Ever been to Tooting Market, or are you one of those people who walk past on a daily basis without ever venturing in to discover its delights? Open since 1930, Tooting Market (not to be confused with the neighbouring Broadway Market) hosts an array of food shops and fashion emporiums which serve to enrich the Tooting area. Welcome to the first in a mini-series of articles to let you know more...

Mina’s Shop and The Secret Bar

Come to Mina’s Shop and Deli in Unit 23 for some delicious Portuguese food! Grilled chicken, custard tarts and some excellent coffee (which passed the fussy standards of our reporter) are just a few things on the menu. Go on Tuesday for their special cod, and on Saturday for Portuguese Feijoada, a tasty stew of pork, beans, vegetables and rice.

Mina’s is open for breakfast and lunch every day from 8am to 6.30pm (7pm on Saturdays). Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

The Secret Bar

The family also run The Secret Bar opposite in Unit 40. Open from 2pm to midnight every day, the cosy and friendly bar serves wine, cocktails and draught beers. Celebrate a special occasion there - bookings are available for parties of up to 50 people.

Mina’s and the Secret Bar are currently running a special offer – if you buy a meal from Mina’s and a drink from the bar, you’ll get a free dessert! So why not pop in and say hi? And you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Tattoo Hotspot

Hankering after a tattoo or piercing (or perhaps both)? The friendly bunch at Tattoo Hotspot are ready with all sorts of amazing artwork, or happy to talk to you about designing your own. Go and meet Denise, Poppy, Ross, Sara and Jack (not forgetting Killer the chihuahua) to get a new piercing or some fresh ink – they even do UV tattoos!

They’ve also got a special offer this Halloween – £35 tattoos on selected artwork and £15 for all piercings. AND they’re even holding their own party on the 27th of November, details here (strictly for over-18s)!

Find the gang at Unit 21 or call them on 020 8767 4224. Or find out more on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Open Mon–Sat 10.30 – 6pm & Sun 12pm – 4pm

Tattoo Hotspot are fully licensed and health registered for tattooing and body piercing.

Be sure to check back soon for details on more food and fashion at Tooting Market!