Brixton Road 

Take ten random people off the streets of London and ask each what they think of Brixton, and it's likely you'll end up with ten different answers. Unlike, say, Oxford Street where the first things to come to mind are shops and more shops, Brixton has been through so much and seen so much that it's down to perception, what you know and what you think you know that determines what you think of it. Unfortunately, one of the biggest things that dictates viewpoints is whether you've actually been there or not. If not, then no doubt your mind will conjure up images of riots, of gangs, of guns and general unrest. It's a great shame, as Brixton is actually one of the most vibrant and exciting places you could hope to visit in London. As soon as you step out from the grandiose Underground Station (at the end of the efficient Victoria Line, or "bullet" line as many call it) you're in amongst it all. To the left you have the start of the large Market place that twists and turns round the back streets, and filling the famous Electric Avenue (so named as it was the first street in the area to receive electric street lighting). The market space alone provides lots of wonder, with the usual market offerings mixed in with some unique and wonderful stalls. Of course, this being the unofficial capital of the British African-Caribbean community you can be assured of some tasty exotic ingredients. It also has its own picture house in the shape of the Ritzy, which has a really traditional feel to it but also has the most up to date screen and sound technology. Even from the outside film names are manually assembled above the entrance, with the odd crooked letter here and there and maybe even the number 1 standing in for an "i" to add authenticity. To many, Brixton is the home of music and is certainly home to one of London's most liked venues; The Brixton Academy (which it is still lovingly referred to by most instead of it's new official name; "The O2 Academy Brixton"). Shop wise, Brixton has it's very own independent department store, Morleys, and it joins much of the area's independent retailers, with only a few chain stores here and there. With a range of cuisines to try and plenty of bars and clubs that keep Brixton alive well into the early hours of the morning, one thing you can never say about it is that it's boring. Rather, you'll go away from this colourful "town" invigorated and certainly pleased that you've visited, waiting to go back again.