Away from the madness of the high street, something different is happening in Brixton and things are changing fast. If you haven’t been to Brixton Village recently, I would suggest that you get there at once and check it out! The Brixton Village project was started by an organisation called Space Makers. They took a disused and unloved corner of the old covered market and waved some creative magic over it. Now the ‘avenues’ are lined with interesting and energetic small independent businesses.

Every time friends come to visit, I take them for a little tour around the village and there is always something new happening. There’s a constant stream of new shops popping up – all run by local entrepreneurs with not a chain store in sight! The easiest way to find the cute shops, cafes and restaurants is to enter via Coldharbour Lane. You can also get there by weaving your way through the fruit and vegetable stalls off Atlantic Road which is more fun but harder to find for anyone who isn’t local!

My current favourite spots are Federation Coffee for a caffeine hit and yummy cakes, United 80 for chat and choons, Saloon 97 for beautiful clothes and finally Kaosarn for simple, delicious and authentic Thai food. On Thursday evenings there is generally a party atmosphere with live music and some type of celebration happening. In the summer months, I’m looking forward to seeing Brixton village blooming as more and more people discover its charms.

Photo courtesy of Scorpiia on Flickr