The popular lido, Europe's second biggest outdoor freshwater pool, was described by the paper as a "south London treasure" which had been "a popular spot for bathers and leisure seekers since 1906".

The newspaper noted: "London's outdoor swimming venues have been doing a roaring trade as people seek a watery escape from the heatwave temperatures of the last week.

"In the ponds on Hampstead Heath and the many elegant lidos scattered throughout the city - the capital's sun-starved inhabitants have been rediscovering that when the heat is on, there's nothing quite like taking the plunge."

It listed Tooting Bec Lido as number two in its list of the capital's top ten destinations, adding: "The lido's colourful changing cubicle doors (red, yellow, green) lend character and distinction. There's a café too if you don't want to spend all your time in the water."

The lido is one of only a handful of surviving open air swimming pools in London. At 91.5 metres long it's the second biggest outdoor freshwater pool in Europe. It also boasts a separate pool for toddlers and extensive space for sunbathing and picnics.

Over the past decade £1.5m has been spent by the council in improving the facilities and ensuring the pool's long term future.

In recent years it has been named by Time Out magazine as the best in place in the capital for 'uninterrupted swimming' and as the 'Best Outdoor Swim in London' in The London Pools Campaign's Golden Goggles Award.

The lido is open to the general public from May 29 to the end of September. Opening hours are 6am to 8pm until August 31 and 6am to 5pm from that date until September 30.

Admission charges are adults - £6.20 (£3.80 after 6pm); OAP's/children/students - £3.80; children under five - free; families (two adults and two children) £16.25.

For more information about the lido telephone (020) 8871 7198 or visit www.tootingbeclido.co.uk