Lambeth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Atlantic Road in Brixton becomes an al fresco dining hub with music, food, and trade, backed by funding from Mayor Sadiq Khan to boost local vibrancy.
At the most recent car-free day in Brixton, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, and representatives from Lambeth Council met with traders, hospitality companies, and entertainers as Londoners and tourists enjoyed an afternoon and evening of entertainment.
The event is a component of the Big Shift Car Free Day program, which is financed by the Lambeth Council and co-delivered in collaboration with Brixton BID. The Mayor of London’s financing allows the activities to continue into the evening.
Through his £300,000 Summer Streets Fund, the mayor is financing four new initiatives throughout the capital, including the celebration. In order to give Londoners more options and support local businesses, Sadiq has committed to expanding outdoor eating and extending its hours of operation. This comes before the government gives the mayor further licensing authority to assist improve the nightlife in the capital.
Brixton BID’s collaboration with Harlem 125th Street in the New York City Business Improvement District (BID) served as the impetus for the most recent Atlantic Road Car Free Day.
Oscar Bello, Daniel Sanchez, Adrian Villegas, Odette Aguirre, and Hinray Lopez performed a Spanish Harlem DJ set, and Cyndi Anafo and Chris Ellesson of the Handson Family Collective and Just Vibes provided live music and DJs in addition to outdoor dining. Lambeth’s forthcoming Night Time Strategy includes the post-6pm activity.
In addition, there were pop-up booths by small retailers Roundtable Books, Brixton Streetwear, and the Black Culture Market, which unites a variety of independent Black-owned vendors, as well as performances by the local dance company Wonderful Entertainment.
In Brixton, the program is helping over 90 companies. Every second Saturday from June to December, Atlantic Road Car Free Day is held, and from July to September, Summer Streets Funding extends evening activities. An expanded outdoor market and dining area on Brixton Station Road is being supported by the Summer Streets Funding on a few Saturdays in August and September. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Lambeth Council and Brixton BID.
The Mayor’s Summer Streets Fund is also funding projects in Westminster, Waltham Forest, and Hackney. Leyton Midland Road’s outdoor dining options and car-free hours are being extended by Francis Road. Rivington Road and Redchurch Street in Shoreditch offer more car-free days and outdoor dining options.
Councillor Marcia Cameron, Cabinet Member for Economic Inclusion at Lambeth Council, said:
“Our extended Car-Free Day in Brixton is a powerful example of how we can drive night-time economic growth while celebrating the cultural diversity and community spirit that make Brixton so unique, especially in the summer, when people particularly enjoy socialising outdoors.
By creating more vibrant, welcoming spaces for outdoor dining, live entertainment, and independent trade, we’re helping local businesses thrive after dark and building a more inclusive, resilient local economy for everyone. We are looking forward to hopefully creating similar opportunities across the borough when we launch our night-time strategy later this year.”
Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, said:
“Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road have come alive with a vibrant mix of food, culture, music and entertainment to light up Brixton. It’s a fantastic example of what we wanted to achieve from the Mayor’s Summer Streets Fund, bringing something fresh and fun for Londoners and visitors to enjoy during the summer months. We are delighted to boost local businesses and London’s nightlife, and it’s just the start of our what’s to come, as we build a better London for everyone.”
Gianluca Rizzo, Brixton BID Managing Director:
“We are absolutely thrilled that Brixton has been chosen for the Summer Streets programme. This additional investment is a good step forward in our mission to continue celebrating our district. With this funding, we can support our night-time economy and the hospitality sector, showcase our diverse culture, and ensure Brixton continues to be a distinctive destination after dark.”
How does the new outdoor space impact local businesses and community events?
The creation of around 400 square meters of outdoor space, accommodating about 80 additional tables and 400 extra seats, allows restaurants and cafes to serve more customers, increasing revenue opportunities, especially important for recovery post-pandemic.
Making the road car-free until 10 PM on selected weekends helps create a safer and more attractive environment for evening dining and socializing, which can extend business hours and community engagement.
The recent celebration featuring music, food, and trade on Atlantic Road demonstrates the space’s role as a vibrant venue for community activities, helping to foster a sense of connection among residents and visitors.