Chef Theo started his career at the tender age of 14 as a kitchen porter in Brighton. He trained at Trinity under Adam Byatt before becoming head chef of the Michelin-starred Bonham. Since then, he’s progressed through Portland and Akoko before earning Cycene its Michelin star. He’s now Executive Chef at the Creative Restaurant Group, working with them on fire-focused Igni in Mayfair. As a resident of Tooting, he’s sharing his favourite food and drink places in the area with us.
Tolians
4-8 Upper Tooting Rd, Tooting Bec, London SW17 7PG
An amazing family-run independent supermarket just opposite Tooting Bec station, it stocks a great array of products, exceptional fresh vegetables, Turkish breads, craft beers and also has a deli counter with a selection of cured meats, olives and baklava. In the warmer months, they set up an Ooni outside and do takeaway pizzas.
Indie Wine Club
Unit 16A, 21-23 Tooting High St, London SW17 0RH
A small wine bar and shop inside Tooting Market, selling a lot of small and independent wines. Really knowledgeable staff. It has a few tables out the front where you can sit, have a glass, and watch the world go by in the market, or grab a bottle to take home. It's the only wine shop I've discovered in the area, so it's a good one to add to this list.
Cut The Mustard
180 Franciscan Rd, London SW17 8HG
Franciscan Road is the original site for this bakery, which now has three different locations. It was started by Jimmy, who is a friend of mine, after we worked together at my very first job in London many years ago. He has been honing his craft in this bakery for years and is producing some outstanding sourdough, pastries and some of the best coffee in the area.
Juliet's Quality Foods
110 Mitcham Rd, London SW17 9NG
This is perfect for brunch on a Saturday morning. I would get there earlier than the crowds to avoid having to stand in line; the smoked eel toast is a winner along with banana bread and espresso butter. It's a classic Aussie spot, and they know how to do breakfast properly.
The Selkirk
60 Selkirk Rd, London SW17 0ES
This pub is tucked away on Selkirk Road. It does a good pint of Guinness, there’s a big garden out the back and it has a great Sunday roast. It’s slightly off the beaten track, so full of locals, but Sundays get busy, so you need to book in advance. Otherwise, sit in the garden with a cold one hidden away from the bustle of the high street.
See also
For more of these local area guides, visit the My Manor page.
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