SW16 Bar & Kitchen: Streatham’s Neighbourhood Gem Reshaping Local Dining
- James Massoud
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Once a small cocktail bar tucked along Streatham Hill, SW16 Bar & Kitchen has evolved into one of South London’s most loved dining destinations – a modern neighbourhood restaurant where creativity, community, and culinary craft come together. Under the direction of Tom Small, Executive Chef Antonio Raspone, and new Head Chef Teddy Karkut, SW16 is ushering in a confident new era of local dining.
Power team
There’s something quietly special about SW16. Set on the lively stretch of Streatham Hill, this neighbourhood restaurant strikes the balance many places strive for but few achieve: relaxed yet refined, grounded in community but never short on ambition. What began as a modest bar has, over the past four years, blossomed into one of South London’s most admired local haunts. A place where brunches linger into late lunches, and Sunday roasts feel like home.
When co-owners Lisa Loebenberg and Emma Willis took over in 2020, they set out to reimagine what a neighbourhood spot could be. The world was closing down, but they saw an opportunity to create connection. A space that offered great food, a desk for the day, and a cocktail worth leaving the sofa for. The result is SW16 as it stands today: a stylish yet soulful restaurant where locals, freelancers, and food lovers alike find common ground over plates that tell a story of care, sourcing, and modern comfort.
At just 25, Tom Small has become the beating heart of that story. Rising through the ranks to become General Manager, he’s helped shape SW16’s character as both community hub and culinary destination. Working alongside Executive Chef Antonio Raspone, whose background brings classical Italian finesse to South London, Tom has nurtured a food offering that is as thoughtful as it is unpretentious. The pair’s 'Monthly Italian Supper Club' has become a highlight of the local calendar – a sell-out series that’s earned praise as one of London’s best Italian dining experiences, showcasing Raspone’s handmade pastas and regionally inspired dishes.
Now, with Head Chef Teddy Karkut returning to lead the kitchen, SW16 feels ready for its next chapter. Originally part of the opening team, Teddy spent the past few years honing his craft in top-tier kitchens before returning to Streatham with fresh perspective and sharpened technique. Together, he, Antonio, and Tom have refined the menu, introducing inventive dishes that remain true to SW16’s comforting roots while elevating the standard for local dining.
Food, glorious food
The all-day menu champions hearty, flavour-forward cooking. Think Hot Pitsachio & Duck Terrine or Burrata with Heritage Beetroot and Toasted Walnuts, and house favourites like the Wild Boar Tagliatelle and Sea Bass Tortellini.
Brunch is equally confident with the Short Rib Benedict an absolute triumph of flavours, especially when paired with one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails, such as the SW16 Martini.
Sundays are a neighbourhood ritual, with roasts that rival some of London’s best; 28 day aged Scottish Sirloin with seasonal greens, puree and maple glazed carrots. Plus there's an unlimited offering of roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and gravy, which we're sure will be music to most peoples ears.
Community vibes
What truly defines SW16, though, isn’t just the food; it’s the sense of place. There’s warmth in the welcome, a familiarity that never feels forced. Sustainability threads quietly through everything done here: from working with independent suppliers to reducing waste in the kitchen. It’s that blend of heart and high standards that keeps guests returning week after week, turning first-time diners into regulars.
As Streatham continues to evolve, SW16 stands as proof that local dining can be both ambitious and authentic. A restaurant where the team knows your name, the playlist always fits the moment, and every plate feels like it was made for you. For a neighbourhood that’s long deserved its culinary spotlight, SW16 is the bright spark leading the way.
