Wandsworth Town

Local residents love this area for its cosy gastropubs, smart independent shops, great restaurants and open green spaces.

If you are simply driving through, Wandsworth may seem more like a busy urban hub than a tranquil enclave, but just off the main roads you’ll find quiet, residential streets of Victorian brick properties with attractive facades. Many of these neighbourhoods retain an old-world charm and community spirit that can be rare in London.

The river Wandle, which flows into the Thames just west of Wandsworth Town Station, originally gave its name to the area, and in the 17th century French Huguenots fled here to avoid persecution. These days Wandsworth is an escape for celebrity chefs, actors and TV presenters, who enjoy its villagey atmosphere and excellent transport links.

Some exciting local developments are also taking shape here. Two hundred new homes with a dedicated public space will be created in Garrett Lane and the site of the now derelict Ram Brewery is about to be transformed into a new pedestrian quarter, with a micro-brewery, brewing museum, shops, restaurants and homes.

Shopping and Leisure

You’ll find all your favourite high street chain stores and restaurants (including Debenhams, Wagamama, Gap and Next) in one place at Southside Shopping Centre, which also houses a Cineworld multiplex cinema.

For a more individual shopping experience try Old York Road, where you can browse art galleries and interior design stores or visit a wide range of independent shops including a delicatessen, a bakery and a florist.
Lovers of good food will enjoy the market that sets up on the forecourt of Wandsworth Town Station, selling seasonal fruit and veg, meats and artisan foodie treats.

There are many fine restaurants in the borough of Wandsworth but Chez Bruce, on Wandsworth Common, is considered to be one of the best. This modern European, Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for the quality of its food and acts as a magnet for discerning local diners.

Wandsworth Common is a popular green space of over 171 acres, with a lake where the public can fish (with a permit). In addition to the tennis courts and bowling green there’s a fitness trail and an adventure playground specially designed for children with disabilities.

Transport connections

It’s just fifteen minutes from Wandsworth Town to Waterloo by train, while Wandsworth Common station provides rail services to Victoria and London Bridge. Pick up the nearest tube from Tooting Bec or Balham (on the Northern Line) or from East Putney (District Line). Buses from Wandsworth town include the 44 to Victoria and the 28 to Kensal Rise. There are also two night buses, the N28 (to Camden Town via Holland Park) and the N44 (to Covent Garden).

In brief

It is no surprise that professional couples and families are drawn to Wandsworth, with its attractive riverside apartments, quiet residential streets, green spaces, independent shops and good schools, all of which are only a 15-minute rail journey from central London. If you are looking for houses or flats to rent in Wandsworth, Winchester White can guide you to the very best properties, so call our Battersea office today.