Location
Brixton is an inner-city area of London, four miles to the south of Charing Cross. For most of the twentieth century it was regarded as a rather run-down area, but more recently the process of gentrification has begun, as its reputation as a lively multi-cultural area has attracted a new breed of young urban professionals.
History
Brixton was mainly rural until the nineteenth century, although the remains of a Roman settlement have been found on Brixton Hill. When it had been made accessible to central London by the building of Vauxhall Bridge, and later, by the railway line, some large Victorian houses were built and it became a desirable residential area. Many of these houses were converted for multiple occupation after 1900, and Brixton then began the decline from which it is now recovering.
Community
Brixton is one of the oldest multi-cultural communities in Britain, having received the first wave of Caribbean migrants in the 1950s. Nowadays it is popular with recent arrivals from all over the world, including Australians and New Zealanders, and South East Asians.
Property
Compared to other districts within easy reach of central London, Brixton is still relatively affordable, but rents and property prices have risen substantially in recent years, and continue to rise steadily. Much of the available property is still in converted Victorian houses. Brixton has traditionally been favoured as a convenient place to live by West End performers, which helps to explain its lively atmosphere.
Transport
Getting around by public transport is easy in this part of London. The underground station is only four stops away from Victoria mainline station, and there are overground rail connections to Gatwick Airport and many other destinations in Southern England. There are good bus services, including night buses, to other parts of London.
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 plenty to do in Brixton every evening. The Ritzy cinema has several screens as well as a bar and restaurant, and shows both mainstream cinema and films for the connoisseur. The Brixton Academy is a nationally-famous music venue, and there are also numerous pubs and clubs featuring live music of various genres.
Food
Brixton Village is a recently-converted arcade in the Covered Market, containing over twenty international cafes and restaurants. It's a fashionable place to eat and socialise. As you would expect, food outlets and restaurants in Brixton offer cuisine from many parts of the world, at prices which compare well with central London.
Brixton is an inner-city area of London, four miles to the south of Charing Cross. For most of the twentieth century it was regarded as a rather run-down area, but more recently the process of gentrification has begun, as its reputation as a lively multi-cultural area has attracted a new breed of young urban professionals.
History
Brixton was mainly rural until the nineteenth century, although the remains of a Roman settlement have been found on Brixton Hill. When it had been made accessible to central London by the building of Vauxhall Bridge, and later, by the railway line, some large Victorian houses were built and it became a desirable residential area. Many of these houses were converted for multiple occupation after 1900, and Brixton then began the decline from which it is now recovering.
Community
Brixton is one of the oldest multi-cultural communities in Britain, having received the first wave of Caribbean migrants in the 1950s. Nowadays it is popular with recent arrivals from all over the world, including Australians and New Zealanders, and South East Asians.
Property
Compared to other districts within easy reach of central London, Brixton is still relatively affordable, but rents and property prices have risen substantially in recent years, and continue to rise steadily. Much of the available property is still in converted Victorian houses. Brixton has traditionally been favoured as a convenient place to live by West End performers, which helps to explain its lively atmosphere.
Transport
Getting around by public transport is easy in this part of London. The underground station is only four stops away from Victoria mainline station, and there are overground rail connections to Gatwick Airport and many other destinations in Southern England. There are good bus services, including night buses, to other parts of London.
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 plenty to do in Brixton every evening. The Ritzy cinema has several screens as well as a bar and restaurant, and shows both mainstream cinema and films for the connoisseur. The Brixton Academy is a nationally-famous music venue, and there are also numerous pubs and clubs featuring live music of various genres.
Food
Brixton Village is a recently-converted arcade in the Covered Market, containing over twenty international cafes and restaurants. It's a fashionable place to eat and socialise. As you would expect, food outlets and restaurants in Brixton offer cuisine from many parts of the world, at prices which compare well with central London.
About the Author:
Considering a move to South London? Are you searching for flats to rent in Brixton? Get the inside scoop on the background about Brixton, and learn more on House Bulletin blog.
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