From fiery bin lorries to driverless taxis, Brixton rum launches to new donor drives. Here’s SWhat’s happening.

🇬🇧 SW News

Bin Lorry Blaze Sparks Battery Warning

A terrifying bin lorry fire in Brixton has prompted new warnings from the London Fire Brigade about discarding lithium-ion batteries in household waste. Refuse workers bravely fought the blaze before firefighters arrived, as officials urged residents to recycle batteries safely. Source

Clapham’s Voltaire Road Goes Car-Free

A new trial on Voltaire Road in Clapham aims to close the street to general traffic from November 2025, creating extra space for pedestrians, outdoor hospitality seating and cycle-friendly access. Businesses welcomed the move as a boost to footfall and local vibrancy. Source

Brixton Boosts Black Donor Drive

Top Jamaican figures visited Brixton’s new blood donation centre to urge more Black heritage donors to sign up. The campaign targets 16,000 extra donors this year to meet demand from sickle-cell patients, aided by print messages on 150,000 drink cans. Source

Brixton Collective Turns Culture Into Capital with Local Rum Launch

A South London group called Brixton Culture Capital is helping locals benefit from Brixton’s cultural fame. Inspired by Harlem, it’s turning “culture into capital,” starting with a locally made rum brand to boost community ownership. Source

Mitcham Road Crash Sees Road Shut

A serious crash on London Road in Mitcham saw a vehicle smash into a building and forced a full road closure. One person was taken to hospital as emergency services worked to clear the scene and restore traffic flow. Source

London Gears Up for Driverless Taxis

Tech giant Waymo plans to roll out its driverless taxi service in London in 2026. Early trials with safety drivers start soon, as regulators fast-track approvals amid growing autonomous vehicle competition. Source

🎉 Upcoming Events

Junk Drawer - The Scuttlers

Belfast outfit Junk Drawer headline with support from The Scuttlers at Windmill Brixton. Expect krautrock-tinged post-punk, psych-leaning indie and a sweaty 150-capacity room. Doors 7.45 pm, tickets around £6. Source

AnthroTalks - Spooky Ooky

AnthroTalks brings story-led live talks to The Two Brewers with spooky and eerie tales for late October. Intimate, thought-provoking and a great night out for curious locals. Tickets available via TicketSource. Source

Let’s Try Gay

Part of Lambeth Fringe, this riotous comedy follows two straight friends attempting to make an artful gay adult film - tender, filthy and very funny. Runs across Oct dates at Bread & Roses Theatre. Source

Scarsdale - Fats Lady of Mars - Kanukai

Windmill Brixton lines up Scarsdale with support from Fats Lady of Mars and Kanukai for a raw, genre-bending night of post-punk, noise and indie experimentation. Doors usually 7.45 pm, 18+ only. Source

2000s R&B Special

The Blues Kitchen serves a throwback night celebrating 2000s R&B with resident DJs and live sets. Expect singalongs, slow jams and dancefloor classics until the early hours. Great for big groups and nostalgia fans. Source

Oktoberfest on the Common

Clapham Common turns into an autumn beer garden for a lively Oktoberfest day session - beer tents, German street food, live music and family-friendly fun across the day. Perfect for a big outdoor knees-up. Source

90s SEGA Retro Gaming Bottomless Brunch

A playful bottomless brunch for gamers - dive into 90s SEGA classics, bottomless drinks and nostalgia-fuelled fun. Great for daytime catch-ups and retro fans searching for something quirky to do. Source

✨ Hidden Gems

(Click each title to see them on Google Maps)

Black Bear Burger – Restaurant Brixton

Black Bear Burger in Brixton Village grills dry-aged patties, brisket and poutine with craft beers and lively service. Expect bold flavours, generous portions and a buzzy atmosphere ideal for casual nights out. Booking advised on weekends for peak times often.

Poor Boys

Poor Boys in Kingston brings bold Southern-style comfort food to South West London, serving po’boys, fried chicken, and mac ’n’ cheese in a laid-back, Louisiana-inspired space. Expect hearty portions, quick service, and big flavours perfect for an easy night out.