Brixton has long had a strong sense of its own identity — from its bustling street market to its vibrant community. And how better to cement this sense of being a “London village” than to launch your own regional currency. The Brixton pound was introduced a few months ago to keep recession-hit tills in this South London suburb ringing with Brixton-branded notes.
The B£20 note bears the image of Vincent Van Gogh, a surprising Brixtonite who lived there as a 20-year-old. Unrequited love for his landlady’s daughter meant he did not stay longer than a year, but he did leave behind a sketch of his boarding house that survives as his earliest known work. Artistic, media types and families are lured by the suburb’s gritty chic and increasingly great food.
Where exactly is it?
Brixton is a north-south stretch in Lambeth, South London, top and tailed by Kennington and Streatham Hill, with the A23 to Brighton running through it.
What are the houses like?
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Brixton was once a well-heeled middle-class suburb, however, you will sooner find a house with a swimming pool than one that has survived the rampant conversion into one and two-bedroom flats. The more expensive flats are of the ground-floor garden variety, fetching between £230,000 and £350,000 for one and two-bedrooms.
Any desirable roads?
Josephine Avenue is the pick of the bunch, lined with big elm trees and iron railings. A six-bedroom house set back from the pavement with a front garden starts at £700,000.
Where can I walk the dog?
Green space in Brixton is limited. The nearest place to walk the dog is Brockwell Park in neighbouring Herne Hill.
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Are the schools any good?
Parents living within the strict catchment area of Sudbourne Primary School and Corpus Christi RC Primary School can count themselves very fortunate. The Evelyn Grace Academy opened in 2008, and will move into a purpose-built building on Shakespeare Road in September next year. Stockwell Park High School is undergoing a total rebuild under the Government’s Building Schools for the Future initiative.
How good is the transport?
You cannot move for buses along Brixton Road. But Brixton is at the end of the Victoria Tube line and the overland train takes just seven minutes to reach Victoria.
What is the nightlife like?
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Brixton is the hub of South London nightlife. If live acts at the O2 Academy Brixton are not your scene, there is the independent art house the Ritzy Cinema, and The Effra Hall Tavern hosts live jazz bands.
What about places to eat?
Some of the best places are in the market along Electric Avenue. People in-the-know queue at Franco Manca (for pizza) and at its sister deli, Wild Caper, for sourdough bread.
Will I have my bag stolen?
Crime is still a problem. Police sirens flash up and down the high street all hours of the day and night.