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Whether you're looking for musical, culinary, or caffeine-filled activities, Putney is the place that offers all. Spend a day exploring the area with our recommended itinerary.
9am
Your day starts with a choice: Putney Bridge or East Putney stations, both on the district line. If the former, head over the river to Grind Coffee Bar. Don’t worry if all the pavement tables are taken – there’s a garden out back. You can go full health (Quinoa Power Pot anyone?) or full English, but make sure you try the house espresso blend, the Caveman. It’s guaranteed to wake you up.
If you start at East Putney station, then make your way up to Artisan on Upper Richmond Road for an Allpress coffee and fantastic granola.
10am
This is your chance to pick up some new culinary skills. Learn to make sausages, joint a pig or bone a chicken at the Parson's Nose, a long-established family butcher’s near the river. Alternatively, unleash your inner Paul Hollywood with a baking masterclass at the nearby Lazaro Artisan Bakery.
1pm
Up for a light lunch? Midori Sushi, a tiny sushi bar on the Upper Richmond Road – the katsu curry comes highly recommended. For something more substantial and a really (really) good wine selection, try the Prince of Wales, on Upper Richmond Road. The menu of classic English pub food has a contemporary gastro twist.
2.30pm
Work off lunch with a bracing walk along the Thames towpath. Starting at Putney Bridge, head west until you reach the London Wetland Centre. Spend an hour wandering around the ponds and gardens of this lovely wetland reserve, then hit the café for tea and cake. Retrace your steps along the towpath or hop on a 485 back to Putney.
6pm
Time for a drink. If cocktails are your tipple go for a Big Bad Wolf (vanilla vodka, Prosecco, passion fruit liqueur and toasted marshmallows), the signature cocktail at The Toy Shop. If you prefer a nice G&T, then it has to be a Smithy’s Tea at Lost & Co – they make it with their own homemade gin. For ice and a slice of local history, try The Arab Boy. It's named after a Turkish boy saved from slavery in the 19th century and claims to being the oldest pub in England.
8pm
For a quiet supper check out Emile’s, offering seasonal British and French dishes in a classic dining room setting. Or for something a little livelier, try Isola del Sole, serving contemporary Sardinian food, or BIBO, a popular new Italian restaurant and bar with a great selection of craft beers and an excellent wine list.
9.30pm
There’s just time to check out the second set at the Half Moon. That’s if you can get in: this modest Putney pub is one of the country’s most popular music venues and gigs are usually a sell out.