Broke in Brixton? Five things to do for less than £10
By Tessa Batacharia

Despite popular belief, going out in Brixton doesn't have to be a bank breaking experience; here are five ideas that will get you out the house exploring art, culture, and great music for under £10.

Brixton Art Gallery
35 Brixton Station Road,
SW9
tel: 020 7733 6957
www.brixtonartgallery.co.uk

If you're craving some culture, check out Brixton Art Gallery. During the day the gallery exhibits challenging, British multicultural art with an interesting display of sculptures, textiles, ceramics, painting, print, video, illustration and photography, all of which has been created by local talent. The gallery holds various music and poetry events in the evening. On the second Saturday of every month the gallery hosts Brixtounge, set in distinct eclectic surroundings, the night is filled with live PA's, stand-up comedians, short stories, and also the opportunity for local new performers to work with established performers in an open mike session. The gallery has free entrance during the day, look at their website to check dates and prices for evening events.
Cost: Free entrance to gallery
Brixtounge: £5 /£4 concessions

The Brixton Comedy Club
'The Hobgoblin'
95 Effra Road
London SW2
tel: 020 7633 9539


Laugh away your Sunday nights at The Brixton Comedy Club. If British weather is giving you little reason to laugh, this is the perfect remedy for the Sunday night blues. Generally the night brings in a chilled out audience, who enjoy the low-key atmosphere of a well-run 'no-frills' local comedy club. Don't go expecting a Jongleurs style comedy club, because you won't find that here. The Hobgoblin, has a good Brixton feel to it, and it really brings in a mixed crowd of people. On Friday and Saturday nights, the Hobgoblin has a late license and is open until 2am, with live house and trance, mixed by a local DJ. There is a large beer garden where most of Brixton end up lounging about in, after a heavy night out. The comedy club is only open on a Sunday evening, doors open at 7:45pm with the show starting at 8:30pm and finishing at 11pm.
Cost: £5.50/£4.50 concessions

The Brixton Ritzy Café
Ritzy Cinema
Coldharbour Lane
London SW2 1JG
tel:020 7733 2229
click here for movie listings

The Brixton Ritzy café is a great place to grab a reasonably priced beer, order a pizza and listen to a mix of live music. Set in an old reconstructed theatre, the venue is small enough to be classed as cosy, but is undoubtedly sophisticated in the events that it holds. The cinema shows a lot of world cinema, and those influence the nights held at the café bar. If you're looking for a night that isn't filled with "hecticity "but want to enjoy good music, and catch up with some friends over a light bite then, the Brixton Ritzy café is a good place to do all of those things. The venue is a popular hang out, and gets packed quite early; if you want to get food it's recommended that you get there early order to get a table. The bar is open till 11pm. Entrance to the Brixton Ritzy Café is free.
Cost: As much as you want to spend on food and drinks. (Average price of bottle beer £2.80).

The Effra Hall Tavern
38 Kellett Road, London,
SW2 1EB
tel: 020 72744180

The Effra Hall Tavern is a real hidden gem. The inside of the pub couldn't be described as glamorous by any means. However, what makes the Effra one of the best bars in London, is the cheap drinks, and the fantastic live jazz and reggae which are on most nights in the week. The bar has a good atmosphere, with a mixed crowd. The staff are friendly, and there is never a long wait before a drinks in your clutches. The Effra also dishes up good Jamaican home cooked food, at really cheap prices, the menu includes spicy Jerk chicken, curried goat, or for those less adventurous chips and egg are also available. The bar closes officially at 11pm. Call to find out when the live bands are playing.
Cost: As much as you want to spend on food and drinks.

The Brockwell Lido
Brockwell Park
Dulwich Road SE24 OPA
tel: 020 7 274 3088
www.brockwelllido.com

Balance out a stressful day with Astanga Yoga or a Tai Chi class, both of which are offered at the Brockwell Lido, SW9. Set in the green hilly park, the classes have become very popular with young professionals wanting to unwind after a day in the office. Expertly trained instructors teach the classes, and a variety of levels are offered so that anyone can join. The classes take place outdoor when the weather is good, and with the fresh air and green surrounding carpet, a class comes highly recommended as an alternative to "vegging" out in front of the TV. Check out their website to find out the times suiting your experience.
Cost: £7 or £6 for concessions.

MyVillage, 05th May