How to Live Like a Local in: Putney
Putney: Where the mummies are yummy and the boat race begins. Locals may despair at the District Line but when there are artisan bakeries, specialist coffee shops and live music pubs on your doorstep, come the weekend there’s not much reason to leave. Not to mention restaurants serving amazingly authentic French, Italian, Indian and Spanish cuisine. Here is our guide to living like a local in Putney.
London Grace
A nail bar... with a bar
Everyone needs a reliable beauty salon, and when that comes with an in-house Prosecco bar and coffee counter, you know you’re in for a winner. Grace London is popular for non-Putneyites too, who want to make their mani-pedi a slightly more glamorous experience than the usual nail bar. Treatments include the ten minute Slap Dash (polish only) from just £9, with their own range of ‘free-from nasties’ colours available. Group bookings are available for birthdays, baby showers, hen dos and work events, for 7 guests or more.
Where: 26 Putney High Street, Putney, SW15 1SL
Website: http://londongrace.co.uk
Ma Goa
Family-run Goan restaurant
Family-run Indian restaurant Ma Goa has been around since 1993. Impeccable Indian food is served with all the passion and warm familiarity you’d expect of a great local – although they have expanded to a broader Indian style rather than only Goan. Traditional recipes all come from owner, Deepak’s mother (hence the ‘Ma’ in the name), who is in the kitchen most mornings and shopping for ingredients in Tooting Market when she’s not.
Where: 242-244 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 6TG
Website: http://www.ma-goa.com
Artisan Coffee
All about the coffee
Putney has no shortage of great coffee shops, but Artisan Cafe is one of the best. Freshly made cakes sit on the counter and freshly roasted beans from Allpress Espresso are made into the perfect cup by baristas with at least two years of experience (yes, that means latte art on every cup). Try a Guinness cake with your latte or an Anzac biscuit with your flat white, to the soundtrack of specially curated playlists.
Where: 203 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 6SG
Website: http://www.artisancoffee.co.uk
Gazette
Authentic French restaurant
Upper Richmond Road’s Gazette makes up the trio with Balham and Battersea. A reliable French restaurant, you can get an authentic taste of escargot, fondue and moules in SW15, complete with relaxed, buzzy atmosphere. Popular for last-minute suppers when the fridge is looking pretty empty, Gazette also offer a great breakfast and brunch menu, for reasonably priced croque-monsieur, bénédicte and crêpes from 9am right through until 6.
Where: 147 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 2TX
Website: http://gazettebrasserie.co.uk
The Boathouse
Waterfront boozer
Although one weekend a year The Boathouse is crammed full of Londoners from both sides of the river hoping to catch a glimpse of the start of the boat race, the rest of the year it’s a laidback spot for a pint overlooking the Thames. The outdoor terrace makes for a popular place for locals to pop into on the way home from work, whilst at sunny weekends, the whole front area is overflowing with young professionals, armed with pints in plastic cups.
Where: Brewhouse Lane, Putney, SW15 2JX
Website: http://www.boathouseputney.co.uk
Alquimia
Modern Spanish tapas
Tucked away in Putney Wharf, Alquimia serves modern Spanish tapas in traditional surroundings. On a sunny day, dining al fresco at their outdoor tables will help you forget you’re only in Putney, but even in winter, king prawn paella (authentically made for at least 2 guests) and tuna tartare with guacamole do the job. Workshops and wine tasting events are also worth keeping an eye out for.
Where: 30 Brewhouse Lane, Putney, SW15 2JX
Website: http://www.alquimiarestaurant.co.uk
Lazaro
Independent artisan bakery
Lazaro is not just any bakery, Lazaro is an independently-owned artisan bakery that residents are lucky enough to have on their doorstep for early morning supplies. Baguettes, brioche, tarts and muffins; whatever your doughy preference, you’ll find it here. Just follow the smell of fresh bread and the sunny yellow frontage (and maybe the queues).
Where: 232 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 6TG
Website: https://www.facebook.com/lazaroartisanbakery/
Half Moon
Rock n Roll pub
For live music, look no further than The Half Moon. Home to live music since the sixties, today it boasts nightly shows from indie, rock, DJs and acoustic performers as well as comedy nights. Check the website for up to date programmes and make sure to book tickets – most shows sell out.
Where: 93 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1EU
Website: http://halfmoon.co.uk
The Putney Canteen
Family friendly brunching
The Putney Canteen have your hangovers and lazy weekends sorted with their brunch offerings. Poaching eggs from 8am on weekends and 7am on weekdays, they serve corn fritters with crispy bacon, smashed avocado on toast and pancakes with maple syrup and bacon as well as a sourdough baguette station and full menu for dinner Wednesday – Friday. The Putney Canteen is family-friendly and they often have ‘Neighbours Night’ for community dining.
Where: 285 - 287 Putney Bridge Road, Putney, SW15 2PT
Website: http://www.theputneycanteen.co.uk
Bibo
Neighbourhood Italian
Bibo is effortlessly cool and sophisticated so combine the feel with the stylish interiors (tile envy) and delicious food and you have yourself a winner. From date nights to birthday meals, you can’t go wrong with burrito, black olives and marinated zucchini or pan fried cod with green beans, cherry tomatoes and lemon pangrattato. Speaking of lemon, their much-loved lemon bombolini (Italian doughnuts) are a permanent feature on the ever-changing menu. No visit is complete without these doughy balls of heaven.
Where: 146 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 2SW
Website: http://www.biborestaurant.com
