Brixton: our fave bars

brixton:our fave pubs/bars

Any day of the week:
PRINCE ALBERT 416 Coldharbour Lane, SW9
This was the first pub I visited when I moved to Brixton a decade ago and I was immediately struck by its real sense of community. It didn't take long before it felt like I knew half of the pub and it's remained my first choice Brixton quaffery ever since. Those expecting a trendy SW9 bar serving cocktails and designer beers will be bitterly disappointed, as will those wanting to hear the latest Warp records signing. Instead, patrons can enjoy a busy, bustling and very friendly atmosphere with a wonderfully eclectic soundtrack. It's just a shame that it shuts so early...

Monday-Thurs:
BUG BAR St Matthews Church, Brixton Hill, SW9
Free admission, good DJs, and open till 2am. Respect!

DOGSTAR Coldharbour Lane, SW9
In the week, you can enjoy some brilliant DJs for free and only the grumpiest of gits would fail to be lifted by the friendly, up-for-it crowd. We've had some fantastic drunken nights here, but come the weekend it becomes a packed out, drunken-lads-seeking-totty nightmare. Best nights: Sun-Thurs. www.dogstarbar.co.uk/ Tel: 020 7733 7515

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THE EFFRA 38a Kellett Rd, SW2
A winning combination of great Guinness, a friendly mixed crowd and superb live jazz in the week and Sundays make this a highly recommended Brixton pub. Tel: 020 7274 4180

LIVING ROOM Coldharbour Lane, SW9
In the week, this bar can have a great vibe, the beers are cheap and it's a perfect place to hang out till 2am. A selection of big sofas make it an ideal spot to chill out, read the papers and get slowly drunk. Some of the DJs aren't bad either, although its increasing popularity means that some nights are becoming a nightmare. Avoid on weekends and exercise caution on weekdays!
www.livingroombar.co.uk Tel: 020 7326 4040

TONGUE AND GROOVE50 Atlantic Rd, SW9
Looking like it's come straight out of a trendy style mag, this small, friendly (but expensive) cocktail bar has a warm, chilled out ambience with an unusual 'soft porn' theme. Stretching all the way to the back of the bar is comfy, soft leather seating with what looks like a big leather bed by the door: great fun to slump all over after a few beers! It's only going to be 'open house' for a short while before it moves to a membership only club, so get there quick! Open 7-2am Tues-Sun.
www.tongueandgroove.org Tel: 020 7274 8600

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Fri-Sat:
HOBGOBLIN Tulse Hill, SW2
It's a bit of a trek up the hill, but with free entrance and a 2am licence, it's a good place to listen to DJs and hang out. In clement weather, the large outside area's great for socialising too. www.hobgoblins.co.uk/brixton.htm Tel: 020 7501 9671

Brixtonian Havana Beehive Place (by the Brixton Rec)
Gets a bit mad at times and it's too easy to lighten your wallet with the fabulous selection of superb rum cocktails on offer, but get there early and enjoy the lively atmosphere!

SW9 Bar Dorrel Place, opp Brixton tube
For a mellower night, the SW9 Bar has a pleasant laid back vibe with the mixed friendly crowd making it an easy place to meet new chums. Admission is free and it's open till midnight.

WINDMILL Blenheim Gardens off Brixton Hill.
Friendly, community pub with a down-to-earth vibe and a great mix of DJs. It's a bit of a haul but well worth the trek. Sunday afternoons are also superb with local DJs providing the soundtrack to a chilled out afternoon.

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Sundays:
BUG BAR St Matthews Church, Brixton Hill, SW9
Lively, fun and with an interesting selection of jazz/funk music, there's some good unpretentious fun to be had in this very mixed bar, all for free! www.bugbar.co.uk Tel: 020 7738 3184

Summer nights:
DUKE OF EDINBURGH Ferndale Rd, SW9
With a bit of imagination, you could almost imagine you're at a mini festival after quaffing down some lagers in the huge garden of the Duke. Slowly getting drunk on the grass is one of the most pleasant ways to spend a hot, balmy night.

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