There are plenty of places to try Asian food around Brixton market and arcade, but Nanban is one of the few that’s actually a full restaurant. At lunch, the Japanese comfort food is tasty (get the fried chicken kara-age) and the standard ramen is enjoyable, and a steal at six quid. We’ll come to grab something to eat with friends, and always stay longer than we expect for the vibes, which are pure Brixton - it’s literally an historic site, and it used to be an old-school eel and pie shop right up until the 1980s. In the evening, they roll out a more adventurous menu that has hints of Caribbean to it. Asian and Caribbean might sound wacky but in this neighbourhood, anything goes.

photo credit: Rob Greig