If you’re a foodie, then you’re in for a treat. A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of dining at Black Radish in Colliers Wood. Having nearly exploded after six courses, I decided it might be worth writing about my experience. Scroll down for some insight and pictures.

Of course we have your usual news snippets, a great property of the week and some lovely and varied recommendations for the coming days.

Oh, and one last thing. We put the spotlight on some locals who are running the London Marathon this weekend. If you have the capacity, please click here and scroll down to read their stories and donate (if you can).

Share

News snippets 🗞

🚦 Good news! Passengers on the District Line should soon see long-awaited improvements after TfL and Network Rail confirmed plans to improve the signals that control the Wimbledon branch of the line. The upgrade will focus on the most failure-prone part of the line between Wimbledon and East Putney. For far too long, the Wimbledon branch has been reliant on Victorian-era track layouts and outdated equipment. The project will not involve a full resignalling, but it will bring the infrastructure closer to modern standards. Read more here.

🗳 It’s a “battle of step counts” for the May elections in Merton. Liberal Democrat leader on the council, Anthony Fairclough, said he is doing 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day. Labour's Ross Garrod, the current council leader, says he is doing the same. Click here to read the BBC’s behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming elections.

🪧 A teacher’s strike in Merton is set to go ahead next month. School support staff at 22 primary schools in Merton have voted to strike for one day – on Friday 1 May – because of a pay dispute affecting several outer London boroughs. In a press release, the council urged GMB to cancel the strikes and instead take up mediation with local government. Check out more details here.

🎓 Eighty-six per cent of children in Merton receive offers from their first-choice primary school, according to new data from the council. More than 95 per cent of children have been offered a place in one of their top three preferred primary schools, and 86 per cent received their first-choice place. Parents, of course, will need to take up offers for their children, and responses need to be received by 30 April.

🎉 Three new stores are set to open in Wimbledon Quarter this year. The first (coming early summer) is Jungle Berry, a healthy, sustainable açai store offering healthy food and refreshing drinks. The second (coming late summer) is Lovisa, a fashion-forward Australian jewellery brand. The third (coming in autumn) is Inner Strength, a space dedicated to teaching yoga to athletes.

Property of the week 🏡

This is certainly one of the most modern properties we’ve featured. This five-bedroom semi-detached house comes with everything from a built-in wine fridge to artificial grass and a dedicated patio area for barbecuing in the garden. But what about the price. This one comes in at a cool £2m. Check out more photos here.

The Wimble’s to-do list 🎯

🎨 Exhibition: 20th Century French & Italian Paintings: Head to Wimbledon Fine Art as they host a new exhibition of 20th-century French & Italian paintings from a range of artists including Regis Bouvier de Cachard, Andre Raffin, Maurice Boitel, Roberto Ferruzzi and Michel Maly.

Where: Wimbledon Fine Art

When: Sunday 26 April – Sunday 10 May (12–3pm on Sunday 26 April)

🎶 The Making Of ABBA: The Story Of The Band’s 1975 Breakthrough Album: Author Joe Matera is at Wimbledon Library, sharing the story of ABBA’s self-titled 1975 classic, from writing to global commercial breakthrough. The event is free, but you’ll need to book a space here as it’s a highly sought-after event.

Where: Wimbledon Library

When: Tuesday 28 April, 7.30pm

🥂 La Crème de la Crémant: Crémant generally specialises in the grape varieties of the region and is made in both white and rosé styles. It’s almost always cheaper than champagne, but it is often equally as high in quality. Head to Amathus next week to try six varieties from different regions. Tickets are £40 per person.

Where: Amathus, Wimbledon Village

When: Wednesday 29 April, 6.30–8pm

🦪 Rocks x Guinness: It might shock you, but oysters and Guinness are actually a fantastic combination. Get yourself to the Rose & Crown next week to find out for yourself! Watch professional shuckers at work as they prepare the freshest oysters, served both beautifully chilled and indulgently hot. Expect bold pairings, including rich Guinness Welsh Rarebit, crafted to elevate every bite and sip. Book here.

Where: Rose & Crown

When: Saturday 2 May, 2–4pm

🏎 Southside Hustle Classic Car Meet: This informal meeting of classic car owners in Wimbledon (and the surrounding areas) features a stunning array of cars — some of which are extremely rare. If you’re a petrolhead, or you just like the idea of a bunch of classic cars in one place, then head to Wimbledon Village next Sunday.

Where: Wimbledon Common Southside near the farmers’ market.

When: Sunday 3 May, 8–11am

🦅 International Dawn Chorus Day Bird Walk: This event has the earliest start of any we’ve promoted. Join local volunteer bird expert Les Evans-Hill at 4.45am next weekend to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day 2026. The walk will cover some different terrains, and some areas may be wet underfoot, so waterproof footwear is recommended. And bring a pair of binoculars if you have them.

Where: Commons Rangers’ Office

When: Sunday 3 May, 4.45am

An evening at Black Radish: Good things come in small packages 🫑

It’s an unusually warm spring evening as we make our way from Colliers Wood to Black Radish. We take our seats by the window and look out at the bustling traffic along Merantun Way.

Black Radish is an intimate 12-seat Anglo-French dining experience. In layman’s terms, that means you pay £85 for six courses and don’t ask if they “do chips with that”. The first dish – which is not actually part of the set menu but is given to tables as a quasi-amuse-bouche – is a selection of pickled beetroots. I’ve never been a fan of beetroots. But in this instance, the pickling has worked wonders, and I find myself genuinely enjoying the experience (for the first time in my life). The first “official” course is a selection of Mexican marigold-smoked eel croustades and canapé-sized portions of cultured butter Cornish sea bass. It might be small, but it’s an exceptionally well-balanced dish and the perfect way to start the meal.

We then move on to one of Black Radish’s showstoppers: agnolotti (pasta) filled with Wimbledon Quarter Rooftop Farm’s mushrooms and wild garlic. This is a real sit-back-in-your-chair-in-disbelief kind of dish. With so few ingredients, Toby and the team have done something magnificent. It’s a dish that works perfectly this time of year – hearty enough for the colder evenings but with that fresh zing you expect during springtime.

Throughout the meal, we sample a few glasses of wine (a makeshift “wine flight”, if you will). The first glass we order is the Tokaj Dry Furmint from 2020. Tokaj is a legendary Hungarian wine known for its intense sweetness and aromas of citrus fruits (chiefly orange peel) and honeysuckle. Tokaj tends to be drunk as a dessert wine, but in this case we’ve got a dry variety that works and pairs perfectly with our next dish: line-caught pollock, Cornish lobster and Datterini tomatoes.

I am already starting to feel slightly full when the next plate arrives: rose veal, sweetbread, asparagus, and broad beans paired with black garlic. Without a doubt, this is one of the finest cuts of meat I’ve had in years. The expression “melt in your mouth” is overused when talking about food, but in this case it really is the only descriptor that does the veal justice. The sweet molasses flavours from the black garlic offset the richness of the meat perfectly. It’s a dish I’ll be thinking about for a long time. For this dish, the sommelier recommends an orange wine from Portugal. Orange wine has become something of a trend in recent years. But what people don’t tend to realise is that orange wine can vary significantly in its flavour. I prefer a lighter orange wine – they tend to have less of that cidery-tannic aftertaste – and this one is just that. At the same time, it’s got enough of a body to stand up to the meat course.

Then we’re on to the beetroot sorbet. As I said before, I’m not a beetroot guy – but whatever they’re doing to the beetroots in the kitchen has me questioning my former convictions. It’s an earthy and sweet dessert that cleanses the palate after all the rich and delicate flavours from the previous courses. It is also delicious. This is followed by a rich chocolate dessert that I adore but struggle to finish – I’ve been eating for nearly three hours at this point, so you can hardly blame me.

We leave Black Radish slightly dazed after such an immersive experience. I wave goodbye to Toby, though he’s got his head down fixing up a table’s dessert from the open kitchen. Black Radish is one of SW19’s finest restaurants — there is no doubt about that. And while it may not be the cheapest restaurant, it’s certainly one that you won’t forget. Let’s hope for Black Radish’s continued success — and for many mouthwatering multi-course dinners to come.

Check out Black Radish’s website for opening times and for booking.

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked you which sport was the favourite among locals before tennis? The answer: croquet.

Q: Which pub in Wimbledon Village was a stop for stagecoaches before the area had a train station?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of The Wimble. I hope you enjoyed our little feature on Black Radish. Do book yourself a spot – tables tend to go quickly. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time. Oh, and good luck to all the locals running the marathon this weekend!

Share

Leave a comment

We’re keeping it compact for this edition, with a feature on several readers running this year’s London Marathon. Scroll down to hear about their charities, training and targets. We’ve also got a packed list of recommendations for the coming days (many of which are free to attend), a stunning property of the week and your usual news snippets. There’s been an update on the crash that occurred at the Study Prep in 2023, which claimed the lives of two eight-year-old girls. Scroll down to read more.

Other than that, do get in touch if you have any stories you think we should cover: zak@thewimble.com.

GET IN TOUCH

News snippets 🗞

🚔 Eleven police officers are being investigated by the institutional watchdog over their handling of the crash at the Study Prep School in 2023. Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau (both eight years old) died after a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle ploughed into the school as the students were celebrating the last day of the summer term. Freemantle was arrested, but police later said that she had suffered an epileptic seizure and would face no criminal charges.

Now the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is looking into “concerns about the standard of the investigation”. It is also investigating whether the Met provided false and misleading information to families, and whether the officers’ treatment of them was influenced by their race. After pursuing “new lines of inquiry”, Freemantle was re-arrested in January last year on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail. Evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on 17 March this year, and it is aiming for a decision by the end of this month. Click here to read The Times’ deep-dive into the ongoing situation.

⚽️ As part of a new multi-year partnership, AFC Wimbledon will work with Big Motoring World, one of the UK’s largest independent used-car supermarkets, for a range of community-focused projects. Special events will be held at Big Motoring World’s “supermarket” across from the stadium on Waterside Way. Click here to read more about their upcoming events.

🐣 Wimbledon Quarter had a record-breaking year this Easter. From Saturday 28 March to Sunday 12 April, the Quarter had over 301,943 visitors (that’s a lot of people joining in for the Easter egg hunt). Over the two-week period, 14,500 Easter eggs were handed out for free, with 350 children taking part in the activity. And perhaps the highlight for the little ones was their chance to meet the Easter Bunny himself! Well done to everyone involved for bringing joy to the area this holiday season.

Property of the week 🏡

You really couldn’t get much closer to Wimbledon station if you tried. This four-bedroom, semi-detached house on Courthope Villas is a lovely blend of spacious and homey. You’re also right on top of the shops and Wimbledon’s town centre, which is always a plus. But how much? £1.8m. Affordable? Not really. The most expensive property in the area? Far from it. Check out more photos here.

The Wimble’s to-do list 🎯

🖼 Cover Stories by Cathy Corbishley Michel: This exhibition brings together 30 years of art quilts from small wall hangings to bed-sized quilts. Some of our readers may remember Cathy from our piece last year, when we went to her previous exhibition, Blueprinting History. Click here to give it a read. Make sure to get down to this new one — it’s also free!

Where: Stableyard Exhibition Space, Morden Hall Park

When: Sunday 29 March – Sunday 26 April, 10.30am – 3pm

♠️ Whist with a Twist: Enjoy a sociable night of cards with a twist (a tasty meal) in aid of Merton Winter Night Shelter. The suggested donation price is £25 for adults and £15 for children. Tickets include wine, nibbles and a two-course meal. Contact Jane Long (jane.long@me.com) for further details and to reserve tickets.

Where: St John the Baptist

When: Saturday 18 April, 7–10.30pm

🎨 Worple Art Group Spring Exhibition: Head to St Mark’s Church for a showcase of over 200 original paintings and drawings by 17 local artists. Admission is free, so bring whoever you want. Click here to read more.

Where: St Mark’s Church, Wimbledon

When: Friday 17 April, 3–7pm & Saturday 18 April, 10am – 5.30pm

🥃 Silkie Irish whiskey sampling: A collection of exceptionally soft whiskeys, the Silkies give an insight into the rich, smoky style of whiskey for which Donegal distillers were once famed — and which the Sliabh Liag Distillers are now reviving. Alan McHugh will guide you as you try all three of the core Silkie whiskeys: the Legendary Silkie, the Legendary Dark Silkie and the Legendary Midnight Silkie. Alan will also be mixing up some delicious whiskey-based cocktails for refreshing summer drinking, along with a Silkie take on a classic Manhattan. And the event is entirely free!

Where: Amathus, Wimbledon Village

When: Saturday 18 April, 12–5pm

💍 Wedding showcase at the Coach House: Thinking about popping the question? If so, head to see the beautiful Coach House, a wedding venue located in the heart of Wimbledon Village. This is your chance to talk to their wedding team and meet local suppliers. And even if it’s not for you, it’s still a nice day out.

Where: Coach House at the Dog & Fox

When: Sunday 19 April, 12–3pm

🌲 Guided tree walk at Cannizaro Park: Join arboriculturist Greg Packman in exploring the park’s tree collection, which just so happens to be one of the most diverse collections in Greater London. There are over 200 species originating from all over the world. Tickets are £10 per person and can be booked here.

Where: Cannizaro Park

When: Saturday 25 April, 11am – 1pm

🛍 Community markets at Wimbledon Quarter: The markets will showcase around 30 carefully selected stalls celebrating the very best culture, fashion, arts and crafts, lifestyle and artisan food that Wimbledon and Merton have to offer. Families are warmly welcomed, with live DJ sets and children’s craft activities running across both days.

Where: Wimbledon Quarter

When: Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 April, 10am–6pm

Meet the Wimblers running the London Marathon this year 🏃‍♀️💨

Running the London Marathon is no walk in the park (literally). It takes courage and determination to get across that finish line, and the runners need as much support as they can get. As the marathon is next Sunday, I thought it would be a nice idea to spotlight some of the Wimbers running this year and show them some support. Click on the button below each profile to visit their fundraising pages and read more. The Wimble and Wimbledon Quarter are also donating £50 to each of these runners to keep the ball rolling on their fundraising!

Dean Parson (Haydon the Womble) — Dons Local Action (£10,000 target)

Dean has been the man behind the mask of Haydon the Womble since 2006. To celebrate, Dean (and Haydon) are running 26.2 miles… in the full mascot suit. It’s hard enough to run a marathon as it is, but doing so with a huge Womble mask on your head is taking it to the next level. Haydon the Womble is the embodiment of community spirit, and so it makes perfect sense that Dean is running the marathon this year to raise money for Dons Local Action. Dons do so much for our community, but they need our support to keep going. The Dons are also no strangers to physical feats. Last year, their co-founder Xavier Wiggins walked to all 92 professional football league clubs in the EFL over 92 days (read our interview here).

Dean's (Haydon's) page

Wayne and Lauren Weaver (father and daughter) — Anaphylaxis UK (£2,000 target)

Wayne has lived in Wimbledon for over 27 years, and his daughter, Lauren, has spent most of her life in SW19. The father-daughter duo are running the London Marathon for the first time this year in support of Anaphylaxis UK. Lauren suffers from a severe nut allergy, and the family says they have benefitted from the charity’s work for over 20 years. Anaphylaxis UK is the only UK-wide charity operating solely for the growing numbers of people at risk of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. As Wayne points out on his fundraising page, over 2 million people have a food allergy in the UK, and hospital admissions due to allergies and anaphylaxis in England have nearly doubled in the last 20 years.

Living with a severe allergy can cause significant amounts of stress, as Lauren explains “While it is something I have learnt to manage, it adds a layer of persistent stress to everyday activities. Simple things that many take for granted – such as eating out with friends, attending social events, or travelling — require constant vigilance and forward planning to ensure my safety.”

Wayne's page

Lauren's page

Chrissie Ely – Street Child (£2,500 target)

This is Chrissie’s first ever marathon. For the past year, she has been developing herself as a runner and has been training hard in anticipation of next Sunday’s challenge. Chrissie is running the London Marathon for Street Child, an international children’s education charity active in more than 20 of the world’s most low-income and disaster-struck countries to try and break down all the barriers that prevent a child from being safe, in school and learning. Chrissie wrote that she was drawn to Street Child because of their focus on education in emergencies: “This includes children currently living on or near the front line in Ukraine, where Street Child (with their corporate partner Infosys) established digital learning centres providing access to educational and mental health support.”

Chrissie's page

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I gave you a list of actors from The Crown and asked which of them was born in Wimbledon. The answer: Ben Miles (who played Peter Townsend).

Q: What was the original local sport of Wimbledon (before tennis)?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition. Please check out the fundraising pages for all our readers running the London Marathon this year. And get yourself along to some of the activities recommended in our to-do list. If you have a story or an idea, please get in touch with zak@thewimble.com. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you on Thursday!

Share

Leave a comment

This week we’ve got a rather special piece about Cerys San Martin-Davies. Cerys is a local nine-year-old girl who was just awarded runner-up in the Mini Maestro Awards. Her work has also been presented at the Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists’ Summer Show, and she previously received a special commendation from the Royal Society of Biology at age six for her depiction of the Great Barrier Reef. In short, Cerys is making waves in the art world — and she’s not even 10 yet! Scroll down to read about when I met the San Martin-Davies family.

We’ve also got your usual news snippets, a beautiful property of the week and some post-Easter recommendations to keep you going as the weather gets lovelier.

Happy reading!

News snippets 🗞

🗳 The local elections are being held on Thursday 7 May. Merton’s voting history has been interesting over the years. The borough switched between Conservative and Labour in the 1960s and early 1970s. It was then controlled by the Tories from 1974–1990, where it then switched back to Labour. It was under no overall control from 2006–2014 but has been Labour-controlled since then. Of course, it’s incredibly hard to accurately predict elections, but the BBC has put together a rather informative profile on Merton which you can read here. Click the link to learn about Merton’s electoral history, population size and more.

↗️ After receiving funding from Merton Council, Love Wimbledon started the refresh of Hartfield Walk (the space next to Robert Dyas). The work started on Monday 30 March and will last for several weeks. It will include rebuilding the entrance arch, renovating the kiosks and removing rotten seating. Once the seating has been removed, the team will survey the site to establish what remedial works are needed before planters are added and they install new seating. Click here to read more.

🎉 This year, Merton Park Bowls Club reached a significant milestone: its centenary year. For 100 years, this club has been a quiet but enduring presence in the heart of Merton. Founded in 1926, the club began modestly, originally playing on a green near what was then little more than a car park. Like many bowls clubs of its era, Merton Park initially reflected the social norms of early 20th-century Britain, operating as a men’s club only. However, a significant moment of progress came in 1962 with the formation of a women’s section. The club will be holding an open day on Saturday 9 May to allow local members of the public to visit, try their hand at bowls and get a feel for the club. In addition, they run regular introductory sessions on Monday evenings from 6pm until dusk, starting on Monday 4 May, 2026. Find out more from their website: www.mertonparkbowls.com. Also, check out our piece with the club from last year.

This week’s Wimble sponsor ⛳️

The Masters kicks off today. What better way to spend the tournament than at Caddi Club in Wimbledon Quarter? There will be speciality cocktails, food aplenty and competitions to win drivers, lessons and golf balls. Plus, Caddi has a fully stocked bar and a cracking food menu, so they’ve got you covered for replenishments.

Property of the week 🏡

It’s incredible how property prices change over such short distances. This three-bedroom brick-fronted Apostle house is in great condition. It’s even got a modern loft extension. But it’s half the price of a property in Wimbledon’s centre. This particular home will set you back £900,000. I’m not saying that it’s cheap, but it’s certainly better than your average property in SW19. Check out more photos here.

The Wimble’s to-do list 🎯

🎭 We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Separate from Polka’s Easter workshops, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt returns to Wimbledon after a hugely successful spring run in 2022. Little Angel Theatre brings Michael Rosen’s thrilling and funny adventure to life in this puppetry production. Directed by Peter Glanville, it features music and lyrics by renowned singer-songwriter Barb Jungr. Book your tickets here.

Where: Polka Theatre

When: Wednesday 25 March – Sunday 12 April

💃 Easter dance camp: The holidays are coming to an end, but we’ve still got a few days to go. If you’re wondering what to do with your little ones, look no further. These two days of dancing fun are suitable for children aged 3–12 years old. The camp costs £132 per child (so not the cheapest of Easter activities), but it promises to create some great memories, both for kids and relieved parents who can pack them off for a 48 hour stretch! Book here.

Where: St Mary’s Church Garden Hall

When: Thursday 9 – Friday 10 April, 10am – 4pm

🇮🇹 ‘Unsung Italy’ wine tasting: Italy produces some of the world’s finest wines (and I’m not talking about the paint-stripper Chianti you get at your local pizzeria). Every region of Italy produces fascinating and distinctive wines, many of which fly under the radar. This tasting focuses on the lesser-known appellations: Umbria, Campania and Friuli. The team will also provide nibbles. Tickets are £35 and can be bought here.

Where: Jeroboams, Wimbledon Village

When: Friday 10 April, 6–7.30pm

🎻 Bach to Baby: The critically acclaimed concert for babies, toddlers and their parents or guardians comes to Wimbledon this Easter. Enjoy outstanding musicians and performances designed for the whole family. Tickets are £17.70 and can be bought here.

Where: Trinity United Reformed Church

When: Saturday 16 April, 3–3.45pm

🎨 Worple Art Group Spring Exhibition: Head to St Mark’s Church for a showcase of over 200 original paintings and drawings by 17 local artists. Admission is free, so bring whoever you want. Click here to read more.

Where: St Mark’s Church, Wimbledon

When: Friday 17 (3–7pm) — Saturday 18 April (10am – 5.30pm)

🥕 MasterChef: The Professionals Six Hands Supper Club: Orion’s Chef Patron Alex Webb is joined in Wimbledon by his fellow MasterChef: The Professionals finalists Bart and Philli. Three chefs. One menu. A celebration of the finest culinary skills. Book a table here.

Where: Saturday 18 April, 12.15–1.45pm

Meet the Wimbledon nine-year-old making waves in the art world 🖼

It’s one of the nicest days of the year as I make my way from Wimbledon South to Merton Park. I’m heading to the San Martin-Davies household to meet Cerys and her family. Cerys is a nine-year-old artist who is having something of a moment in the art world right now. Just two weeks ago, her life-size painting was awarded runner-up at the Hari Hotel Mini Maestro Awards. But this isn’t Cerys’s first taste of success. At age seven, her work was presented at the Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists’ Summer Show. She also previously received a special commendation from the Royal Society of Biology at age six for her depiction of the Great Barrier Reef. In short, Cerys has racked up a huge list of achievements, and all before the age of 10. When her father Gonzalo got in touch with The Wimble, I decided to pay the family a visit and see Cerys’s art first-hand.

Gonzalo and his wife Julia greet me at the door. Behind them stands Cerys and her twin brother Rhys, who has just got back from playing touch rugby and fancies a go on his electric guitar. Julia tells me that they only moved into this house at Christmas. “It took a lot of work,” she says. It has evidently paid off: the converted space at the back of the house pools with natural light, and the table covered in art supplies gives it the feel of a painter’s studio. And, in essence, it is. When the four of us sit down at the table, Cerys’s piece “Maths Blanket” leans against the wall beside me. “She was six when she made that… seven when it went up,” says Gonzalo. “We realised then that it wasn’t just us seeing Cerys’s talent.”

“I had some help,” chimes Cerys. “But the ideas are always mine.” Gonzalo and Julia laugh. Cerys has been creating since she was a toddler. Gonzalo explains she has always had an incredible command of colour. “She would tell us that these colours actually meant something. Even when she was tiny, she would say things like ‘that’s a house’ and ‘that’s a mountain’.” At first, Julia and Gonzalo thought it was just a cute hobby. Their backgrounds are in science and, by their own admission, not creative. When Cerys had her work accepted into the Royal Academy, her parents thought it was a one-time thing. But then the art kept on coming.

I ask Cerys why she decided to make that first tapestry. Rhys, who has now finished playing guitar and joined us, is the mathematician out of the two of them. “Rhys likes maths. I like art and joining things together,” Cerys tells me. It would seem “Maths Blanket” was, for Cerys, a way of bridging the art and science world. Gonzalo then brings out a scrappy piece of paper. On it is a small, delicate drawing of a vase and flowers. “I find this astonishing,” says Gonzalo. “Cerys was just doodling this. We thought nothing of it. We were about to throw it away when she said, ‘Wait, I might do something with that.’ Then a few weeks ago she did this.” Gonzalo and Julia show me a canvas with a flower assembled through textiles. Cerys had used the fabrics from when the family were picking material for their new sofa, and it’s striking how meticulous her colour choices are.

But what’s it like to be the parents of a rising star? What advice would Julia and Gonzalo give others who are just realising that their little one has a knack for a particular field? “I think it’s about paying attention,” says Julia. “We didn’t to begin with. Cerys has been drawing, painting and asking for art equipment since she was teeny. As important as school is, children are capable of doing a lot more than you think they are. I think unless you’re artists or creatives yourself, you’re in danger of minimising it because you don’t understand.”

Gonzalo nods. “And let them lead a little bit,” he adds. “It’s easy for parents to over-schedule their children and, by accident, tell their kids what it is that they should focus on. Some things you can’t avoid. We all need to reach a certain baseline at maths and English to get on in this world. But beyond that, let them lead a little bit and see where their passion takes them, not your passion.”

I say my goodbyes to Cerys and Rhys (who has also shown me some of his awesome drawings of beasts from video games) and make my way back to Wimbledon South in unusually sunny weather. As I walk, I reflect on the fact that we often forget how capable children are at creating their own work and how important it is to nourish talent from an early age. Meeting the San Martin-Davies family was more than just the highlight of my week; it was a reminder to champion all of the talented members in our community, whether they’re nine or 90.

Check out Cerys’s art Instagram here (run by her parents).

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked you what the name of the Roman road that passed through Colliers Wood to Chichester was called. The answer: Stane Street.

Q: Which of these stars from The Crown was born in Wimbledon?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of The Wimble. I hope you enjoyed our spotlight on Cerys San Martin-Davies. Do send in local success stories for your chance to be featured: zak@thewimble.com. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.

Leave a comment

This week we’ve got an interview with Richard Cohen, the chair of SW19’s largest running club, the Wimbledon Windmilers. Formed in 1980 and now with over 550 active members, the Windmilers are nothing short of a Wimbledon institution. But not all of us are avid runners. In fact, many of us — myself included — are out of practice when it comes to running. Sitting down with Richard, I asked him how such a large group of runners deals with novices (like myself) joining. Scroll down to see what he said.

We also have your usual news snippets, a great property of the week and some recommendations to keep you busy in the days ahead. Let us know in the comments below if you have any Easter activities or traditions that you fancy sharing with other readers.

Happy reading!

News snippets 🗞

🏗 Construction begins on Merton’s first new council homes in a generation. The work is being carried out on 75 new council homes across three sites in the borough. The developments are supported by a multimillion-pound investment from the Mayor of London’s Affordable Homes programme (2021–26). Each home will have “PassivHaus” principles, which means they will be energy-efficient and more sustainable, and are set to be finished in 2027. Elm Nursery in Mitcham will have 21 homes, and Raleigh Gardens in Mitcham will have 36 homes made up of one and two-bedroom flats. Farm Road in Morden will have 18 new council homes made up of one and two-bedroom flats and larger homes for families. Click here to read more.

🌳 New “pocket parks” have been opening across Merton. These small but impactful spaces aim to bring nature closer to communities by supporting wellbeing and creating habitats for wildlife. There are 20 locations across the borough (one in each ward) and have been introduced as part of Merton’s 60th anniversary. Click here to see where your nearest “pocket park” is.

🗳 Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler, is among 12 councillors stepping down from Merton council ahead of the upcoming local elections. The 12 known departing councillors come from Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Kohler, a Lib Dem, is stepping down to focus on his parliamentary duties full-time. Click here to read a full list of those stepping down.

🐄 The date for Deen City Farm’s annual fundraiser event “Farm Fest” has just been announced. Join the farm on Saturday 27 June for a day of fun and celebrations. The itinerary is yet to be revealed, but if it’s anything like last year, we’re in for a treat. Tickets are £2 for 16+, £1 for those ages 12—15 and children under 11 go free. The festival will last from 10am – 7pm, with the last entry being at 6pm. Keep your eyes peeled for more info.

Property of the week 🏡

This three-bedroom Grade II-listed apartment is only a short walk from Wimbledon town centre and south Wimbledon. It has a great amount of space for an apartment, though I think its most winning feature is that metal spiral staircase that leads to the upstairs bedroom. But what does it cost? This particular flat will set you back just shy of £1.1m. Not the cheapest flat in Wimbledon. Not the most expensive, either. Check out more photos here.

The Wimble’s to-do list 🎯

🎨 Easter face painting: Join the landlady of the Rose & Crown and the rest of her team for a day of face painting and Easter celebrations. There will even be a chance for your children to show off their Easter card-making skills. This event is free, and no booking is required.

Where: Rose & Crown

When: Saturday 4 April, 12–3pm

🐇 Meet the Easter Bunny: Celebrate the magic of Easter with a special “Meet the Easter Bunny” event. There will be an Easter storytime, a meet and greet, arts and crafts, magic tricks, face painting and more. Tickets are £10 per child. Book here.

Where: Wimbledon Quarter

When: Saturday 4 April, 11am–5pm (each session is 45 minutes)

🐴 Holistic horse care: This is your chance to spend a calm 75 minutes connecting with horses in a safe and relaxed environment. The session begins with an introduction to horse behaviour, including flight instincts, body language, and how horses perceive their surroundings. Then you will move on to hands-on time with the horses, guided by experienced instructors, where you’ll learn the basics of safe handling and grooming, observe how horses respond to calm, consistent communication, and discover techniques that promote horse well-being. Note that there is no riding involved. Tickets are £40 for non-members. Book your spot here.

Where: Wimbledon Village Stables

When: Tuesday 7 April, 1.45–3pm

📜 Cleopatra: Image and Reality: Cleopatra is undeniably one of the most interesting figures in history. This lecture by Dr Stephen Kershaw will focus on her personality, the events of her life, the men in it and the cultural context of the time. Members go free. £10 for everyone else. Click here for more information.

Where: The Sacred Heart Church Hall

When: Wednesday 8 April, 8pm

🍾 Castelnau Champagne sampling: A grower cooperative, Champagne Castelnau sources their grapes from over 800 hectares across 150 crus, producing some exceptional-value and highly acclaimed Champagnes, well known for their extensive lees ageing. Some very technical words there, but all you really need to know is that it tastes delicious. You’ll be guided through three of Castelnau’s cuvées – their Brut NV, Rosé NV and exceptional vintage Blanc de Blancs – and understand what all the fuss is about. Oh, and did I mention that this tasting is free? That’s right. What are you waiting for?

Where: Amathus, Wimbledon Village

When: Saturday 11 April, 12–4pm

🎉 2026 Songkran Festival: Celebrate the Thai New Year and experience the beautiful traditions of Thai culture. Join others at Buddhapadipa Temple for traditional blessings, Thai food and community celebrations. Members, volunteers and children under 12 go free. Tickets are £3 for non-members. This year’s event also coincides with the temple’s 60th anniversary.

Where: Buddhapadipa Temple

When: Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 April, 10am – 5pm

🥕 Taste of The Rooftop Farm: Join The Rooftop Farm for an exclusive evening to taste a variety of dishes made using ingredients from the farm. The event is hosted in The Fire Station Café, located on Queens Road on the ground floor of Wimbledon Quarter (opposite the police station). Expect cocktails and mocktails made with the farm’s honey, tasting bites with fresh farm produce, talks by special guests Vanessa Marx (Bingham Riverhouse) and Toby Cartwright (Black Radish), a chat with resident beekeeper Barnaby and a guided tour of the farm itself. Tickets are £27 per person and will sell out very fast, so grab them here now!

Where: The Fire Station Café, Wimbledon Quarter

When: Tuesday 12 May, 6–8pm

‘We believe that running is for everyone’: Meet Wimbledon’s largest running club 🏃 💨

Formed in 1980, Wimbledon Windmilers are one of SW19’s oldest and biggest running clubs. I think the name “running club” can be a little scary for people (like me) who consider themselves “bad” at running. But it needn’t be that way. In fact, running clubs are for people of all abilities. They are spaces where everyone should feel welcome. And that ethos is at the heart of the Wimbledon Windmilers’ mission. This week, I sat down with Richard Cohen, the club’s chair, to talk about the impact of running on the community and what it means to be a Windmiler.

Let’s start with your backstory, Richard. How did you join the Windmilers?

I always ran growing up. When I moved from South Africa to the UK, I started running with a friend. But I wanted to build my network. I wanted to find a community of like-minded people that I could call friends. This was over ten years ago, and you didn’t have the running influencers of social media that you see today. You had to rely on more traditional groups like the Windmilers. So I was offered a free trial and was hooked from there. And it was just over a year ago that I took on the role of chair.

What would be your elevator pitch for the Wimbledon Windmilers?

So we’re a running and multi-sports club. Having “multi-sports” adds an additional dimension to the club. First and foremost, we are primarily a running club, but within that we have aspects of swimming and cycling too — and therefore we offer a broader range of activity. Our schedule is very accessible and provides options for everyone. For instance, there are the Tuesday and Thursday night runs around the streets of Wimbledon (or the common during the summer). On a Wednesday evening and Saturday morning, we’ll have track sessions at Wimbledon Park’s track. And on Sunday, we tend to have the social runs. That can be anything from a three mile to seven mile social jog — accommodating all speeds — through to some longer 11+ mile options for those wanting to go longer. If marathons and personal bests are your thing, we can accommodate that. But if you’re just looking for a sociable club to run with once a week, we can be that too.

And what sort of impact do running clubs like the Windmilers have on our community?

Personally, it helped me to be a better and healthier person. I think the community makes you more accountable in a way. I think the communities that form within the club also push you to be better. And these micro-communities work in different ways. There’s a group of Windmilers who meet every Tuesday lunchtime. It’s a very casual social run with a coffee afterwards. Most of these runners are retired or working from home, and thus they have less of an opportunity to meet people. That’s where a club like ours can have a profound impact on the community. It’s a really lovely thing to see. So many of my closest friends have come from the running club.

What I love about our club specifically is how we support one another. Unlike clubs that are focused primarily on performance, our club looks out for our runners. We will always stand by the finish line of a race waiting to clap the last Windmiler in. That sense of community — of cheering people on — is so important to us.

Even now, if I head up to the common for a solo run, I’ll bump into someone I know from the club. To me, that’s so special. When you live in a city that’s as big as London, that feeling of locality is integral. It’s also worth noting for your readers that “running clubs” can sound quite elitist. That’s really not what we’re aiming for. As a club, we’ve got runners who run ultra marathons on a regular basis and people who can complete marathons in two hours and thirty minutes. But we also have people who join us for a short jog each week.

We want a broad range of people joining our club, people from all walks of life. As we continue to grow, I’d like to see even more diversity and variety in the Windmilers.

Membership for Wimbledon Windmilers starts at £37 per person. Anyone interested is welcome to attend a trial session. Membership gives you access to unlimited running and coaching sessions.

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I gave you a list and asked which of the films was shot locally. The answer: Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa

Q: What is the name of the Roman road that passed through Colliers Wood and connected London to Chichester

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of The Wimble. We hope you enjoyed our interview with Richard Cohen, chair of Wimbledon Windmilers. We’re currently getting back to those of you who reached out about the London Marathon. If you haven’t got in touch yet but would like to share your reason for running, email zak@thewimble.com. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next Thursday!

Share

Leave a comment

Easter Sunday is upon us very soon, so this week we’re rounding up The Wimble’s top picks for the holiday weekend. Scroll down to find out about the best family activities, the perfect spots for lunch and all the great activities throughout the Easter period.

Don’t worry, we also have your usual recommendations for the coming days, a one-of-a-kind property of the week and this edition’s news snippets.

Call-out: we’re still searching for readers who are running the London Marathon. Do get in touch and tell us who you’re running for, if you’ve taken part in the marathon before (or any marathon) and what your training schedule looks like. Email zak@thewimble.com.

Happy reading!

News snippets 🗞

🎾 The AELTC’s £200m expansion plans have cleared a major hurdle after the High Court’s judgement last week. The plans aim to treble the size of the site of the Championships by developing a former golf course to include 39 new courts. The campaign group Save Wimbledon Park argued that the land is actually subject to a statutory public recreation trust and thus must be preserved for public recreation. The AELTC argued that the land had never been used for such purposes. Following a hearing in January, Judge Nicholas Thompsell sided with the AELTC.

But the story doesn’t end there. SWP has announced it will apply to the Court of Appeal following last week’s judgement. SWP’s co-director Jeremy Hudson said, “We love tennis but we continue the fight after this news because there is a strong case for protecting this precious open space from development. Wimbledon promised they would never build on this land.”

Whilst last week’s judgement was a victory for AELTC, it would seem both sides have a long way to go before any clear resolution is made. Click here for a very thorough breakdown of recent events and here for a short summary on last week’s ruling.

🏎 Wimbledon High School has launched the Goblin Car Project, a 17-week all-girls engineering project giving students the opportunity to design and build a real electric car. The project, which brings together girls from Granard, Sacred Heart and West Wimbledon Primary School, will see the students construct a battery-powered Goblin car, which they will race at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in June. Wimbledon High School said the project was about more than engineering, with the scheme aiming to connect classroom learning with real-world challenges. Click here to read more.

🎥 Video review technology will be introduced at the Championships for the first time this year. This means that players will be able to challenge decisions made by umpires, something that they can already do at the US Open and the Australian Open. The players will not be able to challenge the accuracy of the recently introduced electronic line calling system, but they will be able to ask the umpire to review certain calls. A review will also be allowed at the end of a point if a player feels their opponent may be guilty of hindrance. Check out the full story here.

Property of the week 🏡

This house is utterly ridiculous. In fact, I don’t even want to call it a house. It feels more like a mini estate. Click the link further down and take a look at that floor plan if you don’t believe me. And how chic is that hut at the back of the garden? But, as you might have guessed, this property is not cheap. More specifically, it will set you back £3.75m. Click here to salivate over more pictures.

The Wimble’s to-do list

📚 Waterstones monthly book club: This month’s book is Shine On, Bright and Dangerous Object by Laurie Colwin. The novel follows twenty-one-year-old Olly. She meets Sam Bax: fearless, goofy and risk-taking, he arrives in her life on the back of a huge motorcycle. By the end of the day, the pair are kissing in an apple orchard. A year later, they are married. Five years later, Olly is a widow and left to grieve her husband alone. Head down this evening if you’ve read the book to discuss the intricacies of Colwin’s 1975 novel, and keep your eyes peeled on their Instagram for next month’s book.

Where: Waterstones, Wimbledon

When: Thursday 26 March, 7–8pm

👗 Sample sale in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support: Find one-off clothing items for ladies at this sale of Danish brands Pulz Jeans & b.young. 10% of all sales profits will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support in Merton for the latest fundraising project at Kingston Hospital. The Macmillan team is also collecting unwanted foreign cash to convert into sterling and would welcome any contributions.

Where: The Coach House at the Dog & Fox, Wimbledon Village

When: Friday 27 March, 10am–3pm

🎻 St John’s lunchtime recital: St John’s church concerts are back again this month with another free lunchtime recital. This performance will feature Romana Szczepaniak on violin and should make for a lovely Friday afternoon. This event is free and no booking is required.

Where: St John the Baptist

When: Friday 27 March, 1pm (snacks at 12.30pm)

🏎 Southside Hustle Classic Car Meet: This informal meeting of classic car owners in Wimbledon (and the surrounding areas) features a stunning array of cars — some of which are extremely rare. If you’re a petrolhead, or you just like the idea of a bunch of classic cars in one place, then head up to Wimbledon Village next Sunday.

Where: Wimbledon Common Southside near the farmers’ market.

When: Sunday 5 April, 8–11am

🎶 The Making Of ABBA: The Story Of The Band’s 1975 Breakthrough Album: Author Joe Matera is at Wimbledon Library, sharing the story of ABBA’s self-titled 1975 classic, from writing to global commercial breakthrough. The event is free but you’ll need to book a highly sought after spot here.

Where: Wimbledon Library

When: Tuesday 28 April, 7.30pm

This week’s Wimble sponsor ⛳️

The weather has been strange these past few weeks. Rain. Sun. Hail. Sun. Rain. Clouds. You get the point. With this sort of capricious weather, it makes sense to book an activity inside. Enter Caddi Club. If indoor golf sounds like your jam, then this is the place for you. And even if it doesn’t, you can still pop in for a bite to eat and something to drink (kids are also welcome!). Just click the button below to learn more and book your table or bay.

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

The Wimble’s guide to Easter 🐣

For the kids 🚸

Bach to Baby: The critically acclaimed concert for babies, toddlers and their parents or guardians comes to Wimbledon this Easter. Enjoy outstanding musicians and performances designed for the whole family. Tickets are £17.70 and can be bought here.

Where: Trinity United Reformed Church

When: Saturday 28 March, 3–3.45pm

Self-guided Easter egg hunt: Wimbledon Quarter is hosting a free family-friendly Easter egg hunt this year. All you have to do is pop into Wimbledon Quarter between 10.30am–4.30pm, head to the ground floor via the M&S or Boots entrance to collect your map, and then just follow the clues. This event is for children aged 3–12 years old (children must be accompanied by an adult to take part).

Where: Wimbledon Quarter

When: Saturday 28 March, 10.30am–4.30pm

Free Easter craft workshops: Community markets, crafting activities, hatching chicks workshop, egg painting and Easter colouring, meeting the Easter Bunny and so much more! Over Easter weekend, the Quarter is hosting a variety of activities for you and the family. The only event that isn’t free is ‘Meet the Easter Bunny’ — as an A List name, there’s a price tag attached (tickets are £10 per child, which you can grab here).

Where: Wimbledon Quarter

When: Saturday 28 March – Sunday 12 April

Puppet-making workshop: Wimbledon Museum and Habitats and Heritage are teaming up to host a puppet-making workshop this Easter. The children will get the chance to make a likeness of Sir Joseph Bazalgette, the famed (and local) 19th Century civil engineer. Punch and Judys just don’t cut it any more . Spaces are £5 per child and can be booked here.

Where: Wimbledon Museum

When: Friday 10 – Saturday 11 April, 10.30am–12.30pm / 1.30–3.30pm

Easter dance camp: Are you wondering how to keep your little ones entertained for the Easter holidays? No problem: these two days of dancing fun are suitable for children aged 3–12 years old. The camp costs £132 per child (so not the cheapest of Easter activities), but it promises to create some great memories, both for kids and relieved parents who can pack them off for a 48 hour stretch! Book here.

Where: St Mary’s Church Garden Hall

When: Thursday 9 – Friday 10 April, 10am–4pm

Best spots for some Easter grub 🍖

The Black Lamb: Break your Lenten fast at The Black Lamb this Easter. Their four-course Easter set menu comes in at a rather reasonable £54 per person. Expect mushroom Marmite eclairs, Sussex lamb saddle, wild fallow croquettes and a dark chocolate mousse pudding. Book your table here.

Hotel du Vin, Cannizaro House: Pop in to Wimbledon’s only Rosette-awarded restaurant and indulge in a spot of afternoon tea. Included are a selection of elegant finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, seasonal desserts and some complimentary Easter eggs for the little ones. It’s £29.95 per person – book a table here.

The Alexandra: No list would be complete without local favourite The Alex. If you’re looking for a classic slap-up roast, then this is the place. Come for the roast, stay for the atmosphere. Book your table here.

Orion: The new and very charming Orion is offering its own unique Sunday menu this Easter. Alex Webb’s latest venture has been receiving rave reviews, and for good reason. Check out their Sunday menu here to get yourself in the Easter mood, and book a table through their website (tables go fast, so I’d suggest booking soon).

Best of the rest 🎈

Love Wimbledon Easter market: Each market brings fresh finds and seasonal favourites, with new traders joining regularly. Whatever it is that you fancy, this market has it: from Bombay Delight’s award-winning curries to secondhand vinyl classics courtesy of So Pop Vinyl. This Easter, the market will also include origami making with Polka Theatre (Friday) and Easter wreath-making (Saturday).

Where: The Piazza, Wimbledon

When: Friday 3 – Saturday 4 April, 11am – 6pm

Easter holiday workshops at Polka Theatre: Holiday programmes include one-off workshops where children of different ages are invited to discover and explore creative art forms ranging from musical theatre through to puppetry and storytelling. This Easter, Polka’s workshops are inspired by the childhood classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. This playful music and storytelling workshop invites children and their grown-ups on an adventure filled with rhymes, sensory play and imagination. Tickets are £13 (each ticket is for both an adult and a child).

Where: Polka Theatre

When: Tuesday 31 March, start times vary

The Princess and the Pea: We all know the story. It’s a classic for a reason. But this production brings us the Let’s All Dance Ballet Company’s signature tight narrative, fantastic dancing, beautiful costumes and lovely music to tell the fairytale in a new and exciting way. Book your tickets via this link.

Where: New Wimbledon Theatre

When: Wednesday 1 – Tuesday 2 April

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Separate from Polka’s Easter workshops, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt returns to Wimbledon after a hugely successful spring run in 2022. Little Angel Theatre brings Michael Rosen’s thrilling and funny adventure to life in this entrancing puppetry production directed by Peter Glanville and with music and lyrics by renowned singer-songwriter Barb Jungr. Book your tickets here.

Where: Polka Theatre

When: Wednesday 25 March – Sunday 12 April

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked you when the first game at the new Plough Lane (Cherry Reds Record Stadium) played. The answer: 2020.

Q: Which of these films shot scenes locally?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of The Wimble. I hope you’ve enjoyed our suggestions for Easter and that you get yourself along to one of them. Do keep getting in touch with ideas for features, interviews and events. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.

Leave a comment

Share

This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Eamonn Newell, founder of Swans FC. Swans FC offers women a chance to play football, regardless of their ability or age. Whether you’re 18 or 81, Swans has a space for you — and they just so happened to launch their Wimbledon branch earlier this year. Scroll down to hear all about their work and how women’s football is bringing communities together.

We’ve also got your usual news snippets, a lovely property of the week and some great recommendations for the days ahead.

Reader call-out: As the London Marathon approaches, we’re looking to hear from any locals that are running this year. Get in touch and tell us who you’re running for, if you’ve run before and how you’re preparing for it. Email zak@thewimble.com.

Other than that, happy reading!

News snippets 🗞

🚇 Wimbledon’s District Line gets urgent improvements by TfL. As many of our readers are aware, the Wimbledon branch of the District Line can be patchy (and that’s being kind): signal failures, engineering works, misleading timetables. Writing in London Now, the MP for Wimbledon, Paul Kohler has voiced his frustrations with the line, saying, “The root of the problem lies in the signalling between Wimbledon and East Putney, which is several generations out of date. Unlike much of the District Line, which benefits from modern automatic train management, our branch remains a technological outlier.”

But according to the piece, work is due to take place over the next few months and should hopefully be in place by the summer.

🏃 Thomas Cheetham, who has lived locally for over 20 years, is running the London Marathon to raise funds for Alzheimer's Research UK. Cheetham’s father has Alzheimer's, which he called a "cruel" illness that takes away one’s personality. This is Cheetham’s 24th London Marathon — he first took part in 1991. To sponsor him and show your support, head to his fundraising page here.

🏗 Prime Minister Keir Starmer has asked Housing Secretary Steve Reed to investigate claims that Criterion Capital, owners of Britannia Point in Colliers Wood, has evicted large numbers of its tenants ahead of new renters' rights coming into effect. In PMQs last week, Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden, Dame Siobhain McDonagh, raised her concerns about the reported mass evictions and called on Starmer to address the situation. The real estate company, founded by Asif Aziz, has reportedly served notice against at least 130 tenants in recent weeks, according to this article in The Standard.

Property of the week 🏡

This five-bedroom detached home is in one of Wimbledon’s most sought after locations. Only a few minutes from Wimbledon Village and with an outdoor pool, it’s no surprise that this humongous property is on sale for £4.35m. Check out more photos here.

Ask The Wimble❓

You asked us “when will The Wimble publish another print edition?”

The answer: we’re going to launch another summer edition in June to coincide with the tennis. Keep your eyes peeled for call-outs and other print-related messages!

Keep sending your “Ask The Wimble” questions to zak@thewimble.com. We’re working through them as they come. If you’ve already asked a question, keep your eyes peeled for answers in the coming weeks.

The Wimble’s to-do list 🎨

🎸 The Choir of Man: Welcome to the Choir of Man, the best pub in the world… at the New Wimbledon Theatre. The show features “a wildly talented group of incredible instrumentalists, world-class wordsmiths, and sensational singers, this cast of nine (extra)ordinary guys serves it all... live!” The show received a 5-star review in LondonTheatre1 this week and tickets are selling fast, so grab them here.

Where: New Wimbledon Theatre

When: Sat 14 – Sat 21 March

🥃 Azaline saffron vermouth and negroni sampling at Amathus: This weekend, Amathus Wimbledon welcomes Steve Drawbell, owner of Azaline Saffron Vermouth, for a free sampling session to celebrate World Vermouth Day. If you’re interested in a few samples, then get yourself down to Amathus this Saturday.

Where: Amathus, Wimbledon Village

When: Saturday 21 March, 12–5pm

🥕 Wimbledon Village Farmers’ Market: The Village Farmers’ Market is one of Wimbledon’s weekly highlights. In fact, many restaurants use this market to source their produce — so you know you’re in good company. Get yourself along this weekend and pick up some groceries to cook a delicious meal.

Where: Wimbledon Village

When: Sunday 22 March, 10am – 3pm

🐝 AELTC: Weekend of Nature: Join the AELTC for a nature weekend, celebrating the season’s wildlife and the role that water plays in helping nature flourish (in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust). Join the nature safari walks to scout for “mini beasts” and wildlife, speak with the AELTC’s horticulture and grounds teams for advice on water-friendly plants, and find out how they harvest water for their grass courts. This event is free to attend and no booking is required.

Where: The Clubhouse on the former Wimbledon Park Golf Course

When: Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 March, 10am – 1pm / 2–4pm

🐣 Easter at Wimbledon Quarter: Meet the Easter Bunny!! Join the Quarter for a magical Easter experience filled with storytelling, crafting and family fun. Tickets are £10 per child and can be bought here.

Where: Wimbledon Quarter

When: Saturday 4 April, 11am – 5pm

A new women’s football club in the heart of SW19 ⚽️

Eamonn Newell created Swans Football to give women the opportunity to learn or return to the game in a safe, friendly and accepting environment. Women’s football has gone from strength to strength in the past few years, but plenty of women over 25 still feel a huge lack of opportunity, especially at an amateur level. Swans FC’s mission is to rectify that. Having launched in Twickenham three years ago, the project has expanded to other areas of South London: Chiswick, Richmond, Kingston, Barnes and Kew. And their latest addition just so happens to be on our doorstep in Wimbledon. I sat down with Eamonn to talk about the club’s story, aims and how football can bring communities together.

Take me back to where this all started. What made you launch Swans Football?

It all started when one of my daughters came back from school one day. She told me she was disappointed that she hadn’t been selected for the football team. It was the first I’d heard of her liking football! So I looked around our area, Twickenham, but there didn’t seem to be many clubs for young girls. I called a few, and they all said the same thing: “Get her along for a trial.” And I thought: “She’s never kicked a ball before. She doesn’t need to go to a trial and have a group of middle-aged men tell her that she’s not good enough to play. What she needs is for a club to take her on and help her learn.”

I asked my daughter if she had any friends who’d be interested in starting a club, and it quickly snowballed from there. Quite soon, I realised I had a responsibility to take coaching courses and equip myself with the skills to train these young girls. And so with the help of some other local dads, we started Twickenham Cygnets FC in 2015. Back then, it was just me, my daughter and five of her friends. Today that club has 350 girls and 26 teams, ages 5–16.

And how did Swans come about?

About three years ago, some of the mothers of the girls at Twickenham Cygnets FC approached me and asked if I could start a club for adult women. They spoke about the lack of opportunities and setbacks they faced whilst growing up. So I started the first adult Swans FC in Twickenham, unsure as to what the uptake would be. 40 women came to the first session! From there, I expanded to Chiswick, Richmond, Kingston and now Wimbledon. It’s been a really amazing experience. Today, we have over 100 women playing across the boroughs.

What does a typical training session look like?

We follow the same session plan across all venues. This way, if you miss one session, you can always drop into another one on a different day at a different location. A typical session is 10 minutes of warming up before going straight into technical practice. That might be something as simple as learning how to pass, or it might be something a little more difficult, like shooting or defending as a unit. These sessions are always an hour, and the last 20 minutes is where the women get to play a game, which seems to be everyone’s favourite part of the evening.

How do you think the women’s game has changed in recent years?

It’s interesting: I think perspectives vary depending on age. Any female footballer under the age of 15 tends to see football as a sport for them — there’s not really much of a sense that it’s “a boy’s game”. But I think anyone older than 15 still has a bit of that imposter syndrome: “Are we fully accepted into this world?” Amongst the Swans — all of whom are over 18 — there’s definitely a sense that they have been excluded from the sport in the past and that now there is finally a chance for inclusion and acceptance.

Talk to me a little bit about the impact of the Swans on the community.

I think it’s really all about bringing people together. Some of the players have spoken privately about their personal battles and how the club is a beacon for them. But it’s also been lovely to see new relationships forming. The Monday night group doesn’t have a session on a bank holiday, but they’ll still all meet up to watch a game or go to the pub. There’s a real social bond with the Swans.

On a personal level, it’s been beautiful to see the little moments week in, week out. It can be as simple as someone turning up to their first Swans session having never kicked a ball before, the sheer joy on a player’s face after scoring her first goal or the friendships and bonds that develop amongst a group of women from many different backgrounds, now united by their love of football and the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a community. It’s these little collections of moments that remind me why I do it.

Swans FC practice every Thursday (7.30–8.30pm) at Wimbledon High School, Nursery Road, SW19 4JA. The sessions are for anyone aged 18 to 81+. Bring your trainers or astros (no football boots). The first session is free, and then prices vary depending on uptake. Click here to register and read more.

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked you what year the District Line in Wimbledon opened. The answer: 1889.

Q: When was the first game at the new Plough Lane (Cherry Reds Record Stadium) played?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition. I hope you enjoyed our feature on Swans FC! Do check out their website to get involved. And get in touch if you’re running the London Marathon by emailing zak@thewimble.com. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time!

Leave a comment

Share

This week, The Wimble visited Deen City Farm. The farm has been a free resource for our community since 1978 and is perhaps one of Merton’s greatest assets. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to run a project on a shoestring budget, and they’re currently looking for donations to keep the farm alive. If you have anything to give, please do take a look at their appeal here. And scroll down to read about my day with the goats, rabbits, cows and other lovely animals at their farm.

We’ve got your usual news snippets, a lovely property of the week and some great recommendations for the days ahead as the sun (hopefully) continues to shine.

It’s Mother’s Day this weekend, so if you have a special day planned, please do send in your photos with a little caption to zak@thewimble.com to be featured next week.

Other than that, happy reading!

Share

News snippets 🗞

⭐️ Ssam Ssam at 149 Merton Road, SW19, has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award recognising restaurants that serve high-quality food at an affordable price. It was just one of 37 restaurants awarded a Bib Gourmand in February’s announcement. Check out the news here and the restaurant here.

🍺 The Old Frizzle has launched a new community beer, Legacy Lager, in aid of inclusive sport across London. Livelyhood, the parent company of The Old Frizzle (which owns several pubs in south London), says it marks a “meaningful commitment” to community, inclusion and sport. The beer will be rolled out across all of Livelyhood’s pubs, with 50p from every purchase of a Legacy Lager going towards South London Laces, a women’s and non-binary football club built on community and inclusion.

🛀 Rituals opened in Wimbledon Quarter yesterday at 10.30am. The shop embraces the art of soulful living and aims to be your compass for personal wellbeing. Their bath, body and home products are designed to help you connect and bring more balance to your body, mind and soul.

📊 Merton Council has passed its budget for the next financial year. From April, the main element of council tax will be frozen from April. However, the picture may not be as rosy as it seems. On the issue of council tax, Lib Dem Opposition Leader Anthony Fairclough said, “People may be relieved that it is not five per cent, but they still know they are paying more.” Check out MyLondon for the full story.

🕺 In a new interview for LondonNow, the founders behind Merton’s Dementia Discos have explained the origins of their impactful initiative. Siblings Kate Darby and Nick Shaw started the project when they couldn’t find a dementia-friendly music activity for their father. They then decided to launch their own Dementia Disco in 2019, moving online during the pandemic before going back to face-to-face meetings. Check out their website. The next disco is on Sunday 22 March from 2.30–4.30pm.

🤳 A mobile repair shop in Mitcham wants to become an ‘artisan boutique’ so it can sell alcohol. Vijaykumar Patel, the owner of the businesses at 256 London Road, initially applied for an alcohol licence in January. Concerns were raised by the police that an alcohol licence would encourage drinking on the street in an area already suffering from anti-social behaviour. A month later, Mr Patel changed course and introduced the idea of an ‘artisan deli’ that would still serve alcohol. However, in February, PC Avril O'Brien said, "My opinion is that only since I have highlighted the licensing policy around the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) exceptions have you now adjusted your business to fit." Read more here.

Property of the week 🏡

This three-bedroom flat set within a Grade II listed building was once the home of Sir Edwin Saunders, the esteemed dentist of Queen Victoria. It’s all about opulence with this property. Just look at the front facade of the building — it looks more like something the National Trust might own than a home. It’s the bay windows that do it for me. Just look at the view. But how much does this extravagant flat cost? No less than a cool £2.275m. Check out more photos here.

The Wimble’s to-do list 🎁

🎨 Drawing Enchantment: Workshop: Join Wimbledon Museum Artist in Residence Alastair Gordon as he shares valuable tips for creating observational drawings, using artefacts from the museum as subjects. Break down complex forms into simple shapes, lines and tones, and discover how the process of drawing unlocks the enchantment found in everyday objects. Tickets are £20 per person.

Where: Wimbledon Museum

When: Saturday 14 March, 10.30am–12.30pm

💐 Rituals opening celebrations: Join Rituals for their opening celebration this Saturday and enjoy special treatments, exclusive offers and surprises. The first 50 guests who make a purchase on the day will receive a goodie bag filled with products from Rituals’s award-winning collection.

Where: Wimbledon Quarter

When: Saturday 14 March, 10.30am

🕺 Broadway Boogie at YMCA: Join Broadway Boogie for our unforgettable, show-stopping musical megamix class. This is a high-energy dance fitness workout inspired by musical theatre from stage and screen. Learn iconic routines from legendary musicals like Grease, Six, Mamma Mia, Moulin Rouge, A Chorus Line and more. Book your spot here.

Where: 196–198, The Broadway

When: Saturday 14 March, 9.30–10.30am

🌷Free tulip giveaway for Mother’s Day: This Saturday from 10am–3pm (or until stocks run out), those visiting Wimbledon Quarter can pick up a free individually wrapped tulip to gift to a mum, grandmother, guardian or any special maternal figure who deserves a little appreciation. Tulips will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so the Quarter recommends arriving early to avoid missing out.

Where: Wimbledon Quarter

When Saturday 14 March, 10am–3pm

🥂 Nyetimber masterclass at Amathus: If you haven’t tried Nyetimber yet, what are you doing? It’s a heavyweight among the English sparklings, and this masterclass gives you the chance to sample their world-renowned selection, including the Tillington Single Vineyard and the 1086. Tickets are £45 per person.

Where: Amathus, Wimbledon Village

When: Wednesday 18 March, 6.30–8pm

🐴 Holistic horse care: This is your chance to spend a calm 75 minutes connecting with horses in a safe and relaxed environment. The session begins with an introduction to horse behaviour, including flight instincts, body language, and how horses perceive their surroundings. Then you will move on to hands-on time with the horses, guided by experienced instructors, where you’ll learn the basics of safe handling and grooming, observe how horses respond to calm, consistent communication, and discover techniques that promote horse well-being. Note that there is no riding involved. Tickets are £40 for non-members. Book here.

Where: Wimbledon Village Stables

When: Saturday 21 March, 1.45–3pm

🍃 Great British Spring Clean Womble Walk: The Wombles Walk is a new fun family trail exploring the Commons and its landmarks, while litter picking along the way. Find all the hidden Wombles and you’ll collect a treat. You’ll even have the chance to meet one of the Wombles. Entry costs £3 per person.

Where: Home Burrow by the Ranger’s Office

When: Sunday 22 March, 11am–4pm

‘An oasis in the heart of an urban landscape’: A day at Deen City Farm 🐐

Deen City Farm has been serving the community of Merton since 1978. For almost 50 years, the farm has been a free oasis in the heart of an urban landscape, where children can interact with animals for the first time, young people can learn about the environment and adults can find a calm connection with nature in between their busy lives. The farm offers work experience for over 244 students a year, 64 per cent of whom identify as disabled. They also welcome over 146,000 visitors a year (for free), support volunteer opportunities for over 190 people a year — of those 43 per cent in 2023/24 were unemployed and 56 per cent identified as individuals with additional needs — and host students who have lost their desire or ability to thrive in the mainstream education system.

As a registered charity, Deen City Farm has faced financial pressures over the past few years, and it needs our help to continue its wonderful work. The farm has just launched its spring appeal — which you can donate to here — and is always on the lookout for donations. I still remember visiting Deen City Farm with my school when I was around 6 years old. And speaking to the team over email last week, I realised that I hadn’t been back since. A visit was long overdue, and so on Tuesday afternoon, I hopped on the 200 bus to pay our friends at the farm a timely visit.

It’s a bright Tuesday afternoon as I cross the River Wandle and make my way through the gates of Deen City Farm. I’m here to meet Roxanne Cullen, the leader of the farm’s visitor services teams. I find her in the office, where staff wander from room to room covered in hay and other bits of detritus from a hard day’s work. She introduces me to Maria Day, land and livestock manager, and the three of us make our way towards the edge of the farm’s five-acre boundary. The land we’re standing on is called Bunces Meadow and is owned by the National Trust, and the farm has been here since relocating in the 1990s.

Maria points at two cows lounging on a stack of hay. “That’s Meg and Brie,” she says. “They’re our Shetland cows. Are you catching the last rays of sun?” she calls out to them. “Like everything from Shetland, they’re a little bit smaller than your average cow — not that cows ever come in ‘small’. These girls are basically two big organic lawnmowers.” Roxanne explains to me that the overarching mission of the farm is education. Children, often those who have never had the opportunity to see livestock before, are taken on guided tours around the farm. They get the chance to interact with the animals, feed them and learn about the phases that different breeds of livestock go through.

“The children love the sheep and cows because that’s what they’re used to seeing in books, but the goats are always the most fun. Goats are basically like dogs. Each one has its own unique personality.” The farm has nine goats: six pygmy, two Golden Guernsey, and one Nubian — a big fella called Jet (also known as “bag snatcher” on account of his cheeky tendency to steal bags of feed from the hands of children). I notice a ram in a separate paddock. He’s staring directly at me. “What does this little guy want?” I ask. Maria points at the plastic ball between his hooves. “He thinks you want his treat box, so he’s showing you that it’s his.” On cue, the ram begins pawing the ground.

The three of us step inside the goat enclosure and immediately the goats flock around Maria. It’s clear that the staff at Deen City Farm has a special relationship with their livestock, a relationship that is often forged over many years of hard work and caregiving. Fox, a Golden Guernsey, walks towards me and Roxanne explains that all I need to do is put my hand out and stroke her. We spend a good five minutes chatting about the goats. They’re excellent climbers, mischievous and naturally inquisitive — a dangerous combination. “That’s why the climbing apparatus is in the middle of the enclosure. If we put it by the sides, they would just jump out and escape,” says Maria. She also tells me that you can always tell which goat is boss by the length of its beard. The longer the beard, the more authoritative the goat. To make sure hierarchy is maintained, the goats will bite the beard hairs off a lowlier member of their herd.

We leave the enclosure and wander past two donkeys that were previously fighting over a welly boot. Then I meet the ferrets, guinea pigs and Continental Giant Rabbits. The rabbits are only a year old but they’re significantly bigger than your average bunny. They’re a curious bunch, and after sniffing my coat, the fluffle decides that I’m alright. We then walk past the chickens — one of their rare breeds here is the Indonesian Ayam Cemani, a chicken with black feathers, skin, meat and organs — as well as a pheasant who doesn’t really seem to know what’s going on.

I ask Roxanne why she thinks the farm has managed to last so long. “A couple of years ago, we had a massive electrical problem where we lost a lot of electricity coming into the site. We were forced to ask the public for help, and what we found was that the farm really resonated with the local community. We had people writing in saying things like, “Please don’t go. We need you here. I’ve got memories from when I was a child of this place!” I think that’s what keeps us going. We’re part of the heart of this community. We’re free to enter, we’re always accessible — and we want to keep it that way. We’re next to one of the most deprived areas in the borough, and so we’ll always steer away from charging people to come here. It’s also why our riding lessons are subsidised.”

The riding school is a significant part of Deen City Farm. Joanna Henbrey has been running the school for 20 years, and with 12 horses and ponies, it’s no small operation. Lessons are offered to beginners as young as two years old and go all the way up to expert adult riders. They’ve even got RoboHorse: an equestrian simulator that helps people get to grips with horse riding if they don’t fancy getting on a living creature. I’m tempted to give it a go, but we’re running out of time.

After a few hours at Deen City Farm, it’s clear to me how important this oasis is for our community. The work that they do — which you can read even more about here — supports all of us, and will continue to support us for years to come if we support it in turn. Not everyone is in a position to give, but if you are, I urge you to have a look at their appeal and offer what you can. We’re incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful resource in our borough, not least at a time when cuts and closures across the capital are in abundance. And even if you can’t give, do treat yourself to a visit at the farm. It’s free, and it really is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Deen City Farm is open Tuesdays–Sundays from 10am–4.30pm. Check out their about page to read more about the farm’s mission and the work they have already achieved.

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked you which restaurant in Wimbledon has been awarded a Rosette. The answer: The Orangery at Cannizaro House, though I understand why many of you assumed it was The Black Lamb (their food is excellent).

Q: What year was the District Line in Wimbledon opened (clue: it was the same year that it opened in Wimbledon Park)?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of The Wimble. I hope you enjoyed our feature on Deen City Farm. Do pay them a visit if you get the chance, and donate to their appeal if you can. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.

Leave a comment

Share

Great news! We’ve broken our 10K subscriber mark. Thank you to all of those who have shared and supported our mission so far! None of this would have been possible without you.

This week, we sat down with Diana Sterck, CEO of Sustainable Merton, to discuss what environmental action looks like at a local level. Scroll down to read about the triumphs and tribulations of running an environmental charity in 2026.

Britannia Point in Colliers Wood has been in the news these past few weeks, as it has been reported that the residents of the high-rise are being evicted en masse. According to London Centric, Criterion Capital, owned by billionaire Asif Aziz, is issuing residents with Section 21 notices, also known as “no fault” evictions. Scroll down to read about the latest updates. If you or anyone you know has been affected by this recent news, don’t hesitate to get in touch: zak@thewimble.com. I have already received an email from one reader voicing her concerns for what this means for the borough.

GET IN TOUCH

Other than that, we’ve got your news snippets, a lovely new-build property of the week and some great recommendations for the days ahead. Keep sharing and subscribing if you haven’t already.

Call-out for readers: as Mother’s Day is coming up, we’re looking to champion the amazing women in our borough. If you’d like to nominate your mother or another woman that you know, then get in touch and tell us why: zak@thewimble.com.

News snippets 🗞

🌆 Are the tenants of Britannia Point being “mass evicted”? Private tenants in the block have told outlets that they had been given two months’ notice as part of a spate of “no fault” evictions, also known as Section 21 notices, which are set to be banned from 1 May under a new tenants’ rights bill. Britannia Point is owned by Criterion Capital, a company controlled by billionaire landlord Asif Aziz. An email sent to one tenant confirmed that Aziz was seeking “vacant possession of the entire building”. In other words, it was rumoured that all tenants were to be evicted, despite being up-to-date on their rent and keeping their property in good condition..

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development in London, wrote to Aziz directly, urging him to rethink the move. Copley said, “To evict tenants shortly before the implementation of the Act would be a short-sighted and cynical attempt to bypass the rules and show a disregard for the very spirit of this much-needed legislation.”

On Monday 23 February, it was reported that Aziz and Criterion had made a U-turn. Residents of Britannia Point received door-to-door visits from representatives of Criterion Capital, who told them that their “mass eviction” was just “rumours”. It was later revealed that the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, had written to Aziz personally to ask him to stop the mass evictions: “The right to a good, safe and stable home is fundamental and I am steadfast in my opposition to the use of Section 21 no-fault evictions, let alone their potential use on a mass scale,” said Khan. Last week, London Centric sent their reporter to knock on the doors of Criterion’s Delta Point high-rise in Croydon. After visiting more than 200 flats, their reporter found a vast number of units that had been vacated by private tenants in recent days, suggesting that Criterion’s mass evictions were already underway and happening across London. Merton Labour councillor Stuart Neaverson has called the Aziz family “the cruellest landlords in London” and that the “attempt to put so many people onto the streets is reminiscent of something from Dickensian times.”

It’s unclear what all of this means for the residents of Britannia Point; the tenants facing eviction say it’s up to Sadiq Khan to take the lead and put a stop to this. Whether he can remains to be seen. Follow London Centric’s ongoing updates here to stay in the loop about the situation.

Note: If you or anyone you know has more information about the reported mass eviction of Britannia Point, then let us know by emailing: zak@thewimble.com.

🍷 Vallebona has launched a 12-seat counter for intimate dining alongside its deli, retail and wine operations. Check out this article in Restaurant to read more about the expansion.

🎥 The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will visit the New Wimbledon Theatre on Wednesday 16 November. It promises to be a night of heart-racing storytelling through short films about climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and more. Read more about it here.

Property of the week 🏡

This four-bedroom new build is rather stylish, don’t you think? I’m used to new builds looking devoid of character, but this one has charm, from the jacuzzi bathtub to the Japanese-style garden. This house is part of Olias Court, a boutique development of 6 apartments and 3 houses just minutes from Raynes Park station. But what’s the price? This particular property will set you back £1.3m. Check out more photos here.

The Wimble’s to-do list 🎉

🎤 The Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella: The biggest a cappella competition in the country will be hosted at the New Wimbledon Theatre this year! This is the competition that supposedly inspired the hugely popular Pitch Perfect films. Whoever wins on the New Wimbledon stage will have the chance to advance through the competition, singing off against the top groups in each region for the chance to be crowned World Champions on a Broadway stage in New York. Tickets range in prices and can be bought here.

Where: New Wimbledon Theatre

When: Saturday 7 March, 7pm

🎶 Magnificat! Academy Choir Wimbledon: The Academy Choir Wimbledon with the Academy Baroque Players will perform a feast of choral music, including pieces by JS Bach, CPE Bach and Buxtehude. Tickets are £20–35 for adults and £5 for under-18s and students.

Where: St John’s Church, Spencer Hill

When: Saturday 7 March, 7pm

🖌 Meet Jack Frame at Clarendon Fine Art: Renowned for his striking portraits, Jack captures the beauty, strength and subtle intricacies of nature with vivid colour and meticulous technique, celebrating the quiet drama of the natural world and the shifting moods of the seasons. Get yourself down to the lovely Clarendon Fine Art venue to check his work out!

Where: Clarendon Fine Art

When: Saturday 7 March, 1–3pm

🚴‍♀️ Cycle marking or registration scheme event: We know bikes are stolen across the borough all the time — this is the case for most parts of London. But what can we do to deter thieves? Well, you can start by visiting the Village Ward Police team this Sunday and getting a free theft-deterrent bike marking.

Where: Village Ward Police stall at the Farmers Market

When: Sunday 8 March, 10–11.30am

🐉 Bhutan: Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon: The Buddhist kingdom Bhutan is known as Druk Yul, the Kingdom of the Thunder God. This lecture by Zara Fleming journeys through the history, art and culture of this extraordinary country. In recent decades, the kingdom has undergone significant change, and this lecture poses the question: will Bhutan be able to maintain the fine balance between tradition and modernity without diminishing its culture? Members go free and tickets for everyone else are £10. Grab them here.

Where: The Sacred Heart Church Hall

When: Wednesday 11 March, 7.30pm

🥕 Wimbledon Village Farmers’ Market: It’s that time of the week again! Pop on your wellies, flat cap, best Barbour jacket and make your way up to the village this weekend for a chance to pick out the best local produce.

Where: Wimbledon Village High Street

When: Sunday 15 March, 10am–3pm

Through the eyes of Diana Sterck, CEO of Sustainable Merton 🌿

Founded in 2007, Sustainable Merton is a charity that’s dedicated to promoting sustainable living across the borough. It’s a community-led charity that has had a deep and meaningful impact on locals since its foundation. In 2017, Diana Sterck took over as CEO. Since then, she has stacked up a long list of achievements: launching Merton’s “Community Fridge” in 2020; planting 8,000 pollinator-friendly plants and bulbs across the borough with the help of Merton Garden Streets volunteers; setting up the “Preloved Studio” to reduce textile waste, save money and give old clothes new life for residents across the borough.

In short, Diana Sterck has led the charity to achieve great things. But what does environmental action look like at a local level? How does one’s economic situation affect their ability to live sustainably? What are the challenges that a charity such as Sustainable Merton faces? And crucially, what can we do as locals to help out? I sat down with Diana last week to find out.

Straight in with a big question: what does sustainability look like at a local level?

It can be tricky to understand sustainability at a local level. We all get distracted by global policy, fossil fuel emissions and current affairs. What we have to do is drill down and ask ourselves what we can do as individuals or businesses at a local level. If we all made small changes in our lives, that combined effect would be quite substantial. For us, it’s all about getting the community involved and understanding what the effects of our behaviours have on the environment and the people around us. But in terms of what sustainability means: sustainability is simply about leading better lives, respecting our environment and actually living lives that are more affordable. So much of the world we live in is about money. But we can actually save a lot of money by changing our behaviours at a local level: growing our own food, volunteering and not buying so many new clothes, for example.

And how does sustainable living at a local level work in practice?

I think making local connections and having more of a circular economy are crucial. Someone’s waste material may be someone else’s core material. So much of our waste can be repurposed by someone else. I think food miles are also particularly important. We needn’t import food from thousands of miles away when we can potentially grow our own produce or source it locally.

Do you think the education around sustainability is better now?

I think young people are pretty clued up about the environment and climate change. In fact, I’d wager that it’s young people influencing their parents for the better. But I do think sustainability as a concept is still quite niche. We tend to behave collectively: we still buy coffee in throwaway coffee cups that can’t be recycled; we still buy new clothes and throw them away with the slightest tear.

What are some of the powerful wins that you’ve had in our community?

We’ve had a lot of success in stopping textiles from going into the waste stream, and we’ve done this by influencing people to repair, repurpose or swap their clothes. One of our biggest achievements has been the Community Fridge, which we run out of Morden Baptist Church twice a week. We launched that in 2020. The idea is simple: one person’s surplus food is another person’s meal. We have a team of volunteers that collect food that would otherwise be thrown away but is still safe to eat. We tend to collect this food from supermarkets, restaurants and local cafés. Our focus is primarily on people who can’t afford the weekly shop. In the last year, we’ve distributed 63,000kg of food that would otherwise end up in the waste stream. That’s equivalent to 153,000 meals across the borough.

And what are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a local charity?

As a charity, we have to leverage funding that is either grants or donations. In that sense, we’re only as good as the money we get. It can also mean that our projects are a little stop-start. But I think another key challenge is changing people’s behaviours. Air quality is a good example. We know that the air is polluted, but I don’t think the majority of people know just how bad it is. And we can have a huge impact in reducing pollution on a personal level by switching our car engines off when we’re picking up the kids from school or just slowing our driving speed down. A key challenge for a local charity like ours is that we can’t affect change on a global or corporate level. Corporations will keep packaging produce in wasteful plastic, for example, and it’s really only the government that can stop that.

Do you think disparate economic factors across the borough make it harder for some people to lead sustainable lives?

Most definitely. The life expectancy in Wimbledon is 10 years higher than in Mitcham. That’s a stark statistic. It may have got a little bit better over the past 15 years, but not significantly. And in some of the poorer areas of the borough, we see higher rates of pollution. We’re very lucky to have electric buses serving the majority of the borough, but in those areas with weaker transport links, we see higher rates of petrol emissions, which in turn negatively impacts the lives of local residents. It’s really important that we support those parts of the borough that need more help.

For someone reading this who is new to sustainable living, what can they do right now to make an active change in their life?

I think it’s about asking a person what’s important to them. Do you spend too much on clothes? Have you got clothes that you could wear with a bit of repair? Come along to one of our drop-in sessions and see what you can do with just one item of clothing. Is your toaster or kettle not working? Don’t throw it away; bring it to one of our Repair Cafes. In terms of food, if you’re concerned that there are people in the borough without access to good produce, come and volunteer with us and you’ll be making a difference. We’re very accessible, we’re very friendly and we’re very diverse at Sustainable Merton. I would just say come along to something that appeals to you; join us in the garden, walk around, observe nature and feel good. You don’t even have to do any gardening. But taking the action to do something that makes us feel better about ourselves and our community is really what sustainability is all about.

If you’d like to get involved or learn more, head to Sustainable Merton’s website here.

Subscribe now

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked you what road Wimbledon Fire Station is now located on. The answer: Kingston Road.

Q: Which restaurant in SW19 has a Rosette award?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of The Wimble. If you have any ideas for features or stories, get in touch with zak@thewimble.com. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.

Share

Leave a comment

Last week, I attended a celebration in honour of Bob Stone, who was a firefighter at Wimbledon’s Fire Station in the 1970s. We interviewed Bob last year — read the piece here — and I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to highlight his story again. Scroll down to read about Bob’s achievements and to see a few snapshots from the evening.

We’ve also got your usual news snippets, a fantastic property of the week and loads of recommendations for the coming days.

As Mother’s Day is coming up, we’re looking to champion the amazing women in our borough. If you would like to nominate your mother or another woman that you know, then get in touch and tell us why: zak@thewimble.com.

Happy reading!

News snippets 🗞

🚨 Luke Brereton, 40, from Mitcham, was fatally stabbed on The Broadway in Wimbledon’s town centre on Sunday. Police officers were called at 12.37am and attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service. Sadly, Brereton died at the scene. Amar Zaraf, 35, from Kingston, has been arrested and charged with murder and possession of a bladed article, appearing at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday 23 February. The first image of the victim was released earlier this week.

🏗 Neighbours of the disused gasworks in Motspur Park fear redevelopment plans for the site could cause a “nightmare” for locals. Gas firm SGN and developer Berkeley Homes submitted plans to demolish the three gasholders to make way for five apartment towers containing 586 homes. Some local residents say that the buildings would be too tall, overlook people’s homes and change the character of the area for the worse. They have also claimed that the development would threaten wildlife, including peregrine falcons, bats, newts and slow worms. Read more about the situation here.

⚒️ A £12 million cable upgrade is making electricity supplies around Wimbledon and Wandsworth more secure. The upgrade reinforces two major substations in south west London and will supply electricity to more than 57,000 residents (including businesses). The first circuit has already been energised, and the second is due to be turned on in the summer. Once complete, the circuits will form an 8 kilometre route between Wimbledon and Wandsworth. Read more details here.

🚓 Two boys aged 15 and 17 were rushed to hospital after being stabbed in Mitcham last Thursday evening. The 17 year old was found in Lindsey Close at around 6.40pm and was rushed to a major trauma centre in an unknown condition. Another 999 call later came in at 7.05pm reporting a second boy, aged 15, with stab wounds on Radnor Close. He was taken to hospital, where his injuries were deemed not to be life-threatening. Two men, 19 and 22, were later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Read more about it here.

🇰🇷 A Korean-themed waiting room has been unveiled in New Malden station in recognition of the area’s Korean diaspora: the largest, most concentrated community of its kind in Europe, with an estimated 20,000 people of Korean heritage (hence it being nicknamed “Koreatown”). The reopening coincided with the Lunar New Year — known as Seollal in Korea — which is considered one of the country’s most important holidays. The waiting room has an illustration by artist Meekyoung Shin, as well as a sign in the modern Korean writing system, Hangul. Click here to see some photos of the new room.

This week’s Wimble sponsor ⛳️

Caddi Club is back with a new deal for the Six Nations! A burger and a pint is just £17 on any given match day. Of course, if rugby isn’t your thing, you can still pop in for a spot of golf, a bite to eat and something to drink. Just click the button below to learn more and to book your table or golf bay.

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

Property of the week 🏡

Just looking at the floorplan for this five-bedroom detached home gives me the spins. This place is huge; we’re talking Dallas big. Built in 2002, it’s just a few minutes from Cannizaro House and the common. While it may have an air of landed gentry, the inside of this house is about as modern as they come: Honeywell Evo heating, air conditioning, a media room, a 4K projector and a 65’ 4K OLED TV. To top it off, take a look at that separate garage at the front of the building — it’s bigger than most flats. With all of that considered, it should come as no surprise that this house is listed for £5 million. Check out more photos here.

Ask The Wimble❓

You asked: Do you know of any new openings in the town centre?

Answer: The Wimble got in touch with Craig Hurring (Chief Executive of Love Wimbledon) who recently attended the London Borough of Merton’s Wimbledon Community Forum. He confirmed with us that there will be 10 new openings. Here’s a list of the confirmed brands coming within the next year:

1. Rituals

2. Primark

3. Barclays

4. Office (the shoes retailer)

5. Wellface

6. Pitter Potter Cafe

7. Pizza Pilgrims

8. New hotel (name tbc)

9. Offices at 247 The Broadway

10. Fortius Private Hospital.

Do keep sending in your questions to zak@thewimble.com with the subject heading: Ask The Wimble

The Wimble’s to-do list 🌳

🏺 Exhibition: Objects of Enchantment: This exhibition encourages visitors to look closely at how the ordinary becomes the extraordinary. What happens when a simple object is lifted from daily life and placed on a museum plinth or turned into a painting? Local artist and artist in residence Alastair Gordon turns his eye to the museum’s collection, reinterpreting familiar objects and inviting viewers to reconsider what makes something worthy of attention, revealing how context, perception and imagination can turn the mundane into the marvellous. This event is entirely free and is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2.30–5pm.

Where: Wimbledon Museum

When: Friday 6 February – Sunday 29 March

🎻 The Jigsaw Players: String Quintets and Art: The Jigsaw Players will be joined by Alison Clarke, a Wimbledon-based landscape artist who was chosen to appear on Sky’s Landscape Artist of the Year 2026. On the programme are Mozart, Bruckner and Brahms. Tickets are £15 (£5 for students and under-18s go free). Grab them here.

Where: Christ Church, West Wimbledon

When: Saturday 28 February, 7.30–9.30pm

🧺 Love Wimbledon monthly market: Each market brings fresh finds and seasonal favourites, with new traders joining regularly. Whatever it is that you fancy, this market has it: from Bombay Delight’s award-winning curries to secondhand vinyl classics courtesy of So Pop Vinyl.

Where: The Piazza, Wimbledon

When: Saturday 28 February – Sunday 1 March, 11am – 6pm

🏎 Southside Hustle Classic Car Meet: This informal monthly gathering of classic car owners in Wimbledon Village features a stunning and eclectic array of motors, some incredibly rare. And even if you don’t own one, it’s still worth making the journey to watch.

Where: Wimbledon Common (the village end near the farmers’ market)

When: Sunday 1 March, 8–11am

🌳 Wimbledon Common Nature Club: Trees: This March get-together is all about trees — children will try bark rubbing and learn how to identify different trees across the common. The club’s events are suitable for 6–14-year-olds, and parents are welcome to come along too. Note, these events are free but donations are always encouraged.

Where: Information Centre, Windmill Road

When: Sunday 1 March, 10am – 12pm

🥩 The Black Lamb x Vallebona Supper Club: For one night only, Oliver Gladwin welcomes Stefano Vallebona into the Black Lamb kitchen for a special supper club event. The menu brings together local and wild cooking with Vallebona’s Italian soul as well as some Japanese flair woven in along the way. Think relaxed, thoughtful cooking: fresh pasta layered with mushrooms and truffle and a main course that feels quietly indulgent without being showy. Tickets are £64 per person and can be booked here.

Where: The Black Lamb

When: Wednesday 4 March, 5–9pm

📚 Magic Quests presents World Book Day: Come and celebrate World Book Day at Merton Arts Space with a special bookish mash-up by Magical Quests. These are not quite the stories you think you know… What happens when Goldilocks enters the wrong house or Puss in Boots gives up his boots? Expect surprises, mischief and mayhem at this free event for children aged four and up.

Where: Wimbledon Library

When: Friday 6 March, 4.30pm

Celebrating a Wimbledon hero 🍾

Last April, The Wimble met with Robert (Bob) Stone for a piece about his life in Wimbledon and his service as a local firefighter in the 1970s. The interview generated a huge amount of positive comments and feedback, and we selected it as a piece for our summer print edition that year (you can read the full article here). A few weeks ago, I received an email from The Fire Station Café with the subject heading “Bob Stone — Fireman Thank You”. It was an invitation to an event celebrating Bob and the other firefighters who worked at The Fire Station Café when it was still an active station. I hadn’t seen Bob since our initial meeting last year, and I was keen to catch up with him and shine a light on the hard-working members of our community (retired or not) who have helped to keep our borough safe. Here is how it went.

Our reader base has nearly doubled since we first ran Bob’s story, so for those of you who are new, I thought it might be wise to recap Bob Stone’s life and achievements. Here’s the very abridged story.

Robert (Bob) Stone was born in Wimbledon in 1947. After leaving school at 14, he took on various jobs (including at the London Stock Exchange) before joining the London Fire Brigade in 1974. He worked in fire stations all over London — from New Malden to Fulham — but was instrumental in his service at Wimbledon’s fire station in the 70s.

When Bob was fighting fires in Wimbledon, the brigade’s equipment was nothing like it is today — for one, their rescue kits were only a fraction as practical as they are now. While house fires were the bread and butter of firefighting in the 70s, Wimbledon had its fair share of big fires too. Much of the Wimbledon brigade’s time was spent fighting fires at the old Merton Board Mill — apparently the mill stacked its paper very tightly, which was often the cause of a fire.

But even when Bob was off-duty, he was still fighting fires. When we met last year, I asked him to recount his “proudest moment” serving the community: “There used to be the Manor Club on Kingston Road. Now it’s a block of flats. I was off-duty and drinking there one day with a colleague from the Fulham station.” The day in question was barrel delivery day, and as Bob and a colleague enjoyed their beers, the smell of smoke began to creep up from the cellar. “We went to the cellar door, opened it, and the smoke came billowing out.” The cellar man, known to locals as Paps, was down there. Bob sprung into action, his firefighter brain taking over, and managed to get through the smoke to rescue Paps. When Bob retired years later in 2000, the London Fire Commissioner sent him a personal letter. In that letter, the commissioner drew special attention to Bob’s heroism that day when he was off-duty and drinking at the Manor Club.

A few weeks back, I attended a morris dancing session with the Wimbledon Greensleeves. There, I got talking to a member of the troupe called Tim Edwards. Sitting down in between dances, Tim leaned over and said, “I’ve been reading The Wimble. I was particularly interested in the story you ran about Bob Stone, the firefighter. I used to know Bob… we’re talking 40 years ago. We used to drink at the Manor Club on Kingston Road. It’s been so long since I’ve seen him; it was nice to find out that he’s doing well.”

At this point, I was already aware of the celebration happening at The Fire Station Café in Bob’s honour. Speaking with Tim, a thought occurred to me: “Why don’t you come to The Fire Station Café on the 18th? We’re doing a celebration for Bob and the brigade members. Come along! You can see if he remembers you after all these years.” Tim was more than happy to accept my invitation.

Twelve days later, in the pouring rain, I made my way to The Fire Station Café to see Bob again. I arrived a little early. Bob was already there with two other ex-members of the Wimbledon Fire Station as well as his family. The café had laid out a beautiful platter of food — though the cake was the real showstopper.

Bob introduced me to some of the other firefighters. Each of them regaled me with stories about their time in the brigade: different departments, the old teleprinters with their green and red lights, the shoddy equipment in London compared to other, smaller stations across the country. It was also interesting to learn that other firefighters across the UK were met with hostility from the local community when the first strike began in 1977. Not in Wimbledon: I recalled how Bob told me that the reception in SW19 was far kinder. In fact, the Alexandra pub (a favourite among locals even then) served the firefighters pints during the strike.

Tim arrived not long after me. I watched as Bob pointed at him and said, “Hang on, I remember you. How do I remember you? Where do we know each other from?” And then I continued to watch as the two of them swapped stories about the Manor Club and their lives since then. Forty years is a long time, but it’s also just yesterday for those that remember it.

It was a beautiful evening, and a reminder that we need to celebrate our local heroes. There’s not much more that needs to be said than that. Without events like these, the stories of our community are often lost or misremembered. Every area is rich with history, but as people move in and move out, we are prone to forgetting it.

Bob’s story touched a lot of our readers when we ran it last April, and we’d love to run more of these kinds of pieces. So I’ll take this opportunity to once again ask if anyone would like to nominate a local hero for a feature in our newsletter. If so, click the button below and drop me an email.

Other than that, let’s hear it for Bob, a real local hero.

NOMINATE YOUR LOCAL HERO

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked you what the tallest building in Merton was. The answer: Britannia Point in Colliers Wood.

Q: What road is Wimbledon Fire Station now located on?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition. I hope you enjoyed our recap of Bob’s story and the snippet from his celebration at The Fire Station Café. If you know of any local heroes, get in touch: zak@thewimble.com. Other than that, have a great week and we’ll see you next time!

Share

Leave a comment

This week, we’ve hit the streets of Wimbledon to ask locals how they feel about the imminent closure of the Wimbledon police station front desk. We’ve also got your usual news snippets, a great property of the week and some fantastic recommendations for the weeks ahead.

We’ve answered a recent Ask The Wimble question below. If you have questions about the area, do get in touch by emailing zak@thewimble.com with the subject line “Ask The Wimble”.

We’re still on the lookout for great local heroes. Thanks for your nominations so far! If you or anyone else might be a good fit for a story, get in touch.

NOMINATE YOUR LOCAL HEROES

Other than that, happy reading!

News snippets 🗞

🚑 A person was left fighting for their life last week after an incident at Raynes Park station. Emergency services were alerted shortly after 10am on Wednesday 11 February after reports of a casualty on the tracks. Police later confirmed that the person’s injuries were life-threatening and that they had been rushed to hospital. Read more here.

🎾 Wimbledon has said that it will keep its backstage cameras despite players voicing their concerns. Debate about their use was sparked after Coco Gauff was filmed at the Australian Open this year smashing her racket in frustration after her quarter-final defeat to Elina Svitolina. After the video quickly went viral, Gauff said that she “tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera, because I don’t necessarily like breaking rackets”. But despite concerns, Wimbledon highlighted the benefit of having backstage cameras in warm-down areas, while stressing that it was aware of the need to prioritise players’ welfare. Read more about the situationhere.

🎭 The Bodyguard is officially mid-run at the New Wimbledon Theatre. You probably know the songs. You probably know the highs and lows. You probably even know how it ends. But you still want to see it again anyway! Grab your tickets here.

This week’s Wimble sponsor ⛳️

Caddi Club is back with a new deal for the Six Nations! A burger and a pint is just £17 on any given match day. Of course, if rugby isn’t your thing, you can still pop in for a spot of golf, a bite to eat and something to drink. Just click the button below to learn more and to book your table or golf bay.

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

Ask The Wimble❓

You asked: What is happening with Crossrail 2?

Answer: Unfortunately, not very much. Whilst there has been renewed excitement for the project (see here and here), Crossrail 2 remains largely unfunded and deprioritised. It’s also worth noting that the Elizabeth line (Crossrail 1) missed its original opening date by four years and went £4 billion over budget. There is a preferred route for the proposed Crossrail 2, but this remains unconfirmed (see image below).

If you have any questions about the area, send us an email with the subject line “Ask The Wimble”: zak@thewimble.com. These questions can be about anything: Do you know when X bus route will return? Do you know how many strawberries are consumed at Wimbledon each year? Do you know when X restaurant is opening? These questions are entirely up to you.

ASK THE WIMBLE

Property of the week 🏡

Well, what do we have here? This five-bedroom terraced house, just off The Broadway, is only a brief walk to Wimbledon and South Wimbledon station. So far, I’ve counted three fireplaces (but there could be more), and I’m particularly fond of that exposed brick in the kitchen-dining room. This particular home will set you back £1.195m, which, for Wimbledon, is not beyond the pale. Check out more photos here.

The Wimble’s to-do list 🐶

🍷 Wine tasting: Rosé champagne and sparkling wines of the world: This is for the pink fizz lovers among us. Rosé champagne is actually rarer than many of us realise, and it can come in many different styles and shades. This tasting will showcase six different wines from vineyards in France, New Zealand, England and more, paired with nibbles from Jeroboam’s deli range. Tickets are £40 per person — reasonable, when you think that a glass of champagne will set you back £20 in most central London bars these days.

Where: Jeroboams, Wimbledon Village

When: Friday 20 February, 6–7.30pm

🐶 Puppy yoga: Yes, this is as adorable as it sounds. And what’s more: you don’t even need to have a puppy to attend! This yoga session is all about reducing your stress and anxiety as well as helping the little pups to socialise. If you want to know which puppies will be in attendance, check out Puppy Yoga’s socials. Tickets are £35 and can be bought here.

Where: 12–14 Hartfield Rd

When: Sunday 22 February (at various times)

👩‍👦 Calm Parenting: Understanding Stress and Emotional Regulation: This webinar offers a space to explore why moments of stress between parents and children can happen and how to respond with a sense of calm and connection. The webinar will be hosted by Dr. Kerri Walster, who specialises in supporting families with children under the age of 10. This event is entirely free and can be booked here.

Where: Online

When: Tuesday 24 February, 10am

🩺 Prostate health webinar: Register for this free Prostate Health Webinar from Nuffield Health and hear their specialists discuss revolutionary treatment options for an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. You can get guidance from specialists, understand your treatment options and hear real patient stories. Book your spot here.

Where: Online

When: Thursday 26 February, 7pm

🍰 Love Wimbledon monthly market: Each market brings fresh finds and seasonal favourites, with new traders joining regularly. Whatever it is that you fancy, this market has it: from Bombay Delight’s award-winning curries to secondhand vinyl classics courtesy of So Pop Vinyl.

Where: The Piazza, Wimbledon

When: Saturday 28 February – Sunday 1 March, 11am – 6pm

Share

Wimbledon police station is closing its counter: What does this mean for you? 🚨

The news broke at the end of January that Wimbledon and Mitcham would lose their police counters. In a letter published on Friday 30 January, the Met confirmed that neither station will retain a public-facing counter. The closest 24/7 police counters will now be in Charing Cross and Lewisham. London Now reported that these closures breach a previous commitment made by the Mayor of London that every London borough would retain at least one 24-hour police counter. But it seems they’re going ahead nonetheless. This week, we hit the streets of Wimbledon to ask locals how they felt about this.

Kristine (manager of The Fire Station Café)

Personally, I think the counter’s closure is ridiculous. People need the option to go inside the police station and speak to someone about the issue they are having. It’s really important to have the option of face-to-face interaction because people feel safer that way. Let’s just hope the police station stays open as a whole — we have police now, and people still feel unsafe in this area. If the police station closes, I think crime will only get worse.

Bob

The crime round here is not as bad as other areas in London, but we still have crime: bikes, violent attacks, theft. I remember a time when people were arrested and held in the cells at the police station before being taken to the courts down the road… all on the same day! My worry is that this is just the start of them closing the whole station down. And what will we do then?

Ed

To be fair, I haven’t had to use the police station’s counter apart from one time when I was handing in a lost wallet. But whilst it probably won’t affect me personally — and hasn’t impacted my life so far — I think it’s a shame. I think it’s important to have someone you can speak to in person for a lot of people.

Elizabeth

People want to fight this decision. Now all we can do is ring 999 if we have a problem. And in the past I’ve popped in and used that counter. It’s sad that it’s gone. I also think that people are starting to feel as if they can’t affect anything. Locals have tried to keep the counter open, but no one has listened.

James

I don’t actually think it’s a huge issue. I rarely use the counter, if ever. What’s more important is that they retain their operational presence in the area. I think we should focus on just keeping the station open. That said, I do recognise that this will make admin a lot harder for people. The nearest 24/7 counters being in Charing Cross and Lewisham is definitely a nuisance.

Marc

If they closed the whole station, that would be terrible for the area. I think even with the counter closure, it’s still a problem. To know you have somewhere and someone to talk to if a problem arises is very important. Think about the people who live alone, particularly the elderly, who rely on that service. Younger generations are used to calling up the police and getting a reference number, but I fear that older people will take that as being fobbed off. Having a counter also gives a calming presence to the area. Think about the smaller retailers who can’t afford security — being able to walk in and report an incident is something that they need. Regardless of whether or not the closure makes a massive difference, perception will now be that there is less of a police presence in the area, and I think that quite a few people will see this as the precursor to the station closing entirely.

Laura

I’ve just moved to the area, so it is a bit frustrating. I don’t really know why they’ve decided to close it. It’s doing far more good than harm, so it seems unnecessary to get rid of it. Having a counter gives you a certain feeling of safety and security, and it’s annoying now that it’s gone.

If you have any thoughts about the station closing, do drop a comment below.

Leave a comment

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked you which Wimbledon pub won the CAMRA South West London Pub of the Year in 2025. The answer: the Sultan (they also won in 2023).

Q: What is the tallest building in Merton

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of The Wimble. Do keep sharing our newsletter with friends and family. If you have a story that you think is right for The Wimble, get in touch: zak@thewimble.com. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.

Subscribe now

Leave a comment

This week we’ve got something a little different for you. Last Friday, I popped down to Victory Road in South Wimbledon to dance with the Greensleeves Morris Men. This year marks their 100-year anniversary, and so it seemed fitting to check them out and see what’s kept them going this long. Scroll down to read all about their colourful history and to watch a few clips of me learning the dances.

We’ve also got your usual news snippets, some great recommendations for the weeks ahead and another wonderful property of the week.

CALL OUT FOR READERS: We’re looking to interview some local heroes with great stories. We’re not stuck on any theme yet, so do get in touch if you or someone else might be right for a story in The Wimble: zak@thewimble.com.

Other than that, happy reading!

Share

News snippets 🗞

🏃‍♀️ A major new half-marathon is set to launch in our borough! The new closed-road event is set to come to Merton thanks to a collaboration between Merton Council and the Great Run Company, and will launch in the spring of 2027. Thousands of runners will take on the 13.1-mile route, which will take them through Morden, Wimbledon and Mitcham. Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome, from those who are starting their running journeys to experienced athletes. Read more here.

👨‍🏫 Teaching assistants and school support staff in Merton are to be balloted for strike action over long-standing pay discrepancies. The staff receive London Weighting at the Outer London rate, however, their teacher colleagues in the same schools receive the higher Inner London rate, which works out at a difference of £1,400 per year per employee. The GMB’s members’ ballot will open on Friday 27 February, with any action to take place in the run-up to the upcoming local elections in May. Click here to learn more.

💝 Wimbledon Quarter’s Valentine’s Day hamper competition will close at 11.59pm tonight, so enter now whilst you can! One lucky winner will win a luxurious hamper filled with luxurious treats, romantic date-night (or mate-date!) experiences and exclusive gifts all from inside Wimbledon Quarter – with a total value of over £1,500. Included in the prize: The M&S Collection Hamper & selection of Valentine’s treats from M&S Simply Food, The Duchess Valentine’s bouquet from Blooms Wimbledon, a £100 voucher for 601 Queens Road, 2x 10-Day Experience Passes at STRONG Pilates, 50x Free Coffee Vouchers from Urban Baristas and much, much more. Click here to find out how to enter.

🍷 Local gem Artisans Depot have launched their new wine club. Sign up to receive a case of six different wines to your door on a regular basis with a 15% discount off normal prices. They have three options: monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly. To join the club, email artisansdepotwimbledon@gmail.com.

This week’s Wimble sponsor ⛳️

Caddi Club is back with a new deal for the Six Nations! A burger and a pint is just £17 on any given match day. Of course, if rugby isn’t your thing, you can still pop in for a spot of golf, a bite to eat and something to drink. Just click the button below to learn more and to book your table or golf bay.

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

Property of the week 🏡

This three-bedroom Victorian terraced house is a fine example of what Wimbledon has to offer. Located within the Poets, it’s perfect for those wanting a bit more space while remaining close to central London. I’m a big fan of that Juliet balcony too. But how much? This home will set you back £799,950. Check out more photos here.

The Wimble’s to-do list

🎻 Bring Up the Music Love: This Valentine’s concert explores love in all its forms — and in all genres of music. Ten exceptional performers will perform pieces in genres as diverse as classical, jazz, country, folk, rock and pop. Tickets are £25 and can be bought here.

Where: St John the Baptist

When: Thursday 12 February, 7–9pm

🥃 Valentine’s Day Whisky and Wine Tasting: Amathus in Wimbledon Village will be hosting various free wine and whisky tastings this Valentine’s Day weekend. There will be the award-winning whisky bottler the Heart Cut, natural wine tastings and even some sweet wine tastings. Click here to check out timings and events.

Where: Amathus, Wimbledon Village

When: Friday 13 – Saturday 15 February

💪 The Little Gym Valentine’s Day Special Sessions: Join The Little Gym this Valentine’s for two themed sessions for babies and toddlers. Expect fun activities, movement sessions, refreshments and more. “Toddler’s Valentine’s” is from 10–11am and “My Berry First Valentine’s” is from 11.15am–12.15pm. Tickets are £25 per child and can be booked here.

Where: The Little Gym, Wimbledon Quarter

When: Friday 13 February

🥳 February half-term “Love Camp” with Planet Art: Sign your kids up for these four heart-filled days of arts and crafts where creativity, kindness, and colour take centre stage. Your kids will dive into the world of hearts, happy vibes, and imaginative fun. This half-term camp is suitable for children aged 4–9. Each day costs £65. Sign up here.

Where: The Garden Hall, St Mary’s Church

When: Monday 16 – Thursday 19 February, 9.30am–3.30pm

🐴 Holistic horse care: This is your chance to spend a calm 75 minutes connecting with horses in a safe and relaxed environment. The session begins with an introduction to horse behaviour, including flight instincts, body language, and how horses perceive their surroundings. Then you will move on to hands-on time with the horses, guided by experienced instructors, where you’ll learn the basics of safe handling and grooming, observe how horses respond to calm, consistent communication, and discover techniques that promote horse well-being. Note that there is no riding involved. Tickets are £40 for non-members. Book here.

Where: Wimbledon Village Stables

When: Saturday 21 February, 1.45–3pm

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Dear England at the New Wimbledon Theatre: Dear England tells the uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager. After winning an Olivier Award for its run at the National Theatre, the show comes to the New Wimbledon Theatre at the end of February for a limited time. Grab your tickets here.

Where: New Wimbledon Theatre

When: Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 February

My evening with Wimbledon’s Morris Men ⚔️

Greensleeves Morris Men was formed in 1926 in central London, though their first performance was actually in Wimbledon. In 1980, they permanently relocated to SW19. The troupe has danced all across the country and beyond, going as far as Northern Europe and even Canada. Many of our readers have probably seen the Greensleeves in action on The Piazza or around the local pubs with their piano accordion, pipe and tabor, handkerchiefs and sticks. A few weeks ago, the Greensleeves’ squire, Neil Barrett, got in touch to talk about their centenary celebrations. Over coffee, we decided that it might be fun if I were to pop my head in one Friday evening for a little dance practice. So last week, that’s exactly what I did. And let me tell you, it’s a lot harder than it looks.

It’s a Friday night at the end of a very long, very wet week in London. I’m on my way to South Wimbledon Community Association Hall to meet with some morris dancers — not a sentence I’m used to writing.

The Greensleeves are already getting started when I enter the rehearsal room. Neil, my contact in the troupe, greets me immediately with a warm smile. The rest of the group follow suit. In honour of the dancing side’s name, I’ve decided to wear a green roll neck, though Neil assures me that it doesn’t matter what I’m wearing so long as I’m comfortable. “Shall we start with a warm-up dance?” asks Neil.

We launch into a rhythmic routine that involves timed clapping and slapping of various limbs. I’m ashamed to admit this, but I was already out of breath by the time the warm-up ended. (This might be a sign that I need to reinstate my gym membership.) What strikes me immediately is the camaraderie of the group. There’s light-hearted banter from the get-go, but also an overwhelming sense of support. It was clear that every person in the room wanted me to enjoy my time as much as possible.

The first dance I learn is called Balance the Straw. We start with the sticks. For those of you unfamiliar with traditional morris dancing, sticks and handkerchiefs are predominantly used in a form known as Cotswold Morris. The Greensleeves in Wimbledon mostly dance in this style, though they also dance another form known as Longsword, from North East England. But we’ll get onto the swords later.

The Greensleeves show me a polished performance of the dance first before taking me through the movements step by step. It starts simply enough with the chorus: I take a stick, bang it on the ground twice, clash twice (hit my stick against another dancer’s), bang it on the ground twice again, and then clash three times. A member of the group plays the melody to Balance the Straw on a pipe, which keeps us in time — though he kindly plays it slower than usual for my benefit. Neil tells me not to worry about the footwork for today: “If you can get the movements and the clashing right, then you’re already doing a great job.” There are more moves to the dance, but I’ll let the video below explain the rest.

After we finish and I’ve understood the moves, I get a few minutes to catch my breath before we’re back in with a rendition of Blue Eyed Stranger, only this time using handkerchiefs. This is probably a personal thing, but I find them far harder to use than the sticks. The moves to the dance are exactly the same, but something about handkerchiefs throws me, and my timing is a little off. But the Greensleeves are patient and encouraging, and after a while I get there — though I think I’ll have to come back for a few more practices before I share a video of that routine.

I take a seat. I might have worked up a sweat, but I’m having too much fun to care. The dancers then get ready to practise the Longsword form. Six beautiful swords are removed from a bundle and given to the dancers. Neil tells me that they contacted an armourer in Whitstable to make the swords — like something from the days of yore. I sit this routine out; I don’t fancy mistakenly impaling myself or, worse, anyone else on a random Friday evening in South Wimbledon.

Morris dancing has been around for at least 500 years — the earliest records of the tradition date back to the mid-15th century — but most people only know it for bells, handkerchiefs and brightly coloured costumes. People don’t tend to think of swords when they think of morris. But they should. The Longsword routine is incredibly intricate: towards the end of the dance, each morris man holds the hilt of his sword and the tip of his neighbour’s sword and weaves over and under until the blades form what is known as a “lock” (see image below). After the routine is finished, one of the dancers jokes, “It’s all done with magnets.” I can assure you, it is not.

By this point, I’m really getting into it: as unorthodox as it may be, it’s one of the best Friday nights I’ve had in months. Before the practice finishes, the Greensleeves decide to teach me one last dance called Vandals of Hammerwich. It’s the hardest dance of the evening, as it involves multiple movements and the swapping of positions. But I’ve got good teachers, and by 10pm — which is when a practice session usually ends — I’ve managed to do a full run-through without making a complete fool of myself. When the practice is over, the Greensleeves invite me to the pub. This is part of their Friday tradition, and I’m more than happy to oblige. We make the short pilgrimage to The Sultan, one of Wimbledon’s finest pubs (and a CAMRA winner, for the beer lovers among us). The Greensleeves have a rule: if you come to practice and learn a dance, they’ll buy you a pint. I’ve learnt three. We sit around a table, and I listen as the group shares stories about their dancing over the years: the journeys, the friends made, quaint small villages in the far reaches of England, the history, the tradition and the importance of the folk revival scene in the late 1960s and early 70s.

“You’re welcome any time, Zak,” says Neil. “If you just want to pop in on another Friday for a dance, please do. That’s what we say to anyone who wants to join in: there’s no pressure, we’re free, and we’re open to everyone.”

I take my time enjoying the three pints of bitter at The Sultan: my aching legs tell me I’ve earned them. And I’d urge anyone who wants to meet some friendly faces, hear some wonderful stories and have a dance to get in touch with the Greensleeves and pop down to South Wimbledon one Friday to check them out. You won’t be disappointed.

2026 marks the Greensleeves’ 100-year anniversary. They practise most Friday evenings from September to April and then spend the summer months travelling around different areas in south London to showcase their routines. If you want to learn more about the troupe or to see their upcoming events, head to their website here.

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I presented you with a list of celebrities and asked which one was born in Wimbledon. The answer: Davina McCall.

Q: Which pub won CAMRA’s South West London Pub of the Year Award in 2025?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition. If you or any of your friends are interested in getting involved with the Greensleeves, get in touch with them here. Do keep sharing The Wimble with your friends, family and neighbours — we’re inching ever closer to that 10,000 weekly subscribers mark. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.

Share

Leave a comment

This week, we’ve interviewed Alex Edmans, an award-winning academic and economist best known for his second book, May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics and Studies Exploit Our Biases - And What We Can Do About It. Edmans moved to Wimbledon in 2022 and wrote a large chunk of this book in Wimbledon Library — so we sat down with him to discuss how we, as locals, might find ourselves victims of our own biases and what we can do about it. Scroll down to hear his perspective.

We’ve also got your usual news snippets (including some very important news about Wimbledon and Mitcham’s police counters), some great recommendations for the weeks ahead and a beautiful property of the week.

As always, please do share The Wimble with your friends and family, and subscribe if you haven’t already. We’ve seen a lovely increase in subscribers over the past week, and we’re just a few hundred readers away from breaking that 10,000 mark!

Other than that, happy reading!

Share

This week’s Wimble sponsor ⛳️

Fancy yourself as the next McIlroy? Or maybe you just want to take your frustrations out on the driving range. Either way, Caddi Club is the place for you. At Caddi, you can learn at your own pace. It doesn’t matter if you’re a golfing aficionado or a novice (like me); there’s room for everyone. And if you’re feeling thirsty or peckish, they also have an excellent selection of food and drinks.

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

News snippets 🗞

🔒 The Met Police counters in Wimbledon and Mitcham are set to close on Saturday 28 February. In a letter published on Friday 30 January, the Met confirmed that neither station will retain a public-facing counter. The closest 24/7 police counters will now be in Charing Cross and Lewisham. The possibility of closure has been on the cards for some time, and local residents have already made their opinions clear. Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler (and his fellow Merton Liberal Democrats) have campaigned to keep the police stations open, launching a petition that has already received thousands of signatures. Despite this, it appears the plan to close both counters is going ahead. London Now reports that these closures breach a previous commitment made by the Mayor of London that every London borough would retain at least one 24-hour police counter. Click here to read more.

📚 The headteacher of Hall School Wimbledon has pledged to lead the school into a new “era of excellence”, according to this interview with the Wimbledon Times. Jack Tyson — who was appointed permanent headteacher after a period as interim headteacher — said, “There is a magic here, created by the people, the ethos and the care that runs through every aspect of school life.” The school was founded in 1991 and is a non-selective independent day school for boys and girls aged 7–18. Click here to read more about Tyson’s plans.

💞 Wimbledon Quarter’s Valentine’s Day hamper competition is now live! One lucky winner will win a luxurious hamper filled with luxurious treats, romantic date-night (or mate-date!) experiences and exclusive gifts all from inside Wimbledon Quarter – with a total value of over £1,400. Included in the prize: The M&S Collection Hamper & selection of Valentine’s treats from M&S Simply Food, The Duchess Valentine’s bouquet from Blooms Wimbledon, a £100 voucher for 601 Queens Road, 2x 10-Day Experience Passes at STRONG Pilates, 50x Free Coffee Vouchers from Urban Baristas and much, much more. Click here to find out how to enter.

🚇 Have you ever wondered how the Northern line got its name? Well, wonder no more. A recent article in the Londonist outlines the process that took place in 1926. It also contains details of a suggested alternative: as the Bakerloo portmanteau of Baker Street and Waterloo had proved to be popular, some suggested the Northern line should follow suit. One person, responding to an article in the Express, argued that Balhamstead would be a fitting name: “The two districts honoured [Balham and Hampstead] are probably the most important at each end of the line, and the name is more informative than any combination of the names at the terminus stations." Click this link to read more.

Property of the week 🏡

The sheer size of this garden is what does it for me; that and the charming log burner in the living room. Then again, that summer house isn’t too shabby either. Situated on a leafy street just a few minutes away from Colliers Wood tube station, this four-bedroom home is perfect for those wanting space in a quieter area with access to central London. What’s more, you’re only a stone’s throw from Merton Abbey Mills and the brilliant new restaurant Black Radish, which we featured a few weeks back. But how much? This modern home comes in at £1.25m. Not cheap, but hardly the most expensive property in SW19. Check out more photos here.

The Wimble’s to-do list 💘

🏺 Exhibition: Objects of Enchantment: This exhibition encourages visitors to look closely at how the ordinary becomes the extraordinary. What happens when a simple object is lifted from daily life and placed on a museum plinth or turned into a painting? Local artist and artist in residence Alastair Gordon turns his eye to the museum’s collection, reinterpreting familiar objects and inviting viewers to reconsider what makes something worthy of attention, revealing how context, perception and imagination can turn the mundane into the marvellous. This event is entirely free and is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2.30–5pm.

Where: Wimbledon Museum

When: Friday 6 February – Sunday 29 March

🏉 Six Nations: Are you wondering where to go to watch the Six Nations this year? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of some of the best spots showing the games this year: The Alexandra, Wimbledon Quarter’s courtyard, Fire Stables, Rose & Crown, Caddi Club, The Old Frizzle, Crooked Billet, Dog & Fox and the Prince of Wales.

Where: See list

When: Thursday 5 February – Saturday 14 March

🍷 Prams & Pinot wine tasting: It’s been a while since we’ve featured the fan-favourite Prams & Pinot at Friarwood Wines. Learn about four seasonal wines accompanied by light nibbles in a relaxed and informal environment with plenty of pram space. Because why not start your week with a glass of wine? After all, you only live once. Tickets are £25 per person and can be booked here.

Where: Friarwood Wines

When: Monday 9 February, 1.30–3pm

🚨 Cuppa with a Coppa: This regular session is your chance to sit down with members of the local police force to ask questions and have your voice heard. The initiative is entirely free and no booking is required.

Where: Rose & Crown

When: Thursday 12 February, 10–10.45am

🐴 Wimbledon Village Stables Open Day: Once again, you have the chance to explore the yard, meet the horses and see how everything runs behind the scenes. It’s also a great chance to learn about membership options for the serious riders among us. No booking is required and the event is entirely free; just bring yourself!

Where: Wimbledon Village Stables

When: Saturday 14 February, 2–3pm

💋 Valentine’s Day at 601 Queens Road: We featured this last week, but it’s worth reminding our readers who have yet to make plans for Valentine’s Day. Spend the most romantic day of the year at 601 Queens Road enjoying a three-course menu with thoughtfully cooked dishes designed for sharing time. For £45 per person, choose from dishes such as Brixham crab tart and braised ox cheek vol-au-vent. Click here to view the menu and book your table.

Where: 601 Queens Road, Wimbledon

When: Saturday 14 February

📚 Waterstones Book Club: This month, head down to Waterstones on The Broadway to discuss February’s book, The Homemade God by Rachel Joyce. The story centres on four siblings who gather at their recently deceased father’s lakeside villa in Italy. They soon encounter their father’s secrets, their new stepmother and parts of themselves.

Where: Waterstones, The Broadway

When: Thursday 26 February, 7–8pm

Share

‘A statement is not a fact’: In conversation with author and academic Alex Edmans 📈

Alex Edmans is a bestselling author, economist, academic, professor and, among other things, a Wimbledon local. Edmans is the author of two books — Grow the Pie (2020) and May Contain Lies (2024) — and has spoken at the World Economic Forum in Davos and testified in Parliament. He’s written for the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and Harvard Business Review, and been interviewed by Bloomberg, BBC, ITV, Reuters and Sky News, among others. In short, he has quite the CV.

Edmans and I made contact around six months ago to discuss his previous work and his relationship to Wimbledon. We finally sat down in January to discuss his research on biases, data, business and how we can apply his theories on a local level. Here is how it went.

I think we ought to start at the beginning. You’ve had an incredible career so far: where did it all start?

I grew up in Berkshire and went to a school founded on Montessori principles. It was an education based on asking questions. They encouraged us to challenge everything. We didn’t wear uniforms, you called your teacher by their first name, and the overarching idea was to lead the answer out of a student rather than instil it in them. I then went to St Paul’s on a scholarship. I’d wake up at 5.30am every morning to catch the bus to Hammersmith Bridge and walk across to school. This was a very different education in comparison to my primary school, but I’m incredibly grateful for it. I was also the only boy in my year to study English and Economics at A-level (the other two were Maths and German), and that’s largely why I studied Economics and Management at Merton College, Oxford.

I think the two subjects complement one another: you have a theory, and that theory is not set in stone — we can both see the same data and one of us could think taxes should rise and the other could think taxes should fall. We can have a respectful conversation, and the two of us can walk away having learned something.

My first job was in investment banking in Canary Wharf, and whilst it was a good job, I felt the bandwidth of my contributions was limited. I then decided to become a professor, and I studied for my PhD at MIT Sloan before taking on a professorial position at Wharton. But I wanted to apply my research to the UK, so I moved back home in 2013, took on another position at London Business School and then wrote my first book in 2020. I moved to Wimbledon in 2022 and wrote the majority of my second book from here.

Your second book, May Contain Lies, is about misinformation. There is so much information (and misinformation) online these days — how do we navigate that locally?

People tend to reduce one big problem to a single statistic. Take crime in London, for example: we can take the big crime stats from each borough, but we often don’t consider population density or other contributing factors. I think it’s really important to be curious. We have to ask why a question is being asked and try to understand what we’re looking at. On the point of information overload, I think the issue is not so much about being online but about getting your information from unreliable sources. We tend to curate what we see online, which then feeds into this sense of confirmation bias.

May Contain Lies discusses your theory of the “Ladder of Misinference”. Can you explain what that is and how we can apply it locally?

Before I wrote May Contain Lies, I read many, many books on misinformation. They were all great. In fact, they were so good that they went on to list the 259 ways in which we can be misinformed. But the average person is not going to remember 259 ways of being misinformed when digesting information. I wanted to break misinformation down into four points, and I chose the ladder because when we start from a statement and draw a conclusion, we are essentially climbing a ladder. There’s also the famous expression of the “Ladder of Inference”, so it was a wordplay on that. So essentially I break down how an individual can be misled through four steps. Here’s how we might apply them in our community:

1. A statement is not a fact. In a local context, it might be said that a person was “mugged down the street by a person who is from a certain ethnic background or of a certain appearance”. We have to ask what the evidence is behind that statement. We have to make sure we check the facts.

2. A fact is not data: it may not be representative. Whilst this person may have been mugged by someone who is from a certain background, has the overall crime rate fallen? What percentage of crimes committed were committed by people who are from this background?

3. Data is not evidence: it may not be conclusive. Even if you do have large-scale evidence, is it correlation or causation? Does it happen to be that more people from this background live in the area for a specific reason? At the same time, has the crime rate gone up for a different reason?

4. Evidence is not proof: it may not be universal. Even if something is true in one particular case, it may not always be the case. Even if something is true in New York, it may not be true in London.

Your first book, Grow the Pie (a Financial Times book of the year), argues that businesses do not need to choose between making a profit and serving their community. How can we apply that idea in Wimbledon?

Making profit and serving one’s community are not mutually exclusive concepts. In the local sense, it’s best not to think about what you can get out of your business but how you can benefit your community — even if you don’t see a way of monetising that benefit. The best goals are often pursued indirectly. Profit can be a by-product of fulfilling a community purpose. Say, for instance, a local food business decides to give its excess produce away to the homeless at the end of every day; while it may not be economically profitable, the benefits can hit you in unexpected ways.

Let’s flip it around for a second and look at it from a consumer’s point of view: what is the value of shopping locally and supporting independent businesses?

I think it’s important to stress that not everyone should feel morally obliged to shop at local independent shops when there is a cost-of-living crisis. If that cost-of-living crisis is biting for someone, then they must do what is affordable for them in order to put food on the table. For those of us in a more privileged position, of course it’s important to support our local independent businesses. For instance, I buy from Wimbledon Books in the village. I could buy from Amazon, which is cheaper and more convenient, but that’s not the point. It’s about a 45-minute round trip to Wimbledon Books for me, but I take my kids, and it becomes an outing. I remember recently giving my son my card and letting him tap on the card reader to buy his sticker book. Every time he uses that sticker book, we remind him that he “bought it”. Sometimes we have to look past what is convenient and cheaper when supporting our community.

Alex Edmans’s new book, The Madness of Markets: How Smart Investors Make Crazy Decisions – And How To Exploit Them, will be published by Penguin Random House in September this year. Check out his website here and make sure to pick up a copy of his previous books at your local bookshop.

Leave a comment

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked you which famous director (from a list) once called Wimbledon home. The answer: Ridley Scott.

Q: Which of these celebrities was born in Wimbledon?

You’re up to date 👋

I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition and our in-depth interview with Alex Edmans. Please drop a comment below if you have any suggestions for upcoming events or ideas and everything in between. As always, drop me a line at zak@thewimble.com. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time!

Leave a comment

Subscribe now

Thank you to the hundreds of readers who have already filled out our survey. There’s still time to have your say before we take a look at the responses. Just click HERE — it only takes a few minutes.

This week, we have an interview with British ballet dancer Bayley Webster. Webster will be performing with Varna International Ballet at the New Wimbledon Theatre next month for three nights with three exciting shows: The Nutcracker, Cinderella and Swan Lake. I sat down with him to talk about life as a ballet dancer, performing at the New Wimbledon Theatre and what it’s like to tour so extensively.

We’ve got your usual news snippets this week, a ridiculously opulent property of the week and some great recommendations to see you through the following two weeks.

As always, if you want to get in touch, just email zak@thewimble.com.

Happy reading!

This week’s Wimble sponsor ⛳️

The weather has been horrendous this past week, and many of us are seeking activities indoors. Well, look no further than Caddi Club at Wimbledon Quarter. Golf is easier (and often more fun) than you think! At Caddi, you can learn at your own place, get real feedback, play with friends and build up your confidence, one swing at a time. And even if you’re hopeless at golf, Caddi has a fully stocked bar and a menu of delicious nibbles and larger meals. They’ve also got the launch of their new shop, Lemonade Golf Club, this coming weekend. Make sure you get yourself down there for your chance to win a £1,000 cash prize with a hole in one attempt.

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

News snippets 🗞

🏡 Nearly 150 properties that have been approved to be built in Mitcham will be bought by Merton council for use as social housing. The planned development at the old Mitcham Gasworks had previously been stalled, but the council’s cabinet was able to approve the project last week. The council has also secured funding from the Greater London Authority to help buy nearly a quarter of the homes, so work on site will start sooner than planned. The homes will be built by St. William, part of Berkeley Homes Group. When finished, around a quarter will be bought and managed by the council, to be rented to local people in need of housing. According to the local authority’s press release, “The housing crisis has been caused by factors outside the council’s control – such as rising private rents. As a result, there are more than 10,000 households on the council’s housing register — a 10 per cent increase in the last five years.” Click here to read more.

👋 It looks like Wimbledon has lost one of its celebrity residents. Ant McPartlin, better known as one half of the iconic duo Ant & Dec, moved his family out of their Wimbledon home last November following a highly publicised dispute with his neighbours. In February 2024, it was revealed that Ant and his wife Anne Marie were granted permission to cut down six trees that were protected by a Tree Preservation Order. Neighbours then accused McPartlin of seeking permission to fell healthy trees. As a result, a new plan was submitted wherein the trees would not be cut down, but an existing garden studio would be extended to form a gym, study, games room and studio. Despite all of this, a representative for the star confirmed that McPartlin and his family had moved out for “family reasons” and not because of planning issues. Read more here.

🎉 Soul II Soul, The Hoosiers and Billy Nomates have all been announced as the first major acts for Start of the Line, Merton’s brand-new music, arts and culture festival. Acclaimed local rapper and songwriter RAMZ will also curate and perform on the Mitcham Dreamer Stage, and famed musician Jah Wobble, who has a long connection to the borough, will be delivering a unique performance with special guests. The festival will take place at Morden Park and tickets are £20 per person (children 12 and under go free).

💰 A new witness reward scheme in Merton has been launched in a bid to crack down on fly-tipping. Residents who provide information leading to fly-tippers getting fined could receive up to £200, according to this press release. The council said, “Fly-tipping is criminal behaviour… The scheme builds on the Council’s wider work to crack down on fly-tipping, including nearly doubling the number of waste enforcement CCTV cameras used to catch fly-tippers, many with night-time capability and automatic number plate recognition.” Residents who personally witness fly-tipping can report it by either completing the council’s online fly-tipping form, emailing details to waste.enforcement@merton.gov.uk, or calling the council’s contact centre on 020 8274 4901 and selecting environmental enforcement.

Ask the Wimble❓

I’m currently going through your survey responses and unpacking those, but please do keep sending in your questions for Ask the Wimble — we’ll be answering them as soon as possible.

ASK THE WIMBLE

Property of the week 🏡

The sheer size and location of this six-bedroom home is jaw-dropping, though I think there’s a lot more that could be done with the interior. That said, I wouldn’t touch that beautiful wooden staircase and chequered floor. But what will a six-bedroom home in leafy SW19 set you back in 2026? In this instance, it’ll be a cool £4m. Check out more photos here.

Through the eyes of a ballet dancer at the New Wimbledon Theatre 🩰

Bayley Webster was born in Northam, England, in 2000, and joined Varna International Ballet in 2023. The company is now in the middle of its tour, arriving at the New Wimbledon Theatre next month for three unique performances: The Nutcracker, Cinderella and Swan Lake. The Wimble sat down with Bayley this week to talk about performing at the New Wimbledon Theatre, life on the road and what it takes to be a professional ballet dancer.

Let’s start with a little bit about you. When did you know that you wanted to be a professional ballet dancer?

I never had the intention of being a ballet dancer when I was really young. In fact, I used to play for a football academy. On Saturdays, my sister would go and do two hours of dance class: ballet and jazz. And every Saturday, I would go with her and sit outside and wait. Without fail, the dance teachers would invite me in, but I’d think: “Oh no, boys don’t need to do ballet. That’s a bit strange. I’ll stick to my football, thanks.” But it got to the point where I thought: “Do you know what… I want to give this a go.” I started off with some jazz lessons, which I enjoyed thoroughly, and then I went on to tap dancing. Ballet was the one I approached last, and it was the one I fell in love with the most.

So from about the age of six, I started to do ballet. I was lucky enough to be invited to different retreats and programmes — even travel. And then there was this moment, I think I was about 14 or 15, where my parents said, “You know, you really ought to start thinking about what it is you’d like to do for a job.” I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a job. My parents pointed out that I seemed to love my dancing, [and that] there was a workplace for it and I could make a living from it. After doing some extensive work looking into professional training programmes, I realised it was what I wanted to do. And I haven’t stopped since.

What is it like to be a touring dancer? Is it gruelling at times?

I think we’re very lucky in this company. We’ve got a lovely tour bus, all the hotels we stay at have excellent facilities, and the team makes sure we get some proper recovery between shows. One of the most important things about our tour is the company’s physio. Let’s say you’ve got an acute pain in your hamstring; we’ve got someone we can go to directly, and she’s available pretty much 24/7. So when you have those days where you’re feeling 80% yourself, she’s there to help you get back to 100% for those really important shows. I also love touring. It’s taken me across the world. I’ve been to Mexico, Switzerland, Greece, Cyprus… all of Europe and South America. Being able to see the world, and do so for your job, is such a privilege.

Do you get much time to explore the places you perform in?

It really depends on the day and the place. If it’s a double show day, we usually have about two or three hours to look around a city or a town. Some days are busier than others, and we only get about an hour and a half to eat, rest and give notes to the other cast taking over the evening show. I’ve performed at so many theatres across the UK that I struggle to keep up with knowing where I’ve been, but I’m pretty sure this is my first time visiting Wimbledon.

For our readers heading to one of your shows next month: What roles will you be playing?

So each ballet has multiple casts — this is to make sure that everyone gets an opportunity and that everyone has some time to rest. But in Swan Lake, I’m doing the Waltz and Mazurka; in The Nutcracker, I’m performing as the Rat King, Clara’s father and Drosselmeyer; in Cinderella I’m one of the clocks and bees, and I’m also in the ball scene — so Cinderella is probably the most intense for me.

Which of the three shows is your favourite?

I personally enjoy Cinderella the most. We’re performing Sergei Prokofiev’s adaptation. I think his concept and the way he’s thought about how to use the music is superb. He’s a very, very intense composer, and that shines through in his score.

And finally, do you have any advice for our Wimbledon readers who might be aspiring dancers?

One word — and it’s a word I run through every day before I go to work — and that word is “discipline”. Ballet is not something that you can do without giving 100%. There has to be an understanding of your craft and your body, and that takes discipline. Everything from your ankles to your knees to your hips needs to be symmetrical. Everything needs to be on point. I find that the word “discipline” encapsulates both the fight and the fun of a career as a ballet dancer.

Varna International Ballet will be at the New Wimbledon Theatre for three nights. Click the button below.

Monday 9 February — The Nutcracker

Tuesday 10 February — Cinderella

Wednesday 11 February — Swan Lake

BOOK HERE

The Wimble’s to-do list 🍷

🦐 Pintxo evening at The Artisans Depot: The Artisans Depot will become a Spanish-style pintxo bar once more! If you have never been to the Basque Country, now is your chance to sample some of their incredible cuisine from the comfort of SW19. The pintxos will be prepared by Ralph, who many of our readers will be familiar with for his tapenade and hummus. It’s a first come, first served basis, but you can reserve a table by emailing the bar (artisansdepotwimbledon@gmail.com) or getting in touch via their Instagram.

Where: The Artisans Depot

When: Friday 30 January, 6–10.30pm

🍋 Lemonade Golf Club Shop launch event at Caddi: Join the Caddi Club team this Saturday for their official launch of the Lemonade Golf Club Shop. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or new to the sport, expect a high-energy evening of golf, drinks, DJs and competitions in one of SW19’s most unique social venues. There’s even the chance to win a £1,000 cash prize with a hole in one attempt.

Where: Caddi Club, Wimbledon Quarter

When: Saturday 31 January, 6.30pm

🦜 Wimbledon Common Nature Club: Bird Feeders: The nature club meets once a month to host events for 6–14 year olds. Parents are of course welcome to attend as well. On the first day of February, the children are invited to feed the birds of the common. The event is free, though donations are welcome.

Where: Information Centre, Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common

When: Sunday 1 February, 10am – 2pm

🍷 California wine tasting at Jeroboams: Experience some of the hugely diverse wines of the Golden State. If any of you have seen the brilliant film Sideways, you may remember the infamous line about merlot. But have no fear, for Californian merlot is actually very delicious. See for yourself! Tickets are £45 per person and can be bought here.

Where: Jeroboams, Wimbledon Village

When: Friday 6 February, 6–7.30pm

⭐️ Ruby’s Worry at Polka Theatre: “Ruby had always been happy, perfectly happy… until one day… she discovered a worry… Ruby tries and tries to get rid of her worry, which grows bigger and bigger! Eventually she meets a boy who has a worry too. Together they discover that everyone has worries, and that if you talk about them, they never hang around for long!” Through the use of live music, song, puppetry and physical theatre, Ruby’s Worry takes the audience on an adventure based on the beloved book by Tom Percival. Tickets can be bought here.

Where: Polka Theatre

When: Wednesday 11 – Sunday 22 February

💕 The Little Gym Valentine’s Day Special Sessions: Join the Little Gym Wimbledon this February for Valentine’s Day specials, with two themed sessions for babies and toddlers. These sessions are gentle, sensory-led and full of movement – perfect for making special memories. Expect fun activities, refreshments and more! Click here to book and for more details on age suitability.

Where: The Little Gym, Wimbledon

When: Friday 13 February, 10–11am and 11.15am–12.15pm

💋 Valentine’s Day at 601 Queens Road: This is one for the lovebirds. Spend your Valentine’s Day at the chic and, if I say so myself, sexy rooftop bar at 601 Queens Road enjoying a three-course menu for £45 per person. Thoughtfully cooked dishes designed for sharing time, from Brixham crab tart or smoked duck breast to roasted cod with mussel chowder or braised ox cheek vol-au-vent. Click here to view the menu and book your table.

Where: 601 Queens Road, Wimbledon

When: Saturday 14 February

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked you in what year the Wimbledon Windmill was built. The answer: 1817.

Q: Which of these famous directors lived in Wimbledon for a time?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of The Wimble. I hope you enjoyed our interview with Bayley about his upcoming shows at the New Wimbledon Theatre. If you haven’t already, please do fill out our survey. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.

Share

Leave a comment

We’re looking for your feedback. The survey is straightforward with questions about how you’re enjoying our publication, areas of improvement, things you might like to see, and thoughts about the local area.

Just click HERE to fill it out!

That’s all from us today. Have a lovely end to the week!

To bring a bit of joy to this rather drab period, we’re focusing on the best new openings in the borough for this week’s edition. Scroll down to read about new ramen spots, Pilates studios, Michelin-style restaurants and more.

IMPORTANT: We’ve got our annual survey for you to fill out again. It’s only 12 quick questions and shouldn’t take more than five minutes, but it would really help us if you could answer. It will help us to decide what stories to feature, how to improve our mission and even gather some data about how locals feel in regard to the area. Click the link here to fill it out.

As ever, do hit that share button to spread the word to as many people as possible. We’re looking to run a few longer features this year, and I’d like the first to be a person-of-interest piece. If you or anyone you know has a story — it can be about anything as long as it’s rooted in the area — please do get in touch: zak@thewimble.com.

Other than that, happy reading!

This week’s Wimble sponsor ⛳️

The weather has been horrendous this past week, and many of us are seeking activities indoors. Well, look no further than Caddi Club at Wimbledon Quarter. Golf is easier (and often more fun) than you think! At Caddi, you can learn at your own place, get real feedback, play with friends and build up your confidence, one swing at a time. And even if you’re hopeless at golf, Caddi has a fully stocked bar and a menu of delicious nibbles and larger meals.

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

News snippets 🗞

👮 Have you ever wondered which south London boroughs have the highest rates of crime? Well, we’ve got the breakdown for crime rates across all seven south London boroughs for the month of December last year. In first place is Lambeth, with a total of 3,036 offences logged last month. Next up is Croydon with 2,611 offences, followed by Wandsworth (2,079), Merton (1,160), Sutton (1,015), Kingston (979) and Richmond-upon-Thames (881). It’s worth noting that these boroughs do vary in size significantly, and population density is also a contributing factor to crime. Read the report here.

🏗 LendInvest Mortgages has announced that it has provided funding for a £2.5m scheme to build eight new flats in Morden. The eight flats will include two one-bed units, three two-bedroom units and three three-bedroom units. Read more about the new properties here.

🏸 A new multi-million-pound sports hall and games areas are among plans to make Merton London’s first Borough of Sport. The new space, set to be agreed by Merton Council’s cabinet, would see room for residents to engage in netball, basketball, gymnastics and more. You can check out the full list of Merton’s proposed improvements in its Playing Pitch Strategy. Improvements to the borough have seen new kitchens and changing facilities at King George’s Pavilion, new artificial grass at Mitcham Cricket Club and more. Read this article here for the full story.

💅 So.Shell, Wimbledon Quarter’s very own bespoke nail bar, is offering a unique 20% off on all services until the end of January. Their featured service is the Ukrainian Manicure, where you have multiple nail artists working on you simultaneously to make sure you're in and out in no time at all. Just download the voucher using the link below.

Red Voucher Wimbledon

87.5KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

🎾 Wimbledon expansion plan faces dispute over 150-year-old law. The All England Club is in a legal battle with Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) over plans to almost triple the size of its grounds on the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club site. SWP argues that the land is subject to a statutory trust under the Public Health Act 1875, meaning it is only “for the purpose of being used as public walks or pleasure grounds”. The AELTC disputes this, insisting that the land was never subject to such a trust — and even if it was, the AELTC argues such a trust did not survive the 1993 purchase. However, the club does accept that if such a trust did exist, it would interfere with their expansion plans. This is the second legal challenge brought by SWP. The group lost a High Court case against the GLA’s decision to grant planning permission in July last year. The hearing is set to finish on Friday 23 January. Read more here.

Ask the Wimble❓

Now that we’re very much into the new year, we’re working through your questions from December. This week’s one is actually less of an answer and more of a point of discussion. One Wimbler asks, “Are there other people who want the 1am last train service from Waterloo to Wimbledon to run every day as it used to before Covid? (It is now only Fri/Sat.)”

What do we think, Wimblers? How many of you are missing that last late train from Waterloo back to SW19? If you have any stories about how the lack of transport has affected you, either comment below or drop me an email: zak@thewimble.com.

Leave a comment

Property of the week 🏡

For what it is, this property is actually listed at a reasonable price (though it’s extortionately expensive, so don’t get your hopes up just yet). But it’s not often that you find a seven-bedroom home in a lovely part of Wimbledon for £2.5m. You’ve also got stunning views of Morley Park if the sheer size of this property isn’t enough to sway you. I’m also particularly fond of that charming staircase — why does it look like it’s floating? Check out more photos here.

The Wimble’s to-do list 🍷

🍷 The best of 2025 at The Artisans Depot: Wimbledon’s hidden wine gem is back this week with another fantastic event. This time they’re taking a look back at 2025, from their top sellers to their unique bottles, and offering you a chance to taste the lot. Tickets are £35 per person and can be bought by emailing artisansdepotwimbledon@gmail.com or heading to their Instagram and messaging them there.

Where: The Artisans Depot, 154 Merton Hall Road

When: Saturday 24 January, 7.30pm

🥃 Burns Night at the Dog & Fox: If you want a classic Burns Night — haggis, neeps and tatties included — then look no further than the Dog & Fox. The Scotch will be flowing and the Scottish tunes will be spinning. Book here. Guid Burns Nicht!

Where: Dog & Fox

When: Sunday 25 January, 6–11pm

📚 Waterstones Wimbledon Book Club: This month’s book club at Waterstones is set to be a doozy: Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet. If the book is anything as devastating as the film, you’d better stock up on tissues.

Where: Waterstones, 40–42 The Broadway

When: Thursday 29 January, 7–8pm

🕶 Southside Hustle Classic Car Meet: This informal meeting of classic car owners in Wimbledon (and the surrounding areas) features a stunning array of cars — some of which are extremely rare. If you’re a petrolhead, or you just like the idea of a bunch of classic cars in one place, then head up to Wimbledon Village next Sunday.

Where: Wimbledon Common Southside near the farmers’ market.

When: Sunday 1 February, 8–11am

📸 The Bodyguard at the New Wimbledon Theatre: I’m sure we all know the story, but for those who are somehow unaware: former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge — what they don't expect is to fall in love. Yes, you probably know the songs. You probably know the highs and lows. You probably even know how it ends. But you still want to see it again anyway! Grab your tickets here.

Where: New Wimbledon Theatre

When: Monday 16 February – Saturday 21 February

The best new openings in Wimbledon (as of January 2026) 🎉

Every six months or so, The Wimble likes to create a list of the best new openings in the borough so that our readers don’t miss out on any exciting opportunities. This list can feature anything from a new gym all the way to a Michelin-style eight-course tasting menu extravaganza.

Honest Burgers, 88 The Broadway, SW19 1HR

I truly believe Honest Burgers serves up one of the most reliable burgers in London. I’m also a fan of the fact that their sole focus isn’t just “smash burgers” — which, in truth, I’m growing a little sick of. That’s why I love the chunk of the classic Honest Burgers offering. Their unique local “Wimbledon burger” is a collaboration with Local Cheese Cave and their Ogleshield cheese. Click here to check it out.

Mr Kimchi, 38 Wimbledon Hill Road, SW19 7PA

Mr Kimchi has been cracking out incredible Korean food since 2013, but it was only last summer that they opened their doors in Wimbledon. What’s particularly unique about Mr Kimchi is their Korean ready meals. If you’re feeling lazy but want something delicious, then you know where to go!

Orion by Alex Webb, 75–77 Ridgway, SW19 4ST

Alex Webb, winner of 2020’s MasterChef: The Professionals, has opened his first restaurant in Wimbledon Village. Orion by Alex Webb is a French-inspired, British-seafood-led neighbourhood restaurant right in the heart of Wimbledon Village. The menu offers a range of small and large plates designed for sharing, shaped by the seasons and by Alex’s ties to local producers. From whole-baked scallops in the shell to Alex’s signature lobster and prawn toast, each dish is layered with texture, flavour and all-important theatrical flair.

Urban Baristas, 4 Queen’s Road, SW19 8ND

The Aussie coffee company was launched in 2016 as a kiosk in north London by friends Huw Wardrope and Jonathan Bowman, after the duo were inspired by Sydney’s laid-back coffee culture. Now, they’re making waves at Wimbledon Quarter. Check them out if you’re a flat white aficionado.

GoodGood Studio, 2b Worple Road Mews, SW19 4DB

GoodGood is a premium infrared-heated yoga and Pilates studio with a range of signature classes, from high-burn Pilates-inspired sculpt and HIIT classes to grounding yoga, self-massage and sound sessions.

Swig, 119 Merton Road, SW19 1ED

The minds behind 21 Grams have brought another beautiful coffee spot to SW19. Swig is fast becoming one of Wimbledon’s hippest coffee spots, and it’s no wonder why when you take a look at its lovely interior design.

Ramen DANBO, 62 The Broadway, SW19 1RQ

The original Danbo Ramen shop opened in the year 2000 in the town of Chikushino in Japan, located on the southern island of Kyushu, with a unique focus on quality and taste. After placing number one in a TV poll of top ramen shops, the single shop became a chain and expanded quickly throughout Kyushu, then all over the country. Now we’ve got Ramen DANBO in Wimbledon! I’m a sucker for ramen, so, if you’re anything like me, get yourself down there ASAP.

Queen Egg Cafe, Merton Abbey Mills, 10 The Long Shop, SW19 2RD

The Queen Egg Cafe is so much more than a place to drink coffee. According to their Instagram, “Come for the food, stay for the inspiration. We have 2 menus. One for food and the other for art workshops. Choose from, disco ball painting, collage making, acrylic painting, oil painting, drawing, mosaic, mandala, clay jewellery making and many more. All materials supplied!” Talk about dinner (brunch) with a show.

Black Radish, Merton Abbey Mills, 12 Watermill Way, SW19 2RD

Readers will remember that we featured the excellent Black Radish last week. But it still deserves some more exposure! In 2018, 23-year-old Cartwright launched the first incarnation of Black Radish in Wimbledon Village. That venture closed in 2022, but Cartwright wasn’t finished. In October last year, Black Radish was born again in its new Merton Abbey Mills home. It’s a smaller venue — just 12 seats — but the soul is very much still there. It’s honestly an incredible mission, and we’re very lucky to have it in SW19.

Blackstone Coffee, 7 Leopold Road, SW19 7BB

Another coffee shop has opened its doors in SW19! This time, it’s the very chic Blackstone Coffee with their speciality coffee, fresh bakery, ceremonial-grade matcha and house-made syrups. Not one to miss!

Share

BONUS: While it’s not open just yet, luxury home and body products brand Rituals is set to open their doors in Wimbledon Quarter on Wednesday 11 March. I also hear there is a launch event planned for Sunday 14 March with goodie bags for the first 50 customers, a free gift for those who spend £45 or more, and special offers.

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked you in what year the infamous Woolworths fire occurred. The answer: 1981. Read this very moving piece about firefighter Anthony Marshall who lost his life in the blaze here.

Q: What year was the Wimbledon Windmill built?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition. I hope that you go and check out at least one of the spots recommended in our list of new openings. If there are any other new openings that we’ve missed and you think are worthy of recommendation, then please do comment below. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.

Leave a comment

Share

This week we’re taking a look at one of SW19’s finest new restaurants: Merton Abbey Mills’ Black Radish. On a wet Tuesday lunchtime, I sat down with head chef and owner Toby Cartwright to talk about everything from finger limes to the importance of community in the restaurant scene. Scroll down to hear what he had to say.

We’ve also got your usual news snippets, a somewhat cheaper property of the week and some great recommendations for the week ahead to see you through this cold snap.

Happy reading!

This week’s Wimble sponsor ⛳️

Looking to try something new and exciting this year? Fancy improving on your swing without freezing your arms off outside in the cold? Well, look no further than Caddi Club at Wimbledon Quarter. Golf is easier (and often more fun) than you think! At Caddi, you can learn at your own place, get real feedback, play with friends and build up your confidence, one swing at a time. It’s got a fully stocked bar and a cracking food menu, so they’ve got you covered in the food and drinks department too.

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

News snippets 🗞

🏆 Merton has been named as one of London’s happiest boroughs. The research by Rightmove, reported in Time Out, involved tens of thousands of Brits from more than 200 parts of the country. Click on the image below to see Merton Council’s Instagram post about why they think our borough is just so fantastic.

🗳 A Merton Lib Dem councillor has resigned ahead of the local elections. The resignation of deputy leader of the opposition Jenifer Gould has changed representation in the Cannon Hill ward and has reduced the Lib Dem’s voting strength on the council. Gould’s resignation took place on Monday 5 January. She had served as councillor since her election in 2019 and said her family moving abroad was the reason for the decision. Merton Council confirmed that no by-election will be held, which means that the ward will be represented by Conservative councillors Nick McLean and Michael Paterson until Thursday 7 May, when local elections are taking place. Click here to read more about Gould’s resignation and what this means for Merton.

⚽️ Plans for a new sports hall at Morden Leisure Centre have been announced by the council, along with investments into sports facilities across the borough. The brand-new, multi-million-pound space is just one of Merton’s many proposed plans set to be agreed by the council’s cabinet, outlined in its new, pan-borough Playing Pitch Strategy. The strategy looks at how many facilities Merton has, how well they are used and how easy they are to access for key outdoor and indoor sports. Click here to read the full press release and learn about the other plans the council has proposed.

🏗 Plans for a new 1,250-seat concert hall in the heart of Wimbledon are said to be moving forward despite the recent death of its world-renowned architect, Frank Gehry. The Wimbledon Concert Hall Trust (WCHT) who, with the support of Merton council, are leading on the project, said that the new concert hall will make Wimbledon an “important international cultural destination” and confirmed that the proposals are still in progress despite Gehry’s death at the age of 96 last month. Click here to read more details.

📈 Mitcham has been listed as one of the best places to buy a property in London in 2026. The article, published by the Standard, points out that London’s property market has changed drastically over the past ten years: “Buyers cannot expect to rely on the sort of exponential house price growth that propelled previous generations up the property ladder — according to estate agent Savills’ latest forecasts.” However, there are exceptions to the rule, and Mitcham is one of them. According to the article, Mitcham “is leafy, its schools are excellent, and commuter links are fast.” Not only that, but its combination of value and convenience means that property prices are already on the rise — up 12% in the past year to an average of £450,000. The article does note, however, that the town centre is a little outdated and could do with some TLC. What do we think, Wimblers? Is Mitcham the place to be? Leave a comment below.

Leave a comment

Property of the week 🏡

We tend to feature outrageously expensive properties that, while fun to nosey at, very few (if any) of us can afford. But this week I felt like we needed a change. That said, it’s still not “affordable” in the grand scheme of things; it’s just not millions of pounds. This two-bedroom apartment is only a stone’s throw from Putney Common and Southfields station. I’m particularly enamoured by those somewhat art deco windows. And who doesn’t love a little balcony for their morning coffee? But how much does it cost? At £500,000, it’s relatively affordable — at least, compared to some of the multi-million pound properties in SW19. Check out more photos here.

Welcome to the SW19 restaurant aiming for a Michelin star ⭐️

At 15, Toby Cartwright took on a two-week work experience placement at The Vineyard restaurant in Stockcross, Newbury. He never looked back. In 2018, 23-year-old Cartwright launched the first incarnation of Black Radish in Wimbledon Village. That venture closed in 2022, but Cartwright wasn’t finished. In October last year, Black Radish was born again in its new Merton Abbey Mills home. It’s a smaller venue — just 12 seats — but the soul is very much still there. On Tuesday in the pouring rain, I popped into Black Radish to talk with Toby about everything from Michelin stars and ever-evolving menus to finger limes and what makes a proper Sunday roast.

Let’s start with some background about you? How did you find your way into cooking, or, rather, how did cooking find you?

I was absolutely useless at school. It just wasn’t really for me. But I had this passion for cooking. I landed a two-week work placement at 15, and then John Campbell, who was head chef at the time, asked me to join when I turned 16. So that’s what I did. And then I moved around to a few different restaurants, worked under Ben Spalding for a bit, ran a pop-up in Brixton Market and got a taste for doing things on my own. In retrospect, I was quite young when I opened Black Radish in Wimbledon Village. Perhaps I could have worked under a few more people before starting that venture.

Black Radish in Wimbledon Village closed in 2022. What made you want to bring it back again, and why in Merton Abbey Mills?

I left the old restaurant and spent a year thinking that I would never do something like that again. But all the while I was telling myself that, I was also scanning the internet for new location sites — as you do when you’re not planning to open a restaurant! This one came up… and it just stuck in my head for days. It also felt like unfinished business. This is a 12-seater restaurant. I didn’t open it so that it could pay for a holiday to Barbados. I opened it because of the joy I get from cooking, creating a great product, improving that product and just making people happy. I suppose I chose a smaller site because I wanted a smaller project. We’ve got half the number of staff compared to the old venue. There are just three of us, including myself, and we do everything. I think I thought that half the size would mean half the work, but it hasn’t turned out that way [laughs].

This new site is great because all of our old regulars are only a taxi ride or a short walk away. And the regulars are really the backbone of this place at the moment. Our “top regular” has been in five times already, which is just amazing. It’s also interesting to see a different demographic here too. I think this part of SW19 is marginally younger. We get a lot of people coming in for date nights or for that first meal after the first baby has been born.

What inspires your food? Where have your influences come from?

The cuisine is French-British. It’s contemporary, but it’s rooted in tradition. Some of our combinations might sound a bit outlandish, but they’re not really. They still have a classic balance of acidity versus fat. They’re still recognisable classics with variations. In the old Black Radish, we had this dried mushroom ice cream. Once you added sugar to it, the flavour profile wasn’t dissimilar to caramel or coffee. We still get people coming in here and asking us when we’re putting the mushroom ice cream on the menu. It’s a good example of one of those dishes that sounds weird but actually has logic behind it.

The other driving force behind my cooking is produce. Well, produce and seasonality. Everything we do is based around the produce that we get. I have a few key suppliers, and the menu is designed around what they have available. For instance, there are two guys down in Cornwall, and I will WhatsApp them in the morning to see what fish they have and then come up with the menu from there: scallops, Cornish tuna, seabass. We’ve also got this amazing citrus foundation farm in Valencia. Right now, they’re sending us finger limes. Finger limes produce what I can only describe as lime caviar. They have these tiny juice-filled spheres with pips in them. The pips take an eternity to remove. So we’ve been putting the pulp of these finger limes through a scallop sauce at the moment. But if, say, the finger limes aren’t available one week, we’ll change that dish. I don’t think we’ve had a menu stay the same for more than four days.

Would you say local produce is the most important thing for a sustainable restaurant?

I’d actually say traceability is the most important. Where has that food come from? What’s the story behind it? It’s great if it comes from Northern England, but it’s also great if it comes from Northern France. What matters is that you know where it’s coming from, you know its journey and you know just how fresh it is.

You’ve also announced a monthly Sunday lunch club. Tell us a little bit about that.

I love cooking Sunday food, but, like a lot of people, I also enjoy having a Sunday off. But as a business, we absolutely need to be doing Sundays. So that’s when I had the idea to do a Sunday lunch once a month. We’re getting the best cut of beef you can possibly buy and just doing the whole thing properly. A real, proper Sunday roast — trimmings and all. It’s really more of a steak dinner than a Sunday roast.

How would you describe Black Radish’s mission for our readers who have never come across you before?

You know, I grew up in Putney… I live in Tooting now. Southwest London is my home — and Black Radish is part of that. It’s the people that keep us going. And all I can say is that we hope to give them the best experience that we can. They say that a full restaurant and happy customers are the end goal, and I think the people who say that are right. It would also be nice to pick up a few accolades along the way, but the accolades are just the cherry on top. It’s the people that keep coming back that make a place like this.

Black Radish is open for dinner from Wednesday – Saturday and for lunch on Saturdays. Keep your eyes peeled for their upcoming Sunday lunch clubs. Visit their website to make a booking and check out their Instagram if you’re a foodie and want to drool over some photos.

The Wimble’s to-do list

🌳 WNTA talk: Ending Unequal Access to Morden Hall Park: The Wimbledon National Trust Association lectures are held once a month on Saturday afternoons. This January, join Abi McNeil, general manager of Morden Hall Park, as she shared the park’s priorities: unending equal access and inspiring millions. Abi will take you behind the scenes to explore their work with communities, and children and young people, and provide an exciting update on the conservation projects shaping the future of Morden Hall Park. Tickets are £4 for members and £4.50 for non-members. Grab them here.

Where: Christchurch Hall, Cottenham Park Road, SW20 ORZ

When: Saturday 17 January, 3pm

🎭 Open House at the New Wimbledon Theatre: For one day only, the New Wimbledon Theatre is offering an exclusive opportunity to step inside, explore, participate, and experience the magic that makes New Wimbledon Theatre come alive. If you’re a thespian — or if you’re just curious about how the New Wimbledon Theatre works — this event is for you. Tickets can be bought here.

Where: New Wimbledon Theatre

When: Saturday 17 January, 10am

🥕 Wimbledon Village Farmers’ Market: The Village Farmers’ Market is one of Wimbledon’s weekly highlights. In fact, many restaurants use this market to source their produce — so you know you’re in good company. Get yourself along this weekend and pick up some groceries to cook a hearty meal for these cold January nights.

Where: Wimbledon Village

When: Sunday 18 January, 10am – 3pm

💌 Webinar: Supporting Children during Separation and Divorce: This webinar, led by Systemic Psychotherapist Dr Naomi Elton, will discuss positive ways to support and communicate with children during divorce and separation. She will share practical strategies to approach difficult conversations and respond to children’s emotional needs during this challenging time. The webinar will be aimed at parents, carers and professionals. This event is free, but book your spot here.

Where: Online

When: Thursday 22 January, 11am

💀 Hamlet at Polka Theatre: Following the success of Macbeth at Polka last year, Shakespeare in a Suitcase has returned with a new adaptation of Hamlet. I remember seeing a similar production at school when I was about eight, and it remains one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. For this run, two actors and one musician — armed with seven props and a suitcase — bring a bitesize retelling of Shakespeare’s family drama of revenge, justice and moral dilemmas to life in 60 minutes. This show is aimed at children aged 8–12; tickets can be bought here.

Where: Polka Theatre

When: Wednesday 28 – Friday 30 January

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked which church was the oldest in Wimbledon. The answer: St Mary’s.

Q: In what year did the infamous Woolworths fire occur in Wimbledon?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of The Wimble. I hope you get to some of those events that we’ve recommended, and please do check out The Black Radish when you have the chance. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.

Share

Leave a comment

Subscribe now

This week we hit the streets of Wimbledon to ask locals what their hopes are for the new year. Scroll down to see what your neighbours said.

We’re also back with your usual news snippets, a stunning property of the week and recommendations for the coming days and weeks.

But before that, a quick update: we’re working through your questions from our Ask The Wimble section, and we’ll be publishing answers as the weeks progress.

Happy reading!

News snippets 🗞

🛍 Primark is set to open its first new store in the capital in almost a decade… and it’s in Wimbledon! Spanning 24,000 sq. ft., Primark will take over the former Debenham site at Wimbledon Quarter. Construction of the store is set to begin in the coming months, with the aim to be open by the end of this year/the start of 2027. Philippa Nibbs, Director of Sales for London and the South East at Primark, said: “It’s fantastic to announce our first new store in London as we enter our 40th year in the capital. We’ve had lots of requests over the years to open here, so it’s great to finally make it happen.” Click the link here to read more about the opening.

🏗 A developer behind Colliers Wood’s tallest tower has proposed plans for three new tower blocks in the area, but the developer is facing serious opposition after a windowpane fell from its existing high-rise. Councillors in Colliers Wood said the community had “no faith” in Criterion Capital, which owns the 19-storey Britannia Point in SW19, citing unpaid costs and safety failures which led to a pane of glass falling from the 12th floor of the tower in June 2022. Merton Council was left with a £3m bill to pay to make the building safe after the incident, a bill which the council still claims Criterion owes it for.

Criterion is now proposing new plans for a site behind Britannia Point, called Colliers Gardens. These new plans include a 16-storey aparthotel, a 14-storey co-living building and a seven-storey private rented block. These new plans replace an application that was rejected in 2024. Councillor Stuart Neaverson questioned the new plans, arguing a loss of trust between the developer and the community and highlighting other issues at Britannia Point. In 2023, he said, residents were left without water for a month, faced lift failures and experienced antisocial behaviour when the doors to the building were not locked correctly; he also recalled a time when he helped a woman to her flat on the 14th floor after two lifts had broken down. Read the BBC’s in-depth reporting on the situation here for more information.

🦪 Alex Webb, winner of 2020’s MasterChef: The Professionals, has opened his first restaurant in Wimbledon Village. Orion by Alex Webb is a French-inspired / British seafood-led neighbourhood restaurant right in the heart of Wimbledon Village. The menu offers a range of small and large plates designed for sharing, shaped by the seasons and by Alex’s ties to local producers. From whole-baked scallops in the shell to Alex’s signature lobster & prawn toast, each dish is layered with texture, flavour and that all-important theatrical flair. Orion by Alex Webb, 75–77 Ridgway, is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday. Check out their website here.

🚨 Police in Merton have seized more than 40 e-bikes and scooters as part of a crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in the borough. A total of 57 arrests were also made during the operation after officers carried out targeted action focused on improving road safety, disrupting criminal networks and addressing the concerns of local residents. The actions were part of Operation Frostwatch, which ran from Monday 17 November to Wednesday 24 December. Sergeant Matthew Bower is quoted as saying, “This operation demonstrates the Met's commitment to tackling crime and keeping communities safe… One of the key priorities was tackling the criminal and anti-social use of e-bikes and high-powered scooters, a major concern for local residents and often linked to offences such as street robberies and drug supply.” Read more about the operation in Your Local Guardian.

🏨 The specialist developer Watkin Jones has agreed to a development partnership with Latium Enterprises to build an 11-storey hotel in Wimbledon. A 249-room hotel is set to be built on a former brownfield site on Worple Road. The development, which is to be completed in the summer of 2028, looks to generate £40m in revenue for Watkin Jones. Click here to read more about the new plans.

❌ Water, gas, telecoms and roadworks are all expected to cause disruptions across Merton over the next two months, with a number of planned road closures meaning that Morden, Mitcham, Colliers Wood, Wimbledon and Raynes Park will all be affected. Several major roads in the borough will be impacted by traffic management measures like temporary traffic lights. These roads include Worple Road and Merton High Street. Click here to read about all of the closures and when they are happening.

🍻 The Standard ran an article this Christmas highlighting the great work that the Alexandra does to feed those on their own at Christmas. Wimblers will remember our feature on The Alexandra in our Christmas print edition. It’s great to see the Alex getting even more exposure! Check it out here and share the article to show some love to one of Wimbledon’s most important third spaces.

This week’s Wimble sponsor ⛳️

Looking to try something new and exciting this year? Fancy improving on your swing without freezing your arms off outside in the cold? Well, look no further than Caddi Club at Wimbledon Quarter. Golf is easier (and often more fun) than you think! At Caddi, you can learn at your own place, get real feedback, play with friends and build up your confidence, one swing at a time. It’s got a fully stocked bar and a cracking food menu, so they’ve got you covered in the food and drinks department too.

BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE

Property of the week 🏡

New year, new Wimbledon properties for us to lust after. This quaint two-bedroom period house is in one of SW19’s most desirable locations and matches the aesthetic of Wimbledon perfectly: one part countryside cottage and one part city townhouse. Maybe it’s the natural light, maybe it’s the courtyard garden, but this property oozes serenity. But at £1.3m, that feeling of calm doesn’t come cheap. Check out more photos here.

The Wimble’s to-do list 🍷

🔪 Game butchery and wine masterclass: What better way to start the year than by enjoying some delicious drinks and sumptuous food, all the while learning about game hunting and cooking? The event will include a short introduction to seasonal game, a demonstration on how to prepare a roe deer and a Q&A with the chefs. And best of all, it’s followed by a range of game dishes hand-crafted by a team of master chefs. Tickets are £65 per person. Book them here.

Where: Dog & Fox

When: Thursday 8 January, 7–11pm

🏃‍♀️ Wimbledon Common Parkrun: Parkrun is back for all of you looking to start (or get back into) running this year. Participants can choose to walk, jog, run, volunteer or just spectate for this weekly 5km. Join the other runners for a cuppa at the Windmill Cafe after the event.

Where: Windmill car park, Wimbledon Common

When: Saturday 10 January, 9am

🎶 The Jigsaw Players: Goldberg Variations for String Trio: Head over to this performance of JS Bach’s enduring keyboard masterpiece arranged for string trio by Dimitri Sitkovetsky. The trio will consist of Alessandro Ruisi (violin), Emmanuella Reiter (viola) and Brian O’Kane (cello). Tickets are £15 per person (or £5 if you’re a student) and can be purchased here.

Where: Christ Church, West Wimbledon

When: Saturday 10 January, 7.30–9pm

😆 Live comedy at Tunnel 267: Who says January has to be gloomy? This weekend, treat yourself to nature’s best medicine: laughter. Tunnel 267 is back with its weekly line-up of stand-up comics. Click here to book your tickets, which also include free entry to the nightclub after.

Where: Tunnel 267, The Broadway

When: Saturday 10 January, 7pm

🎨 Capturing the Moment: How The Brush And The Lens Have Captured Moments & Moods in Modern History: This lecture by Cindy Polemis is all about how the advent of photography changed the world of painting forever. According to The Arts Society Wimbledon’s website, “The instant capture of images meant new artistic ideas and movements were born. But to elevate their work to ‘high art’, photographers also drew inspiration from painting.” From the Pictorialists to Degas, Hockney, Gerhard Richter and more, this lecture follows the relationship between art and photography from the 19th century to the present day and how both have captured moments, moods and events. Tickets are £10 for visitors and guests, which you can buy here. This lecture is also available on Zoom.

Where: Sacred Heart Church Hall

When: Wednesday 14 January, 7.30pm

Subscribe now

What are your hopes for Wimbledon in 2026? 🌠

This week, we asked 12 locals what their hopes and aspirations for Wimbledon are this coming year. Share your hopes and wishes for Wimbledon in the comment section below (scroll down).

Kelly

I’d like to see the Diversity cast return for next year’s Wimbledon pantomime. I missed it this year… First year I’ve ever missed the panto. And apparently Diversity were incredible. I saw these Wimbledon Facebook groups where people were desperately trying to buy tickets on resale!

Vanessa

You know what I’d really like to see in Wimbledon this year? A Zara or a Mango store. I’d also like to see less leisure and exercise because it makes me feel bad about myself! What else would I like to see? A nice rooftop bar with a view overlooking the whole of Wimbledon would be great. And I think some more culturally diverse food options: Caribbean, Vietnamese, and just more small business owners and fewer franchises.

Michael

I’d definitely like to see an increase in food options around the area. It’s definitely pretty good, but the choice is limited when you’re here every day. I’d also like to see The Piazza used all year round. It’s so good in the summer with the big screen for the tennis and at Christmas with the markets; I think more events like that throughout the year would be great.

Kristine (manager of The Fire Station Café)

What I really want to see is The Fire Station Café becoming the most popular café in the area! I’d love for it to be known as the go-to spot where people can enjoy a coffee and feel like it’s their home away from home. But we’re also looking to open in the evening this year — so come in if you fancy a glass of wine!

Laura

I’d like to spend more time in Wimbledon. I work here, but I haven’t really explored all the different areas. I want to get up to the village more often, take advantage of the tennis over the summer and get the most out of this area while I’m here.

Alejandro

Some more events throughout the year would be great. I love all the events we see in summer and over Christmas, but periods like January feel pretty dead, and I think some feel-good events would change that. I’d also like to see even more shops in the Quarter.

Eddy

Less estate agents! We’re in the middle of a cost of living crisis where hardly anyone can afford anything, so why do we have so many estate agents? I also think there’s a lovely community in Wimbledon, and I think that community would benefit from more events like book clubs and pub quizzes, etc. But I also think a lot of people don’t know about these community events, so we should find a better way to advertise them.

Simon (police officer)

At my age, I just hope to see the year out in Wimbledon!

Archie (police officer)

Cleaner streets… But I suppose that’s our job!

Titi

All of us were kids once, but so many secondary school children finish on a Friday and congregate around the town centre. Different schools end up arguing with one another, and that scares old people and parents with young children. I’m not saying it’s anyone’s fault, but I just think the schools should let their pupils know that it’s not OK.

Sophie

Firstly, more clothes shops — that’s a bit of an obvious one. Cheaper house prices! Oh, and this one is a bit rogue, but I’d love to see a games bar like Flight Club or the F1 arcade experience. They’re really fun — and I think they’d do really well in Wimbledon.

Matt

I’d personally like to see as many cultural events as possible. Wimbledon really punches above its weight when it comes to cultural events: Wimbledon BookFest, Wimbledon International Music Festival, Wimbledon International Short Film Festival, all the shows at the New Wimbledon Theatre and Polka, the outdoor theatre up at Cannizaro, the Lion King exhibition, the opera in the streets. I want to make the most of these events in the coming year and see as many of them as I can. And I’d love to see more events like these in the Wimbledon programme for 2026.

What are your hopes and dreams for Wimbledon in 2026?

Leave a comment

Question of the week 🔍

In our last edition before Christmas, I asked you which famous children’s book (from a list) was authored by a Wimbledon resident. The answer: The Snowman.

Q: Which is the oldest church in Wimbledon?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition. We had a lot to catch you up on! Please do keep sharing The Wimble with your friends, neighbours and loved ones. Look after yourself and wrap up warm this week as the cold sets in. If you have any questions or ideas for features, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: zak@thewimble.com. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.

Share

Leave a comment

We’re back next week with our usual newsletter full of recommendations, features, properties and news snippets. But for now, we’d like to take this moment to reflect on the past year and the great stories and people we’ve featured. It’s been such a wonderful year for us at The Wimble: we launched our first print edition in the summer (printing 20,000 copies), followed by our Christmas edition just last month (printing another 20,000 copies), and we’re nearly at the 10k subscriber mark! But none of this would have been possible without our loyal readers and the rest of the local community who offer suggestions, put themselves forward for features and support us week in, week out.

New Year’s Eve is as much about reflection as it is about anticipating the new year. And in honour of that, we’re highlighting some of our favourite moments from 2025 (in no particular order!). We hope you enjoyed them as much as we did.

In April, The Wimble had the chance to sit down with Sam McCauley, the mastermind behind Wimbledon’s Thrift Bakery. One-quarter of UK alternative band Oversize, Sam’s main gig is music. But earlier this year, Sam decided to start a new venture: Thrift Bakery. What was lovely about this piece was the feedback that I got from readers. Many Wimblers hadn’t heard of Thrift until they read this piece — now it’s all they can talk about!

Tennis legend Roger Taylor has a long list of achievements. He was the working-class Sheffield lad who made good by becoming Britain’s No. 1 ranked tennis player in 1973 and 1974. He reached Wimbledon’s semi-finals three times. He defeated reigning champion and world number one Rod “Rocket” Laver in 1970. He beat a young Björn Borg in 1973. He was nearly cast as Sean Connery’s replacement in James Bond. He had back-to-back wins at the US Open’s men’s doubles in 1971 and 1972. And, unlike many of his peers, he refused to boycott the 1973 Wimbledon Championships. This is the story of the man who saved Wimbledon.

This year, the Fox & Grapes launched their “Sourced & Found” supper club: an evening championing local produce and sustainable dining. I was lucky enough to be there on their opening night, and let me tell you this: it was nothing short of spectacular. The Fox & Grapes is one of Wimbledon’s shiniest gems, and this new supper club is worth keeping your eyes peeled for.

Do you think you have what it takes to become one of Wimbledon’s ball boys or girls (also known as BBGs for those in the know)? The Wimble sat down with Sarah Goldson, BBG manager since 2012, to talk about the rigorous training that BBGs go through to make the cut.

Robert (Bob) Stone was born in Wimbledon in 1947. After leaving school at 14, he took on various jobs before joining the London Fire Brigade in 1974. He worked in fire stations all over London — from New Malden to Fulham — but was instrumental in his service at Wimbledon’s fire station in the 70s. Earlier this year, The Wimble sat down with Bob in The Fire Station Café, the former site of Wimbledon Fire Station, to talk about Bob’s life as a Wimbledon fireman, the changing landscape of SW19 and to ask him why this area means so much to him.

AFC Wimbledon is nothing short of a miracle team. Its story is one of the best to ever grace English football history. But what makes a team like The Dons tick? Meet AFC Wimbledon’s Craig Cope, the youngest Director of Football in the Football League; in fact, he may be the youngest Director of Football in Britain. Earlier this year — before Wimbledon’s promotion — The Wimble met with Craig to talk about everything from embracing the club’s unique history to what it’s like to commute from the Midlands to Wimbledon Village once a week (and sometimes more).

Have a wonderful New Year from us at The Wimble 🎆

We’d have included more of our wonderful stories from 2026, but unfortunately Substack has a limit on how many posts you can embed in one email. But fret not! We’re back with our weekly newsletter as of next Thursday. Until then, have a wonderful rest of your holidays and enjoy the celebrations tonight. We’ll see you next year.

Next week’s edition will also look slightly different, as it’s a round-up of The Wimble’s best stories from the past year. But fear not, for we will be back with your usual weekly editions from Thursday 8 January.

Again, have a lovely festive break, and we’ll see you next time!

Share

I’d like to take a moment to remind our readers of the wonderful initiative run by The Alexandra: on Christmas Day, The Alex opens its doors to those who would otherwise be on their own. From the hours of 11am–2pm, the pub will be serving a free Christmas lunch to those wanting company and some good scran. Check out our article below to read about why The Alex does what it does.

This week, we’ve got a feature with Juliana Custers, a local leading architect and interior designer with a deep connection to Wimbledon. We’ve also got your usual news snippets and some great recommendations to see you through to Christmas! There’s no property of the week this week because of our feature — happy reading!

We have a new Wimble reader call-out below: If you have any pressing questions about Wimbledon and the surrounding areas, drop us an email and we’ll do our best to answer you. We’ll then collate the answered questions and post them in an upcoming edition: zak@thewimble.com.

Ask The Wimble❓

This is a call-out to our readers to ask The Wimble all of your burning questions about the area. These questions can be about anything: Do you know when X bus route will return? Do you know how many strawberries are consumed at Wimbledon each year? Do you know when X restaurant is opening? These questions are entirely up to you. Our job is to answer as many of them as possible! So click the button below and ask away! To make things a little easier, please use the subject line: ASK THE WIMBLE.

ASK ME HERE

News snippets 🗞

👏 Merton’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign has concluded, with more than a dozen events that brought hundreds of residents together to highlight the impact of violence against women and girls, while promoting the #WeSpeakUp White Ribbon message encouraging everyone to challenge sexism. The campaign began with a community event at AFC Wimbledon (which we mentioned in a previous edition). The 16 days saw pop-up stalls and book displays across Merton Libraries, the National Trust at Morden Hall Park, and Merton College, as well as several training sessions attended by over 150 people. Read more about it here in the borough’s press release.

🔥 Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire at a block of flats on Summerhill Way in Mitcham. A four-room flat on the second floor was destroyed by the fire. One person left the building before the brigade arrived. A man was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service, according to their press release.

🚨 Reports of a stabbing at Colliers Wood Underground Station were made to police at 10.30am yesterday. A man was treated at the scene for a head injury before being taken to hospital. British Transport Police (BTP) officers also attended following reports of a fight between three young men involving knives, and a man in his 20s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of carrying a dangerous weapon. The station was closed for part of the day. Read more about the incident here.

This week’s Wimble sponsor ⛳️

Caddi Club is gearing up for Christmas. Make sure to check out all of their events and packages for the festive season here. Caddi Club is the biggest indoor golf venue of its kind in Europe. Aren’t we Wimblers lucky to have it on our doorstep? But even if your golf skills leave much to be desired, Caddi Club is a great place to hang out, grab a drink, meet some friends or just get some work done.

CHRISTMAS AT CADDI

The Wimble’s to-do list 🥳

💞 Date and Skate: Today is the day! This event at the Quarter’s ice rink invites couples, friends and families to glide across the real-ice rink under twinkling lights while a live local choir fills the air with beautiful Christmas classics. How romantic! Book your spot here.

Where: Wimbledon Quarter

When: Thursday 18 December, 7–7.45pm/8–8.45pm

🎶 Christmas Sing-a-Long Concert: Tomorrow evening, conductor Georg Tormann leads you through a selection of Christmas hits, including: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Merry Christmas Everyone, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, The Fairytale of New York, O Holy Night, White Christmas and more. If you fancy a proper sing-along, then this one’s for you. Tickets can be bought here.

Where: New Wimbledon Theatre

When: Friday 19 December, 5.30–7.30pm

🎭 Christmas Puppet Workshop with Polka: Join Polka Theatre for a two-hour hands-on puppetry workshop at Wimbledon Quarter. In this family-friendly session, you’ll design and build your own adorable festive puppet, guided by Polka Theatre’s expert team. Children and grown-ups will get to explore the pillars of puppet making with a heartwarming mini-show to end the day. Tickets are £12.50 per child. Book your spot here.

Where: Wimbledon Quarter

When: Saturday 20 December, 10am–2pm

🏃‍♀️ Wimbledon Common Christmas Run: Who says getting fit has to start in January? This picturesque run covers both 5k and 10k distances. Festive kit is highly recommended! Fees range from £15–120. Book your spot here.

Where: Wimbledon Common

When: Sunday 21 December, 9.30am–12.30pm

🍻 Pub Quiz at the Dog & Fox: This is the final pub quiz before Christmas. You know what that means… that means it’s your last chance to get your smartest friends together and win big before Christmas Day knocks you out. See you there!

Where: Dog & Fox

When: Wednesday 24 December, 7–10pm

‘We don’t say no; we just make it happen’: Juliana Custers on the power of interior design 🏗

Juliana Custers is an interior architectural designer whose eponymous company is reshaping the way we think about our homes. Born in South Africa, Custers and her family moved to Wimbledon when she was just five. After gaining a degree in architecture and a subsequent career in interior architectural design, Custers decided it was time to take a leap of faith and start her own business. Two years later, and her Wimbledon-based interior architecture and design studio is going from strength to strength. This week, Custers sat down with The Wimble to talk about everything from her own personal journey to the profound impact a person’s home can have on their quality of life.

The Wimble: Talk me through your early life. Did you always want to work in architecture and interior design? Did your childhood in Wimbledon play a part in your decision?

Juliana: I decided I wanted to work in interior design when I was young — maybe seven. Every weekend, I’d rearrange my bedroom and find new ways to change the space, much to my mother’s delight. Apparently my grandmother used to do exactly the same thing, which I love. I never actually knew her, so it feels as though this instinct for creating and reshaping spaces was somehow written into my DNA.

Wimbledon was a great place to grow up. When we first moved here, we lived right next door to Cannizaro House, and having the common and the sprawling green spaces certainly made for an adventurous childhood. I also think Wimbledon was just an interesting and safe place to be growing up. Of course, the buildings and architecture here are amazing, and it’s hard not to be inspired by just walking around.

Apologies if this sounds a bit ignorant, but how does it work? What is the process for redesigning someone’s home?

We’ve got quite a clear process — it makes life a lot easier when you know where you’re going. The brief, which we call the discovery, can take a little bit of time as you get to know your client. It’s really important to understand your client and their vision as early as possible. I’m working on a project right now that’s taken two years, and I’ll still refer back to the original brief to make sure all of the requirements are being met. Another part of the initial process is asking those hard questions: What happens if we knock down this wall, and what happens if we don’t? Is it the best idea to redo the entire house and start from scratch? Is your budget really in line with your expectations? Transparency is key when taking on projects as big as ours.

After the discovery phase, we work on design development, making sure everything in the brief is translated into design, then onto technical design and construction documentation, and then finally we work closely with the contractors, craftspeople, furniture makers, and joiners to bring life to the vision.

OK, let’s say that I’m a Wimbledon homeowner who wants to have my house completely gutted and remodelled. I also want a specific marble on every counter. Can you do that?

Everything is possible. I’ll go a step further: let’s say the client, in this case that’s you, loves travelling to Argentina. We might then source Argentinian wool and have a blanket woven specifically for their home. If another client fell in love with the atmosphere of a small gîte in France on their honeymoon, we’ll look beyond Pinterest, seeking out pieces, artwork or objects from the very towns or fairs that evoke that memory. At its core, our work is entirely bespoke; that’s how it becomes truly yours. If you want your home fully reimagined or made personal and uniquely yours, that is very much within our remit.

And let’s say I’m an avid book collector, and I want my library to have a first edition of The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford. Can you get me that?

Of course we can. Absolutely. It’s all part of the job. The whole process is a very personal experience. For example, a client of mine might say, “When I move in, I just want everything to be ready. I want the beds to be made, and I would love a roast dinner to be in the oven for when I arrive.” That’s not a problem. We can do that — roast dinner included. We’re a small team, but that makes the relationships with our clients that bit more personal. Interior design is the main arm of our company, but in small moments we work a bit like a private household; we can arrange for the whole house to be packed up, white-gloved, labelled, put away, then unpacked, clothes steamed and hung, art hung in the right place and then for a chef to be there on the move-in day.

I think the takeaway is that we don’t say no; we just make it happen.

It’s been two years since you launched Juliana Custers. What has this journey been like?

The job can be hard at times, but it’s incredibly rewarding, especially when our clients see that we’ve gone above and beyond for them and they fall back in love with their home. I was living in Marylebone when I decided to move back to Wimbledon and start this business. At the beginning, it was very much a kitchen table startup. For the first few weeks, I worked alone, but then I realised that I needed some help. I hired a few amazing designers and we moved into the spare room in my parents’ house. But still that wasn’t enough space. We just kept growing and taking on new projects. We then decided to take over my father’s old architectural studio, and we’ve been there ever since; it’s all very low-key, golden retrievers and all.

We’ve worked on homes across Clapham, Balham, Wimbledon — several times — as well as Chelsea and Tunbridge Wells, with new projects continually emerging.

But the greatest privilege of building this business has been the freedom it affords: the ability to choose the right projects in the right places, to assemble the right team, and to base ourselves in an environment that supports the way we want to work.

And, finally, what message would you give to our readers who are thinking about redesigning their homes?

The biggest message I can impart is that interiors should bring joy. We work around the idea of finding what a client’s joy is and then making that joy part of their home. We don’t have a cookie-cutter approach because a person’s joy is unique and deeply personal. Why I love interior architectural design — and what I do for a living — is that it enables me to create these magical spaces that people can have for years to come. If I’ve done my job right, I shouldn’t be seeing you for a refresh within the next five years. One of the biggest investments you can make into yourself is your home, and it’s so worth it. Not only will you see returns on your property’s value, but it does so much for your mental and physical wellbeing.

Check out the Juliana Custers website for more photos and information.

Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I asked you what year Henry VIII visited Wimbledon. The answer: 1546.

Q: Which of these books was authored by a Wimbledon resident?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition. I hope that you enjoyed our interview with local interior designer Juliana; check out her website for more info. I hope that everyone is ready for next week’s festivities. If you’re making a journey outside of London, please remember to check the trains are running properly! I’ve made that mistake before… trust me, it’s not fun. We won’t have an edition out next week (as it’s Christmas and there’s not much to report), but we’ll be back the following week with a round-up of The Wimble’s best stories from 2025. Merry Christmas to all of you and thank you for your support this year!

Leave a comment

Share