The culture in Brixton is wonderfully diverse and one of the main perks of living here is the chance to travel all around the world without leaving your neighbourhood. There are cultural influences from many different countries and the local markets and shops showcase this with fantastic food and often live performances inspired by many cultures.
Brixton is close to central London and it only takes 15 minutes to get there from central Oxford Street on the tube. However, once you arrive in Brixton there is a completely different vibe in this multi-cultural area of the city. Whether you live in Brixton or you are just visiting, there are many ways that you can enjoy the cultural melting pot of this community – such as:
Travel Around the World at Brixton Market
No matter what you are in the mood for, whether it is Caribbean jerk chicken, Thai food, French crepes or Chinese noodles, you are sure to find it in Brixton Market. There are an incredible wealth of ethnic food options here and the market is open seven days a week. If you’re a whiz in the kitchen, this is also the place to stock up on exotic produce and ethnic food products – from French cheeses to Italian herbs and much more.
Some of the highlights of the Brixton Market include the wood-fired pizza at Franco Manca, the Chinese fusion cuisine at Mama Lan, the flavourful Jamaican jerk chicken at Fish, Wings and Tings and Elephant serving tasty Pakistani street food.
Eat Delicious Japanese Food
If you have ever wanted to get a taste of traditional street food from Osaka, Okan is the best opportunity to do so without having to book a flight from London to the Land of the Rising Sun. This street food spot in Brixton Village makes delicious and authentic cuisine, such as savoury pancakes with squid, cheese and sweet corn topped with green seaweed and Japanese mayonnaise. Called Okonomiyaki this dish is prepared right in front of you and watching it sizzle will get your stomach rumbling in anticipation.
Visit the Black Cultural Archives
Within a gorgeous old building that has been beautifully renovated you will find the Black Cultural Archives, which tell the story of black history in Brixton. It is the first Black heritage centre in the UK and it offers a very interesting insight into the history of people of the Caribbean and African descent in Britain. The collection includes organisational records, rare books, personal papers, photographs, ephemera and a collection of small objects. Most of the material is drawn from the last 100 years, but there are some displays that date back as far as the 2nd century.
Enjoy Some Live Music
Brixton often hosts several live music gigs at its many pubs, bars and venues and you can enjoy a wide range of music here – from blues to jazz to reggae and much more. For example, Hootananny Brixton is a venue that hosts a diverse collection of events, favouring the sounds of reggae, ska and afrobeat. Why not attend a concert featuring a music style that you have never heard before? You might just discover a new type of music that you absolutely love! The Brixton Academy is also a popular spot within a beautiful Art Deco building that holds audiences as large as 4,000. Check the event listings to see what kind of performances will be on during your visit.
These are just a few of the many ways that you can enjoy the cultural melting pot of Brixton. One of the main advantages of living in this neighbourhood is the diversity of culture that can be found here and the fascinating influences from all over the world making this neighbourhood very culturally rich and exciting to explore.