Living in Brixton means being surrounded by culture, music and art. It is the home to some of the UK’s most notable names. From David Bowie to Sharon Osbourne, poet Linton Kwesi Johnson to The Clash. It’s no wonder this district is teaming with amazing entertainment and event venues.
Brixton is a predominantly residential area, giving it a strong local community vibe. A multi-ethnic community, it is home to some of the very best Caribbean eateries in London. The mix of cultures creates a unique atmosphere that can only be found in Brixton.
If you’re looking to live in Brixton, here are some places you’ll want to make note of.
Brixton Academy
If you’re looking for live gigs then get yourself to Brixton Academy. Here you’ll find a variety of well-known names and up and coming artists.
The O2 Academy Brixton is only a short walk from Brixton tube station and train station, making it very easy to get to. You could even visit the famous David Bowie memorial on your way past.
Located along Brixton Road, you’ll also be able to sample some of the area's best fast food. Grab a cocktail at Turtle Bay Brixton or indulge in dessert at Creams Café Brixton before your event.
Find the O2 Academy Brixton here
Sackville Travel Services Ltd, 211 Stockwell Rd, London SW9 9SL
academymusicgroup.com/o2academybrixton
Phone: 020 7771 3000
Follow: @o2academybrix
Brixton Village Market
When living in Brixton you will most likely find yourself at Brixton Village Market at some point. Whether it’s to grab some fresh produce or relax at one of the many cafés and bars.
The Market blends traditional stalls and chic indie pop ups perfectly. Here you’ll see the cultural blend that Brixton is best known for. There’s not much you can’t get at the market, with everything from fishmongers to African fabric stores. Artisan gift stores and handmade products greet you at every turn, so you’ll never struggle to find a truly unique present for a loved one ever again.
Tip: Make sure to check Brixton Market’s events calendar for exclusive sales, parties and more.
Find the market here
Unit 74 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS
brixtonvillage.com
Phone: 020 7274 2990
Follow: @brixton.village
Ritzy Cinema and Café
Film fanatics unite at Ritzy Cinema and Café. One of the joys of living in Brixton is having access to this amazing, vintage feel cinema. It’s ideal for those looking to catch the latest indie flick or even grab a ticket to the latest blockbuster.
The Ritzy cinema is located inside of Brixton’s historic Electric Pavillion, which opened in 1911. As one of England's earliest cinemas, this picturehouse has become a much-loved part of the community.
There are also plenty of cinema groups on offer. From autism-friendly screenings to special screenings for new parents.
You can find Ritzy Cinema and Café here
Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Ln, London SW2 1JG
www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Ritzy_Picturehouse
Phone: 020 7326 2649
Follow: @ritzy_cinema
Pop Brixton
Pop Brixton is a creative and welcoming space for artists and indie shop/eatery owners. Here, you’ll find everything from live music events to mouth watering street food.
If you’re looking for a great night out or maybe some weekend relaxation with friends, Pop Brixton will have something for you. Make sure to check their ‘what’s on’ calendar to keep up to date with all their events.
This creative part of Brixton central is hard to miss. Built from brightly painted shipping containers, it stands proudly on the corner of Brixton Station Road.
Find Pop Brixton here
49 Brixton Station Rd, London SW9 8PQ
www.popbrixton.org
Phone: 020 3879 8410
Follow on Instagram: @popbrixton
Brixton Brewery Tap Room
For craft beer lovers living in Brixton there is Brixton Brewery and Tap Room. Serving the popular Brixton brew, this rustic taproom offers delicious blends straight from the source.
You can find the tap room nestled inside a railway arch not far from the train station and Pop Brixton. Swing by Mon-Sun to experience the vibrant energy of the tap room, or pop in to grab a couple of cans for a chill night at home.
If you end up falling in love with Brixton Brewery, you can also shop their beers online. Choose a multipack for a bit of variety or grab the very latest specials on offer.
Find Brixton Brewery Tap Room here
Arch 548 Brixton Station Rd, London SW9 8PF
www.brixtonbrewery.com/taproom
Phone: 020 3609 8880
Follow: @brixtonbrewery
Brockwell Park
We all need a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and what better place to unwind than Brockwell Park?
This is one of the biggest green spaces in Brixton and is perfect for getting some fresh air. Try And spot the amazing wood art dotted around the south of the park or grab a coffee at the Brockwell Park Café to warm up on cold days.
The park also has a walled garden, community greenhouses, tennis courts, a pond and even an outdoor community pool.
Parking is limited at the Dulwich Road car park, but you can walk to the park from Brixton tube station in around 23 minutes.
Find Brockwell Park here
Brockwell Park, Brockwell Park Gardens, London SE24 0NG
www.lambeth.gov.uk/parks/brockwell-park
Phone: 020 7926 9000
Brixton Windmill
One of the most well-known attractions in Brixton is definitely the unusual Brixton Windmill. Located in Windmill Gardens next to Blenheim Gardens, it stands tall within a mostly residential area.
Built in 1816, it was initially used as a working windmill making stoneground wholemeal flour. After falling in and out of disrepair, it has now been named as an English Heritage site. It is a much-loved part of the community for those living in Brixton and regularly holds gatherings and events.
In 2020 the Brixton Windmill Centre was opened and you can now visit and learn even more about the amazing history of this London landmark.
Find the Brixton Windmill here
Windmill Gardens, 100 Blenheim Gardens, London SW2 5DA
www.brixtonwindmill.org
Phone: 020 3651 7042
Follow: @brixtonwindmill
Hotpod Yoga Brixton
If you’re a fan of hot yoga then you’ll want to get booked in on one of Hotpod Yoga’s classes.
A studio offering temperatures of up to 37c Hotpod Yoga Brixton offers you the chance to stretch deeper, sweat harder and calm the mind. They even include mats if you don’t have your own.
There’s plenty of different classes to choose from, catering for complete beginners to hot yoga pros. The purple glow of the studio also helps to promote relaxation, so even though your body is working hard, your mind can relax and unwind.
Why is it called Hotpod? All their classes take place in a uniquely designed inflatable pod!
Find Hotpod Yoga Brixton here
40 St Matthew's Rd, London SW2 1NL
hotpodyoga.com/studios/brixton/
Phone:020 3771 2285
Follow: @hotpodyoga
PARISSI
When living in Brixton we’re sure that PARISSI will become your new favourite coffee and cake hangout. Owned by Greek-born Spyro Parissis, this café offers an authentic taste of Greece as well as all your favourite cakes and pastries.
If you’re in the mood for brunch, make sure to head down to PARISSI and sample their mouthwatering Shakshuka or opt for something lighter like their Granola & Yoghurt.
Make sure to check their website for weekly weekend specials and to view all their menus including their breakfast menu and cocktail menu.
Find PARISSI here
76 Atlantic Rd, London SW9 8PX
www.parissi.co.uk
Phone: 020 7924 9022
Follow: @parissi_london
Tequila Mockingbird Brixton
Tequila Mockingbird is a cocktail bar offering everything you could want, from happy hours to cocktail masterclasses.
No matter what day of the week, this bar will have an offer you can take advantage of. It’s a great place to head to before or after a gig at one of Brixton’s many live venues. Although they specialise in cocktails, you can also grab local brewery beers and ales such as Brixton Brewery from the bar.
Make sure to check in regularly to see what happy hour offers and events are on.
Find Tequila Mockingbird Brixton here
64-68 Atlantic Rd, London SW9 8PY
http://www.tequilamock.com
Phone: 020 8544 8085
Follow: @tequilamock
Brixton Transport Links
Brixton tube station is the last stop South on the Victoria Line. It gives you easy access across the city and a direct route to places like Victoria Station, Oxford Circus, King’s Cross and Finsbury Park.
As well as the tube station you can also catch a Southwestern train from Brixton station. This allows you to not only access London stations such as London Victoria.
As well as the tube and trains, there are also plenty of buses taking you in and out of central London. You can also head up to Denmark Hill just North-East of Brixton to jump on the overground.
Living in Brixton
Living in Brixton offers you direct access into central London and is the perfect place for those wanting to immerse themselves in the arts. It’s one of the reasons we listed it as one of the best places to live in South London.
As it’s a widely residential area, there are plenty of leisure facilities, shops, schools, parks and more. This South London hotspot is particularly popular with students and young professionals as it has a range of bars, clubs, event venues and art centres for those with a creative flare.
Looking to find out about other places to live in South London? Make sure to check out our other area guides such as Living in Greenwich and make sure to take a look at our South London apartments, Union Wharf.
