Area Guide to Wandsworth
Once famous for hat production, Wandsworth went on to then be known as a famous crossing point on the water between London and the West of England, then for its breweries and, these days, for being an all-round top notch place to live. Neighbouring with Clapham, Balham, Tooting and Battersea, there are plenty of things to do and it has the bonus of many an excellent pub along the riverside. We guess that’s a given, given the history of beer here, but it pleases us nonetheless.
Coffee
First things first, where’s the good coffee? When we asked those in the know, we had a substantial response – predominantly recommending ‘The Black Chapel’ – an old-school espresso bar tucked away in a small yard overlooked by a Huguenot chapel. They take their coffee, tea and hot chocolate very seriously, and come with reviews that rate them as ‘not just another hipster coffee shop’ but a welcoming community hub. 1 Chapel Yard / @blackchapelyard
Do also check out: Story Coffee London, another fierce recommendation from Wandsworth pals. Located on the corner of a street on St. John’s Hill, with a beautiful old ghost sign above the door – that once advertised custard and cornflour – they have a great coffee menu and, judging from their Instagram, a delicious-looking brunch menu. @storycoffeeldn / 115 St John’s Hill
Brunch
On the ever popular subject of brunch, two contenders were repeatedly recommended in our investigations, Flotsam and Jetsam are the first. Of course, they have avocado on toast, but – if you like eggs in the morning – they also serve a thoughtful brunch range for a range of tastes, winning neighbourhood awards for their service to the hungry locals. @flotsamandjetsamecafe / 4 Bellevue Parade
Do also check out: Ben’s Canteen – When the first Ben’s Canteen opened, Ben was a man with a clear vision: a place where you could sit and eat and indulge all day that wasn’t a pub. He pulled it off. And he did such a good job, that he’s now opening a third. Great for (award-winning) brunch, wine, dinners and Ben’s special Bloody Mary’s. 140 St John’s Hill / @benscanteen
Dinner
So, Chez Bruce has been around since 1995, which is a pretty impressive run for a London restaurant that still tops locals favourite lists. This Michelin-starred joint serves excellent French cuisine and – as google kindly informs us – an ‘extensive’ cheese selection. We can get on board with that. For simple, fancy fare, head to Brucie’s. 2 Bellevue Road / @chezbruce
Drinks
Head to Lost&Co not only for excellent drinks, but for a tasty grill and an open-all-weather garden (apparently). They promise cheeky smiles and cheesy pizzas, late night parties, and a place to spend a lazy Sunday – it looks like they cater for all, then. It’s also worth noting that if you can’t be bothered to get out of bed, they will Deliveroo their breakfasts to you, too.
@lostbattersea / 339 Battersea Park Road
Date
The Cat’s Back has a beautifully lit conservatory to the rear of this Victorian pub, tucked between Wandsworth and Putney. They’ve got the beer and wine covered (obvs) but an added bonus is the awards they have reaped for their selection. Big Chesterfield sofas, roaring fires in the winter or BBQs in the summer, it’s a laid-back place that’s ideal for getting to know a new someone. @thecatsback / 86 – 88 Point Pleasant
Do also check out: The Ship – ‘they do a banging scotch egg and it’s right on the river’ says our Wandsworth insider. What more could you want on a date? Maybe an amazing sunset over the Thames? You got it. 41 Jews Row / @theshipwandsworth
Walk
We reckon that for at least the first month of shacking up in Wandsworth, you’ll have somewhere new to explore every weekend. Not only does the area boast a spacious common, it’s only a stone’s throw from other neighbourhoods with great green spaces – Battersea Park, Clapham Common, the Thames… Put on a good pair of shoes and get out there.
Family
We’re well aware that many of the recommendations here are pubs, but that’s because Wandsworth is full of them, being the home of Young’s brewery since 1831. The Althorp is another gem, backing out onto the common. Ideal for long walks followed by pub grub with the family. 20 Bellevue Road / @TheAlthorp
Public Transport
Bus routes: 28 / 37 / 39 / 44 / 87 / 156 / 170 / 220 / 270 / 337 / 485
Nearest Tube: East Putney
Nearest Overground: Clapham Junction
Nearest National Rail: Wandsworth Town Railway Station
We’ve given you the scoop and the lowdown – think the area could be for you? Check out our selection of rooms for rent in Wandsworth to find your next home in the neighbourhood.
