Zone 3 Tooting s easily accessible via the northern line with the majority of eating and drinking establishments centred around the two tube stations, bec and broadway. Over recent years choices of venues has grown and grown, with more people moving there as high rents in Clapham and Balham make them it the affordable option. Here’s my pick of 5 places to eat and drink in the area.

1.The Little Taperia 

By the people who bought us the small and mighty Little Bar is this lovely tapas restaurant, which is serving up top quality spanish dishes at prices that won’t make you choke on your patatas bravas.  Sit up at the bar for an authentic experience, or maybe because it’s the only seat available in this always busy newcomer to the growing Tooting food scene.  Highlights include the croquettes and the pork skewers with chimichurri.

143 Tooting High St, London SW17 0RU

2. The Chicken Shop 

On the corner of Tooting High Street opposite the Little Taperia is The Chicken Shop, which serves up quality spit roast chicken in laid back surrounds. Choose between whole, half or quarter portions with the option of adding hot or smokey sauce.  Sides include retro crinkle cut fries and corn on the cob doused in butter, mmmm. I’d highly advise saving room for the deep filled apple pie with vanilla ice cream.

141 Tooting High St,SW17 OSY

3.The Wheatsheaf 

This recently renovated pub situated on a corner next to Tooting Bec station is somewhat of a Tooting stalwart. With the recent creation of a designated dining room there’s now no reason to head elsewhere for food after your post work pint. Choose from pub classics such as burgers and fish and chips or go for something a little different such as pumpkin, sweet potato and ginger hash.

www.thewheatsheafsw17.com, 2 Upper Tooting Rd, London SW17 7PG

4. Meza 

Fans of Lebanese food get ready to be dazzled. Both outposts of this uber popular restaurant are tiny so booking is essential for peak times. The food is delicious and very reasonably priced, so is well worth the hype. I prefer ordering lots of the smaller meze dishes than limiting myself to a main, favourites include the grilled halloumi flatbreads and soujouk which are small spicy sausages.

www.mezarestaurant.co.uk, Tooting Broadway - 70 Mitcham Rd, London, SW17 9NA,  Tooting Bec - 34 Trinity Road, London, SW17 7RE

5. Graveney and Meadow 

Graveney and Meadow is a large cafe come bar in the heart of Tooting Broadway. Serving coffee, cake and more throughout the day, by night it becomes a lively drinking spot and is open till 2am at the weekends.  It’s a great place for catching up with large groups due to the space available, and the ability of getting the music volume to just the right level - creating an atmosphere without spoiling conversation.

40 Mitcham Rd, London SW17 9NA

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