Brian Danclair opened his first Caribbean restaurant, Fish, Wings & Tings, in Brixton Village Market with the help of his wife in 2012.
The chef and restaurateur shares his top tips for making the most of Brixton – from must-see murals to must-try bites – and the neighbouring restaurants which inspired him.
How long has Fish Wings & Tings been open in Brixton Village Market? What made you decide to set it up?
Fish, Wings and Tings has been open for 13 years now. At the time, I felt there was a lack of Caribbean representation among London’s leading and well-known restaurants, and I wanted to plug that gap.
What do you love most about running a restaurant in Brixton Village Market?
I love the energy, the people working there, the community that supports the many businesses there, and the fact it’s completely international. I can get fruit and vegetables from just about anywhere in the market.
What does a typical day in south London involve for you?
The day starts with me taking my daughter to school, then I go to the market and prepare for the day. I actually have two restaurants in Brixton Village Market – Fish, Wings & Tings, and Danclair’s Kitchen – so I work between them, and usually don’t leave the market until midnight.
What are your favourite south London eateries?
My favourite restaurants in Brixton are dim sum restaurant The Courtesan, handroll bar Temaki, Indian restaurant Kricket, and, I have to say it, Danclair’s Kitchen, which I opened in August 2021, and where I serve sharing plates from the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas.
Where do you shop for clothes and homeware in south London?
For clothes, I’m a fan of men’s clothing store Article. on Atlantic Road and TK Maxx.
And your favourite south London landmark?
My favourite landmarks are the David Bowie mural opposite Brixton tube station, the mural to UK hip-hop artist Ty, who passed away in 2020 due to Covid complications, and the Nuclear Dawn mural on Coldharbour Lane, which was unveiled in 2021.
Have any fellow local businesses been a help or inspiration to your vision for Fish, Wings & Tings?
I’ve always felt inspired by Honest Burger, which began with one branch in Brixton Village and now has over 40 sites across the UK. Okan Japanese restaurant is another inspiration: the people who run it are so hard working, focused and diligent in what they do. We talk and share ideas sometimes.
What’s the one place, thing or activity south of the river that everyone should try at least once?
Everyone should visit Brixton Village Market at least once, and while you’re there, be sure to order a plate of codfish fritters from Fish, Wings & Tings.
Fish, Wings & Tings, Granville Arcade, Unit 3, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PR. Tuesday – Sunday, 12:30pm – 10:30pm. www.fishwingsandtings.com/
