Sunday, December 15, 2013

Getting to know Brixton

By Derek Lorry


Location

Brixton lies four miles to the south of central London, and is part of the London borough of Lambeth. Until fairly recently it was thought of as a rather run-down area, but nowadays its busy cosmopolitan feel and lively culture has increased its popularity as a residential area, particularly among young urban professionals.

History

Brixton's history may have begun with a Roman settlement on Brixton Hill, but it was a mainly rural area until the railway arrived in the nineteenth century. In Victorian times, it was a prosperous suburb, but in the early twentieth century many of the large villas were converted for multiple occupation, and it became a cheap place to live.

Community

Brixton is one of Britain's oldest multicultural communities. Caribbean migrants of the Windrush generation settled here shortly after the Second World War, and since then communities from many parts of the world have established themselves. One of Britain's oldest mosques is located in Brixton. It is also popular choice for Australians and New Zealanders on working visas.

Property

Being close to the West End but not too expensive, Brixton became popular as a home for actors and other performers, and this partly explains why it has such a lively artistic reputation nowadays. Although it is still relatively affordable when compared with other central areas, rents and property values have been rising steadily in recent decades.

Transport

On the Victoria Line, Brixton underground station is only four stops from central London, and in the central fare zone. There is also a surface railway station, which connects easily to Gatwick Airport and to much of southern England. Additionally, there are plenty of bus routes, including night buses, serving the area.

Shopping

You can find all the usual chains and outlets in Brixton, and also one of the few remaining London independent department stores, Morley's on Brixton Road. But the best part of shopping in Brixton is undoubtedly the market. Open every day, it's not aimed at tourists like Camden, or foodies like Borough; it's a real working market with keenly priced fruit, vegetables, fish and meat from all over the world, as well as clothing and household goods.

Entertainment

There is a lively music scene in Brixton, from the nationally-known Brixton Academy, which hosts many styles of contemporary music, to many smaller pubs and clubs offering Latin, Caribbean, and other genres. The Ritzy Cinema offers both mainstream and art-house cinema, and you can eat and drink there too.

Food

Brixton Village is a collection of over twenty international cafes and restaurants, in a converted arcade in the Covered Market. There are all the usual eat-in and take-away options and some less common ones besides, so lovers of international food are well served here.




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