WORDS & PICTURES: Abi Prowse
Beloved historically for its unique music scene and rich blend of cultures, Brixton is recognised today as the creative heart of South London. Musicians, artists, chefs and designers alike all flock towards this neighbourhood; its warren of streets and stripped-back feel set Brixton apart so distinctly from its south-of-the-river counterparts. The enthusiastic cries of market vendors can be heard echoing down the street on Sundays, when the stalls of the weekly farmer’s market snake along Brixton Station Road: a pedestrianised path beneath the train tracks. Browse the locally-sourced produce and freshly-baked breads and pastries on offer, before settling at the outside seating area of San Marino to introduce yourself to the bustle of local life. A creamy cappuccino here will set you back only £2.40.
The walls of Brixton’s buildings are adorned with pops of colour: street art is celebrated here. Representing the many music genres and heritages which make up Brixton’s identity, artwork can be found at every turn. Look out particularly for Beehive Place: an almost-abandoned street with an urban gallery of portraits, paintings and sculpture. Electric Avenue is another artist’s hotspot, with photography and street art punctuating the brickwork of its low, red terraces.
A short wander down Brixton Station Road will guide you to Pop Brixton: a stack of bright shipping containers housing a number of tiny street food stands. In the winter, outdoor heaters make this a cosy spot to meet with friends, sampling some of their wide range of foods and their craft beers and cocktails. During the summer, partygoers spill out into the surrounding streets, live music following them into the night. With events like their Vintage Kilo Sales and Poetry Workshops, Pop Brixton inspires creativity within the local community. Check out their full events calendar here.
You could easily wander straight past the warren of lanes which make up Brixton Village, with its inconspicuous signs and modest entrances. But hidden inside is a labyrinth of colour and light, with independent restaurants, cafes and boutiques lining the sunshine-yellow walls. For brunch and coffee, try Station 26; if you’re looking for something a little different, then head for Japanese street food restaurant OKAN. Cosy coffee house Federation sits at the corner of two of Brixton Village’s busiest alleys, with wide, bright windows offering the perfect people-watching view; its rustic wooden furnishings and lush green plants make it an ideal spot for keen readers, remote workers, or students looking to escape the library. There is something within this undercover market to suit all tastes and preferences, with blankets available to keep the winter chill at bay.
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Re-emerging into the streets of Brixton, your next port of call should be Ferndale Road: home to a collection of cafes and bars which represent the more gentrified side of this typically edgy neighbourhood. Cocktail aficionados will flock to Canova Hall, with its industrial decor and sleek marble surfaces. Although known for both its bottomless brunches and for its wood-fired pizzas, Canova Hall’s space is also frequented by remote workers – their hot desks are available as weekly or monthly passes.
Wander a little further and you’ll discover a range of independent businesses, such as Assembly Coffee Roasters: a crisply aesthetic roastery providing coffee to many of London’s top locations. It is this fusion of old and new, and this blend of cultures and backgrounds, which create the rich tapestry of life here in Brixton.
