Brixton Culture Capital | 01.05.2025
Shhh! we have a Juicy Brixton Gossip
Shhh! Lean in—we've got the scoop on some seriously juicy Brixton gossip! Fresh off the smashing success of the beloved South London rom-com Rye Lane, by the brilliant director Raine Allen-Miller is back, and once again she's bringing something special to Brixton. Her exciting new project, Roots Manoeuvre, is a London-set heist comedy backed by an impressive lineup: Amazon, MGM Studios' Orion Pictures, BBC Film, and even Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment.
Here's what we have discovered: Filming has already kicked off around iconic Brixton spots like Atlantic Road and Brockwell Park. The film, cleverly named as a playful nod to Brixton's own rap legend Roots Manuva, follows a daring young woman who orchestrates an elaborate heist hidden beneath the chaos of a luxury wedding. Sounds intriguing, right? We're talking fast-paced capers, comedic moments, and a dash of Brixton's vibrant soul woven right through the storyline.
While casting details remain hush-hush, whispers on the street hint at some notable talent possibly joining the project, including buzz about Ted Lasso's Toheeb Jimoh. This film promises to put Brixton back in the spotlight, celebrating the neighbourhood’s cultural vibrancy and community spirit.
So, if you spot cameras rolling and streets closed around Brixton, you’ll know exactly what's going on. But hey—remember, you didn't hear this from us!
🤝 Community & Remembrance – Celebrating Cherry Groce
Hundreds gathered on Sunday for a moving tribute marking 40 years since Cherry Groce’s shooting, a pivotal moment leading to the Brixton Uprising. The Cherry Groce Foundation Community Walk unites locals to honour resilience and fight for ongoing justice, proving Brixton never forgets its roots.
🛍️ New Openings – Fresh Flavours & Cool Vibes
Hungry for something new? RapChar brings elevated Caribbean flavors and generous portions to Brixton Water Lane—try their legendary buttered pepper prawns. Over on Coldharbour Lane. And if relaxation calls, the new Rooftop Saunas atop International House promise stunning skyline views and blissful vibes. Brixton keeps getting better!
Coworking for just £150 per month. (Ad)
At Impact Brixton, you’ll find the perfect space to focus, connect, and find your flow with great vibes, great people, and everything you need to be productive. Find out more here.
🎭 Upcoming Events in Brixton May 1–7, 2025
🎶 Music & Nightlife
Thu 1 May: Days Like This – Open-air DJ party with disco, house & Balearic beats to get the long weekend started in style . (Pop Brixton, 6pm–12am, Free)
Fri 2 May: Mike Urban’s Mega Pop Party – 100% free-entry pop mashup night spinning guilty pleasure classics from Abba to Shania in a lively pub atmosphere . (Effra Social, 10pm–1am, Free)
Fri 2 May: Pass The Decks – Genre-blending club night with 6 powerhouse DJs across two rooms, delivering raw energy and diverse sounds – the start of a new movement. (Brixton Jamm, 10pm–4am, Tickets)
Sat 3 May: Brixton Disco Festival 2025 – Multi-venue disco extravaganza (7th annual!) featuring legends like Norman Jay MBE, Dimitri From Paris, plus live vocals from soul icon Omar . (Various Brixton venues, 3pm–3am, Tickets)
Sat 3 May: That RnB Party – Slow Jams Special – Immersive R&B throwback party with dance-offs, karaoke, live performances and more, taking you on a journey through the genre’s rich history . (Pop Brixton, 5:30pm–11:30pm, Tickets)
Sun 4 May: Queer Salsa Takeover – Inclusive Latin dance workshop and salsa social led by Queer Salsa, celebrating Afro-Latin music and community (in partnership with La Linea Festival) . (Brixton House, 5pm–9pm, Free, booking required)
Sun 4 May: Isobel Thatcher – Live Acoustic – Sunday night acoustic session with singer-songwriter Isobel Thatcher, delivering intimate covers and originals spanning pop, country, Americana and blues . (Prince of Wales, 8pm, Free)
Wed 7 May: Ruby Rushton – UK Jazz Quartet – Critically acclaimed jazz-funk outfit led by Tenderlonious returns to Brixton, bringing the cutting edge of London’s thriving jazz scene . (Hootananny, 7pm–10pm, £10)
Wed 7 May: Open Decks – Amapiano Edition – Community DJ night inviting local selectors to spin the hottest Amapiano (South African house) tracks. Whether you’re a seasoned DJ or a newbie, come share the vibes on the decks. (Pop Brixton, 6pm–Late, Free)
🎨 Art & Heritage
Thu 1 May: “Cold Water Swimmers” Exhibition – Last chance to catch it! A photo exhibition featuring Tom Harrison’s 14 striking portraits of Tooting Bec Lido’s cold-water swimmers . (Photofusion Gallery 2, 10am–6pm, Free)
🏆 Other Categories
Sun 4 May: Intro to Studio Lighting (Workshop) – One-day photography course introducing you to professional studio lighting techniques for portraits, led by a seasoned tutor (all skill levels welcome) . (Photofusion, 11am–5pm, £110)
Sun 4 May: “Take Me Home” Brunch Party – Daytime brunch party with live music, delicious food and feel-good fun for everyone. Groove to local artists while enjoying an inclusive food & drink experience . (Pop Brixton, 11:30am–3:30pm, Tickets)
Tue 6 May: Brixton Pub Quiz – A night of “trivial shenanigans” hosted by InQuizition. Win free booze, cash prizes (£50 top prize) and, best of all, Brixton bragging rights for your team . (Prince of Wales, 8pm start, £2.50 per person)
Feel the vibrancy of Brixton this week, from its legendary music nights and cultural festivals to community gatherings and creative workshops. Enjoy the rich heritage and #BrixtonCulture on offer! 🎉
BCClist Film & Theatre Guide (May 2–4, 2025)
La Haine (30th Anniversary) – Fri 2 May, 8:20 PM. A gritty French social thriller set in the aftermath of a riot in 1990s Paris, following three young men over 24 explosive hours . This newly restored classic by Mathieu Kassovitz remains as urgent and influential as ever. Rotten Tomatoes: 96% (critics) . Winner of the 1996 César Award for Best Film ; special 30th-anniversary screening at the Ritzy .
Luther: Never Too Much – Sat 3 May, 4:00 PM. An uplifting new documentary chronicling the life of R&B icon Luther Vandross – from his early Sesame Street gigs to becoming the “indisputable master of the love song” . Features rarely seen archives and interviews with Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick and more . Rotten Tomatoes: 98% (critics) . One-night-only screening with Q&A (director Dawn Porter) at the Ritzy, as part of Brixton Disco Festival .
The Penguin Lessons – Sun 4 May, 5:00 PM. A heartwarming comedy-drama about an English teacher in 1970s Argentina who rescues an oil-slicked penguin – and finds his own life turned upside-down . Inspired by Tom Michell’s bestselling memoir , this tale is “elevated by a winning performance from Steve Coogan” alongside an adorable real penguin co-star . Rotten Tomatoes: 80% (critics) . (General release screening at the Ritzy; suitable for ages 10+.)
Millennium Girls – opens Mon 12 May, 7:45 PM. A Brixton House premiere: all-female cast, ’90s UK Garage soundtrack, and an achingly honest coming-of-age story about three South London girls navigating first crushes, friendship and hard truths . Playwright Sophia Leonie’s debut explores identity, girlhood and consent with both humor and heart . Directed by Jade Lewis (fresh off an Olivier Award win for Sleepova ). Runs 12–31 May at Brixton House – book ahead .
Brixton Discounts
Free Drink with Every Main at Clover’s
We’re obsessed with the food at Clover’s, one of our favourite brunch spots in Brixton. Enjoy a complimentary drink with us when you order any main meal. For an unforgettable experience, try their Caribbean breakfast—it’s a crowd favourite that never disappoints.
Mezza Me – 10% Off Lebanese Street Food
Mezza Me offers a taste of Lebanon with a Brixton twist. Could you mention TheBCClist to get 10% off your meal
Prince of Wales - 10% off food and drink. This does not apply to normal Happy Hours of Food Deal or TakeAway offers.
En Root – 10% Off Plant-Based Delights
Plant-based Indian fusion cuisine that’s both nutritious and delicious. 10% off.
Mamalan – Authentic Chinese Street Food
Authentic Beijing street food in the heart of Brixton Village: 10% off.
Until next Thursday, 11.11 am
The BCC list