Brixton Market — Local services in London

It's an experience that you'd never forget. As you exit the underground station you make a left turn....from there you will encounter stalls, guys just with a table on the side selling accessories or scented oils, live preachings from Christians and Muslims, individuals handing out fliers to invite you to something.

You get past Iceland and then take another left and you walk into what seems like an entire country all together. African pattern cloth gently swaying in the wind hanging from racks outside tents, afro/caribbean music coming from speakers in a nearby shop making you wanna dance in tune, pots and pans on offer, bags, shoes, plated jewellery all for the "fake it till you make it" look. On this street which is about 300 feet long you will everything from household items, clothing, hairdressers and barbers to fresh vegetables, meat and fish and bakery. The street then branches off into other streets where you can find restaurants with a variety of cuisines from all ethnicities and indoor markets BUT the vibe is wholesome.

So yes, Brixton has a bad rep with all the violence and all that which is mostly attributed to young men but in the market you will find that violence appears non existent...everyone is cheerful, welcoming no one haggles you to the point where you feel disgusted...no!

Every stall takes you back home (african/caribbean), it's nostalgic. Nothing else compares to this in the UK! At least, nothing I've seen.

Mark your calendar, go visit...

I visited this market located in Electric Avenue essentially to find a colourful shirt. Although the market is relatively small,I guessed that they would know what I was looking for. Electric Avenue is a street in Brixton, London built in the 1880's. It was the first market street to be lit by electric lights. Today the market contains various food and domestic provisions retailers and hosts part of the market that specialises in selling a mix of African, Caribbean, South American and Asian products. It is located just around the corner from Brixton underground tube station. When I have enough time I like to slowly browse the market stalls mainly for their shirts. But they have got some very interesting jackets and trousers on display. With some very colourful designs especially if you like Reggae music's Bob Marley and the wailers. I must also add that a few of the market stalls sell some very impressive jewellery (rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings). A lot of the Gold and silver looks very authentic and apparently lasts a long time. Without becoming worn or tarnished. So super helpful, friendly market stalls. Let's hope the weather...

What I’d say about Brixton Market is that it’s definitely not the best market in London. I’m not saying don’t visit if you’re coming to the city but just don’t expect too much in terms of variety or quality.

There are a few clothing stalls and some selling suitcases, but honestly, nothing you couldn’t find elsewhere. There are a couple of decent herb and health food stalls, but to me, they don’t look particularly hygienic. I’m not suggesting anything unsafe is going on, but visually, it’s just not very appealing.

Outside the William Hill betting shop, there always seems to be a crowd of people who appear drunk or under the influence, which doesn’t help the vibe. Plus, there are what feels like a hundred phone shops, all selling the same sketchy products or running the same kind of scam.

A lot of the stuff being sold seems pretty far from genuine like one stall selling football jerseys that were clearly fake. The better stalls are probably located inside the main covered area...