Brixton is an epicentre for arts, community, culture, and foodies. Of course, it’s noted for its vibrant nightlife as well, but there’s so much more to the town.
Fancy a bit of history to kickstart the journey? There’s evidence to suggest that Brixton was inhabited in Roman times, but how the town got its name is fascinating. Going back to the 11th century, it was known as ‘Brixistane’. ‘Brixi’ refers to a type of stone found in the area, named after a local Saxon lord.
This stone became a boundary marker, forming a meeting place for people in the area and for the hundred courts to hold their sessions. So you can see, down the centuries, there’s evidence that Brixton was already somewhere for people to come together, talk business, and socialise.
Fast forward to the present, what makes the area attractive for anyone interested in setting up a business in Brixton village? Join us to discover why it’s a prime location, with prime benefits.
1. IT’S A LOCAL SHOPPING HOTSPOT
For a fantastic, local shopping experience, Brixton town is the place to be. It comes with its own unique history too. Electric Avenue, built in the 1880s holds the honour of being the first street market in Britain to have its own electric lights. It’s even mentioned in the eponymously titled Eddy Grant song that got to number 2 in the charts in 1983.
However, 140 years on, the market is still one of the best places to go to source African, Caribbean, South American, and Asian products at fantastic prices.
It’s open-air, but there’s also an indoor arcade that houses a great number of local, independent shops selling handmade goods, including sustainable goods, ethical fashion, and jewellery.
Customers can shop ’til they drop and know they’re supporting local businesses – plus it’s really easy to get there on public transport.
2. IT’S A CULTURE CLUB
At the turn of the twentieth century when film was in its infancy, Brixton, London had nine cinemas. Most of them were built underneath rail arches and with trains travelling to Brixton station from Victoria, Waterloo, and London Bridge, so they were convenient for people to visit.
While eight of them are no more, one: The Ritzy Picturehouse still stands today and has recently been refurbished. This cinema is still regarded as one of the first built specifically for film in Britain. It’s a really popular attraction for locals and folks visiting from other neighbourhoods for a daytime or evening jaunt, easily accessible by bus, tube, or train.
The Tate Library is an essential cornerstone of the town – and one of the first free libraries in Brixton, London. Built in 1893 and situated on Windrush Square, it’s a beautiful Grade II listed building, open 7 days a week and can be hired for events as well as a cherished place for locals and visitors.
Like watching plays? In 2022 Brixton House opened to the public. This stunning new theatre is situated right in the heart of Brixton’s vibrant community, and has become a firm favourite for artists and audiences to enjoy a wide variety of arts and theatrical experiences.
3. IT’S AN ART LOVER’S DREAM
Brixton village has its eclectic history painted on its streets – quite literally. Mural art in London had a real heyday during the 1970s and 80s and many of the best-known ones here are from around that time, like Big Splash in Strathleven Road, Nuclear Dawn on Coldharbour Lane, or the images that can be seen at Brixton station.
More recently it’s famous for the street art mural of Brixton’s own David Bowie in Tunstall Road which was painted in 2013. The community loves them and people make pilgrimages to see the murals they’ve heard about and are eager to see in reality. Local art tours take in these sites and they’re very popular tourist attractions – bringing custom and trade to the area.
4. BRIXTON RESTAURANTS ARE THE BEST (AND SO IS IT’S NIGHTLIFE)
Brixton restaurants offer an unrivalled vibrancy and choice of cuisine making it the place to come to eat out before a night’s entertainment at the theatre, cinema or club. Think deliciously inexpensive Thai food, elegant organic wines served alongside eclectic French dishes or awesomely authentic curries. Customers who travel in or live in the vicinity never leave hungry or disappointed.
The Brixton Beer Mile is an experience not to be missed too. With local taprooms like the Brixton Brewery and London Beer Lab offering a delicious variety of craft beers, there’s something for every discerning palate.
The town isn’t short of great venues to discover new bands and fantastic music, either.
Up-and-coming acts gig at places like The Windmill – often before they hit the big time. In fact, bands like Bloc Party, Hot Chip, and The Vaccines have played there. At present, it’s noted as the hub of the South London guitar rock scene.
Then there’s the inimitable Dogstar, a DJ bar that has been a stalwart of the Brixton nightlife scene for over 20 years now. Friday and Saturday nights are a big draw – so bring your dancing shoes.
PICK A PRIME LOCATION TO RENT WITH BRIXTON ARCHES. CONTACT US TODAY.
You’ve now seen what the town has to offer the community. We’d love it if you’d consider joining our Brixton arch community too.
If you’re interested in renting a space for your restaurant business then we’ll have a place to suit your requirements. Contact us today and we’ll see you become an integral part of our brilliant home in Brixton.
