Inside London’s Little Jamaica
London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. It’s home to global citizens from all over the world—making it a truly international city. It’s also home to more than 800,000 British Jamaicans, those who were born in Jamaica or who are of Jamaican descent. Brixton, a multiethnic community in south London, has become an enclave for many Jamaicans. (Jamaica was a British colony between 1655 and 1962.) Over the years, Brixton has become the spot where Jamaicans can find everything that reminds them of home—spices, music and culture.
Jamaican-owned clothing boutiques, record shops and restaurants have opened all over the area. People like K, owner of 24-hour jerk shack Ultimate Jerk Center, have worked to keep Jamaican culture alive through the years. The Ultimate Jerk Center has become popular with younger crowds as an unofficial after-party spot.
The Brixton Market, a community street market, is lined with vendors blasting the latest hits coming out of Jamaica. The market has played such a major role in embracing London’s Caribbean cultural experience that in 2010 it was awarded heritage protection. (That means it’ll never be converted into high-rise, luxury condos!)
Once a crime-riddled and troubled neighborhood, Brixton has undergone redevelopment and is quickly becoming a popular destination for tourists. Many are concerned that the heartbeat of the Caribbean community will lose the flair that’s made it a home away from home for many. But projects such as Great Brixton and Our Brixton pledge to keep the community diverse and true to its original mission. Brixton will always be London’s “little Jamaica.”
Here’s our guide to the essentials of Brixton:
- Ultimate Jerk Center: 24-hour jerk shack. 397 Coldharbour Lane, +44 20 79240521
- Brixton Market: Community market and shop. Electric Avenue, SW9 8JX.
- Ritzy Picturehouse: Restored 1911 cinema, cafe and bar. Brixton Oval, SW2 1JG, +44 871 902 5747
- Brockwell Park: A park home to one of London’s few remaining outdoor pools. Dulwich Road, SE24 0PA.
- Pop Brixton: Pioneering new space for local retailers. 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ, +44 020 7274 2902
