After more years on the scene than you can count on your fingers, this Brixton institution continues to get better with age. Dogstar is testament to the old equation that good music, affordable drinks and a laid back atmosphere equal a great night out.

The Venue
Situated in the heart of Brixton, Dogstar is the place to go when you want the good-time vibe of a house party, without having to clean the empty bottles from your living room the next day. It's hard to categorise Dogstar singly as a bar, pub or a club because it's a cool, mellow hangout by day and a buzzing club when the sun goes down.

By day, there's plenty of room on the comfy sofas and at the chunky wooden tables to eat, chat and chill out, but be prepared to be get up on your feet on a Friday and Saturday night when the tables are cleared to accommodate the swelling dancefloor.

The Atmosphere
Better known Dogstar-devotees include the Gallagher brothers, Basement Jaxx and even Brian Lara, but don’t let that put you off, there’s certainly no guestlist hype at this old dog. The bar attracts a mixed clientele, and is probably one of the few places in London where you’ll see indie rockers in skinny jeans queuing at the door one night, and blinged-up boys the next.

The Food
El Panzon, the in-house restaurant, serves up authentic Mexican fare, renowned on both sides of the river. Even if you don’t stay for a drink at the downstairs bar, the tortillas and quesadillas are worth the walk down Coldharbour Lane. If you just feel like picking, the tapas menu offers a range of tasty Mexican bites to share. You can also spice up your Sunday with the speciality Latin roast. Here, size does matter. Take your pick from overflowing plates of corn-fed chicken mole, chipolite lamb casserole and salsa verde pork belly. Although it’s hardly the Mexican way, the chef will also tailor a non-meat dish for vegetarians.

The Drink
The drinks menu is simple and packed full of crowd-pleasers. The bar offers a small range of well-executed fruit and cream cocktails and draught beers start at around £3. Bargain shooters are also a popular option for revelers wanting to rocket launch their night.

The Music
This late night chameleon is as colourful as it’s locale, featuring a range of different music nights that change every week, mixing up live bands with resident and international DJs. Whether you’re into rock, dub, roots and reggae, latin or electro, funk and hip-hop, you’re sure to find satisfaction.

The Last Word
Bring your attitude, but leave any pretension at home. Love it or lump it, you can’t deny that Brixton is one of the liveliest places in London, and the most fitting host for the edgy but reliable Dogstar.

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