Brixton Village — also known as Granville Arcade — is a 1930s indoor market in South London. By mid-2009, a large number of its shops were standing empty. We’ve been working to turn that around, bringing new community-driven businesses and creative projects into the market.
In the past few months, Brixton Village has hosted everything from pop-up theatres and galleries to a Community Shop led by Transition Town Brixton, designers and makers’ studios, vintage clothing stores, a sweet shop and a cluster of new cafes. The Times called it “the largest example yet of a growing nationwide trend” for the creative reuse of urban space.
Come and be part of the adventure — join us for our all-day events every Saturday or drop in during the week for great lunch options.
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Lunchtimes at the market are a feast, with eleven cafes and restaurants to choose from. From jerk chicken straight off the barbecue and huge Colombian platters, to Dario’s artisan pasta and Etta’s seafood specialties, there’s a range of great food from around the world at very tasty prices. You can also pick up the best specialty brews at newly opened Federation Coffee.
Saturdays see the market come to life with pop-up performances, food tastings, workshops, gallery openings and all kinds of fun surprises. Things get started around 11am and run until the market closes at 6.00pm.
And if you want to be part of what’s happening at the market, you’re welcome to join us on Tuesday nights for our open meeting — 6.15–7.30pm at The Dogstar, Coldharbour Lane. This is a chance to meet some of the traders and get involved in organising events to help make the market work for everyone.
Since October 2009, Space Makers Agency has been working with the market’s owners, the local council and local artists, activists and entrepreneurs to fill twenty empty shops around the market with new community-driven businesses and temporary creative projects.
The new businesses and projects include everything from vintage fashion boutiques to local food stores, lantern-makers, furniture restorers and photographers, as well as a children’s magazine, a Community Shop run by groups including Transition Town Brixton, and the Remade in Brixton Work-Shop where you can upcycle your old clothes or by wallets made from windsurfing sails and belts made from old bike tires.
The market is just 3 minutes from Brixton tube station — directions here. Come down and check it out!
