On Saturday 3 October 2026, Twenty-one SIM members, joined Martyn for his latest fascinating walk, following the route of the Effra River, through the history of Brixton, across Kennington and Vauxhall, down to the Thames.
This latest route by Martyn included quite a few surprises about Brixton’s past and its many famous residents, including Electric Avenue, which was the first publicly lit street in the country, David Bowie and a long list other famous locals, the UK’s first department store, Bon Marche, which was also the first with steel framed construction, an amazing and extensive market, plus of course the Brixton Academy.
The location’s history from the riotous 1980’s was also uncovered and explained, through to the positive new development of this now popular residential area.
We passed the successful independent music venue, the Brixton Jamm, where Adele first played, as well as Van Gogh’s home when he was in London.
Lunch was another treat, at a favorite Italian, ‘NOSH at Marcellos’ located at 2 Brixton Road, SW9 6BU. Do pop in if you are nearby.
After lunch we covered taxis across the ages and the true origins of Hackney, the Chartists movement, Monty, The Oval, squatters who created a village, plus the infamous Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. It all ended at the river by MI6 HQ and the remarkable Thames Tideway Tunnel installation.
What a mix, but another fascinating and fun SIM-day out together which was enjoyed by all.
Don’t miss Martyn’s next SIM walk, which will be on Saturday 20 March, when we will visit Notorious Soho, and track its history, from the saucy and outrageous past, to the bustling center of entertainment which it has become today, with great theatre, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Saturday 03/10/26 by Martyn Wheatley