Thanks for this piece. I've lived in Brixton for 11 years now. RE: the observation about safety. It's gotten noticeably worse post Covid. There are way more people sleeping rough and begging outside the tube. That's fine. They aren't dangerous. Nor are the increasing number of men drinking along Atlantic Avenue. But there are a lot more drug dealers than there used to be populating the dark corners and alleyways and that does not feel safe. My daughter (22) refuses to walk home alone from the Tube anymore after dark b/c she gets harrassed. It's such a shame because this is still such a wonderful and vibrant community.
What you said about your daughter really hit me. Many friends have said the same. When someone who’s grown up here doesn’t feel comfortable walking home from the Tube at night, that matters. It changes behaviour, even if nothing “major” has happened.
I agree — Brixton is still vibrant and special. But we can’t ignore the parts that don’t feel right either. Both things can be true at once. I appreciate you adding your voice to this. Part 2 soon.
Your article feels so honest and real, and your third point really moved me. That sense of community is what made me fall in love with Brixton—the authenticity and the transgenerational identity rooted in the streets and small businesses. You captured Brixton’s vibrant energy and cultural richness beautifully.
But yes, as a female resident walking through Brixton at night, I can definitely relate to what you wrote. It doesn’t always feel safe, and that contrast is hard to ignore. Looking forward to part 2 ☺️
Thanks for this piece. I've lived in Brixton for 11 years now. RE: the observation about safety. It's gotten noticeably worse post Covid. There are way more people sleeping rough and begging outside the tube. That's fine. They aren't dangerous. Nor are the increasing number of men drinking along Atlantic Avenue. But there are a lot more drug dealers than there used to be populating the dark corners and alleyways and that does not feel safe. My daughter (22) refuses to walk home alone from the Tube anymore after dark b/c she gets harrassed. It's such a shame because this is still such a wonderful and vibrant community.
Delia, thanks for sharing this.
What you said about your daughter really hit me. Many friends have said the same. When someone who’s grown up here doesn’t feel comfortable walking home from the Tube at night, that matters. It changes behaviour, even if nothing “major” has happened.
I agree — Brixton is still vibrant and special. But we can’t ignore the parts that don’t feel right either. Both things can be true at once. I appreciate you adding your voice to this. Part 2 soon.
Your article feels so honest and real, and your third point really moved me. That sense of community is what made me fall in love with Brixton—the authenticity and the transgenerational identity rooted in the streets and small businesses. You captured Brixton’s vibrant energy and cultural richness beautifully.
But yes, as a female resident walking through Brixton at night, I can definitely relate to what you wrote. It doesn’t always feel safe, and that contrast is hard to ignore. Looking forward to part 2 ☺️