Totterdown Street Market – Artisan Eats & Craft Brews from Local Makers

  There’s something special about discovering a place that takes a simple, everyday food and turns it into an unforgettable experience. That’s exactly what happened when a friend of mine shared his girlfriend’s latest culinary adventure in Tooting. It all started with a recommendation from a mutual friend—“You have to try the Legendary fries with Fresh Parmesan and Pink Garlic Mayo at Poptata,” they were told. So, naturally, they decided to check it out. Now, I’m no stranger to the wonders of Tooting Market, but when my friend’s girlfriend described her experience, it was clear this wasn’t just another fry shop. She and her friends arrived with high expectations, and Poptata did not disappoint. The setup at Poptata is simple yet brilliant—a celebration of the humble chip, elevated to something truly extraordinary. The fries are made from the finest British potatoes, peeled and cut by hand, and then fried twice at different temperatures to achieve that perfect balance: a crunchy ex...

  Every now and then, you stumble upon a food experience so unique, it leaves you thinking about it for days. That’s exactly what happened to my close friend recently, who, in his typical fashion, couldn’t stop talking about this incredible meal he had in Tooting. Now, being the self-proclaimed food guru among my friends, I know most of the spots in Tooting Market like the back of my hand. So when he started raving about this crazy burger he had—one that he claimed was like nothing he’d ever tried before—I was immediately intrigued. We were catching up over a drink when he started going on about this burger. He couldn’t remember the name of the place, but he remembered every detail of the dish. “It had this fried chicken, but not just any fried chicken—it was Korean fried chicken! And then there was this seafood twist—tiger prawn and scallop, all in one burger! It was insane!” he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he recalled the flavors. As he waffled on, trying to describe the fl...

  Hidden in the vibrant lanes of Tooting Market lies a little treasure that’s sure to bring out the inner child in anyone who steps through its doors— CandyCane Lounge . This delightful spot is a nostalgic trip back to simpler times, where the joy of picking out your favorite sweets from jars was the highlight of the day. But for me, the story of CandyCane Lounge is also the story of a special afternoon spent with my nieces, who rediscovered the magic of old-school candies while I stumbled upon a gem of my own. It all started with a promise to my nieces—a promise to take them somewhere fun and indulge their ever-present sweet tooth. They’d heard about this place in Tooting Market, where the shelves are lined with all sorts of colorful treats, and I couldn’t resist taking them on a little adventure. As soon as we walked into CandyCane Lounge, the girls were entranced. Owner Alison has curated a candy wonderland that caters to both big and small kids alike. From cola bottles and rhub...

  There’s something about the Notting Hill Carnival that brings out the best in everyone—the colors, the music, the energy. But if you ask my friend, the true highlight of Carnival season starts way before the dancing begins. It starts in Tooting Market, at a little spot called The Lone Fisherman . Picture this: It’s the day of the Carnival, and my friend and her crew are hyped up and ready to hit the streets. But before they even think about stepping foot into Notting Hill, there’s one crucial pit stop they need to make. “We had to get our fix of Jerk Chicken and Jerk Ribs from The Lone Fisherman,” she tells me, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. And honestly, she’s not wrong. Chris, the owner and chef at The Lone Fisherman , is a master when it comes to crafting mouth-watering Caribbean dishes. The aroma of freshly cooked jerk chicken wafts through the market, pulling in passersby like a siren song. It’s impossible to resist. “We walked into the market, and the ...

  As someone who’s always on the hunt for the best hidden gems, I was delighted when a friend of mine recently shared an exciting tale about her latest discovery. Picture this: three cupcake-obsessed girlfriends, out for a casual day in Tooting Market, stumble upon a little slice of heaven. The place? Bless Bakes , of course! Now, these ladies are the type who live for sweet treats. I mean, they’re practically cupcake connoisseurs, always on the lookout for the next best sugar rush. So when they walked past Bless Bakes and caught a whiff of freshly baked goodies, it was like destiny calling. My friend couldn’t stop raving about it. “We were just wandering around, not even planning to buy anything, when suddenly, we see this place with the cutest little cakes in the window,” she told me, her eyes lighting up. “We had to go in!” And go in they did. Inside, they were greeted by the lovely Blessy, the mastermind behind the magical creations at Bless Bakes. The display was a kaleidoscop...

  Sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you don’t plan. That’s exactly what happened to a friend of mine who recently found himself wandering the bustling lanes of Tooting Market. With no intention of stopping for a meal, he was simply passing through, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. But as he strolled past the eclectic mix of stalls and eateries, a tantalizing aroma caught his attention—a scent that was impossible to ignore. It led him straight to Mina’s Shop & Grill , a hidden gem that turned his casual wander into an unforgettable culinary adventure. Mina’s Shop & Grill, run by the warm and welcoming duo Luis and Mina, is a beacon of traditional Portuguese cuisine right in the heart of Tooting Market. My friend, who hadn’t planned on eating out, was instantly drawn in by the rustic charm of the place. The sight of the golden-brown rotisserie chickens slowly turning on the spit, combined with the inviting smiles from behind the counter, was all it took to convin...

  In the heart of Tooting Market, there’s a small but mighty distillery that’s capturing the spirit of the community—quite literally. It’s called Graveney Gin , and if you haven’t heard of it yet, you’re in for a treat. I recently had a chat with a friend of mine—a self-proclaimed gin enthusiast—who recounted her somewhat hazy, but utterly delightful experience at this hidden gem. Her tale was so intriguing, I just had to share it with you. Now, to set the scene, my friend is one of those people who loves to explore new places, especially when it involves a good drink. One evening, she and a few friends decided to venture into Tooting Market for a night out. Among the vibrant mix of food stalls, bars, and lively chatter, they stumbled upon Graveney Gin . The place has a reputation for serving some of the finest artisan gin in the city, and naturally, they were drawn in. As she tells it, the night quickly became a blur of laughter, music, and—of course—gin. By the time they left, my...

In the bustling heart of Tooting Market, there’s a little corner where beer lovers find their sanctuary—a place that might easily go unnoticed if you’re not in the know. It’s called We Brought Beer , and it’s the kind of spot that true craft beer enthusiasts talk about with a twinkle in their eye, as if they’re sharing a well-kept secret. I first learned about this hidden gem from a friend of mine, who could easily win a gold medal in the Beer Enthusiast Olympics if such a thing existed. One afternoon, while we were catching up over coffee (his choice, surprisingly), the conversation inevitably turned to beer. He started raving about a place he’d found in Tooting Market, a place where the beer selection was unlike anything he’d seen before. I’ll admit, at first, I was a bit lost. Tooting Market is a treasure trove of food and drink spots, and I couldn’t quite pin down which one he was referring to. But as he went on, describing the rows of craft beers from around the world, the careful...

  As a traveling blogger and fitness enthusiast, I’m always on the hunt for places that align with my lifestyle. When I’m not behind my computer creating websites or working out at the gym, I’m exploring new spots that offer a little something extra. That’s how I stumbled upon Get Juiced! in Tooting Market, thanks to a recommendation from a friend who knows a thing or two about staying fit. Now, I’ve always been one to make my own juices at home. There’s just something about knowing exactly what goes into your drink that gives me peace of mind. But my friend, who’s just as dedicated to her gym routine as I am, handed me something that changed my perspective—a bowl of Acai goodness paired with Sugar Cane Juice from Get Juiced! . “Here, taste this,” she said, with a knowing smile. I was a bit skeptical at first. After all, I’m not usually one to buy juices from shops—why bother when you can make them yourself, right? But as soon as I took that first sip, I was hooked. The blend was ...

  As a traveling food blogger with a knack for uncovering hidden culinary gems, I'm always on the lookout for places that offer something truly special. Recently, during a casual chat with a friend, I stumbled upon Koi Ramen, tucked away in Tooting Market. Now, I must admit—pork isn’t usually my go-to when it comes to dining out, but when my friend couldn’t stop raving about Koi Ramen’s Tonkotsu Ramen, I knew I had to dig a little deeper. Koi Ramen is the brainchild of Ming and his talented team, who started their journey from a humble market stall in Brixton. Their mission? To serve up authentic Japanese soul food that doesn’t break the bank. And according to my friend, who has an insatiable appetite for all things ramen, they’ve hit the mark with their signature Tonkotsu Ramen—a creamy pork soup noodle dish that she claims is nothing short of heavenly. As she described the rich, velvety broth and perfectly cooked noodles, I could almost taste the umami goodness myself. The way sh...

  Wandering through the bustling alleys of Tooting Market, I came across a place that would make any food lover's heart skip a beat. As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of all things pizza, my journey through Totterdown Street was already filled with high expectations. But when I arrived at Franco Manca, nestled unassumingly within the market, I knew I was in for something special. Franco Manca isn’t just another pizzeria—it's a homage to the art of pizza-making, rooted in the traditions of Neapolitan cuisine. The scent of freshly baked sourdough mingled with the market's vibrant energy drew me in like a moth to a flame. As I watched the skilled pizzaiolos effortlessly shape the dough, there was an undeniable authenticity in the air, the kind that promised a pizza experience unlike any other. The signature dish here is their Thin Sourdough Pizza, a creation that redefines what a pizza crust should be. The slow-rising dough, nurtured for hours before it's baked at a blister...

  As a self-proclaimed pizza aficionado, I’ve spent years sampling slices from every corner of the globe. From the classic New York slice to the deep-dish wonders of Chicago, I thought I had seen—and tasted—it all. But then, on one of my hidden culinary explorations through London, I stumbled upon Panzerotto Blues in Tooting Market, and I realized that the Italian pizza experience is in a league of its own. Founded by Gianni Perillo, who brought the heart of Puglia with him when he moved to London in 2014, Panzerotto Blues is more than just a pizza joint—it’s a love letter to authentic Italian street food. Gianni’s passion for his craft shines through every bite, particularly in the signature dishes that have quickly made Panzerotto Blues a local favorite. I’ve had countless pizzas in my lifetime, but nothing quite compares to the experience of biting into their thin-crust pizza. It’s not just about the crispy, perfectly hand-stretched 12-inch stonebaked base, or the way the fresh,...

In my ongoing journey to uncover the hidden gems of London, I recently learned about a place that has captured the hearts—and taste buds—of wine lovers in Tooting. Although I haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing it firsthand, a close friend of mine, who happens to be a passionate wine enthusiast, couldn’t stop raving about Unwined in Tooting. So, I sat down with them to get the inside scoop on this local favorite. Unwined isn’t just another wine bar; it’s a space where wine meets storytelling. Nestled in the lively Tooting Market, Unwined offers a refreshing, unpretentious environment where everyone—from casual sippers to serious oenophiles—can enjoy a good glass of wine. My friend described the atmosphere as relaxed and welcoming, a place where you can truly unwind (pun intended) and explore a carefully curated selection of wines from small producers around the world. What sets Unwined apart, they said, is the way the team, led by the passionate and knowledgeable Kiwi owner Kiki, ...

  As I continue my quiet exploration of London’s hidden culinary treasures, my latest find has taken me on a journey through time and across continents. Nestled in the vibrant Tooting Market, Vermicelli is a relatively new addition to the scene, having opened its doors in February 2022. Yet, in such a short time, it has quickly gained a devoted following among London’s foodies—and it’s easy to see why. Although I haven’t yet had the chance to sit down and fully immerse myself in the dining experience, I couldn’t resist ordering their signature dish, the homemade vermicelli, for a takeaway. From the first bite, I was transported to the heart of Italy, where the rich history of this pasta type comes to life in every strand. There’s something truly special about the way Vermicelli celebrates this ancient pasta, originally crafted in Italy back in the 14th century and perfected by the legendary Maestro Martino da Como. The dish I tasted was a beautiful tribute to the origins of Italian...

In my quiet journey through the bustling streets of Tooting, I’ve come across countless hidden gems, but few have surprised me quite like Basil Chinese & Thai. Tucked away right at the entrance of Tooting Market on Tooting High Street, this unassuming takeaway spot has been serving up some of the best Chinese and Thai cuisine since 2010—making it a staple for locals in the know. Though I didn’t linger long, choosing instead to order takeaway, the experience left a lasting impression. I decided to try their signature dishes, the Tamarind Salmon and Sweet & Sour King Prawn, and I’m glad I did. From the first bite, it was clear that Basil takes pride in their cooking. The salmon, delicately flavored with tangy tamarind, was perfectly cooked, and the sweet and sour king prawns were bursting with flavor—each bite a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, with the freshest ingredients at the heart of every dish. As I took my meal back to a quiet corner, away from the hustle and bus...

    In my endless search for London’s hidden culinary gems, I recently uncovered a spot that’s all about mouth-watering burgers served with a side of old-school hip-hop. Tucked away in the lively Tooting Market, Boom Bap Burger & Bar is more than just a place to eat—it’s an experience waiting to be discovered. As I wandered through the market, the unmistakable sound of classic hip-hop drew me in, and I couldn’t resist placing an order. Though I kept to the shadows, opting for a quick takeaway this time, I have to say—Boom Bap’s burgers are something special. Their patties, crafted from 28-day aged Scottish beef sourced from London family butchers, are a true testament to quality. Each bite is a flavor-packed journey, wrapped in a soft, buttery brioche bun that complements the juicy, perfectly seasoned meat. For those with different dietary preferences, Boom Bap has thought of everything, offering veggie, vegan, and gluten-free options that don’t compromise on taste. Even t...

  Tooting, with its vibrant mix of cultures and cuisines, never ceases to amaze me. As a traveler who prides herself on finding hidden gems, I stumbled upon something extraordinary: a little bar tucked away in the heart of the Tooting Market. If you know where to look—Totterdown Street entrance—you’ll find a place that truly lives up to its name: The Secret Bar . From the moment I stepped in, I felt like I had uncovered a well-kept secret, the kind that’s whispered about among friends who want to keep the magic alive. The bar, exuding a retro charm, immediately transported me to the cozy, intimate dens of old Lisbon. It’s the kind of place where you could easily lose track of time, surrounded by the warm glow of dim lights and the low hum of conversation. The first thing that caught my eye was the extensive drinks menu. I started with a Super Bock, Portugal’s iconic lager, served in a generous stein—perfectly chilled and refreshing after a day of exploring the market. But it wasn’t...