Planning messes, bank branch closures and charity fundraisers. Here’s SWhat’s going on.

🇬🇧 SW News

Queenstown Road Grapefruit Tree Protected

Wandsworth Council has issued a Tree Preservation Order for a beloved grapefruit tree on Queenstown Road- planted by local resident Marline Anderson from a Grenada sapling in the 1980s. It now stands as a cherished landmark with a commemorative plaque. Source

Silent Auction Fuels Diverse Talent

Brixton Finishing School and its sister charity, The Finishing School Foundation, have launched their inaugural fundraising silent auction. Proceeds will help cover living expenses for participants in their eight-week summer school programme supporting NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people. Auction items include a Cannes Lions course, a strategy session with Saatchi & Saatchi’s chair, theatre tickets and more. Open until 18 August. Source

Santander to Close Seven More Branches Next Week

Santander UK is set to shut seven branches between 11-17 August 2025. Affected locations include Brixton, Formby, Sidcup, Edgware Road, Willerby, Plympton, and Surrey Quays. The bank is also removing counter services at three others, steering more customers online while rolling out banking hubs and community bankers nearby. Source

Man Found Dead at Three Kings Pond, Mitcham

Police, fire, and ambulance crews responded to Three Kings Pond in Mitcham at 9.45am on 11 August after concerns for a man in the water. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries to identify next of kin continue. Source

Badges Snatched in Seconds

A new crime has hit London. Thieves are swiftly stealing adaptive cruise control radar sensors hidden behind front badges on VW, BMW, and Mercedes vehicles- often in under 4 seconds. Replacement can cost up to £1,500 (some BMW units over £3,500), yet manufacturers offer little help or improved design. Source

Unemployment Hits Four-Year High

The UK’s labour market is cooling, with unemployment holding at 4.7%, its highest level since mid-2021. Job vacancies dropped by 44,000 to the lowest since April 2021, while payroll employment fell for a sixth consecutive month. Wage growth, though still elevated at around 5%, continues to ease. The main reason is generally agreed to be Labour’s tax rises. Source

Bedford Flats Plans Resubmitted

An approved plan to convert 74 Clapham Road into five flats has been resubmitted with amendments to fix structural issues at the rear. It proposes a like-for-like outrigger rebuild, secure bin storage, police-backed security measures; consultation closes 5 September 2025. Source

🎉 Upcoming Events

Mildred & Painted Bird Live TONIGHT

Catch Californian alt-country/folk-rock quartet Mildred, along with Painted Bird, Joel Burton and Kirke Gross at Windmill Brixton on Wednesday 13 August. Doors open at 7.45 pm, tickets are £6, and it’s an 18+ gig hosted at that much-loved South London venue. Source

Golden Years Bowie Tour

Step into David Bowie’s world on a 2½-hour guided walking tour through Brixton and Soho. Visit his favourite hangouts, music spots and the iconic mural, discover stories of his early struggles and triumphs- and capture awesome photos along the way. Tickets £25. Source

WineMom, Cape Orange, Hiding

Catch Dublin’s alt-rock trio WineMom at Windmill Brixton on Thursday 14 August, joined by the whimsically fun Cape Orange and Brixton’s fuzzy slacker pop quartet Hiding. Doors swing open at 7.45 pm. It’s an 18+ gig, tickets around £6. Source

J Cole Tribute Night

Celebrate one of the greatest MCs of our time at The Blues Kitchen Brixton on Friday 15 August. An unforgettable evening of live music followed by DJs spinning hip-hop, R&B and Afrobeats that’ll keep the vibe going into the night. Doors open at 8 pm. Entry from £3 75, 18-plus (ID required). Source

2000s R&B Special at Brixton Fridays

Experience a throwback to the golden era of R&B this Friday, 15 August, at The Blues Kitchen, Brixton. Resident DJs and two live sets will keep you dancing to Destiny’s Child, Nelly, Ciara and more until 3 am. Tickets from £3.75, 18+ only. Source

✨ Hidden Gems

(Click each title to see them on Google Maps)

Brunswick House

Set within a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion by Vauxhall Bridge roundabout, Brunswick House serves refined modern British and European fare in a vintage-packed, theatrical ambience. Expect inventive seasonal dishes, intriguing wines by the glass, a leafy terrace and atmospheric private and vault rooms.

Harar Restaurant

Located on South Lambeth Road in Vauxhall, Harar offers authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine in a warm, inviting setting. With fragrant stews, injera bread, and vegan plus gluten-free options, this family-run gem earns praises for generous portions, friendly service, and hearty, flavour-packed meals.

The Three Lions

Tucked away on South Lambeth Road in Vauxhall, The Three Lions is a cosy, unpretentious spot serving generous Portuguese-European plates- think piri-piri chicken, seafood rice, hearty steaks and tapas. Lovingly reviewed for its warm vibe, solid portions and wallet-friendly prices