There's An Area Of South London That's Known As 'Little Portugal'

The deli counter of a Portuguese shop in Vauxhall
Credit: Delicias

The season for summer holidaying may have come to an end, but if you fancy fooling yourself into thinking that you’re still strolling through the sunny streets of southern Europe, listen up. There’s an area of south London known as Little Portugal, and – as the name may suggest – it’ll make you feel like you’ve been transported straight from Lambeth to Lisbon. Well, apart from the weather, obviously.

The neighbourhood is neatly nestled between Vauxhall and Stockwell, spanning a section of South Lambeth Road and its surrounding streets. It’s filled with traditional family-run spots, from bars to bakeries (and everything in between), bringing the tastes and traditions of Portugal to a rather unassuming area of our capital city.

The history of Little Portugal

Little Portugal has earned itself its title over the past 50 years or so, due to its prominent Portuguese-speaking community. In the sixties and seventies, many Portuguese families moved to London in search of employment opportunities, and a lot of them set up shop in this area. There’s now approximately 30,000 Portuguese-speakers in the neighbourhood, making Little Portugal the largest Portuguese community in the UK.

An image of the mural created for Little Portugal Credit: The Brixton Project Visiting Little Portugal

Not a great deal has changed about Little Portugal over the past 50 years, really. It’s still jam-packed with local businesses, showcasing and selling the best Portuguese produce, for a fraction of the price you’d pay for it elsewhere in London. The bustling streets are filled with Portuguese restaurants, bakeries, bars, and delis, where you can snack on authentic pastel de natas, sip on traditional Portuguese wine, and stuff your face with high-quality seafood. The vibrant area offers frequent community events and live music, and many of the bars and restaurants offer outdoor seating, for visitors to soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

In 2023, a Little Portugal mural was created to celebrate the local community and strengthen the area’s historic and cultural character. The mural was organised by the Brixton Project, funded by the Mayor of London, and painted by Alex Bowie and Eduarda Craveiro. It’s now proudly displayed opposite the Tate South London Library on South Lambeth Road, and is well worth seeking out when you’re in the area.