The south London neighbourhood is buzzing with new restaurants opening amid a host of established Asian favourites. As the community celebrates Diwali, local MP Sadiq Khan takes us on a foodie tour of this vibrant area
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The sweep of gentrification down the Northern line has reached Tooting and there is much talk of a cluster of trendy new restaurants and bars, particularly around Tooting Broadway. The Chicken Shop, run by the Soho House crowd, has generated the most excitement, but the revamped Castle pub, the Little Bar on Mitcham Road, Honest Burgers on the High Street and Tota are also always busy.
So far these newcomers have only added to the character of the area. Tooting is not the new Shoreditch as some (estate agents?) have optmistically dubbed it. The neighbourhood seems that rare thing: a community that has retained its independent spirit and character. This is no clone town; the High Street is dominated by Indian and Pakistani shops and restaurants that continue to thrive, and tonight the neighbourhood will be abuzz with families celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali.
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