Once a very wealthy part of London - it had its first purpose-built department store (Bon Marché in 1877) and first electric street lighting (Electric Avenue) - Brixton is now best known for its markets, the focus for London’s West Indian community.
Tate Library
The sugar magnate, who invented the sugar cube and also gave us the Tate Gallery, donated this free library to the area in 1892. Recently refurbished, there’s lots of books, newspapers, magazines, DVDs and music CDs, as well as computers with free Internet access.
Brixton Oval SW2
Tel: +44 (0)20 7926 1056
Tube: Brixton
brixtonlibrary@lambeth.gov.uk
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Prince Albert
A friendly mixed clientele, cheap beer and good music are among the attractions that make this pub stand out in an area known for some of the best in London. Poetry slam owns and fierce pub quizzes add to the charm. It’s next door to the 414 club, making it popular with the pre-clubbing crowd.
418 Coldharbour La SW9
Tel: +44 (0)20 020 7274 3771
Tube: Brixton
Brixton Windmill
Built on Brixton hill in 1816, when the land around was still rural, the windmill closed in 1862 when housing started to be built around it, robbing it of wind. Although it was steam and then gas-powered in the 1930s for a while, it is now derelict and awaiting restoration.
Blenheim Gardens SW2
Tube: Brixton
www.brixtonwindmill.org
Ritzy Cinema
One of London’s finest cinemas has a beautiful theatre with a quirky bar and cafe. They offer DJs, live music from Wednesday to Sunday, table football and free wifi, so this is a good hangout even if you don’t want to see a film. Parent and baby screening every Friday,
Brixton Oval SW2
Tel: +44 (0)20 7733 2229
Tube: Brixton
Brixton Cycles
Now next to the Stockwell Skatepark (or Brixton Beach as it’s called) this shop for the real cyclist now sells skateboards, too. Predating the cycling boom of the 80s, it’s famed for its mobile repair service on the London to Brighton bike ride.
145 Stockwell Road SW9
Tel: +44 (0)20) 7733 6055
www.brixtoncycles.co.uk
Brixton
The Effra
Victorian-style boozer with a good local crowd of all ages, simple West Indian food - try the jerk chicken - and regular live music. You’ll hear ska, reggae and jazz, while sports fans have a large plasma screen to watch. A walled garden out back provides escape for a quiet chat or the smokers.
38 Kellet Road SW2
Tube: Brixton
