Brixton & the Electric Avenue

Brixton & the Electric Avenue

Brixton's Electric Avenue got its name for being the first market street in London to be lit with electric lights. Today, the avenue is a diverse and eclectic food market, mostly specialising in African and Caribbean cuisine. Apart from the food, the area is attracting bargain hunters in search of cameras, audio equipment, all manner of household goods, hair and beauty products and services, wigs, fishmongers, butchers, bakers, fruit and flower shops — you name it. Brixton Village is a covered arcaded area of the market that brims with quirky shops, fruit and vegetable stands, and a plethora of cafes and restaurants. Brixton Academy is an iconic venue that hosts some of the biggest rock and pop acts in the world. The venue was originally opened as a theatre and cinema called the Astoria, but has since evolved into a concert venue: Madonna, Sex Pistols and The Smiths have all performed here.