.png "Wandsworth in a day")
Wandsworth is one of London's leafiest areas, with an extensive Common and plenty of superb places to eat and drink alfresco. Here's how to spend a day in the area.
9am
Hop off the train at Wandsworth Common. Given the leafy surroundings, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this is the Common. But look across the road: that’s the common, 175 acres of grass, mature trees, sports pitches and tennis courts.
Have breakfast at Flotsam and Jetsam on Bellevue Parade. A new addition to the SW17 scene, this spot quickly got itself ranked at Number 12 in Home & Garden’s pick of London’s best cafés. It’s a bit early for chocolate but you have to try F&J’s famous Afghan biscuit (cornflakes topped with chocolate and a walnut). The coffee is pretty good, too.
10am
It’s time to hit the Common. Keeping an eye out for frisbees, balls and low-flying kites, wind your way through the picnickers, pram-pushers and dog-walkers and head towards the pond. Fishing is permitted though you’ll need a licence. Feed the ducks (if that’s your kind of thing) then wander over the railway line to the Skylark Café.
This delightful spot is hidden from the road and regulars think of it as their secret. It also offers a chance for Wandsworth's littlest residents to release some energy with Amanda’s Action Club, a stimulating fitness and music programme for pre-schoolers up to four years. Not only do the kids love it, so do their parents, as it gives them a chance to steal a moment’s peace over a slice of homemade cake in the conservatory.
Noon
Leave Skylark by the garden exit, cross the sports pitches and leave the Common by the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building. You can’t miss it: built in the 18th century to house ‘orphan daughters of soldiers, seamen and marines who perished in the Russian War’, this extraordinary Gothic building is now home to a mixed community of flats, studios, workshops and a restaurant.
Press on across Spencer Park, to St John’s Hill, where you’ll find Urban Gourmet. There’s only room for 12 diners, so if you manage to bag a spot in this tiny café, give yourself a pat on the back, then order an Italian truffled salami sandwich. Delicious.
2pm
Walk down the hill to an area known as The Tonsleys where you’ll find Oil & Water, an independent contemporary art gallery with a fantastic selection of work by local artists. A little further along, there’s a fabulous independent boutique, Anthology, which is always worth a peruse.
From here it’s just a short stroll to the river. Head under Wandsworth Bridge and take the river path towards Battersea.
6pm
After all that walking, you’ve earned a drink. Battersea Rise is lined with excellent watering holes: try The Southsider Cocktail Club which prides itself on making drinks just the way customers like them.
Can’t decide? Go for a Kelty Beach – Caribbean whisky, orange juice and cherries. But if a pint in a proper pub is more your thing, carry on to The Eagle Ale House, just off Northcote Road, voted CAMRA South West London Pub of the Year in 2014.
8pm
The whole day has been leading up to this moment: dinner at the Michelin-starred Chez Bruce on Bellevue Road. It’s where locals go for a special treat and is always busy so be sure to book (and try to get a table downstairs while you’re at it). When you’re done, head back to the station: the last train back into town leaves at 11.45.