Good morning, Wimblers.

This week’s edition is slightly shorter than usual on account of us working behind the scenes on the Christmas print edition. That said, we still have your usual news snippets, a fantastic property of the week and some great recommendations for the week.

We’re really looking forward to you getting to see the finished product when the print edition comes out at the end of November!

News snippets 🗞

⚽️ Ryan Bertrand has been unmasked as the face of AFC Wimbledon’s previously secretive prospective new investor. The former Chelsea and England star is at the heart of a new investment group, Sloane Street Capital (SSC), looking to buy The Dons. Earlier this month, AFC Wimbledon announced that they had identified a potential investor, following an admission that their ownership structure wasn’t sustainable. SSC plans to oversee the football operations at AFC Wimbledon with Bertrand in place as the senior football advisor. SSC is offering £16 million for 34 per cent of shares and promises to pump £71 million of investment into the club over the next five seasons whilst allowing AFC Wimbledon to retain fan-ownership control to continue. Read the full story here.

⚙️ The 200-year-old waterwheel at Merton Abbey Mills came to a sudden stop on Thursday 15 October, when a bolt snapped and sent a paddle off course. The damaged paddle reportedly ripped off a window from the mill, which then fell into the river and jammed the wheel. It was resident artists Ron Newsham and fellow potters Steve and Claire Llewellyn who heard the noise and waded into the River Wandle in their galoshes to assess the damage. Thankfully, the repairs were made within a few days, and the wheels are back up and turning. Read more.

🎨 An showcase organised by three mothers has led to a full-scale community art exhibition at Morden Library. The exhibition is free and is open to all ages. The showcase, which runs until tomorrow, features artists from all walks of life. Speaking to a local news outlet, one of the organisers said, “We wanted to bring people together, celebrate the incredible talent on our doorstep and give artists of all ages and backgrounds a platform to share their work.” Visitors are invited to explore five hanging installations that flow between the library’s first and second floors. Check out more details here.

🏛 I know how much our readers love the “property of the week” section, so when I saw news about a stunning Wimbledon home in House & Garden this week, I knew I had to include in the newsletter. Louise McGarry, creative director of Studio Braw, has softened a Georgian-inspired Wimbledon new-build with “antiques, pattern and calming colours”, according to the article. Words don’t really do it justice, so take a look at this sneak peek image below, and click here to read (and see) the full story.

A contemporary house in Wimbledon village with georgian style entrance hall Floor Flooring Indoors Interior Design Wood... — The Georgian-inspired entrance hall / credit: *House & Garden*

The Wimble’s sponsor of the week ⛸

Wimbledon Quarter’s ice rink is sponsoring this week’s edition with an early bird offer that gives you 15 per cent off your tickets if you use the discount code: EARLYBIRD. Click the button below to book your spot.

TICKETS HERE

Property of the week 🏡

I wanted to find a property that could match the style and elegance of the Georgian-inspired new-build above. This might be it. Just look at that staircase, before marvelling at the sheer scale of this six-bedroom home. I particularly admire that huge balcony. It’s got a very slight Bond-villain vibe. But for £7.25 million, you’d need Bond-villain money to afford it. Check out more photos here.

The Wimble’s to-do list 🎯

🎤 Vinyl DJ Set — Inappropriate Handclap: Get ready for a groovy night of vinyl mixing with Brighton-based DJ duo Inappropriate Handclap, bringing their unique blend of infectious soul, funk and disco. This event is free and no booking is required.

Where: The Rushmere

When: Saturday 31 October, 7.30pm until late

☠️ Crystal Head Halloween Vodka Tasting: What says Halloween more than a skull-shaped bottle of vodka? Maybe a pumpkin shaped bottle of vodka? Either way, Crystal Head’s unique Halloween-themed spirit is worth a try. Founded by Canadian actor Dan Ackroyd, it is a pure and clean premium alcoholic drink. Again, this event is entirely free.

Where: Amathus, Wimbledon Village

When: Saturday 31 October, 12–6pm

🏎 Southside Hustle Car Meet: By now, our readers are probably aware of the petrolhead-enthusiast meet-up. 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. Whether you’re bringing a car or not, get yourself along this weekend.

Where: Wimbledon Common Southside near the farmers’ market

When: Sunday 1 November, 8–11am

🥕 Wimbledon Village Farmers’ Market: This needs no introduction. The farmers’ market is an essential weekend activity. If fresh produce is your thing — and I hope that it is — then this is the place to be.

Where: Wimbledon Village

When: Sunday 1 November, 10am–3pm

🐎 An Evening with Sir David Jason: Joined by presenter Mike Bushell, the show is an unforgettable evening of fun and laughter where Sir David takes the audience behind the scenes with stories from his legendary stage and screen career. From Only Fools and Horses, Open All Hours, The Darling Buds of May, A Touch of Frost and many more iconic series, David shares rare clips, secrets, and the moments that shaped his career. Grab your tickets here.

Where: New Wimbledon Theatre

When: Sunday 1 November, 7.30pm

👶🏽 Adventure Babies — Sensory Storytelling at The Old Frizzle: This event is for babies and toddlers to explore explore and enjoy some fun activities that positively stimulate all of their senses. For each week, stories are brought to life through sensory storytelling, music, and gentle play, creating magical moments of connection, curiosity, and joy. Book here.

Where: The Old Frizzle

When: Wednesday 4 November, times vary

🎭 Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf: These are Stewart Lee’s words, not mine: “Stewart Lee ("The world's greatest living stand-up comedian" The Times), is in danger of being left behind. He's approaching sixty with debilitating health conditions, his TV profile has diminished, and his once BAFTA award-winning style of stand-up seems obsolete. But can Lee unleash his inner Man-Wulf to position himself alongside comedy legends like Dave Chappelle, Ricky Gervais and Jordan Peterson at the forefront of side-splitting stadium-stuffing sh*t-posting?” Get your tickets here.

Where: New Wimbledon Theatre

When: Saturday 7 November, 7.30pm

Revealed: Your top picks for Wimbledon’s best restaurants 🍱

Last week, we revealed our readers’ favourite pubs in the area. This week, we’re taking a little look at food. Wimbledon’s food scene is quite the mixed bag. We have everything from burritos and authentic Indian dishes to modern European cooking and even oyster bars. But which eateries really get you salivating? Here are The Wimble readers’ favourite restaurants in SW19.

Toby Cartwright outside of his restaurant Black Radish / image: The Wimble

Roxie Steak — 29 Wimbledon Hill Rd (tied)*
The Black Lamb — 67 High St (tied)
The Black Radish — 12 Watermill Way, Merton Abbey Mills (tied)
The Ivy — 75 High St (tied)
Al Forno — 2A King’s Road

Drop a comment below if you want to champion a different spot that you think other readers might have missed.

* The top four restaurants all got the same number of votes.

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Question of the week 🔍

Last week, I gave you a list of “pubcos” and asked which of them owned the most pubs in Wimbledon. The answer: Youngs & Co.

When did the Curzon open its doors in Wimbledon?

You’re up to date 👋

Thank you for reading this week’s edition. We’re hard at work getting this print ready for distribution. Keep your eyes peeled for pick-up points in the near future. Other than that, have a great rest of the week and we’ll see you next time.

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