Tooting is in the world's top ten 'coolest neighbourhoods to visit' in the world, according to Lonely Planet.

It has become an "uber cool neighbourhood and lost none of its gritty charm in the process", the travel guide providers say.

The Wandsworth Guardian went out and interviewed the residents of Tooting on what they think about the area and their opinions on its ranking.

Jason Ryall is a bartender at Graveney & Meadow in Mitcham Road and "fell in love" with Tooting after visiting a local pub.

He said: "You can get food from everywhere, which is one of my favourite things. You can just about get anything you want and it’s a great mix of people [in Tooting]. A very, very broad spectrum from all walks of life, which is just fascinating.

"I think Tooting is one of those places where you have to come and see for yourself, because people will always have opinions on things. But once you come here, if you are going to come here then you’ll love it.

"Definitely go to the market because it’s just kind of the best slice of Tooting, really."

Asked about why people may have a certain perception about the area, Jason added: "I think it’s because quite far outside of [central] London, it’s almost like a lonely little planet.

"Because it’s so distant, people just don’t really kind of get it. People are so used to central London, which is a great place."

Percy Plunkett, owner of Coffee @ 27 in London Road, thinks Tooting is "going in the right direction" after living growing up near Tooting Market and seeing its redevelopment over the last 20 years.

He said: "I think we’re on the right road. Lidl is there and there’s a lot of movement going on there, Tooting Station has been extended so hopefully more people are going to come and visit.

When asked about what makes Tooting so unique, Mr Plunkett added: "The diversity of the area. It’s not just one body, you’ve got several different nationalities and it all seems to be gelling together, so that’s good."

Paul Lawrence, shop manager of The Glass Shop in Mitcham Road, said it's "understandable" why Tooting is ranked there.

"The amenities [in Tooting]? I think it’s got some of the greatest shops you can get. If you want it, you can get it and they'll have it," he added.

However, Paul thinks Tooting is missing two things. "A proper record shop that sells vinyl and a cinema. That’s it."

For Nilan Bennett, owner of Mixed Blessings bakery in Mitcham Road, "the mixture of diverse people" is what makes Tooting stand out he says.

Mr Bennett moved down from Birmingham to London and worked in the bakery trade for three decades and worked at Mixed Blessings for 17 years.

He added: "People who visit have got everything. They've got a market and a big supermarket, they've got everything."