Electric Avenue
the street that gave us the song
The Brixton market street that was the first in London lit by electricity, immortalised in song, free to wander and full of life.
Free to visit · Brixton · Brixton · SW9 8JX
Opening: Market daytime, Mon–Sat · street always open
Electric Avenue earned its name in the 1880s when it became one of the first market streets in London to be lit by electric light, a marvel that drew crowds from across the city. A century later Eddy Grant turned that name into one of the most famous songs ever written about a London street, and the curved Victorian terrace is still here.
Today it is a busy, brilliant Caribbean and African market street at the heart of Brixton, free to walk through, stalls piled with plantain, yams, fish and fabric, the smell of spice and patties everywhere. It runs straight into the covered Brixton Village and Market Row, so the whole quarter links up into one great free wander.
Look up as you go and you will see the elegant ironwork canopy that once carried those first electric lamps. It is history, music and proper market energy all in one short, free street.
Getting there: Steps from Brixton Underground and rail stations, just off the main road.
Best time to go: A Saturday when the market is busiest, with the produce stalls and music in full swing.
Insider tip: Look up at the curved canopy that once held the original electric lamps, then carry straight on into Brixton Village and Market Row next door for the covered stalls and food.
Free things to do in London · London Free Guide