Wandsworth & Clapham editor Sam Laurie lists some of her favourite spots in Earlsfield and Southfields
Despite being just a short train journey from Waterloo, these thriving neighbourhoods feel a world away from the jostle of central London. Blessed with tree-lined streets and inviting green spaces, they are home to a growing number of trendy bars, tempting restaurants and interesting independent cafés, as well a sprinkling of specialist food shops.
Both have bags of personality and a real sense of community spirit making them popular with locals and food-loving visitors from across the capital alike. Earlsfield’s buzzy Garratt Lane is an exciting and varied mixture of enticing eateries and welcoming watering holes, and thanks to a mixture of long standing local hangouts and one or two trendy new additions, there is now so much more to Southfields than the world famous tennis tournament.
To whet your appetite further, here’s a few of our favourite places to eat, drink and shop…
Where to eat
Brunch at Ben's Canteen
Brunch at Ben's Canteen
Ben’s Canteen, Earlsfield
Aussie-inspired food is served all day in this stylish neighbourhood brasserie. Great for brunch and Bloody Marys.
The Earl Spencer, Southfields
Exceptional gastro pub awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide in 2015 for its fantastic food.
The Olive Garden, Southfields
A much-loved and atmospheric authentic Italian local.
Cah Chi, Earlsfield
Widely considered one the best places in London for a tasty and authentic Korean barbeque experience.
Franco Manca, Southfields
Recently opened trendy Italian chain, serving up much celebrated sourdough pizzas and organic wine.
The Jolly Gardeners, Earlsfield
Fantastic gastro pub with former Masterchef winner Dhruv Baker, at the helm.
Where to drink
Bean and Hop, Earlsfield
There is plenty to choose from in this cool little shop with over 70 types of beer and fantastic coffee on offer too.
Grafitti Bar, Earlsfield
A friendly neighbourhood cocktail bar, perfect for a lively Friday night out.
The Park Tavern, Southfields
Sophisticated pub, serving more than 50 craft beers, now with a brand new Head Chef and menu.
The Leather Bottle, Earlsfield
The ideal summer pub with a show-stopping garden complete with comfy garden shacks and shepherds huts available to book.
The Earlsfield, Earlsfield
Originally a train station ticket office in 1884, this stylish spot serves up plenty of local beer from its laid back, characterful bar (and good food in its dining room too).
Where to shop
Fresh fruit from the farmer's market
Wimbledon Park Farmers Market
Around 20 stalls pop up every Saturday offering free range meat, cheese, fresh veg, juice, plants, organic produce and more, all fresh from the farm.
Chanteroy, Southfields
Authentic and very popular small French deli filled with Gallic goodness such as fresh cheeses and meat. Worth the queue for great baguette sandwiches at lunchtime too.
De Rosier, Southfields
Small, independent chocolate café where you can pick up some terrific award-winning handmade chocs.
Amaranth Too, Earlsfield
A fab family-owned Thai takeaway with a large, modern oriental deli that stocks everything you need for Thai cooking at home.
Cakes by Robin, Southfields
Pre-order an incredible bespoke cake by Robin and you can collect it from her little shop. Notable projects include Gary Barlow’s 40th birthday cake!
Best for Vintage Treasures
Looking for a perfect retro clock or vintage mirror to snazz up your hallway? This is the go-to place for something a bit different – it’s a wonderfully eclectic mix of quirky, retro and kitsch furniture and home-ware. 812 Garratt Lane, London, SW17 0LZ;
5 great ideas for April
- Enjoy world class Indian sitar music: Baluji Shrivastav, the blind performer recently awarded an OBE for services to music (he founded the Inner Vision Orchestra for blind and visually impaired performers), is one of the world’s greatest instrumentalists. Enjoy the Best of Baluji Shrivastav at Earlsfield’s newly-refurbished Tara Theatre on April 1, tickets at tara-arts.com
- Go to the panto: Relive the magic tale of Rapunzel as never before in this zany pantomime by Southfields Theatre Group on April 6-8 at The Aspire Centre, SW18 5JU. Performances Thurs/Fri 7pm and Sat, 2.30 and 7pm; southfieldstheatregroup.org.uk
- Learn a new type of martial art: Choi Kwang Do is an easy-to-learn martial art that uses yoga-based stretching to develop your flexibility. Beginners (both adults and kids) are welcome to come along for a free taster session at Martial Arts and Yoga in Earlsfield; earlsfieldmartialartsandyoga.com
- Try your hand at golf: Never played? Central London Golf Centre on Burntwood Lane runs free taster sessions every Saturday at 3pm (kids every Sunday at 1pm). clgc.co.uk
- Book the kids in for Easter ballet fun: Cinderella ballet and softplay – what’s not to love? Deborah Jane School of Dance hosts holiday ballet workshops at Earlsfield’s soft play centre Eddie Catz, on April 4 and 5. (For wannabe popstars see Dance Grooves Singalong on April 11); eddiecatz.com
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