Since the arrival of the West Indian population in London, in the 1950s and 1960s, Brixton Market has been the place for Afro-Caribbean foodstuffs especially along Electric Avenue, while the African and Asian fabrics are also worth a look.  Check out the biggest Ghana Yams in London – they're the size of a small child.  They say it's Europe's biggest Caribbean foods market and they could be right.  

Brixton Market is mainly for ethnic foods, fruits and vegetables.  You can find odd merchandise, from wigs, rare records, homeopathic root cures, to plantains and hair extensions.  Fish is fresh and well priced, as are flowers and fruits. You can find the latest R&B CDs for a tenner each and fill up your toiletries cabinet for £1 per item. 

The market covers several areas of Brixton: Reliance Avenue – a short and narrow covered market running between Brixton Rd and Electric Avenue. Stalls include children's clothes, camera/watch shop and a vacuum cleaner spare parts store! Brixton Station Rd – big outdoor market mainly selling second hand clothes and bric-a-brac with some electric goods of uncertain origin. Electric Avenue – the original market that was once protected by extended awnings running the length of the street.  Mainly fruit and veg and clothes stores. Granville Arcade – large covered market with an eclectic mix of shops including a tattoo studio, cafes, Caribbean bakery, several fishmongers and all kinds of unsavoury trays of animal produce.  Not for sensitive veggies! Station Arcade – small selection of stores leading up the druggies favourite haunt, Brixton railway station. Market Row – Another big covered market with a large selection of stores including the superb Eco Pizzas and Cafe Pushkar. Tunstall Rd – New art market opposite Brixton tube.

Just a word of warning, Brixton is a great and lively place during the day, but late at night, it can be a little scary.  Be careful with your possessions at all times whilst in any market. 

Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm, except Wednesday when it's open 9am to 3pm.

Next month: Covent Garden market