London Calling | SW19

01 Feb 2015
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2 min read
Ah, the southwest of London. The green-ness, the quiet-ness, the District Line. Jesse Dart shows us around his London neighbourhood.

When we first moved to London, we looked all over the city for an apartment; north, south, east, and west. When we finally agreed on one in Wimbledon Park that checked all of our boxes, we were told by the friendly estate agent “once you move South of the river, you don’t move north of the river”. It didn’t make sense at the time, but now going on our third year here, we completely understand. Here is my small guide to SW19.

Eat

Franco Manca. For awhile, we felt alone out here on the District line, so far away from any of the hip and good restaurants of Central London. Then along came Franco Manca, the pizza staple in our lives. Since I’m married to an Italian, the weekend pizza is a necessary part of our routine. Franco Manca never disappoints in price, taste and service and to have one in Southfields, just walking distance from home is even better.

Drink

I’m not a huge pub going person, but when we do go for a pint it’s to the Earl Spencer. It’s a great local pub with a real fireplace in the winterand some great food from the kitchen. They have even been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand this past year.

Shop

We frequent the Wimbledon Farmers Market nearly every weekend to pick up some of our weekly staples like eggs and chicken, bread and veg. It’s a great atmosphere, and really the quality of the products is so high that if we don’t make it to the market for chicken, we just don’t eat it! Check it out on Saturday’s from 10-1.

Relax

Part of what is so great about this part of London is the parks and it’s one of the reasons why we like it. On the weekend, or even before work going for a walk or a run around Wimbledon Park is a great wake up. On the weekend, Wimbledon Common offers longer walks through the forest where you can gather blackberries in the summer!