WHY I LOVE WANDSWORTH
WHY I LOVE WANDSWORTH
Love to look at
If you have an interest in unusual architecture, you’ll love Royal Victoria Patriotic Building on Wandsworth Common - a Victorian edifice in a Gothic Revival style, combining Scottish Baronial and French Châteauesque elements. Now a complex of studios, workshops, a drama school and residential apartments – many of which boast a stunning interior design – the best way to appreciate the architecture is by dining in the on-site restaurant, Le Gothique. If architectural flourishes are not your thing, head to neighbouring Battersea, where the brutal but brilliant Power Station dominates the skyline. Join the self-guided Heritage Trail or pre-register for Lift 109 – a ride in a glass elevator to a viewing platform atop one of the iconic chimneys.
Love to shop
I’m a huge fan of high end interior design with biophilic notes, so Neal’s Nurseries on Wandsworth Common is my go-to for house plants - it’s the largest plant centre within Central London. Bayley & Sage on Wandsworth’s Old York Road offers a ‘one-stop-shop’ experience if you’re entertaining or being entertained, with wine, cheese, charcuterie, deli ingredients, bakery services and hand-tied bouquets all on offer. Just to the west of Wandsworth Park in Putney is Blåbär – Nordic Living. Not only is it a gorgeous café, it also stocks the most amazing Scandi chic home furnishings, which elevate the ordinary to design luxury. Also a hop, skip, jump or job from Wandsworth is Lark in Earlsfield. The store is packed with homewares, gifts and clothes – I defy you to leave without a purchase!
Love to eat
You simply can’t write about Wandsworth’s gastronomic scene without writing about Chez Bruce.This Michelin-star establishment has been the ‘south of the river’ restaurant of choice among the stars for decades, offering discretion and a delectable menu. No less unctuous but without the waiting list for a table is The Toast Rack – Wandsworth Common’s best bakery and casual restaurant – they had me at waffle benedict with truffle butter! Balham is within walking distance of SW18 and promises a sensory feast with more urban vibes – head to Post Market on the High Road for a smörgåsbord of pop-up food vendors. At the other end of the spectrum and just a 10-minute drive away isTrinity – a refined restaurant proudly holding a Michelin star.