If you haven't been to Brixton, then why not?
Brixton is most definitely one of my favourite places in South London.
Full of the vibrant cultures that makes it such a fabulous place to visit, shop, eat and drink.
The daily street markets which run down Electric Avenue, Popes Road and Station Road are full of exotic fruits, treats and coconut juice fresh from the nut.
Brixton Village is a main attraction located close to the markets and tube station and you wont be disappointed with what is on offer. Grab a slice of Franco Manca pizza, fish and Jerk from Wings & Tings, a great coffee from Foundation Coffee, fresh seasonal and local produce from Brixton Cornercopia and fantastic tasting menus from Cannon & Cannon's upstairs restaurant. Along with a good 20 plus more bars, cafes and restaurants you can't go wrong or go home hungry and thirsty from a trip to the village.
Along with all this hype and popularity does bring up a sore point for a fair few true local Brixtonites...
Gentrification.
'Gentrification is any facet of urban renewal that inevitably leads to displacement of any occupying demographic'.
This is a widespread and controversial topic which has been seen to happen in many London boroughs. The Controversy of this topic asks the question. Is it good or bad for an area?
Personally i'm always happy to see a nice part of town doing well, but then I find myself hating big chains taking over the old shops that close down. This is often due to landlords hacking up rents, not only in commercial property but also in residential housing, this can then result in many local residents having to move away from a place they were born and bred and made a life in... Sad times.
But if gentrification does arrive into your area, it might not be all doom and gloom. From gentrifying Brixton we have seen the arrival of many interesting trendy new hangs. One in particular i'm rather fond of is a past political building that has been transformed into a wonderful world of secrets and history that you would never believe still exists in Brixton.
Effra Social
Head on out of Brixton central and up Effra Road, just before the Hootananny and you will find a big blue and brick building.
What could be an American fraternity house randomly placed within the old Victorian town houses, is actually an Alice and Wonderland like experience. The 1970's styled social hall, with parquet wooden flooring, red velvet curtains, mini round tables and red faux leather seats it's like a trip back to my child hood of Fridays down the social.
At the front of the building, as you walk inside you will find the very quaint Chruchill Lounge, almost original flock wall paper and wonderfully framed Churchill pictures hang over the most interesting fire place I've ever seen.
This room is used for local community groups, parties and a sports room and also has a very old small bar, complete with the social club style metal shutters. This bar has two ale pumps with a ever changing selection of ales and a few easy lagers and Guinness on tap.
In the main hall there is always something happening, discos, Soul nights, the occasional live band and in the past they did have a theatre production and comedy night. All of these events would not work without the early 1900's style stage, which finishes the Effra Social hall off to a perfect T.
I do love that they keep the events retro and old school, this fits in well with the surroundings.
You need to check out their website to see what's happening this week.
http://effrasocial.com
The bar is packed with a fantastic variety of beers, stouts, real ales, craft beers, spirits, wines and snacks. There is Something to keep everyone happy and fuel you through a night on the dance floor or maybe the weekly Tuesday night quiz, perfectly presented by the very charming Tommy McArdle, he also presents an Acoustic night once a month on a Sunday.
The selection of beers that you will find here are Adnams, Truman's, Doombar, A Head in A Hat, Brixton Brewery, Tickety Brew, Thornbridge Jaipur, Black Iris, Gipsy Hill and many more.
It's great to see lots of new breweries from all over the UK finding a pump on the Effra Social bar.
The beer is very good and all drinks are at a decent price £4-£5 for the average pint, £4.50 for spirits and mixers and wines range from £4-£6 depending on size and style of wine.
Behind the main hall you will find the Social restaurant, separated from all the chaos of the main hall on a Friday night go and escape and enjoy a very interesting traditional British menu, with some interesting British twists. The menu changes seasonally and is pretty good value for money.
The Chunky chips are delicious.
Over all if you like different, wear spats or rollers in your hair then you will be right at home at the Effra Social.
Retro is cool, Vintage is chic!
4.7 pints out of 5
Effra Social, 89 Effra Road, Brixton, SW2 1DF
020 7737 6800
www.effrasocial.com
