The best things to do in Brixton

Away with Words shines the spotlight on South London’s most scintillating neighbourhood Let’s face facts: if we’re talking about which London neighbourhood you should visit in 2022, Brixton probably wouldn’t rank high on the list. But to overlook SW2 is to miss out on one of south London’s most enticing enclaves. Brixton is the birthplace of Bowie (you’ll find a mural of the British musician, created by Australian artist Jimmy C, on the side of Morleys Department store) while Eddy Grant immortalised the area in his 1982 hit ‘Electric Avenue’ and Jimi Hendrix is said to have jammed here. It’s a place where lively cocktail bars and artisan coffee shops share space with Caribbean street food stalls (Brixton is the capital of Afro-Caribbean culture in Britain) and century-old venues such as the Ritzy Cinema. Here’s how to enjoy this buzzing south London neighbourhood… Eating out Arrive with an appetite because Brixton's dining scene is among the most dynamic in London thanks largely to Brixton Village. This covered arcaded under the railway arches, underwent a renaissance back in 2009 when empty market stalls were leased for free for three months to encourage new restaurateurs. The result? The original Caribbean stalls (Brixton isn’t known as ‘London’s little Jamaica’ for nothing) have been joined by bakeries, artisan coffee shops, Colombian restaurants, Thai spots, and even a champagne bar – and half the fun is taking a chance on any place you like the look of. Standouts include Federation Coffee for brunch and, as its name suggests, a great cup of coffee, Fish, Wings, and Tings for a taste of the Caribbean, The Provincial for lip-smacking Latin American fare, and KaoSarn for tasty Thai staples, at prices that won’t break the bank. Art attack Brixton is arguably best known for its buzzy nightlife scene but this charismatic neighbourhood is also a great spot for street art. Artists such as Dreph and The Artful Dodger (A Dee) have quite literally made Brixton their canvas. As such, expect to see inspiring murals brightening up every street corner. Can’t miss murals include the portrait of former US first lady, Michelle Obama, on Dorrell Place – which was reportedly created by artists Dreph to commemorate the release of her autobiography Becoming – the giant mural of legendary musician David Bowie on the side of Morley’s Department store, and Dreph’s 20ft tall homage to local legend Michael Johns who managed the public toilets on Popes Road and played a vital role in the local community.

At the movies Whether you’re into arty flicks, subtitled shenanigans, or Hollywood blockbusters, there’s a seat in the dark with your name on it at The Ritzy Cinema. Built-in 1910, this Grade 11 listed building shows an eclectic mix of films on its five screens. But this Brixton institution doesn’t just attract filmgoers. Drinkers and foodies flock to its bars and cafe, the latter of which spills onto Windrush Square whose name commemorates the arrival of the Empire Windrush from Jamaica in 1948, and a new era of Caribbean settlement in post-war Britain. Meanwhile ‘Upstairs at The Ritzy’ always has something interesting going on from complimentary live music (think blues, jazz, and reggae) to dance lessons, club nights, stand-up shows, and exhibitions. Top shelves Book lovers rejoice! Brixton is brimming with brilliant book shops including Coldharbour Lane locale Bookmongers. This second-hand independent shop has been stocking the bookshelves of South Londoners since 1992. Browse for everything from fiction to biographies, self-help books, and little-known and feted authors alike, in the company of Popeye, the resident cat who used to roam Brixton’s streets before settling down in the shop. Can’t find what you are looking for? Owner Patrick is usually on hand to offer guidance. Close by in Brixton Village, you’ll find Round Table Books – a fabulous Black-owned bookshop that specialises in selling and championing books with diverse characters, be that race, sexuality, gender, or disability. Beat the crowds at Brockwell Park Forget Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath. Brixtonians make for Brockwell Park, the jewel in the crown of Lambeth’s 12 Green Flag Award-winning parks. This much-needed slab of green is home to ornamental ponds, a charming 19th-century clock tower, a number of historic buildings, including Brockwell Hall, and, our favourite, the walled 'Old English' herbaceous flower garden. Head to the top of the hill near the tennis courts for arresting views of the London skyline: On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the London Eye as well as the Crystal Palace transmitter, south London’s answer to the Eiffel Tower.

After dark Cultural and entertainment options abound in Brixton – it’s simply a matter of choosing your pleasure. Boredom is not an option. We recommend The Windmill, a small (the capacity is a mere 150) venue located in a back street off Brixton Hill near Brixton’s actual windmill where KT Tunstall and Rag'n'Bone Man have both played. Elsewhere The Effra, situated on the site of a former local Conservative club, maybe under new management but still guarantees a great night out: DJs and bands, a brilliant quiz night, book clubs, cinema clubs, comedy, and poetry are all on the menu at this former favourite hang out of Winston Churchill. Yet while the Brixton boozer is no longer tied to its political past, its walls are still painted Tory blue and lined with memorabilia: Expect to see portraits of prominent local party members, club posters, and old correspondence. Fans of Churchill won’t want to miss the carefully restored Churchill Lounge, with its flock wallpaper, fireplace, and own bar, where Britain’s wartime leader used to enjoy a tipple or two. After a couple of drinks, head to the Brixton Academy which alternates between hosting global superstars and hedonistic club nights into the wee small hours (the Academy has a 6 am licence), the Electric Brixton or Hootannay, a longstanding, always lively bar.

Take a dip When the sun is shining, few things are as appealing as London’s open-air swimming pools, with the art deco lidos – built in the first 30 years of the 20th century – of particular interest. Ask any Londoner for their favourite lido and chances are they’ll answer Brockwell Lido. This much-loved local landmark, which was the inspiration for Libby Page’s uplifting novel, The Lido, has been at the heart of the local community since 1937. Expect an Olympic size 50-metre outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzis, and saunas in an Art Deco Grade II listed building. (People flock to this Dulwich Road spot as much to admire the beautiful 1930s art deco design as to actually enter the water). Feeling hungry after all that swimming? Look to the lovely 400 Rabbits which serves up sensational sourdough pizzas. Explore the past at the Black Cultural Archives Brixton has been at the heart of the African Caribbean community since 1948 when the Windrush Generation (immigrants from the Caribbean who came to Britain to help fill post-war labour shortages) settled in SW2. Their history is celebrated at the Black Cultural Archives – the only centre of its kind in the country – via photographs, mementoes and rare books. The BCA also runs a series of gallery exhibitions, educational programmes, and public engagement events – past exhibits have featured the pioneers of Black British music as well as the Rastafari movement.