Wandsworth Area Guide

Across the river from Fulham and pressed between Battersea and Putney in South West London, Wandsworth is another charming neighbourhood with a truly village feel - from the cosy local restaurants to the wide open space of Wandsworth Common, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d left London on occasion. Once voted as one of the best places to live as a young professional, Wandsworth is beloved for its pretty period houses, modern riverside apartment blocks, and low crime rate for a relatively central area. 


Alongside the swathes of young professionals, the area is extremely popular with families - so much so that it’s been nicknamed ‘Nappy Valley’ by some. There’s also a reasonably large French community here, so you can expect only the best croissants at your local bakery. 



Eating & Drinking


Restaurants


Alongside popular chain restaurants such as Nandos, Wagamamas, and Pizza Express, Wandsworth offers everything from underrated independent cafes to Michelin-starred dining. 


Bellevue

Enjoy authentic French dishes such as pork belly, foie gras terrine and sautéed scallops in a beautiful setting in this former greenhouse close to the common. 

Address: The Bonner Bldg, 218 Trinity Rd, London SW17 7HP


Aurienna 

We hope you’re hungry - from jerk chicken to plantain crisps, this delicious Caribbean restaurant is known for its big dishes and friendly atmosphere. 

Address: The Dutch Yard, 177A Wandsworth High St, Wandsworth, London SW18 4JE


Chez Bruce

Perfect for a special occasion, this luxurious, Michelin-starred French restaurant has been a local institution for over two decades.

Address: 2 Bellevue Rd, London SW17 7EG


Il Girasole

With sunny yellow walls and a menu full of pizza, pasta and authentic Italian dishes, this rustic neighbourhood restaurant is one of the best independents in the area. 

Address: 189 Garratt Ln, London SW18 4DR


Thaiphoon 

Inspired by Thai street food dishes, let this cool, modern restaurant expand your culinary horizons with spicy coconut soup, aubergine chips, roast duck salad and more. 

Address: 140 Wandsworth Bridge Rd, Fulham, London SW6 2UL


Bars


Although you’ll find the odd cool cocktail bar, Wandsworth is mostly known for its range of excellent, traditional gastropubs, with extensive drinks menus and welcoming atmospheres. 


The Ship

Dating back to the 1700s, this traditional pub has seen plenty of history over the years, but has adapted well to the times - it’s now home to a large, sunny terrace and an outdoor BBQ for mouthwatering weekend lunches. 

Address: 41 Jews Row, Wandsworth, London SW18 1TB


L’Affaire

Blending the best of French drinking and and dining with a classing British pub, L’Affaire boasts an imaginative bar menu, bright dining room and authentic Gallic brasserie dishes too. 

Address: 134 Wandsworth High St, London SW18 4JP


Dutch Courage

Live music, expertly mixed cocktails and wood-fired pizzas in a sophisticated, low-lit setting? It’s not hard to see why Dutch Courage is so popular with locals (and even those further afield). 

Address: 26 Upper Richmond Rd, London SW15 2RX


Graffiti Cocktail Bar 

One of Wandsworth’s leading late-night spots, this cocktail bar has a relaxed, fun vibe with a good happy hour offers and even a small dance floor. 

Address: 561 Garratt Ln, London SW18 4SR


The Cat’s Back 

Not far from the river, this striking green-tiled pub has resisted the gastropub trend and is still as traditional as ever, with quality food and plenty of real ales too. 

Address: 86-88 Point Pleasant, London SW18 1NN






Transport


Wandsworth may not have an underground station, but with two rail stations the area is still reasonably well connected when it comes to travelling around London and beyond. From Wandsworth Town you’ll find direct trains to Waterloo with an average journey time of around 14 minutes, while Wandsworth Common offers similar times directly to Victoria. 



Shopping


With the bustling Southside Shopping Centre in the heart of Wandsworth Town and an array of brilliant independent boutiques, residents are well served when it comes to shopping in the area - be that picking up daily essentials, or looking for something more special. The shopping centre is home to nearly 100 big brands including Topshop, Uniqlo , Waitrose and H&M, while on the high street and in the surrounding areas there are plenty of boutiques to explore. Check out Anthologie Boutique for stylish designer womenswear, The Beer Boutique for craft bottles, and The Village Butchers for award-winning free-range meat and poultry that’s perfect for Sunday lunch. 



Green Spaces


As well as a smattering of small, pretty parks, squares and allotments and a long stretch of river bank perfect for weekend walks, Wandsworth is also home to the expansive Wandsworth Common, which offers 170 acres of greenery, sports facilities, and even a lake. Meanwhile if you’re looking to explore further afield, Clapham Common, Tooting Bec Common and Wimbledon Common are all a short distance away. 



Education


Not surprising due to its popularity among families, Wandsworth offers a great selection of schools for all ages. Some popular schools for younger children include Allfarthing Primary School, Brandlehow Primary School, and St Joseph’s RC Primary School, all of which are rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. At senior level, Ashcroft Technology Academy is also rated ‘outstanding’, while Southfields Academy and Emanuel School (mixed, private) come highly recommended. 

Local Features

Fitness

Easy Gym 

Orange Theory Fitness

9 Round 

Nuffield Heath and Fitness 

Barrecore Wandsworth


Coffee Houses 

The Roastery

Birdhouse 

Toast Rack 

Ground Coffee Society 

Story Coffee


Green Spaces 

Kings George Park 

Wandsworth Common

Wandsworth Area Guide

Across the river from Fulham and pressed between Battersea and Putney in South West London, Wandsworth is another charming neighbourhood with a truly village feel - from the cosy local restaurants to the wide open space of Wandsworth Common, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d left London on occasion. Once voted as one of the best places to live as a young professional, Wandsworth is beloved for its pretty period houses, modern riverside apartment blocks, and low crime rate for a relatively central area. 


Alongside the swathes of young professionals, the area is extremely popular with families - so much so that it’s been nicknamed ‘Nappy Valley’ by some. There’s also a reasonably large French community here, so you can expect only the best croissants at your local bakery. 



Eating & Drinking


Restaurants


Alongside popular chain restaurants such as Nandos, Wagamamas, and Pizza Express, Wandsworth offers everything from underrated independent cafes to Michelin-starred dining. 


Bellevue

Enjoy authentic French dishes such as pork belly, foie gras terrine and sautéed scallops in a beautiful setting in this former greenhouse close to the common. 

Address: The Bonner Bldg, 218 Trinity Rd, London SW17 7HP


Aurienna 

We hope you’re hungry - from jerk chicken to plantain crisps, this delicious Caribbean restaurant is known for its big dishes and friendly atmosphere. 

Address: The Dutch Yard, 177A Wandsworth High St, Wandsworth, London SW18 4JE


Chez Bruce

Perfect for a special occasion, this luxurious, Michelin-starred French restaurant has been a local institution for over two decades.

Address: 2 Bellevue Rd, London SW17 7EG


Il Girasole

With sunny yellow walls and a menu full of pizza, pasta and authentic Italian dishes, this rustic neighbourhood restaurant is one of the best independents in the area. 

Address: 189 Garratt Ln, London SW18 4DR


Thaiphoon 

Inspired by Thai street food dishes, let this cool, modern restaurant expand your culinary horizons with spicy coconut soup, aubergine chips, roast duck salad and more. 

Address: 140 Wandsworth Bridge Rd, Fulham, London SW6 2UL


Bars


Although you’ll find the odd cool cocktail bar, Wandsworth is mostly known for its range of excellent, traditional gastropubs, with extensive drinks menus and welcoming atmospheres. 


The Ship

Dating back to the 1700s, this traditional pub has seen plenty of history over the years, but has adapted well to the times - it’s now home to a large, sunny terrace and an outdoor BBQ for mouthwatering weekend lunches. 

Address: 41 Jews Row, Wandsworth, London SW18 1TB


L’Affaire

Blending the best of French drinking and and dining with a classing British pub, L’Affaire boasts an imaginative bar menu, bright dining room and authentic Gallic brasserie dishes too. 

Address: 134 Wandsworth High St, London SW18 4JP


Dutch Courage

Live music, expertly mixed cocktails and wood-fired pizzas in a sophisticated, low-lit setting? It’s not hard to see why Dutch Courage is so popular with locals (and even those further afield). 

Address: 26 Upper Richmond Rd, London SW15 2RX


Graffiti Cocktail Bar 

One of Wandsworth’s leading late-night spots, this cocktail bar has a relaxed, fun vibe with a good happy hour offers and even a small dance floor. 

Address: 561 Garratt Ln, London SW18 4SR


The Cat’s Back 

Not far from the river, this striking green-tiled pub has resisted the gastropub trend and is still as traditional as ever, with quality food and plenty of real ales too. 

Address: 86-88 Point Pleasant, London SW18 1NN






Transport


Wandsworth may not have an underground station, but with two rail stations the area is still reasonably well connected when it comes to travelling around London and beyond. From Wandsworth Town you’ll find direct trains to Waterloo with an average journey time of around 14 minutes, while Wandsworth Common offers similar times directly to Victoria. 



Shopping


With the bustling Southside Shopping Centre in the heart of Wandsworth Town and an array of brilliant independent boutiques, residents are well served when it comes to shopping in the area - be that picking up daily essentials, or looking for something more special. The shopping centre is home to nearly 100 big brands including Topshop, Uniqlo , Waitrose and H&M, while on the high street and in the surrounding areas there are plenty of boutiques to explore. Check out Anthologie Boutique for stylish designer womenswear, The Beer Boutique for craft bottles, and The Village Butchers for award-winning free-range meat and poultry that’s perfect for Sunday lunch. 



Green Spaces


As well as a smattering of small, pretty parks, squares and allotments and a long stretch of river bank perfect for weekend walks, Wandsworth is also home to the expansive Wandsworth Common, which offers 170 acres of greenery, sports facilities, and even a lake. Meanwhile if you’re looking to explore further afield, Clapham Common, Tooting Bec Common and Wimbledon Common are all a short distance away. 



Education


Not surprising due to its popularity among families, Wandsworth offers a great selection of schools for all ages. Some popular schools for younger children include Allfarthing Primary School, Brandlehow Primary School, and St Joseph’s RC Primary School, all of which are rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. At senior level, Ashcroft Technology Academy is also rated ‘outstanding’, while Southfields Academy and Emanuel School (mixed, private) come highly recommended. 

Local Features

Fitness

Easy Gym 

Orange Theory Fitness

9 Round 

Nuffield Heath and Fitness 

Barrecore Wandsworth


Coffee Houses 

The Roastery

Birdhouse 

Toast Rack 

Ground Coffee Society 

Story Coffee


Green Spaces 

Kings George Park 

Wandsworth Common