Electric Avenue

I love the atmosphere and cosmopolitan feel of London. I was brought up in the East End, our eldest son now lives in Herne Hill where we are staying with him. Electric Avenue is a brisk walk away where there is one of the most vibrant street markets you will find anywhere.

Built in the 1880s, it was the first market street to be lit by electricity. Today, the street contains several butchers and fish mongers and hosts a part of Brixton Market, which specializes in selling a mix of African, Caribbean, and Portuguese products. It is located just round the corner from Brixton tube station (1972). The elegant Victorian canopies over the pavements survived until the 1980s.

In 1999 it was the site of a bombing intended to spark national race riots, 39 people were seriously injured.

Eddy Grant immortalised Electric Avenue in his song of the same title:

Electric Avenue, Eddy Grant

Have a listen, it's a great song,