Brixton Culture Capital | 03.04.2025
A New Brixton Hotel, the end of Pop Brixton and key events in Brixton coming up..
New Brixton Hotel
Blue Star House—the iconic building opposite Brixton’s O2 Academy (and right above Nando’s—oh wait! Where is Nando’s going?)—plans to transform into a stylish new hotel and coworking hub. This could be a vibrant addition to Brixton’s landscape if developed thoughtfully. Change, as always, is inevitable, but we can steer it towards something better, something genuinely positive for our community.
Click here to learn more and provide your feedback.
Pop Brixton Redevelopment.
In partnership with London Square, Lambeth Council plans to redevelop the land where Pop Brixton and International House sit. The plan is to build over 200 new homes (40% affordable), upgrade International House into a modern workspace for local entrepreneurs (with 20% of it Affordable), and improve the street markets and public spaces around Brixton Station Road and Popes Road. There’s a long timeline ahead—community engagement will continue throughout 2025, and construction is expected to finish around 2030.
The aim is to boost housing, business, and public areas, but it’s also a major shift in Brixton’s identity. Spaces like Pop Brixton, which gave local creatives and independents like Impact Brixton, Kricket, Other Side Fries, and many businesses an affordable place to launch and grow, will be missed.
Many people I’ve spoken to are understandably sceptical about the developments planned over the next five years. Yet, despite this cautious outlook, I’m optimistic that these changes could deliver real benefits if guided by strong community input. Developers must feel the full force of Brixton’s passion and commitment to preserving our culture and identity. The more feedback we give, the stronger our voice will shape this critical part of Brixton’s future. Find out more here.
🎭 Upcoming Events in Brixton
April 4th-6th, 2025 - Rapport Festival Returns to Brixton Ritzy: Scheduled for ; the Rapport Festival promises an unforgettable weekend of African diaspora cinema, featuring 49 films ranging from gripping documentaries to heartwarming fictional tales.
Mon 5 May, 1 pm to 5 pm- May Fest:, This is a free, family-friendly event celebrating May Day traditions. We'll have live music, craft and planting workshops, Morris dancing, maypole and kids' races, hot food, and beer from Brixton Brewery. Tickets available here.
Thu 3 Apr – Hootananny Brixton – Pete Philly & Perquisite + Jeangu Macrooy: A big double-headliner of Dutch hip-hop/soul duo Pete Philly & Perquisite (reunited after 14 years, touring their new album Eon ) joined by Surinamese-born soul singer Jeangu Macrooy. Expect a 7-piece live band delivering catchy beats and jazzed-up grooves – a rare London show for these acclaimed artists. Doors 7:00 PM. Tickets: Available here .
Fri 4 Apr – Brixton Jamm – King Original w/ Frisco, Flirta D, Sir Spyro: A celebration of the UK’s sound system culture spanning deep roots, dub, grime, garage and jungle. Grime veteran Frisco leads a stacked lineup featuring rapid-fire MC Flirta D, BBC 1Xtra’s Sir Spyro, and Footsie (Newham Generals) dropping exclusive dubplates. Expect seismic bass lines and high-energy anthems all night at this bass-heavy party. 10:00 PM–4:00 AM, 18+. Tickets: Event page.
Sat 5 Apr—“Repair Café” at We Are 336: This is a free community drop-in where volunteer fixers help repair your broken household items—from appliances to clothes—while you enjoy a cup of tea. You can learn repair skills, reduce waste, and keep items out of landfills in the spirit of a circular economy. All ages are welcome. It is held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at We Are 336, 336 Brixton Rd. Info: Repair Café Lambeth site .
Sun 6 Apr – Windrush National Vigil (Windrush Square): A candlelight vigil led by Dr Desmond Jaddoo MBE (Windrush National Organisation) to pay tribute to the Windrush Generation and demand justice for those affected. It features a keynote by MP Seema Malhotra and heartfelt contributions from campaigners, survivors, advocates, and clergy. 1:00 –2:30 PM, Windrush Square (outside Black Cultural Archives). All welcome. Details: BCA event page.
The BCC List Film & Theatre Guide
Rapport Festival- Friday, 4 April – Sunday, 6 April 2025, Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton. The 6th edition of the Rapport Festival offers a weekend celebrating African diaspora cinema. It features 49 films, including documentaries and fictional tales. The festival includes themed days such as “Random Shorts,” “Kid’s Corner,” “Reel Black Lives & Environmental Focus,” and “Black Love Matters.” Tickets are available here: Rapport Festival
Brixton House – This Kind of Black (Requiem for Black Boys): Performances: Tue 8 Apr – Sat 12 Apr, 7:30 PM (matinée Sat 2:30 PM). A powerful new stage drama by poet-musician Reece Williams explores the 1990s Moss Side through the eyes of a father and son amid gangland violence and media stigma. This acclaimed show “celebrates a community held together by prayers, warmth and humour, while mourning the tragic loss of young life”. Blending spoken word, projected imagery and ’90s music, it examines generational trauma and the mental health of young Black boys with depth and compassion. ★★★★★ “moving and gently celebratory” – Adventures in Theatreland Tickets: Brixton House from £16.
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 BCClist