Your guide to living in Putney
Popular with Londoners for centuries as a refuge for leisure and relaxation, leafy Putney offers a taste of the countryside without ever having to leave the city. Putney's vast open spaces and riverside location make it an ideal spot if you want a slice of London life, but with a more countryside vibe.
Putney is packed full of homely riverside pubs and laid-back coffee shops, as well as trendy bars and live music venues – meaning it's loved by families, young professionals and students alike. Want to know more about Putney? Keep on reading to find out…
Where is it?
Putney is located in southwest London, in the borough of Wandsworth, and tucked just below the Thames.
What’s the transport like?
Putney is on the District line (London’s unofficial most unreliable tube line) - with both Putney Bridge tube station and East Putney a stop further south. This will get you to Earl's Court in 7 minutes, or Victoria in 19 minutes. Putney is also well served by rail, with a train to Waterloo taking just 20 minutes or to Clapham Junction in just 6 minutes!
That doesn’t just make it easy to get into London, it’s also handy for getting out of the Capital, with seaside spots like Weymouth and Portsmouth within easy reach. The A205 and A3 also make it easy to get out of town by road, if driving is more your thing.
Where do the locals go?
Parks: Putney is great for all you sporty types. For acres of pure greenery, perfect for weekend picnics or kickabouts, take a trip to Wandsworth Park, also home to Putt in the Park mini golf course. There are also several rowing clubs located on Putney’s riverbank, and you don’t have to be a professional to join! Locals are spoilt for choice with several golf and cricket clubs, including the London Scottish Golf Club on Wimbledon Common and Putney Cricket Club.
Events & Activities: Putney Arts Theatre is home to the Putney Theatre Company, and is one of the UK’s leading amateur companies, so you’re sure to catch some brilliant performances. Fancy a slice of Putney’s nightlife? Finish your day at The Half Moon, which also puts on brilliant music nights and events. Having hosted the likes of The Rolling Stones back in the day, and with weekly quizzes and regular gigs, you're sure to have a good night at this iconic venue. Le Fez is Putney’s most popular club, or head to Putney Pies - where you can eat delicious pies or dance the night away at their cool underground bar.
The best restaurants: La Parmigiana is Putney’s favourite pizza spot, a small and unassuming restaurant on the Lower Richmond Road with food you’ll be coming back to again and again. Curry connoisseurs in SW London all know about Chook Chook, another small but mighty restaurant, serving up authentic Indian dishes with stunning interiors. If you’re looking for a new go-to spot for brunch, lunch, dinner or just drinks, head to Home SW15. With perfectly curated food and drink menus throughout the day, with something for everyone, Putney’s locals would always recommend this place to anyone! (Their shrimp burger is a MUST!)
The best pubs: Putney has an incredible selection of pubs, especially ones overlooking the river. Head to the Duke’s Head for the best view of the annual Oxford and Cambridge boat Race. The Coat and Badge is a popular spot with the locals, with a huge outdoor seating area for drinking pints in the summer. Want to feel like you've been transported to a countryside pub in the middle of nowhere? The Telegraph is a hidden gem in the heart of Putney Heath woodlands that’s always packed with Putney’s locals. Their pub grub is top notch too. And lastly, a summer hangout would be The Spencer. With picnic benches overflowing onto Putney Common, you'll be guaranteed to have a good night with your mates here on a warm summer evening. (Shhh - these benches are actually owned by the Council, meaning you can legitimately BYOB!).
The best coffee shops: One of Putney’s most loved coffee and brunch spots is Blåbär, a trendy homeware-store-cum-cafe split across two floors. Expect typical brunch items, as well as some Scandi treats. Artisan Coffee on Upper Richmond Road is a popular spot, pairing a relaxed and charming atmosphere with perfectly brewed coffee. Fancy a scrumptious sweet treat along with your cappuccino? Head over to The Bakehouse, a coffee shop with an incredible selection of artisan bread, pastries and cakes! Count me in.
Shops: Putney’s indoor shopping centre, Putney Exchange is home to dozens of stores catering for your every need - from Waitrose to Wilko. For sustainable shopping, head to The Source Bulk Foods, a zero waste grocery store where you bring your own refillable bags to fill with their healthy and nutritious products.
What’s it famous for?
Putney is one of the UK’s most important rowing centres and, since 1845, it marks the start of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, with the two crews setting off from Putney Embankment. Another thing to note is that Wandsworth Council has the cheapest council tax in the country!
Want to know the average room rent for Putney, and other London postcodes? Check out our latest guide here!
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