From dramatic sinkhole scenes on Clapham Park Road to the irresistible aroma of fresh cookies on High Street.

🇬🇧 SW News

Clapham Common Sinkhole Drama

A huge sinkhole has appeared on Clapham Park Road after a Thames Water pipe burst, flooding the road. Emergency services have closed it off, traffic lights are in place, and specialists are struggling with what they warn will be a tricky repair. Source

Drone Drug Drop at Wandsworth

A drone was spotted dropping a suspected drugs parcel into HMP Wandsworth, raising fears gangs could soon smuggle weapons into prisons. The prisons watchdog warns this growing airspace threat is undermining security, rehabilitation efforts and public safety. Source

Balham Scoop Triumph

Balham’s very own Jefferson’s Ice Cream has been named Best Independent Hospitality Business at the 2025 Wandsworth Business Awards. Since opening in 2019, they serve 100,000 scoops annually, expanded to Brixton, and even supply local hotels and restaurants. Exceptional taste, service, team vibes. Source

Sweet Spot on High Street

A new independent cookie shop, Crack Cookie, has just opened on Clapham High Street. They bake six core flavours daily using top-notch Colombian and Ivory Coast chocolate, plus Colombian coffee. Warm vibes, pet-friendly space, and that irresistible fresh‑cookie aroma will lure you in. Source

Brixton Latino Night Shines

Despite the planned Atlantic Road street party being cancelled, locals rallied for a spontaneous late-night Latino celebration. The upbeat gathering brought the community together with music, dancing, and joy, proving Brixton’s spirit is alive and well. Source

New London Park Unveiled

London’s largest new park since the 2012 Olympics has officially opened in Barking Riverside. Covering 27 hectares, it features woodlands, play areas, open lawns and community spaces. Mayor Sadiq Khan praised it as a step forward in creating a greener, fairer London. Source

Camilla Opens Battersea "Dog Garden"

Queen Camilla officially opened a new sensory garden at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, co-designed by Monty Don. She met adorable pups - nearly adopting one before learning he’d already found a home. The garden aims to enrich rescued dogs’ well‑being. Source

🎉 Upcoming Events

Golden Years Bowie Walk

Trace David Bowie’s early days with a 2½‑hour guided walking tour through Brixton and Soho. Explore iconic spots that shaped his journey, uncover fun anecdotes, soak in his creative legacy and snap memorable pictures on this legendary musical tour. Source

Blossom Day Escapes

Time Out rounds up 12 gorgeous day‑trip destinations from London for flower lovers. Highlights include Mayfield’s lavender seas, Sissinghurst’s iconic walled gardens, Mottisfont’s rose riot and bluebell woodlands. Ideal for pastel wanderings and Instagrammable moments in nature’s best. Source

Mother Mother Live at Brixton

Alternative rockers Mother Mother headline O2 Academy Brixton on Wednesday 16 July at 7 pm, supported by Fish in a Birdcage. Ticket limits apply - 4 in presale, 6 general sale. Bags must be A4‑size maximum. Under‑14s seated in balcony with adults. Source

Bad With Phones Goes Live

Bad With Phones headlines a fresh showcase at Windmill Brixton this Wednesday 16 July, joined by Freddy Forbidden and rising art‑pop talent RY‑GUY. Doors open at 7.45pm for this intimate, £9-£10 gig celebrating South London’s vibrant new‑music scene. Source

Soup Kitchen Fundraiser

Windmill Brixton hosts a Brixton Soup Kitchen benefit on Thursday 17 July from 7.45pm. Featuring three live acts - Tears at the Table, WING! and The Bleep (For Bloop) - this 18+ gig supports a vital community charity. Tickets from £6-£11. Source

Beyoncé Tribute Night

Celebrate the Queen Bey at The Blues Kitchen Brixton this Friday 18 July. South London’s own band Re:Imagined will perform live renditions of hits from Crazy in Love to Cuff It, with DJs spinning hip‑hop, R&B and Afrobeats till late (18+ only). Source

Blossom Day Escapes

Time Out rounds up 12 gorgeous day‑trip destinations from London for flower lovers. Highlights include Mayfield’s lavender seas, Sissinghurst’s iconic walled gardens, Mottisfont’s rose riot and bluebell woodlands. Ideal for pastel wanderings and Instagrammable moments in nature’s best. Source

✨ Hidden Gems

(Click each title to see them on Google Maps)

Bill’s Richmond Restaurant & Bar

Snugly placed by Richmond Bridge, Bill’s offers up hearty British comfort food from breakfast to late evening. Think bottomless pancakes, buttermilk chicken burger and gluten-free options, served in cosy booths or outdoor tables. It's casual, family-friendly and reliably delicious.

Olives MeZe Shawarma

This cosy Tooting Market spot blends Turkish‑Mediterranean flavours with protein‑packed wraps, meze dishes and salad boxes. Highlights include chicken shawarma, falafel‑halloumi wraps and triple‑cooked chips - all freshly prepared and never frozen, with tasty vegan and meze options too.

En Root Clapham

Tucked on the Clapham-Brixton border, En Root serves vibrant plant‑based Indian fusion cuisine in a cosy, relaxed setting. Highlights include sharing thalis, crisp dosas, pani puri and their fiery, cult‑favourite Raja Bonnet sauce - ideal for wholesome lunch or dinner.