecue, taking advantage of the vast outdoor seating area. On Friday and Saturday evenings there are DJs, and on alternate Sundays live jazz from 3pm.
4) Tooting Market
Tooting Market, Voted Best Small Indoor Market in the UK at the Great British Market Awards 2017 is a true hidden treasure. Although it’s been in existence since 1930, the recent addition of some hip new stalls has seen the market rejuvenated. There are numerous world food and vintage shops, plus some excellent spots to sit down for a drink or meal, including the excellent Secret Bar, The Athenean and even a Franco Manca.
5) Nightlife
The hub of Tooting’s nightlife is the Tram and Social. Tucked down a little alleyway, during the day you will probably miss it, but at night it comes alive. With its vintage feel and ever-changing live bands, it has a great atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. It’s perfect for a cheap night out and the best part is you can walk home so no paying out for an Uber.
6) Tooting Bec Common and Lido
If you’re feeling tired of the city, take a stroll to Tooting Bec common. With its acres of greenery and picturesque café it is sure to brighten your frame of mind. In the summer, there is also the famous outdoor Lido. Not only is it the largest in the country, but its only £4.60 for student entry.
7) In Wimbledon
If you’re wanting to escape from the mad London rush, take a day out and relax up in Wimbledon Village. With organic supermarkets and great charity shops brightening up your wardrobe at a tiny cost!
Suburban Bar is the place to head for an evening of happy hour and cocktails. Tasty cocktails and classic tunes in a warm and welcoming environment. Whether you fancy a chilled out night, glass of wine in hand with a friend by the fireplace or a funky cocktail dancing the night away, this is the place to be. Most nights are happy hour from 5-8pm.
8) Student Shopping
Tooting has all the essentials for a good food shop. With Lidl and Aldi down the road from Tooting Broadway Station, you can be sure to save those pennies. Not to mention the fresh fruit and vegetables in the street markets at amazing prices. If you are a shopaholic, don’t panic, Tooting has everything you could possibly need. There are several clothes shops nearby including New Look, TK Maxx, Primark and more.
9) In Clapham
Just opposite Clapham Common tube station and a stone’s throw from Clapham Common, The Belle Vue is a community hub offering craft beers, veggie and vegan food options and board games. Whether you’re heading down for our quiz on Tuesday nights or some live music on Friday evening, you’re always going to get a warm welcome and deals on food and drinks.
For a completely different festive experience, it is worth visiting Winterville 2018 in Clapham Common from 15th November to the 23rd December 2018. Enjoy a winter-themed adventure park with ice skating, festive shows, Christmas shopping, crazy golf, cinema, and street food.
10) Shake it off – Sports
Join the world of social sports and get your healthy dose of endorphins every week with Go Mammoth. As the UK’s largest social sports & fitness club, GO Mammoth exists simply to make your life more fun without the seriousness and commitment involved in joining a specialist sports club and definitely more social than joining a gym. You can check what sports activities are going on using your postcode.
There are also weekly free yoga sessions on Mondays in the Common Room of Cedars Hall from 7pm to 8pm brought to you by the UAL Social Programme.