Lunch at Brixton Cornercopia (Obscure white grapes, Part 2)

An empty bottle is all that remains of a wonderful lunch!

Brixton Village used to be a forgotten corner of the market, depopulated and unloved, until 18 months ago when the spacemakers project started persuading artists, philosophers, foodies and other madmen into the once empty units. Fast forward to March 2011, and it's crammed full of interesting new eateries and shops, and in danger of becoming almost painfully trendy - albeit still with that typical Brixton grittiness. Some of the experiments have failed, others have prospered. Ian Riley and Anne Fairbrother's imaginative take on a truly local corner shop and bistro (most produce is sourced from the market) is definitely one of the survivors, having been there since the start of the project.

Brixton Cornercopia seems to go from strength to strength every time I visit - what started as Saturday lunch at a few ramshackle tables outside the shop has now blossomed into a 30 cover restaurant with a charming dining room (complete with w…