Work to create a new 440-seat eating and drinking area above Brixton Village is well under way and “Lost in Brixton” is due to open on 1 August. The five-day-a-week venue is being promoted as having a “jungle” theme.
A press release says: “Against a sweep of Brixton’s classic brick railway arches, natural materials and jungle greenery will fill the light-flooded space, with a retractable roof ready for long summer evenings. The design, inspired by travel and discovery will create a place for people to gather, relax and get away.”
Hondo Enterprises, which runs Brixton’s covered markets in a joint venture with the New York based hedge fund Angelo Gordon, said that the site has been tested by independent sound engineers.
“Their results show that no additional noise will be created by Lost in Brixton at any time,” Hondo said, adding that it took its role as “a good neighbour” very seriously and “will work with all the relevant authorities to ensure this is a positive addition to the community”.
Lambeth council planning permission for the development says that music at the venue should be played at “ambient and background levels” only.
Permission for the venue only lasts for four years and Hondo has released plans for a massive redevelopment of the area following its purchase of the Sports Direct site on Pope’s Road. The market owners said that the space is the first communal seating area in the market and will be available to community groups for events and activities when not in use as a venue.
The design is by Zak architects who previously designed a proposed roof for Pop Brixton. The new space will have a retractable roof.
It is intended that users of Lost in Brixton will order food from market traders using an established German-designed app, Tablesnappr, and that it will be delivered by “runners” – “allowing guests to sample the tasty and exotic range of cuisines available without having to leave the comfort of Lost in Brixton”.
Beer from Brixton Brewery is promised. Hondo says that access will be by a “secret staircase”, but its planning application also mentions a new lift to ensure the area is accessible to all.
Lost will be run by the Incipio Group which began life in Shepherd’s Bush market and has previously specialised in West London venues. It says that, in addition to Brixton, it is working on new London projects in Mayfair, Putney and Wimbledon as well as one in Birmingham.
Incipio says: “With our target demographic in mind, our approach is to focus both on transforming temporary sites and permanent projects to provide fashionable and out-of-the ordinary dining experiences.
“Whether we build the site on a temporary or permanent basis, we grant short leases within the venue to restaurants that are on-trend and popular with our clientele.”
It adds: “Our business approach means that we frequently change the dining, drinking and social experiences of our customers. “No project stays the same for more than a few months with themes, restaurants and sites revamped and relaunched regularly to keep the venues varied and current.”
Incipio’s website quotes a review from the upmarket Tatler magazine: “It would seem Incipio can do no wrong. With a wave of its magic wand (and an unparalleled understanding of where millennials actually want to party), all their venues are instant hits.”
To celebrate the launch, Lost in Brixton is offering the first 1,000 bookings a free frozen Pina Colada. Follow @lostbrixton.
An online reservation site is already taking bookings but warns that an entire party must arrive within a 30-minute window for the booking to hold. It also says that the venue will accommodate groups of 30 or more.
