I'd start my perfect day with a good old-fashioned fry up at the Phoenix cafe on Coldharbour Lane. Fuelled by its poached eggs, I could wander around Brixton's various markets for hours. I'd stroll through Granville Arcade (Brixton Village) before hitting the eclectic open air market in Electric Avenue (brixtonmarket.net), where wisps of blue smoke carry the unbeatable smell of jerk chicken sizzling on Jeff the Chef's outdoor grill.
But I have a lot to pack in so I'll grab some cheese, meats and bread from the A&C Portuguese deli on Atlantic Road, and bargainous fruit from a stall on Electric Avenue (yes, that of Eddy Grant fame) before toddling up Railton Road for a dip in Brockwell Lido (brockwelllido.com), aka Brixton Beach.
The Grade II-listed art deco pool was opened in 1937 and restored in the 1990s. Painfully unheated all year round, it comes to life in the summer, an oasis offering respite from the hectic south London streets. I'd happily spend all day watching Brixtonites jump in and out until I'm hot and foolish enough to brave the chilly water myself.
A late lunch will be poolside at the Lido Café (thelidocafe.co.uk), an award-winning eatery that does fantastic homemade burgers. Even on a cloudy day the neighbouring Brockwell Park is the best park in London. The place to play bowls on the public green, push through giant tomato plants in the community greenhouses (brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk) or simply take in a panoramic view of the capital from the top of the hill.
As the sun begins to sink it's time to head over to Negril (northsouthfood.com/negril-brixton-hill), a peerless Caribbean restaurant on Brixton Hill. The place is famed for its warm service and platters piled high with saltfish, plantain and jerk chicken. It's bring your own too, so I'll have picked up some Red Stripe en route.
Finally, full to bursting, it's time to head to Mango Landin on St Matthew's Road for cocktails. A former estate pub, it now welcomes all to its Globoloco world beat nights every second Saturday, a tropical-themed garden setting the tone. The eclectic mix of music and punters is always welcoming, with dancing until as late as you can manage.
Tim Dickens is a co-editor of the Brixton Blog (brixtonblog.com). Twitter @BrixtonBlog or @Tim_Dickens.
