The hottest new spots in Wimbledon
Plus: Crime rates in each south London borough ranked
Good morning, Wimblers — I trust that everyone has had an enjoyable week and is pushing past any January blues.
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.
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.
🎾 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.
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!
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.
Zak - Nice newsletter. You are doing a great job here. I enjoy your style and admire your work. I know how hard it is to deliver this kind of journalism. The Wimblers are lucky to have you. Keep going! Cheers. Rob (cub reporter on The Chelsea Citizen!)
I think the figures need amending. Your copy reads :
In first place is Lambeth, with a total of 11,761 offences logged last month.
But from the link provided it states:
A total of 11,761 offences were logged in December, down 2.8 per cent from 12,096 recorded in November.
Lambeth recorded the highest number of offences in December, with 3,036 crimes reported.
I did think that was a huge crime wave in Lambeth...