Living in Southfields

About Southfields

Southfields is a quiet residential enclave in Zone 3, known for its leafy streets, strong community spirit and proximity to Wimbledon. Each summer, the area comes alive as tennis fans flock to the All England Lawn Tennis Club, but for the rest of the year, it maintains a relaxed, village-like charm. With a mix of independent shops, green spaces, and cultural amenities, Southfields appeals to families and professionals seeking a slower pace without sacrificing connectivity.

Fact file

• Southfields Tube station is decorated like a grass court during Wimbledon fortnight.
• The Fazl Mosque, built in 1926, was London’s first mosque and now serves as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s international HQ.
• George Eliot lived in Southfields and wrote The Mill on the Floss while residing on Wimbledon Park Road.
• The Frame Foods factory building, now converted into flats, still bears its original Art Nouveau slogan: “Nourish & Flourish!”

Architecture and property

Southfields is best known for “The Grid,” a network of Edwardian terraced streets developed after the railway arrived in 1889. These homes often feature original brickwork and generous gardens, with some converted into flats. The area also includes Victorian terraces, 1930s and 1950s semi-detached houses and modern apartments. Notable buildings like the former Frame Foods factory add architectural interest and recent developments have brought luxury flats to the high street.

Going out

Southfields has a growing food scene, with local favourites like Olive Garden and Franco Manca. DropShot Coffee and the upcoming Gail’s Bakery add to the café culture. Pubs such as The Earl Spencer and The Park Tavern offer award-winning menus and cosy atmospheres. Cultural highlights include the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and the Southfields Theatre Group, which hosts amateur productions throughout the year.

Local amenities

Southfields and Wandsworth offer plenty of shopping and lifestyle options. For home styling, 243 Decorative Antiques is a great spot for sourcing 19th and 20th-century French furniture and textiles. 

Foodies will love Chanteroy, a specialist French delicatessen and The Village Butcher, a traditional shop known for friendly service. Fresh meat, dairy and seasonal vegetables can also be found at the weekly farmers’ market held in the grounds of Wimbledon Park Primary School. Grocery shopping is easy with two Sainsbury’s Locals, a larger Sainsbury’s in Wandsworth, a Waitrose in Southside Shopping Centre and an M&S Simply Food near Southfields tube station.

For fitness, locals can choose from several gyms, including The Gym Group London Southfields and Nuffield Health in Southside Shopping Centre or head to nearby Earlsfield for a challenging CrossFit session. Southfields Library, Earlsfield Library and Wandsworth Town Library remain important community hubs, offering adult and children’s reading classes, activities for older people and free internet access.

Green spaces

Southfields is surrounded by excellent parks and commons. Wimbledon and Putney Common offers over 1,000 acres of heathland, nature reserves and jogging trails. King George’s Park features playgrounds, nature walks and tennis courts, while Wimbledon Park provides watersports, tennis and a café. These green spaces offer residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities.